[Study abroad safety guide] Six key things students need to know to handle trouble!
Lifestyle2025-01-08
5 Mins Read
Studying abroad offers students an accelerated opportunity for growth, whether it’s making friends from around the world or learning to live independently. The benefits are invaluable; however, these opportunities often come with challenges, ranging from daily security issues to sudden health risks. As an international student, it’s crucial to be well-prepared to ensure that their time abroad is as safe and worry-free as possible.
1. Basic knowledge of study abroad safety
- Local security and legal regulations
Every country and region has its own laws and regulations. It is essential for international students to familiarise themselves with and adhere to these local rules to avoid any trouble. For example, in the United States, the legal drinking age is 21, which is different from that in Hong Kong.
- Cultural differences and social norms
Cultural differences can pose another challenge for international students. For instance, at welcome events at overseas universities, alcohol and other social activities may be involved. If they're uncomfortable with this, it’s a good idea to communicate with friends or classmates beforehand to understand whether it’s acceptable to politely decline invitations, thereby avoiding any potential discomfort.
- Fraud prevention
International students are often targeted by fraudsters. Scammers may impersonate schools or government agencies, contacting students via phone or email to request personal information or payment of supposed ‘administrative fees.’ They might also ask for bank account details, claiming that failure to pay will result in the cancellation of enrollment. Students should always remain vigilant and verify the authenticity of any such communications.
When searching for accommodation, students should be cautious of ‘housing fraud.’ Fraudsters may lure students with offers of ‘cheap rent’ and request upfront payment for rent or deposits on properties that do not exist. These students often realise they’ve been scammed only after making the payment. To avoid this, students should select accommodation through official channels, such as the services provided by their university, and refrain from engaging in financial transactions with strangers.
Planning for your child's study abroad journey?
AXA SmartStudent Overseas has students' backs!
2. Travel and personal safety
Using public transport
Transport systems and habits vary significantly between countries, making it essential to understand local traffic rules and how public transport operates to ensure safety.
For example, in Toronto, local traffic can be quite congested, and traffic delays often occur. To avoid such issues, students should familiarise themselves with local transport options and allow ample time for travel to prevent rushing, which could result in accidents.
Personal safety measures
Whether shopping, walking home, or attending social events, everyday safety precautions are equally important. Students should remain vigilant at all times and avoid travelling alone, particularly in unfamiliar or remote areas.
In certain parts of Los Angeles, especially economically disadvantaged areas, security risks may increase at night. To ensure safety, students should avoid walking alone in such areas at night. If students find themselves needing to go out at night, it’s important to stay safe. Try not to venture out alone; instead, travel with a buddy in a taxi. And don’t forget to keep their friends or family in the loop about their whereabouts.
The importance of overseas study insurance
Accidents are unpredictable, regardless of where students are. This is why having overseas study insurance is vital for international students. For instance, in Australia and New Zealand, extreme sports such as diving and surfing are popular. If students plan to engage in these activities, insurance is essential to cover the potentially high medical expenses that may arise from accidents.
Overseas study insurance is equally important for other activities:
Weekend travel
Many students take short trips during weekends or holidays to explore nearby cities or attractions. In the UK, students often visit popular cities such as London, Edinburgh, and Oxford. While these locations are attractive, they also present safety concerns, such as pickpocketing. Students should remain vigilant, especially in crowded metro stations and tourist hotspots.
To ensure safety during travel:
- Secure valuable items: Keep passports, cash, and credit cards in separate, secure locations, preferably in anti-theft bags. Avoid displaying valuables in crowded places.
- Understand local traffic rules: For instance, in Australia, vehicles drive on the left side of the road. Students must be mindful of traffic directions to prevent accidents.
- Use reliable transport: Avoid unfamiliar transport services in unknown areas, especially at night. If needed, opt for taxis from licensed companies.
AXA SmartStudent Overseas provides comprehensive personal accident coverage and market-leading medical expense protection. The coverage extends beyond the city of study, including leisure travel during the academic period. This ensures students receive prompt medical support and full protection in case of accidents while travelling.
Internships and part-time jobs
During their studies, many students participate in local internships or part-time work to gain professional experience. However, these activities also come with safety risks. Students must understand local labor laws to ensure they are working legally and are protected under these regulations.
Key safety tips include:
- Understand workplace safety protocols: Before starting a new job, familiarise themselves with the emergency procedures. For example, in a restaurant, students should know the location of fire safety equipment and the evacuation steps in case of a fire.
- Protect personal information: Avoid sharing excessive personal details with strangers, especially during online part-time jobs.
AXA SmartStudent Overseas also covers internships and non-manual part-time jobs during their studies, so that students can also receive comprehensive protection while working.
Outdoor activities
Outdoor activities are an integral part of experiencing life abroad, from skiing and hiking in Switzerland to surfing and diving in Australia, as well as trekking in Canada. However, these adventurous pursuits come with risks, and accidents can occur unexpectedly.
To enhance safety during such activities:
- Choose qualified guides or instructors: When skiing or hiking, opt for experienced guides or professional coaches who can provide assistance and guidance during emergencies.
- Understand activity risks: Before skiing, students should familiarise themselves with the slope's safety rules, wear appropriate safety gear (such as helmets and knee pads), and avoid activities during bad weather or poor visibility.
- Monitor weather changes: Weather shifts can pose significant risks during outdoor activities. For instance, sudden snowfall or storms while hiking in Canada may require finding shelter quickly to avoid prolonged exposure to harsh conditions.
- Assess physical fitness: Extreme sports demand physical endurance. Students should evaluate their health before participation and avoid activities when feeling unwell or overtired.
AXA SmartStudent Overseas covers a wide range of leisure adventure activities, including bungee jumping, skiing, hiking, windsurfing, and diving. This coverage allows students to enjoy thrilling experiences with the peace of mind that they are fully protected.
Planning for your child's study abroad journey?
AXA SmartStudent Overseas has students' backs!
3. Accommodation safety
When choosing accommodation, international students should keep the following points in mind.
- Choose a safe living environment
Firstly, ensure that the area students select has good security. In some cities in the United States, safety conditions can vary significantly by neighborhood. For example, in New York City, Manhattan is generally considered safer, while areas such as Brooklyn and Harlem may pose higher security risks. International students should opt for areas with good transport links and relatively high safety levels, ideally close to their university or public transport hubs.
Additionally, when selecting accommodation, it’s advisable to choose buildings with 24-hour security services to ensure adequate safety, even at night. If sharing accommodation with roommates, it’s essential to select their roommates carefully and ensure that their room has appropriate safety measures in place.
- Fire and theft prevention measures
Fire and theft prevention measures are equally important when considering accommodation, and students should have sufficient knowledge of disaster preparedness. For instance, in Japan, most university dormitories provide detailed fire safety education and conduct regular fire drills. Before moving in, the university briefs students on fire prevention procedures and shows them the location of safety exits, fire extinguishers, and other necessary facilities.
When renting a property, ensure that the accommodation is equipped with smoke detectors, proper fire extinguishers, and clearly marked escape routes. If students are renting a private apartment, it’s important to check the security of the doors and windows. In older buildings, the locks may be weaker and easier to break. Before renting, inspect the locks on the doors and windows carefully, and ensure that the front door has an appropriate security lock system in place.
- Protecting personal belongings
Moreover, protecting their personal belongings is crucial. Losing valuable items, such as laptops, mobile phones, or wallets, can cause significant inconvenience.
For example, in the UK, certain areas of London with poorer security conditions may experience higher theft rates, especially in crowded public places. Students should always keep their belongings secure. Additionally, it’s wise to install adequate anti-theft measures, such as electronic door locks or safes, and to avoid leaving valuable items unattended.
AXA SmartStudent Overseas provides international students with up to HKD20,000 worth of global personal belongings coverage and up to HKD 10,000 for overseas home contents protection, reducing the financial impact of lost or damaged items and offering peace of mind for both students and their families.
4. Health and medical support
Living abroad as an international student can expose them to different dietary habits, weather conditions, and various life pressures, all of which may affect their health. Therefore, it is crucial for international students to understand the local healthcare system and prepare adequately for their health needs before going abroad.
- Emergency medical support
There can be significant differences in the availability and quality of medical resources and services between countries. Understanding the local emergency medical services is an essential preparation before studying abroad. For instance, in the United States, if students experience an accident or need emergency care, they should call the local emergency number, 911, to quickly reach an ambulance and emergency medical services.
In the UK, it is important to familiarize themselves with the NHS (National Health Service), which provides public healthcare services. International students in the UK can register with a GP (General Practitioner) to receive basic medical care. For minor ailments, students can visit the GP clinic, and prescribed medications can be purchased at local pharmacies.
- The importance of overseas study insurance
Regardless of their destination, medical insurance for students is crucial. Many countries require international students to provide proof of insurance before enrolling or upon arrival. Purchasing insurance in advance ensures a smoother study abroad experience. Medical costs vary between countries, with places like the US and Canada having particularly high medical fees. For example, in the US, the cost of an emergency visit can exceed several hundred dollars, and hospital treatment can be much more expensive. Without proper insurance, these costs can become a heavy financial burden. Since insurance policies differ by country, it’s vital to verify the coverage offered by their overseas study insurance and choose a policy that meets their needs and complies with local requirements.
AXA SmartStudent Overseas offers students up to HK$2,000,000 in medical expense coverage, including hospitalisation, outpatient treatments, and medical care, as well as up to HK$250,000 for medical treatment upon return to Hong Kong, ensuring that students receive timely and comprehensive medical support if they encounter health issues.
- Disease prevention and health maintenance
In addition to proper insurance coverage, international students should be mindful of their daily health protection. For instance, many students face issues such as jet lag or difficulty adjusting to new diets when first arriving abroad. Understanding local dietary habits and gradually adjusting their diet can help prevent discomfort caused by these changes.
Students should also consider receiving necessary vaccinations before travelling abroad. For example, in the UK, students are typically required to provide proof of immunisation when enrolling, ensuring they have received vaccinations for common infectious diseases such as Hepatitis B, measles, and mumps. These preventive measures help reduce the risk of illness, making the study abroad experience smoother and more enjoyable. It is also advisable to prepare a list of important medical information, such as contact details for local hospitals and any known drug allergies, for use in case of medical emergencies. If students have specific health needs (such as chronic conditions or long-term medications), it is important to consult with their doctor before departure and ensure they have the necessary medications or medical certificates.
Planning for your child's study abroad journey?
AXA SmartStudent Overseas has students' backs!
5. Response measures for special situations
Studying abroad is filled with new experiences and challenges, but it may also involve unexpected situations, such as natural disasters. Knowing how to respond and prepare effectively can reduce risks and minimise losses.
- Natural disasters and emergencies
Natural disasters, such as earthquakes, storms, and floods, are unpredictable. However, by understanding the disaster risks in their destination country beforehand, students can improve their ability to cope. For example, Japan is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire and experiences frequent earthquakes, so local schools and governments regularly conduct earthquake preparedness drills.
- School closure emergency plans
Certain emergencies may cause schools to suspend classes, such as pandemics. International students should follow their institution’s emergency procedures. For instance, during the pandemic, the UK government required all schools to suspend in-person classes and switch to online teaching. Many international students had to quickly adapt to online learning platforms and adjust their study habits. To support students in such situations, AXA SmartStudent Overseas offers school closure allowances to help students financially during periods when classes are suspended.
- Temporary accommodation support
If their rented accommodation becomes uninhabitable due to a fire, natural disaster, or other causes, temporary accommodation support may be necessary. As an international student, it is important to familiarise themselves with their accommodation’s emergency exits, evacuation instructions, and fire safety measures. Additionally, if they are unable to continue living in their accommodation due to a disaster, AXA SmartStudent Overseas provides temporary accommodation coverage, ensuring students are not burdened with extra stress during difficult times.
6. Emergency assistance channels
In the unfortunate event of an emergency, knowing how to seek help quickly is crucial to receive timely assistance.
Contacting the local consulate
If international students face more serious issues or crises, the local consulate is the most direct avenue for assistance. The consulate can provide legal aid, assist with missing persons or those detained, and even facilitate emergency evacuations during major disasters. Specific ways to seek help include:
- Hotlines: Most consulates have 24-hour emergency hotlines that can assist with accidents, major illnesses, or other crisis situations.
- Embassy website and online assistance: In most countries, students can find necessary help information through the consulate’s website. Many consulates also offer online services such as remote legal consultations or assistance with travel documents.
Familiarise themselves with local emergency contact numbers
Each country has its own emergency contact numbers, and it is essential for every student to be aware of these. For instance,
- USA: Dial 911 to contact police, fire services, or emergency medical assistance.
- UK: In case of emergencies, students can dial 999 to reach police, fire services, or medical emergency services.
- Australia: In Australia, the emergency services number is 000, which is used for police, fire, or medical emergencies.
Our thoughtful assistance services
In addition to local consulates and emergency hotlines, AXA SmartStudent Overseas offers 24/7 worldwide emergency assistance. If students encounter an accident or medical emergency during their studies abroad, they can contact AXA emergency assistance hotline at any time for medical advice or even to arrange emergency medical evacuation transport.
Online help platforms in emergencies
With the advancement of technology, many countries and institutions have begun offering online help channels. Numerous universities provide online emergency assistance platforms, allowing students to report urgent situations via campus apps or official websites. The university will then dispatch campus security or personnel to assist.
Study abroad with peace of mind: Safety first
Studying abroad is an unforgettable journey of growth, but it also presents various unknowns and challenges. Throughout this experience, safety awareness must be a top priority for every international student. From basic safety precautions in daily life to response measures in emergencies, being aware of and prepared for potential risks enables students to handle challenges with confidence, ensuring they can focus on their studies and enjoy their time abroad.
AXA SmartStudent Overseas offers comprehensive coverage, including medical, accident, and emergency support, providing the strongest safety net for students during their overseas study journey. With AXA, they can enjoy their study abroad experience without worry.
How AXA SmartStudent overseas provides them with comprehensive coverage
- Wide coverage for various age groups: Students aged 10 to 35 are eligible for coverage.
- Market-leading coverage amounts: Medical expenses are covered up to HKD2,000,000, including up to HKD250,000 for follow-up treatment in Hong Kong.
- Extensive personal accident protection: Up to HKD1,000,000 accidental death or permanent disablement cover, plus additional compensation up to HKD500,000 if the accident is resulted from riding on a common carrier, kidnap or natural disaster; for accidental broken bones, the compensation is up to HKD30,000; and a separate education fund* up to HKD300,000.
- Point-to-point protection: Our coverage extends beyond just their study city, ensuring they are protected during internships, part-time jobs, and leisure travel anywhere abroad during their studies.
- Comprehensive property protection: Personal property is covered up to HKD20,000, including coverage for their belongings at home abroad, with a maximum reimbursement of HKD10,000.
- Always a place to stay: If their overseas accommodation becomes uninhabitable due to an accident, we will cover temporary accommodation expenses up to HKD 5,000.
- Timely cash support: If their school is forced to close for more than 3 consecutive days due to a natural disaster or government mandate, they will be entitled to compensation of up to HKD2,000.
- Complete sports freedom – covers most adventurous sports such as bungee jumping, rafting, wind surfing, snow skiing, snowboarding and more.
- Worry-free experience: There are no excess or deductible for any of the coverage offered.
*Education fund is a subsidy to enable the continuation of education in the event that the insured student’s parent/guardian suffers from accidental death or permanent disablement.
Insurance plans vary in coverage and are subject to their respective terms and conditions. For detailed terms and conditions of the plan, please refer to the relevant product brochure and policy contract.
No warranty or responsibility is assumed by AXA Hong Kong and our related or holding companies regarding non-infringement, security, accuracy, completeness, adequacy, reasonableness, fitness for a purpose or free from computer viruses in connection with the information and materials provided. AXA Hong Kong and our related companies and holding companies do not accept any liability for any loss, damage, cost or other expense, whether wholly or partially, directly or indirectly, arising from any error, inaccuracy or omission of the information and materials to the extent that such liability is not excluded by law.
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