Personal Safety Abroad

by Jeannie Barry-Sanders

PERSONAL SAFETY IS a basic need, and educators who want to travel and work abroad must think safety first when travelling to countries outside of the United States.

"You are much safer in most cities abroad than you are in most cities in the United States. We have the most violence of any 'civilized' society. Just pick up any newspaper," says John Magagna, director of Search Associates, an international placement firm on the State Department's list of agencies that recruit educators for teaching opportunities abroad.

While Magagna may have a valid point, crimes abroad still happen. The United States State Department Web site reports consular officers in 1997 received over 14,000 requests for assistance from Americans abroad. The old adage that it is better to be safe than sorry still applies. Valuable information that can assist you in making an informed career decision about where you want to teach abroad is available at http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html. This site provides frequently updated information about crime against visitors to virtually all countries on the globe. The State Department site also offers listservs to which travelers can subscribe and receive e-mail updates regarding potential problems in specific countries. The list that has all safety information, crisis information, tips for travelers and workers abroad is called DOSTRAVEL - State Department Travel Warnings.

If you click on http://travel.state.gov/acs.html#emr you can view guidelines in several categories related to work abroad. The most notable information is perhaps Tips on Teaching in Korea, Opportunities and Pitfalls. This piece was compiled by the American Citizens Services Branch of the U.S. Embassy in Seoul. While some educators have been very successful teaching in Korea, others have been victimized, most frequently by employers who do not provide - or honor - appropriate contracts for their foreign workers. The U.S. Embassy's document deals with every aspect of teaching in Korea, including contract negotiation, culture, abuse, crime, salary, and housing. You can view and download the entire information sheet. Some of the information and tips on working in Korea can also be applied to other countries.

The State Department Web site provides fact sheets about entry requirements, crime, penalties for crimes committed by U.S. citizens, traffic and aviation safety records, and embassy locations, in foreign countries. In addition, the State Department site is also worth looking up because of its useful information about teaching at American-sponsored elementary and secondary schools overseas, and its link to the Department of Defense Overseas School System http://www.odedodea.edu/pers/employment/index.html.

Following are some tips that may help as you formulate your decision to go forth and work your craft abroad.

1. Don't get involved in politics.
2. Observe and learn cultural traditions, customs, rules, and laws.
3. Don't venture into desolate areas alone.
4. Learn the language or key phrases in case you find yourself in an awkward situation.
5. Learn about the country or countries you plan to work in.
6. Make sure you have supplemental medical coverage and medical evacuation coverage.
7. Know where the American Embassy is located.
8. Provide a list with all your pertinent and emergency information to your relatives, friends, or significant other.
9. Make sure at least one of your relatives, friends or others close to you has a valid passport in case of an emergency requiring them to get to you fast.
10. Negotiate all contracts and what you want in the contract from the U.S.
11. Take a vacation in the country first, if at all possible.
12. When travelling, do not agree to carry any packages or hold anything for anyone.

It's important to note also that the rights Americans enjoy in this country do not apply abroad. Each country is sovereign, and its laws apply to everyone who enters, regardless of nationality. In 1997, according to State Department statistics, 2,700 Americans were arrested abroad. For example, Teaching in Korea: Opportunities and Pitfalls mentions that "some Americans have run into serious legal problems with Korean Immigration because they either work as English teachers while in Korea on tourist visas or they accept part-time employment or private classes without obtaining the proper permissions." Violation of immigration laws can result in imprisonment, deportation, or heavy fines, and ignorance of the law is no excuse.

2001 is ahead and the future is bright for educators who want to work abroad. Opportunities are available in nearly every country for teachers at all levels. Wherever you decide to teach, either in the U.S. or abroad be informed and safe.