Chapter 6: Personal Safety

General Safety Information

Your safety is our greatest concern, and it should be yours, too. We receive daily updates from the U.S. State Department, and our staff in Florence is in regular contact with the U.S. Consulate there. Our experience has been that our students are safe and comfortable in Florence and in Italy. Students should stay informed of the political climate in countries where they intend to travel, and check the State Department's website before visiting other countries. The International Herald-Tribune, widely available, is a good source of information, too.

If you or your family are concerned about crime abroad, it might be useful to look at the U.S. from an international perspective. The United States is known around the world as a relatively dangerous country, with rampant street crime, gun-related deaths and injuries, and high rates of drug and alcohol abuse. American college campuses have their own problems with substance abuse, theft, sexual assault and violence.

Of course, every country has its own crime problem. Italy, however, is a relatively safe country with a low rate of violent crime. We invite you to look at the State Department's information page on Italy.

Petty crime is common in Italian cities. Pickpockets and scam artists operate in places frequented by tourists, including train and bus stations, internet cafes, museums, even laundromats. Simply being alert will help you to avoid problems.

Protecting Your Belongings

• Keep your money in a safe place (NOT in your back pocket).
• Avoid flashing cash, valuable jewelry (leave it in the U.S.) or cameras.
• For everyday activities in Florence carry a xerox copy of your passport and just a little money; your credit cards, plane ticket and passport should be locked up in your apartment.
• Women might want to avoid carrying handbags; this limits temptation.
• Don't put valuables in your backpack; thieves simply unzip the pockets and make off with your money.
• On trains and busses, NEVER put your bags in the overhead rack while you sleep. They'll be gone when you wake up.
• When traveling, carry your passport, credit cards, money, etc. in a money belt or around-the-neck-pouch UNDER your clothing. This may seem annoying or excessive, but believe us, nothing will ruin your day like losing your passport!
• Don't put bags or belongings down and walk away. They won't be there long.
• Avoid wearing clothing that identifies you as an American; thieves believe all Americans are carrying wads of money. Leave your team and college sweatshirts at home.

A lot of students have never lived in a city. Now's the time to develop some street-smarts. It's also important to be alert and know what's going on around you. Here are a few general safety tips:

Protecting Yourself

• Exercise common sense: lock your doors and windows.
• Don't walk alone late at night.
• Don't invite strangers into your apartment, give out your name and address, or go off with people you don't know well. Remember, you are in a city, not on your campus. Be careful!
• Keep a low profile. This means conducting yourself quietly (Americans have a reputation for being loud). Try not to wear clothing that identifies you as an American, including American-flag themes.
• Don't impair yourself with alcohol and drugs. Being drunk makes you an easy victim.
• Stay away from demonstrations or protests, and don't get involved in political arguments or debates.
• If you're traveling, give a copy of your itinerary to our Program Director so you can be reached in case of emergency.
• Know where the local police station and emergency clinic or hospital are

Safety for Women Abroad

Unfortunate stereotypes about American women exist in many countries, and American women may be perceived as promiscuous. Our own media, films and television programs have helped create these perceptions.

Never accept a ride, food, or drink from a stranger. If you are out at night, don't walk alone. Avoid poorly lit areas, and walk with assurance and confidence (even if you're lost). Most of all, don't impair your judgment with alcohol. And never agree to meet a stranger in a secluded area. These are just common-sense safety precautions which you should practice at home as well as abroad.

You may receive unwanted attention on the street. This can be annoying but is generally harmless. The best thing to do is simply ignore any catcalls or invitations. Don't even make eye contact. In rare cases, you may feel uncomfortable about a persistent "admirer". In that case, you should declare, loudly and forcefully, "Vai Via!" (Go Away!), which should end the problem.

As Americans, we're naturally friendly and polite. Even when we're deflecting unwanted attention, we tend to smile. Try not to do this, because it sends a mixed message.

If your dress is revealing, you can expect to have more problems. Skimpy clothing may be interpreted as a come-on, and what seems perfectly acceptable here in the US (short shorts, revealing tops) will be seen differently on the streets of Florence.