30 Safety Issues
Please be especially alert to the following aspects of living abroad, which may not at first appear to you as safety or health issues:
Alcohol
One of the best ways to protect yourself abroad is to avoid excessive drinking. Although alcohol may be more accessible at your program site than in the U.S., if you drink alcohol at all, do so in moderation. Not only may inebriation be culturally offensive, more importantly, it can impair your judgment in critical moments when you most need to be alert (e.g. driving, finding your way home late at night, socializing with strangers, etc.).
Hazardous Activities
Students abroad sometimes participate in new activities in which they are not well- practiced or proficient. Be cautious if you’re attempting any activity that has an element of danger or risk, particularly if you are far from assistance. These activities can include but are not limited to rock climbing, cliff jumping, snorkeling, bungee jumping, skydiving and skiing. Most international or Italian health insurances will not cover medical expenses incurred by injuries in extreme sports or through the use of drugs and alcohol.
Emotional Health
You are likely to experience some form of culture shock during your time abroad, but this should not be confused with a serious emotional crisis. If you feel withdrawn or detached and cannot cope with your environment, ask the program director on-site for guidance and/or a recommendation for a skilled health care provider.
We urge you to disclose any special conditions on your medical form so that the staff can assist you with making appropriate contacts with health and therapy providers in Bologna. Should a condition emerge during the program, share this with a BCSP staff member.
Any medication that you take for a mental health condition should be listed on your medical form. You should also continue taking your medication abroad since any interruption in medication can produce serious consequences.
Political Disturbances
In the event of anti-American activity abroad, maintain a low profile. Do not approach unattended packages in public places. Be cautious and report any unclaimed object. Avoid protests.
Be sure to stay in frequent touch with the staff during periods of political unrest or turmoil. It is critical for you to keep your cell phone on, battery charged and with credit for calls and texting, so that the staff can reach you with instructions or information.
Sexual Harassment or Sexual Assault
If you feel you may be the victim of sexual harassment or assault, you should consult the program staff. They can help you sort out the difference between unacceptable harassment and culturally acceptable behavior, which is nonetheless uncomfortable for you. In the case of sexual harassment or assault, you may file a report at the local police station with the assistance of the program staff on-site. There are Title IX campus reporting requirements at your home institution that staff will have to follow as long as they are in keeping with European data protection rules under GDPR. Staff will discuss these details with you after you report an incident to them.
Dating and Sexual Behavior
A survey on dating and sexual behavior while abroad was conducted of IU study abroad returnees. Although each person will make individual choices regarding relationship(s) while abroad, knowing the experiences of some of your peers might provide some useful insights.
Students reported that sexual norms differed from the United States. It is important to understand the norms of the country where you will be studying. You can learn about these through various sources – books, guidebooks to some extent, discussions with program staff, host nationals, and observing the behavior of others. Many students reported that their relationships abroad gave them access to a greater understanding of the culture in which they lived. Others reported that by not engaging in serious relationships they were able to gain more since they could focus on other activities. Consider all these issues if you plan on being involved in a relationship, sexual or otherwise, while studying abroad.
The survey also indicates that the patterns students form while at IU in terms of (a) being sexually active or not, and (b) using methods of pregnancy prevention and STD/HIV protection largely carry over when they study abroad. If you anticipate being sexually active while abroad, consider bringing a supply of the pregnancy and STD/HIV prevention protection you currently use.
Use social media and dating apps with caution. Never meet a stranger you met online in a private place. If you have questions about Italian social or dating culture, talk with the BCSP program staff.