AFS has support in place in case of emergencies, but you can take certain steps toward your own safety and well-being. You will also receive safety information from your host country either in a Safety Tips document or within the Welcome Booklet document that is provided to you on your dashboard in the Program Resources section. In the meantime, review the following.
During your exchange, you’ll have new and different experiences, but some things remain the same. While AFS would not place students in an unsafe environment, all travel and adjustment to new surroundings come with some risk. While traveling and living in your host community it is important to be aware of your surroundings, your appearance and take care of your belongings.
Below are some tips for minimizing risk of personal endangerment. You will receive an ID card with your host family’s contact information on it, as well as contact information for AFS in your host country and it is important that you keep this with you at all times in case you need to reach them.
Cultural Awareness
Some behaviors that might be appropriate in the U.S. might not be appropriate in your host country; the reverse is also true. Make yourself aware of these cultural differences to help keep yourself safe.
Use the questions below to research your host country; confirm your research by asking your host family or local contact person. Your local support network is best placed to teach you about your host country’s cultural norms.
Host Country Personal Safety Questions to Consider:
- How does same/opposite sex physical contact in the host country differ from that in the U.S.?
- Is it advisable for me to walk alone in my host community during the day; at night? Why/why not?
- How does dating in the U.S. compare to dating in the host country?
- How would a person of my age/gender let someone know that he or she was romantically interested in someone; not interested in someone?
- What might my host family and friends think of me if I am sexually active or use birth control?
- If I use or abuse alcohol, how will others perceive me? What consequences might there be?
- What would I say in the host country language to indicate a refusal of alcohol, drugs, sexual activity, or to decline a ride, date, etc.?
- Who can I contact if at any time I feel unsafe?
- What stereotypes exist of U.S. Americans in my host country that might affect my safety?
- Are there any nonverbal gestures that might be considered rude in my host country? (e.g. “thumbs up”)
Personal Safety Resources
Your Body, Your Safety Pamphlet
Along with the various local resources available to you AFS has developed this resource to help identify sexual misconduct and tips to protect yourself.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Always tell an adult where you are
- Open Communication is necessary for your safety and well-being
- Trust your instincts
- If you feel unsafe, remove yourself from the situation and tell a trusted adult
- Just say NO
- Your body belongs to you, speak up if someone says or does something that makes you feel uncomfortable
- Be a friend to a friend
- If someone you know says that they have experienced unwanted sexual/concerning behavior, encourage them to tell a trusted adult immediately.
Local AFS volunteers and AFS staff are available to help you in the event of sexual abuse that you or another participant has experienced. Contact your program staff or AFS volunteer immediately if you feel scared or concerned. You can find their contact information on your AFS ID card. You can also reach AFS-USA Support Staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-AFS-INFO (800-237-4636, ext. 9).
Sexual Abuse Awareness
- You do not have to be physically touched for sexual abuse to occur.
- Any behavior that makes you uncomfortable is not okay and should be reported to your host parents, local AFS volunteer, staff or other trusted adult.
- An abuser may try to bribe you or discourage you from communicating with others about your interaction.
- A victim of sexual abuse should never take the blame for what has happened to them.
Protect Yourself
- Your body is always your own.
- Regardless of cultural norms in your host country, you have the right to say no if you feel uncomfortable.
- If something doesn't feel right to you, it probably isn’t. Talk to your local AFS volunteer.
- Always let someone know your schedule and where you are going.
- Never go anywhere with a person you don’t know.
Be a Friend to a Friend
If your friend tells you that they are in trouble, or being abused, listen; be patient and respectful. Take what your friend is telling you seriously and encourage them to seek advice from an adult you trust and report the abuser. A threat to a friend may be a danger to others as well, including yourself.
Emotional Health
Being abroad and away from family and friends for any period of time can cause emotional ups and downs, in part due to the cultural shift you will experience abroad. Review the Emotional Passport for some helpful information. In addition Tips to Manage Stress and Disappointment might be helpful.
Review the section on Cultural Adjustment for a summary of some of the emotional challenges you may face, in part due to the cultural shift you will experience abroad.
A Note About Gender Roles
Some participants may experience more traditionally defined gender roles than what they are accustomed to here in the U.S. This can contribute directly to culture shock. For example:
- The rules for host sisters may be much more restrictive than for host brothers.
- The men in the house may not be expected to help out around the house.
- The women might only leave the house under certain conditions, depending on the time of day.
These realities will probably be a challenge for you, try to accept this and go with the flow. You are not going to change a society, but you can learn a lot about how it functions and why, if you are open to it.