Strategies to Stay Safe Abroad - Women's Safety in India

In light of another female tourist being raped in India, author Gill Charlton discusses strategies for women to use to avoid being raped or taken advantage of in a recent travel article.

Charlton makes it clear greater safety measures must be taken to protect women living in Delhi, but so far authorities have done very little to make the streets safer for women.

“What is needed is for the police, the courts and Indian society to take the issue a lot more seriously. In a male-dominated society like India, this is going to be a hard task. Only last autumn, a high court judge in Madras, announcing a fast-track legal process for rapists, suggested that it would help if women stayed at home to avoid putting themselves in danger,” Charlton writes.

How can women avoid the crime and danger awaiting them on the streets of Delhi? Charlton suggests female visitors to Delhi take extra precautions as they make their way around the city by doing the following things.

• She recommends phoning for a radio cab instead of hailing taxi cabs on the street, as these radio cabs are safer as they screen their drivers.
• It’s much safer to go into a shop or cafe to read a map or ask for directions instead of asking for help or reading a map on the street.
• Women should avoid using public transit or taxis after dark.
• If it’s necessary to travel after dark, ordering a taxi through the hotel or using the radio taxi counter at the airport is much safer than taking public transit.
• All women should be aware of their surroundings and exercise caution when traveling in India, even when in groups.

Mahatma Gandhi's words ring true: "India cannot claim to have attained true independence until all women can walk on the streets be it at midnight without fear of being molested or raped".

ClearCause can help you stay safe as you travel with these amazing safety tools. Download the free ASAAP checklist, get our new ASAAP S.O.S app available on iTunes and Google Play and check out helpful safety gadgets.  You won’t be sorry for taking the time to look into these safety tools before going abroad!

Study Abroad Safety Gadgets You Need

We at ClearCause have compiled another list of our favorite and most useful safety gadgets that are a MUST for students studying abroad! From device locks to portable flares, these gadgets could save your life. Check out our favorites below!

Addalock is an extra safety lock that can be installed and removed from almost any hinged door in seconds! Addalock can be installed almost anywhere to give you additional privacy and security. Addalock is especially useful for traveling, as you can use it on your hotel/motel, dorm room or residence door to keep you safe as you study abroad. This lock is made out of chrome plated carbon steel and can be adjusted to fit varying door thicknesses. The locks also come with their own travel pouches! Purchase online here at Addalock.com.

Laptop locks are essential in keeping your computer and personal information safe. Kensington offers a ClickSafe Portable Combination Laptop Lock, featuring a keyless 4-wheel combination with 10,000 possible combinations. The ClickSafe Security Anchors attaches to the industry standard Kensington Security Slot found on 99% of laptops, the website reads. The lock has a cable that stretches to 6’ and shrinks to 3” for easy packing. Purchase a laptop lock on the Kensington website here!

FlareSafe is one of the best things to bring with you as you travel. Weighing only 200 grams, FlareSafe is both a powerful flashlight and a specially-designed optical system used to detect smoke. The LED bulbs in this device typically last around 100,000 hours. The torch has three working settings - full beam, half beam (reading light)  and a strobe. To use the device as a smoke detector, twist the plastic cap at the back of the unit, exposing the detector underneath the cap. A piercing siren on the FlareSafe will sound if smoke is detected, and the torch light will automatically switch on. This allows you to see the unit, grab it and use the light to find your way out of the building to safety. FlareSafe is one of the most reliable personal safety devices found and comes with a one-year guarantee. Purchase FlareSafe online to stay safe!

Backpack steel mesh locks can help stop thieves from stealing your stuff as you travel. This Pacsafe 55L Backpack and Bag Protector from Amazon is 10 centimeters wide and locks your bag closed. The locking device is high-tensile stainless steel and comes with a padlock and carrying pouch. The lock is designed to cover and protect bags and packs from theft,  tampering and pilfering, the website reads. The lock weighs only 1.2 pounds and can be bought online on Amazon.  

The American Red Cross online store features a number of amazing First Aid kits necessary for anyone studying abroad. The pocket-sized American Red Cross Pocket First Aid kit is only $3.00 for a 19-piece kit ready to treat small scratches, blisters and cuts. The Be Red Cross Ready First Aid Kit is a 73-piece kit with latex-free first aid supplies to treat cuts, scrapes, pain swelling and more. The First Aid Kit PLUS includes first aid necessities to treat burns, scrapes, cuts and other unexpected emergencies. This kit comes with a removal pouch so that you are able to gather essential first aid items for a  smaller and more portable kit on the go. Check out American Red Cross online for even more First Aid kit options - it could save your life!

What are some of the travel safety gadgets you use?

Travel Alert Issued for Thailand Due to Political Unrest

The U.S. Department of State has issued a travel alert to U.S. citizens who are or will be traveling in Thailand. This alert is due to ongoing political and social unrest, primarily in Bangkok, as Thai parliamentary elections are scheduled to take place nationwide on February 2, 2014.

“U.S. citizens are advised to avoid all protests, demonstrations, and large gatherings.  Some protest sites are located near tourist attractions and popular shopping malls, which at times have closed or shortened hours unexpectedly.  Protests may occur in other areas with little or no prior notice. You should allow extra time when travelling throughout the city or to/from airports.  Consider using public transportation.  Although many protest activities have been peaceful, increasingly violent incidents have occurred at or near protest sites,” the U.S. Department of State website states.

According to the U.S. Department of State, political demonstrations have been common in Thailand since November 2013. Most of the larger demonstrations have been in Bangkok. Since January 13, 2014, protesters have taken control of major intersections within Thailand, blocking both vehicle traffic and redirecting pedestrian traffic. These protests have drawn large crowds and there is a significant lack of police control at protest sites. Some of these demonstrations have resulted in injuries and deaths.

How can U.S. travelers and tourists avoid the danger surrounding these political demonstrations? U.S. citizens are recommended to avoid protest sites, demonstrations, and large gatherings.  All should be alert and aware of surroundings at all times. Pay attention to local news media reports. “U.S. citizens are cautioned that even demonstrations that are meant to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence,” the Travel Alert states.

The Travel Alert strongly advises U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in Thailand to enroll in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  “U.S. citizens without Internet access may enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  By enrolling, you make it easier for the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in case of an emergency,” the alert reads.

This Travel Alert expires on February 14, 2014.

Avoid Being Scammed As You Study Abroad

A student travel article written by Lauren Juliff gives great tips on how to avoid being scammed in traveling. Con artists, frauds and thieves work hard to swindle travelers out of any amount of money. Here are some great tips to avoid being scammed as you study abroad!

1. Don’t Look Like a Tourist

Scammers target people who don’t know the area they’re traveling through, aren’t aware of the country’s culture and want to meet and talk with the local people - tourists. Tourists are easy targets for scammers, Lauren writes.

“Do your best to try and blend in with the locals while you're traveling. . .If you can't effectively blend in as a local, you can still make yourself less noticeable. Don't wear tourist-style souvenir clothing, like hippie pants and souvenir t-shirts. Wear plain clothing and remove your flashy jewelry -- you don't want would-be scammers to think that you have a lot of money,” Lauren says.

Finally, when traveling, walk down the street as if you know exactly where you’re going, even if you’re not sure. A lack of confidence can draw scammers right to you.

2. Do Your Research

Lauren suggests doing online searches for common scams in your destinated country. Reading through other people’s stories and warnings in forums can help prepare you to avoid potential scams awaiting you abroad.

“Doing this helped me to avoid being scammed in Istanbul -- I recognized I was being scammed and immediately walked away,” Lauren writes. “I probably would have been scammed if I hadn't researched before arriving.”

3. Be Cautious

The article warns in some cases, locals with excellent English who want to befriend you may be trying to scam you.

“You'll often be approached by several locals with extremely good English, who will chat to you and get to know you for as long as it takes for you to drop your guard. Once they can tell that you trust them, they'll then try and scam you -- they'll offer to take you to a bar, or a cafe, or a tea ceremony, and upon finishing up will present you with a bill of many hundreds of dollars,” Lauren explains in the article.

You shouldn’t assume every local who wants to talk with you has intentions of scamming you, but be cautious. You should always be on your guard to make sure you stay safe and don’t get scammed.

For more safety tips while studying abroad, download the free ASAPP Checklist from ClearCause! 

U.S. State Department Issues Travel Warning For Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics

The U.S. State Department has issued a travel warning for anyone traveling to Russia for the Sochi Winter Olympics. Russia has an anti-gay law.

In June 2013, Russia's State Duma passed a law banning the ‘propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations’ to minors. The U.S. government understands this law applies to both Russian citizens and foreigners in Russia. Russian citizens found guilty of violating the law could face a fine of up to 100,000 rubles ($3,100). Foreign citizens face similar fines, up to 14 days in jail, and deportation. The law makes it a crime to promote LGBT equality in public, but lacks concrete legal definitions for key terms. Russian authorities have indicated a broad interpretation of what constitutes ‘LGBT propaganda,’ and provided vague guidance as to which actions will be interpreted by authorities as ‘LGBT propaganda,’ part of the travel warning reads.

A NBC news article reported gay rights marches in Russia are usually broken up and it’s common to see police detaining activists even before demonstrations begin.

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach announced in December “special protest zones would be set up” in order to combat the heavy criticism of Russia’s anti-gay law, a Pink News article reported.

However, Russian President Vladimir Putin later signed a decree banning protests, demonstrations and rallies during the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics between January 7 and March 21, another Pink News article reported.

ClearCause urges everyone who plans to travel to Russia for the Sochi Winter Olympics practice extreme caution while they are there. It is essential to educate yourself on a country’s laws and culture before traveling abroad to make sure you stay as safe as possible.

University of Idaho Students Can “Study Abroad” in Idaho Wilderness

Students from the University of Idaho now have the option of “studying abroad” in the Idaho wilderness instead of traveling outside of the U.S., a recent article reported.

The program is called “A Semester in the Wild” and finished its first session at the end of December 2013. Students were dropped into one of the most remote locations in the United States for over two months, deep within Central Idaho wilderness.

The eleven students enrolled in the program shared a cabin without cell phone service, thirty-five miles away from any road. Mail, food and supplies were delivered to students weekly by bush plane and the nearest town was more than four hours away.

“Students studied literature of the West, environmental writing, river ecology, wilderness management and outdoor leadership under professors who were flown in for weeklong teaching stints,” the article reported. Students said they were able to actually live the types of subjects they studied about.

“We read a John Muir essay about climbing a tree in the Sierra Nevada in a windstorm…and an hour later students were outside with me climbing trees,” a student said in the article.

Cost of the program includes normal tuition, room and board and a special fee of $1,500 per student.

ClearCause urges all students who choose to immerse themselves in unique experiences like this one to stay as safe as possible. Download the free ASAAP checklist and get the new ASAAP SOS app! Taking these small steps to prepare for your experience could help save your life.

Make the Most of Your Time Studying Abroad

Traveling abroad can be the most enlightening and amazing adventure you could ever imagine. Outside of your comfort zone, you can see new places, have incredible experiences at your fingertips and make relationships that could last a lifetime.

I was given the opportunity to spend a month in the beautiful city of Singapore a few years ago. I loved waking up every morning knowing I was able to explore and learn about the country’s history, culture and people. It broadened my worldview and gave me the chance to meet treasured friends around the world I still keep in contact with today.

My plea is all students who decide to study abroad travel joyfully and safely. Travel joyfully, because not every season of life will allow you to travel like you can now. Travel as widely as you can and see as much as you can with an open mind and an open heart.

Most importantly, travel safely. Prepare for emergencies before departing, get vaccinations, research your country and buy travel insurance. Learn the emergency phone numbers you need to know. Make sure your housing situations are safe. Travel with friends, not alone. Pack accordingly. There is so much to lose if you don’t make these wise preparations before leaving the country.

We at ClearCause agree and can offer you many tools to help make your trip both unforgettable and safe. Download our ASAAP checklist to fully prepare for your trip before  you depart.  Check out our new ASAPP SOS app. It's  free, available from the Apple Store and Google Play! You need to know the three digit number in foreign countries and alert your emergency contacts - with ASAPP SOS. Buy StuCard travel insurance - for about $1 a day with toll free help 24x7!

Travel smart - StaySafe. 

University of Minnesota Freshman Freezes to Death

University of Minnesota freshman Jacob Anderson was found dead close to campus in Minneapolis on December 15, a Star Tribune article reported. Police suspect he may have frozen to death, although the cause of death will be determined by the Hennepin County medical examiner. 

Temperatures had dropped to only 1 degree on the morning Jake was found.

Jake was known as a “kind, sensitive kid” to neighbors on Baldur Park Road in Orono where he grew up. He was also a popular student from Orono High School who played varsity lacrosse. He had been the goalie and a captain of the lacrosse team that won the Section 8 championship in 2013. “But when Anderson spoke, coach Josh Scott recalled Sunday, ‘the whole team was listening … it was meaningful. If the guys weren’t hustling, or weren’t listening to us, he’d get them focused on the task of what we were doing,’" the article reported.

Officials are working to give counseling, mental health and other support to Jake’s friends and fellow classmates at the university. Raymond Duvall, interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts, said in a statement: “We share this grief as a community. Out of this moment of sadness, let’s all make a special effort to watch out for and take care of each other.”

People outside in freezing temperatures must dress in layers, wear hats and cover noses, ears and other exposed skin to avoid frostbite and hypothermia, a doctor at Hennepin County Medical Center said. 

The article reported Dr. Brian Mahoney, of the emergency medicine department, said the body loses heat by exposure to cold air or by touching cold objects or ground. “The biggest way you get in trouble with cold is through convection when you are exposed to cold moving air, or cold moving water. That’s when you lose heat the fastest. … You need to have dry, adequate clothing and be out of wind.”

Alcohol can add to the risk. It draws heat from the body core to the skin, and “if alcohol is involved, it will impair your judgment,” Mahoney said, as reported in the article.

 “When your body temperature drops, your heart, nervous system and other organs can't work correctly. Left untreated, hypothermia can eventually lead to complete failure of your heart and respiratory system and to death,” the Mayo Clinic’s website reads. 

See more information from the Mayo Clinic on how to avoid and treat hypothermia here. Watch out for your friends and fellow students this winter! You could save a life.

ClearCause recently launched ASAPP SOS, a free app from iTunes and Google Play with a follow me feature.  It works here and abroad.  We are hopeful ASAPP SOS will help save lives. 

 Jacob played Lacrosse with ClearCause Founder's youngest son, Alec.  Our hearts are breaking for his family and friends.