Safety Abroad
UC International is committed to student and faculty safety while abroad. Explore our resources and learn how to stay safe overseas.
Emergencies abroad
If you are in immediate danger or harm, call local emergency responders.
If you are not in immediate danger, please refer to our emergency protocols.
Student conduct
Remember, while you are abroad, you are a representative of the University of Cincinnati, Ohio, and the United States. You are expected to adhere to the policies of the UC Student Code of Conduct, which will both protect you and provide others with a positive image of UC.
While abroad, you are subject to the laws and regulations of that country. Laws abroad can vary greatly from those in the U.S. You are expected to obey the laws of the countries you visit.
Those who break the law, even unknowingly, may face severe penalties including being expelled, fined, arrested, or imprisoned. You are not immune to any laws overseas simply because you are a U.S. citizen. Ignorance of the law is no excuse, so be informed.
If you are arrested or detained abroad, the U.S. Department of State's Overseas Citizens Services provides emergency services.
If you choose to drink alcohol abroad, refrain from underage and excessive drinking. As in the US, driving while intoxicated, drinking in the streets, and intoxication on public transportation may be considered an illegal activity by local authorities.
According to the UC Student Code of Conduct, students should not use or have possession of illegal drugs. Illegal drug possession and charges abroad can carry severe consequences.
Unfortunately, sexual assault is a reality in the United States and abroad. If you or someone you know is sexually assaulted:
- Contact the person in charge of your program, whether an instructor, director, or coordinator, if you feel comfortable.
- Tell someone you trust.
- Call UC’s 24-hour counseling help line at +1 (513) 556-0648. This line is free and confidential. It provides services and emotional support to victims.
Safety recommendations
While you are abroad, use common sense.
- Avoid potentially dangerous situations such as protests or demonstrations.
- Leave valuable belongings at home. Unfortunately, sometimes bad things happen while you are abroad. If you are a victim of a crime, report it to someone immediately.
- Be aware that the traffic rules and regulations in other countries are not the same as in the U.S. Familiarize yourself with the way traffic moves.
- UC International does not recommend renting or driving motorized vehicles while abroad.
- If your travel plans involve visiting a lake or ocean, know your own swimming ability and limits. When in doubt, err on the side of caution.
- If you are traveling to a country that is prone to natural disasters, political unrest, or other issues that could affect your safety, have a plan to mitigate that risk.
UC faculty, students and staff traveling abroad should register their travel abroad through the US Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in case of an emergency abroad.
- Receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country.
- Help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency.
- Help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.