Stay Safe While Enjoying Yourself in Foreign Exchange Student Program
Going for parties during your duration of stay in foreign exchange student program can be fun especially when you’re not grounded by anyone but at the same time all kind of traps could be revealed throughout the night making you vulnerable to all kinds of danger, so here are a few tips to stay safe in certain situations especially for girls.
First is about being followed. Joining foreign exchange student program doesn’t get you escaped from danger. Always remember that you are now abroad in a foreign country. If you are dropped off a few metres away from your house and you sense that someone is trailing you, switch sides by crossing to the other side of the road with traffic coming towards you. If that person still follows and gets closer, flag down a car and ask for help immediately. You can also make some noise if you have a whistle with you, blow it and head to a brighter area with lights and more individuals. Avoid taking shortcuts or back alleys when you are walking alone or find a friend or someone to walk with you to be on the safe side.
Second is when you are at a party, if you are hanging out with our friends at a party, always watch out for each other. Never leave them unattended, not even for a minute. If you have to leave your table for any reason, get a new one or ask your friends to keep an eye on each other drinks to make sure nobody slips any drugs or substances into them. Do not ever accept drinks from people or strangers you do not know. If possible, create a code word with your host parents or friends so if you are ever in trouble just call and say the word.
Finally would be to learn some self defence. Be it whether during your foreign exchange student program or before. If someone is attacking you, try your best to strike the person at one of the most vulnerable area. If someone grabs you from behind, turn around, reach up and try to gouge him in his eye with your thumb or fingers, briefly blinding him. Hit him quickly in the groin area with your knee and run. If he grabs you from the side, turn to face him and punch him hard in the throat with your fist, which will cause choking. As he stumbles backwards, run! Use any available object you can reach. Throw sand into his eyes or hit him with a stick or any other available object. When there is a chance to escape, run!
Your safety is your own responsibilities
So basically we can have fun at parties all the time but always remember to be responsible of your own safety! You only have yourself to depend on when it comes to personal safety so if you do care for yourself, be cautious and alert of your well being wherever you are. Make your experience in the foreign exchange student program a memorable one!