Staying safe and well overseas

Wellbeing and Support

Being away from your familiar surroundings and support networks can be stressful.  Whilst you may have sorted out the practicalities before you go, the University wants to make sure that you are safe and well throughout your time abroad aswell.

Don’t worry - it’s normal!

Being away from friends, family and your usual routines can be challenging. It can lead to feelings of homesickness, fatigue and stress. Expect to feel a mixture of excitement and apprehension – it would be unusual not to. Be accepting of how you feel and be pro-active about seeking help (from friends, tutors or other professionals) if you need it.

What are the signs that you may need to ask for support?

If you are starting to feel stuck in a negative emotional state, then this may be time to think about looking for some additional support.
Some common indicators are the following:

• Changes in sleep, energy, appetite, routine, motivation.
• Changes in mood – feeling anxious or stressed, worrying, or feeling depressed or lonely.
• No longer enjoying activities that used to give pleasure.
• Finding that you are not as efficient or effective at your work or you are struggling to meet deadlines

Staying in touch

It is important to stay in touch with us while you are away, so please make sure you keep the IPO Office and your AEA(s) informed if there is anything which is having a negative impact on your wellbeing.

As part of our commitment to staying in touch, we ask that you complete a wellbeing questionnaire at key points throughout your time abroad. It is a compulsory requirement to complete this, as this will let us know how you are doing and we can provide you with some advice on what to do to ensure your continued progress and wellbeing. 

 Online Support and Resources

• University of Manchester Student Support
• University of Manchester Counselling Service
• Befrienders Worldwide Support – Volunteer action to prevent suicide
• NHS Self Help Leaflets
• Mind
• Time to Change
• Global Graduates

Keeping safe overseas

On arrival in your host country, give yourself time to adjust. You should expect to experience jetlag, but you will quickly get used to a new schedule by drinking plenty of non-alcoholic fluids, eating nutritious food, exercising and resting. Following your arrival, if you have read the advice on this page and exercise a bit of common sense, you will settle in to your new surroundings in no time.

Healthcare facilities

Make sure that you locate the nearest healthcare facility to your place of residence and register if appropriate. Do NOT wait until you are ill to identify the local healthcare provision. Save the contact details in your phone.

The Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)

The FCDO offer a service that allows you to register to receive updates about any country you will be going to/travelling through/in during your period abroad. That way you’ll receive an email if any of their security advice changes (e.g. if there is any kind of natural disaster, illness epidemic, terrorist threat, transport problems etc). We recommend you sign up for this here.

You can also follow the FCDO Twitter account which will also provide any security advice updates.

Security and safe socialising

Just as when you socialise in the UK, it is important to remember a few general guidelines to ensure that you remain safe and well. Be aware that cultural differences and communication difficulties may make it harder for you to assess potential dangers in a situation.

• At night or in an unfamiliar area, travel in a group or arrange to meet someone. Know which unsafe areas to avoid, and don’t walk alone after dark.
• When using public transport, ensure you have enough money and know where you need to get on and off.
• Hold on tightly to your bags, especially in a crowd, keep your valuables close to your body and not on display, and do not agree to carry bags or additional goods for anyone. Innocently helping a stranger with their luggage could result in your being arrested for possession of illegal substances/drugs.
• Young people in most countries do not drink to get drunk – look to your local peer group for guidelines on appropriate behaviour and dress code in bars and cafés. Remember that alcohol significantly reduces your ability to assess danger and can make you more vulnerable to attack.
• Be on your guard to avoid theft – don’t carry large amounts of cash with you, keep documents and money on your person rather than in a bag that can be snatched, and be aware that pickpockets often target groups of foreigners.
• Follow any local guidance on Covid restrictions and laws.

Local transport

Transport safety standards and road conditions vary considerably from country to country. It is worth being aware that two Manchester students have died, and one student has been seriously injured as the result of traffic accidents during their period abroad. In many countries you should consider the following precautions:

• avoid travelling at night
• always use seat belts where available
• don’t compromise your safety by travelling with a transport company that may be cheaper but which has poor standards of maintenance/safety
• refer to the FCDO website for specific travel risks for your country

Eating and drinking

Trying new foods, and enjoying a region’s must-try dishes, is all part of the exciting process of adjusting to life in a new country. Be adventurous, and try things that are new and different, but stay sensible, and know what you’re eating. Balance exploring with being careful.

In certain countries it may be sensible to avoid ice cream, ice in the drinks, unpasteurised milk, fruit that you can’t peel or salad that may have been washed in contaminated water. Food sold from street-vendors often carries greater health risks.

If you have special dietary requirements, research your destination carefully, as you may find it difficult to eat the way you do at home. Learn what will be available that is suitable for you, so that you are able to experience the food of your new culture.