Health, Safety, and Etiquette

Health, Safety, and Etiquette

Precautions should be taken when traveling in any foreign country or to any large city. While we believe that all our program locations are safe to travel and study in, we have also developed the following policies and resources to help ensure our students’ safety.

SRAS Safety Policies and Infrastructure

SRAS provides the following services and products on standard programs with each student’s health and safety in mind.

1.  Insurance. All students are required to have health and accident insurance and to carry their insurance information at all times. Most program fees (see individual program pages) include full health and accident insurance for all students based on arrival/departure dates (and up to two days before and after). Additional property insurance (at extra cost) is optionally available to cover laptops, cameras, or other valuables brought abroad. Contact SRAS for more details. Students are issued insurance cards with all relevant information and a 24-hour international contact number. Administered by Cultural Insurance Services Internationals and underwritten by The Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania, the plan (with no deductible per accident or illness) covers medical expenses up to $250,000 and several other services and instances. All of SRAS’s standard study programs include  automatic enrollment in the plan. Download the full brochure in PDF here. Students whose home university requires enrollment in their own insurance plan must provide SRAS with proof of this insurance.

2. Orientation. Students receive extensive pre-departure materials and upon arrival have an orientation session focused on safety issues and getting a sense of their surroundings as quickly as possible. Pre-departure materials include  information about health, safety, and etiquette. SRAS also provides extensive online guides and a program-specific guide, downloadable from the student’s SRAS online account after program acceptance, with all relevant contact information and specific university- and program-related orientation information.

3. Cell Phones. All students are required to have working cell phones while on SRAS programs. Students without cell phones and/or cellular plans operational in the regions they will be visiting will be assisted by an SRAS representative in purchasing a basic phone and/or plan soon after their arrival abroad. 

4. Student Cards. SRAS provides a student card that all students must carry at all times. The card provides all necessary contact information (university, embassy, SRAS) needed by the student or anyone assisting the student in an emergency, printed in both English and the local language of the program location. Our on-site representatives, because they are physically closest to the student, handle the first stages of any emergencies in consultation with SRAS management. 

5. SRAS Personnel. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to facilitate communications in the event of emergencies. We have permanent SRAS staff in Tbilisi, Bishkek, and Riga. In all locations we work closely with designated representatives of our partner institution to provide on-site logistical and emergency support to students. Local questions regarding classes, housing, and other non-urgent questions are generally handled by the university/school representative – with an SRAS staff member just a phone call or email away to assist when needed. We do not provide resident dorm directors. When/if needed, a member of our staff can fly to another city. Students and their parents are provided with phone numbers at which we can be contacted at any time in the event of an emergency.

6. Other information. The US State Department also provides advice for study abroad students and country-specific travel tips.

7. Contact SRAS with any further questions or concerns.

Health Care

1. Pharmaceuticals: Read our packing and preparation list for important information on the effects of jet lag and how to treat them. If you require specific prescription medications, see that list for information on purchasing or bringing medications abroad.
2. Doctors: Whenever possible, contact the insurance company before going to a doctor. In the case of SRAS-provided insurance, this will be done via the international toll-free number on the card. Often, there is a specific, recommended clinic for the specific illness that will accept the insurance directly. Recommended clinics will often be more “western-style” and, where possible, English-speaking. SRAS will provide you with an interpreter when needed. Emergency numbers are listed on the student cards (see Safety Policies, above) issued to all students.
3. Glasses/Contacts: Make sure you know your prescription. New eyewear can be ordered with no optometrist visit needed. Disposable contact lenses and solution can be easily found.
4. Immunizations for diphtheria, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and tetanus should be up to date. SRAS strongly recommends that you are fully vaccinated against COVID with the latest boosters at least two weeks before traveling. You should bring your COVID card with you. Immunizations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid, as well as immuno-globulin injections are also recommended. Those planning on visiting rural areas as part of their program or for hiking, cycling, etc, should also consider an immunization against rabies and take precautions against tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease. Information on vaccination and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at 1-800-232-4636 or at CDC.gov.

Health Concerns

• Water: You will be provided specific guidelines for water in your area, but generally, you should plan on drinking filtered or bottled water while abroad.
• Food tends to be quite high in fat in all SRAS locations. Bring stomach medications to help you acclimate during the first few days.
• HIV and hepatitis infection rates in Eurasia have risen significantly in recent years. Be cautious if visiting tattoo parlors or engaging in sexual activity. Note that transmission awareness in some areas is low and some young people will still see use of a condom as an indication that you don’t trust them. It is up to you to insist on being safe.
• Cigarettes: Public smoking bans are in effect in all SRAS locations. Cafes, restaurants, and even bars are now smoke-free. If you smoke, stick to brands you know and purchase them in major supermarkets to reduce your risk of purchasing counterfeit and possibly dangerous goods.
• Alcohol is considered part of the local culture in all SRAS locations. Rules of hospitality dictate that guests be invited to eat and drink, and a hospitable host will make an effort to overcome any resistance to such offers. If you do not wish to consume alcohol, simply state that you do not drink for health or religious/philosophical reasons. While you will likely meet resistance, in the end, many will congratulate you on your decision not to drink.
• Fitness is alive and well in SRAS locations. Most universities have areas for jogging nearby and franchise gyms have opened in most major cities (though they tend not to be cheap). See our city guides for specific gyms and exercise opportunities.
• Allergies and colds: You will be moving halfway across the world to a completely new ecosystem. Many allergens and microorganisms will be different than those you experience at home. Bring your preferred medication for allergies, common colds, headaches, and stomach aches. It’s good to have something you know and trust when you need it.
• Daylight comes at different times than you may be used to; many SRAS locations are further north than much of the United States. This can aggravate jet lag and, over the long term, cause depression and sleep disorders in those who are susceptible to them. We have found that exercise and vitamins are very effective for managing this.
• Climate: You will be given a guide for your program that includes specific packing recommendations. Our general Packing Guide can also help prepare you appropriately for the weather. You will never regret having a good hat, gloves, and an umbrella. Comfortable, waterproof shoes suitable for considerable walking are a must.  

Safety

Student safety is SRAS’s top priority. Use big-city common sense (no matter where you are) and keep your wits about you. Stay aware of your surroundings and act responsibly. 

• You will be a foreigner in your host country. Keep in mind that that forbids you from working and earning money and can entail restrictions on volunteering, travel, and other activities. Keep in close contact with your SRAS representative and ask questions about anything you’d like to do outside your program.  
• When going out at night or in the early morning hours, stay in a group. Go out as a group and come back as a group.
• If you drink, drink responsibly. Keep your wits and judgement intact.
• Stay away from people associated with drug sale or use. If you think there may be drugs in the area you are in, leave. If you happen to get caught in the same crowd as someone who possesses drugs, there is little that can be done to disassociate you from the guilty parties, and the penalties are very harsh.
• Never be afraid to walk away from a situation you think might be dangerous. Never be afraid to run.
• If you see people drinking and being loud, walk around them quietly. They aren’t usually dangerous, but they are likely drunk, which means they could do something stupid.
• Especially in bars, avoid speaking boisterously. A foreign language spoken loudly can offend the locals of any country.
• Valuables should be kept within your field of vision and/or directly next to your body.
• Do not carry valuables (passports, wallets, cell phones) in jacket pockets. Jacket pockets are generally loose and away from the body; pickpockets couldn’t ask for a better target.
• In restaurants, do not hang purses or backpacks over the back of your chair. Purses can go between you and the back of the chair. Locals will also sometimes place the purse on a seat next to them, often with their jacket over the top.
• Do not leave valuables in open areas – even in a locked dorm or homestay room. Put electronics and valuables in a concealed area. Turn off electronics before concealing them.
• Use an app for hailing cabs. Always know where you are going (general direction at least). Taxis that wait outside of bars and clubs or which already contain other passengers pose a high risk for scams.
• In cities with subways, never get in a subway car alone or where there is only one other person or one group of people, especially when the group is all young men.

If you have any questions, contact an SRAS consultant.

Identity-Related Concerns

Identity related concerns will be addressed as part of SRAS’s predeparture orientation. Students are also always encouraged to ask questions and address concerns at any time to their onsite coordinator or by contacting SRAS. Your safety is our top concern.

Like anyplace in the world, most locals in SRAS locations would prefer to go about their day and see you go about yours. However, like any place in the world, there are a certain number of people who will target others, often based on what they see as “otherness.” Thus, like any place in the world, you should take the precautions listed in the section on safety on this page and be continually aware of your surroundings. Situational awareness is always the key to safety.

There are several specifics to consider:

• You will be a minority. Even if you are a white, CIS, male from the US, once you are abroad, you will be part of a conspicuous minority, set apart by your accent, language, and culture and, in the Caucasus and especially in Central Asia, by the color of your skin.  You may find that people react to you differently; some may seem overly friendly, and some may seem to resent your presence. Again, this is most often not dangerous, but can be a very powerful learning experience.
• People of African and East Asian Descent are still quite rare in most of our locations. It is common for locals to stare and even invade personal space. This is generally done not as an aggression, but simply because they are curious.
• Foreign Females can be considered exotic and sexualized. This issue is more pronounced in Georgia and Kyrgyzstan where more conservative, patriarchal gender dynamics are still at play. Being “hit on” or receiving unwanted advances is particularly common in Georgia.
• Anti-Americanism is generally on the rise around the world. Foreign news reports often focus on America’s controversial foreign policies, as well as racism and inequality in America. Locals are often curious, even passionately so, about your personal opinions on these issues. Most will separate their perceptions of governments from culture and people (with the latter two commanding far greater respect). Most are simply looking for an interesting conversation. You should remain respectful. State your views and listen to those of your conversation partner with interest. Learning what people think and why they think it is one of the greatest lessons you learn while abroad. This category is quite different based on location. For instance:
  • Latvia: Anti-Americanism is rare but can surface among certain groups, particularly older, Russian-speaking non-citizens who have been exposed to Russian state media over the years. These individuals may hold negative views shaped by modern media or Cold War-era biases. However, among the younger generation and most of the general population, attitudes toward the U.S. are positive, with many Latvians appreciating American culture, business, and educational exchanges.
  • Georgia: While there is some nationalism that resists Western influence, anti-Americanism itself is not prevalent in Georgia. The country has strong ties with the West, and many Georgians are supportive of EU and NATO integration, seeing the U.S. as an important ally. However, occasional nationalistic sentiments might lead to uncomfortable conversations about foreign influence, but this tends to be more about preserving Georgian identity than anti-American attitudes specifically.
  • Kyrgyzstan: Anti-Americanism is almost non-existent in Kyrgyzstan. The idea of traveling to or studying in the U.S. is often seen as a dream or goal for many Kyrgyz people.

• Jews face discrimination the world over. SRAS has specific guides to Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Poland, and Latvia, with cultural and safety information.
• LGBTQ+ students are perhaps most likely to face discrimination at home and abroad. While European locations such as Poland and especially in Latvia have relatively advanced legislation protecting LGBTQ+ rights, locations such Georgia and Kyrgyzstan are still very socially and legislatively conservative with “gay propaganda” bills either passed or under discussion.
  • Latvia has many LGBTQ+-friendly spaces, such as clubs and cafes, and the country holds an annual Pride parade. Additionally, Latvia has recognized civil unions and is led by the EU’s first openly gay president. However, there are still few gender-neutral restrooms and there are conservative groups that resist acceptance.
  • Georgia is a conservative, deeply religious country. There is a strong LGBTQ+ community, but they operate in a highly discriminatory environment. Verbal harassment and even acts of violence are not uncommon, with police generally reluctant to intervene. Georgia has passed laws that restrict public promotion of non-traditional sexual relationships, making it risky for students to be open about their sexual identity in public or academic spaces.
  • Kyrgyzstan is a deeply conservative, patriarchal society. While homosexuality is not criminalized, it is far from socially accepted. There are a few LGBTQ+ venues, but the community largely operates underground to avoid unwanted attention. Kyrgyzstan has passed “anti-gay propaganda” laws similar to Russia’s and those who are visibly queer or trans may face discomfort and harassment. While direct confrontations might not be common, the cultural conservatism makes it difficult for LGBTQ+ individuals to live openly. Transgender students in particular may face uncomfortable questions and scrutiny, even if overt hostility is less frequent.

Again, students are always encouraged to ask questions and address concerns at any time to their onsite coordinator or by contacting SRAS.

Etiquette

Here are some rules of etiquette that you should follow when abroad: 

• Locals generally do not wear shoes in the house. When you enter residences, leave your shoes by the door. You will probably be offered a pair of tapochki (slippers).
• Shoes do not go anywhere anything else goes. It’s rude, for instance, to have one’s feet on public seating areas (and in Kyrgyzstan it’s actually illegal!).
• Do not use obscene words in any language. Taboos against using profanity are much stronger in some of our locations than in the US, and the risk of genuinely offending somebody is much higher.
• Never assume that someone doesn’t understand English.
• All SRAS destinations are countries of hospitality, where feeding each other is a bit of a national pastime. It is common for young females, for instance, to invite young male acquaintances to tour their town (if they are from the suburbs or nearby region) or to their parents’ home for dinner. We recommend you go. There are generally no strings attached and it’s a good opportunity to practice your language.
• Chivalry is not dead in these countries. Men offer to carry bags for women. Men are expected to give up their seat on public transport for older people, pregnant women, and families with young children. Men are expected to pay for 100% of any date.
• Women do not generally shake hands with men but may kiss friends (men and women) on the cheek as a greeting.
• Be considerate of gifts, favors, and hospitality, but know that locals will offer you food and drink until you turn it down (usually multiple times). 
• When giving flowers, give an odd number of stems. In many locations, an even number is given only if someone has died.
• Don’t whistle. It is a bad omen in many places and/or considered rude to most locals.
• Don’t shake hands through a doorway. It is bad luck and bad form; wait until you have entered the room, then offer your hand. When leaving, shake hands before opening the door.
• In most SRAS locations, it is tradition that one provides birthday cake (or candy or fruit) for others on one’s OWN birthday. Many will even invite groups of friends out and treat them to dinner (although the friends will usually bring presents for the birthday boy/girl).

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