The following are some general suggestions and recommendations for safety and security while living and traveling in Spain. You should be in regular communication with the program leaders and program staff about these kinds of issues throughout the semester.
- Carry emergency phone numbers with you. Make sure you inform your host family and program leaders about any travel plans. Keep in touch if your plans change. Make sure someone can get in touch with you in case of emergencies.
- Act and walk in a confident manner. Act as if you know what you are doing and where you are going. But remember that this does not mean making eye contact, especially if you have been spoken to. Ignoring unwelcome comments may be a better solution than confrontation.
- Carry a copy of your passport with you but only carry your passport when traveling outside of Valencia. Travel light and don=t leave bags unattended -- anywhere.
- Don't allow people you don't know well to visit your hotel room. Don't give out your telephone number freely.
- Don't carry large amounts of cash with you. Carry your money in several places on your person. Don't carry your wallets in a back pocket and don't let your shoulder bags (purses, cameras, etc) swing free. You may even see folks wearing backpacks on their chests instead of their backs.
- Don't wander around at night in areas you don't know, and never alone. Learn what areas of Valencia are safe and avoid those that are not. Socialize in a buddy system. When in social situations, don't leave drinks unattended or allow others to handle your drinks (ie., bring them to you -- that's what waiters are for).
- Travel with someone if you can. If you travel at night, redouble your
efforts to make sure money is stored in hidden places (for example, in your
shoe might be a good place). Never hitchhike. In general, don't travel in
cars with folks you don't know well.
Inform your host family and your group leaders when you are sick. - If you have doubts about the appropriateness of something you are doing or planning to do, ask for advice.
- Ignore (no matter how hard it may seem) people (or animals) who approach you on the street.
- The more conspicuous you act and behave, the more likely you will call attention to yourself and possibly attract folks you'd rather not or create a potentially harmful situation for yourself.
