Safety

Please review the US State Department‘s Consular Information Sheets (http://travel.state.gov /) for more information about Ecuador or other countries that you intend to visit. This site includes detailed information on entry and exit requirements, as well as any travel warnings or public announcements that are in effect.

Ultimately you are responsible for your own safety. No one can guarantee your absolute safety while you‘re abroad any more than we can guarantee your safety at home. Be assured, however, that we have taken precautions and routinely monitor information about the issues and conditions in Quito and Ecuador.

Please ensure your own safety first. If necessary, call the following:

- Ecuador Program Contact

- Office of International Education

- U.S. Embassy in Quito

Remember to give the PSU International Office permission to contact your parents or family members. Also give them permission to give information to family members or friends who want to know if you arrived, where you are, etc.

HEALTH INSURANCE AND GENERAL GUIDELINES

Please inform program leaders of any travel plans. It is important that they know where you are at all times in case of an emergency.

WE STRONGLY SUGGEST THE FOLLOWING:

Ride in safe cabs.
Don't carry large backpacks on buses or around town.
Don't walk by yourself at night

As a participant in a PSU study abroad program, you will be enrolled in the PSU Study Abroad Insurance Plan. You will receive details on this insurance via email prior to departure and directly from the insurance broker. The cost of insurance is covered in your program fee.

We recommend the following precautions anytime you travel abroad:

(1) Read your medical insurance policy information.

(2) Register your passport with the U.S. Embassy. To register on-line with the U.S. Embassy, go to https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/.

(3) Keep up-to-date on U.S. travel advisories or warnings for the country in which you reside or to which you might be traveling (http://travel.state.gov/). Do not travel in countries where travel advisories or warnings are already in effect. During your travels, the American Consulate services are good sources for up-to-date information.

(4) Keep informed and alert of local issues/news. Stay informed by reading newspapers and magazines (both English-language and those of your host country). In times of political turmoil, stay tuned to the British Broadcasting Corporation, the Voice of America, and the Cable News Network broadcasts for U.S. State Department information.

(5) Try to maintain a relatively low profile and integrate into the host culture as much as possible. Avoid political demonstrations and large groups or gatherings. Do not advertise that you are a US citizen and avoid American hangouts (in large cities or tourist centers, these might even be fast food restaurants, American bank branches, etc.)

(6) Keep your local program leaders, host families/roommates, your family back home informed about your whereabouts if you plan to travel. I know it's hard to go back to letting people know when you're leaving for the weekend, but PSU is responsible for your safety.

(7) Do not carry baggage or parcels for other persons. Incidences of either verbal or physical attacks toward Americans are relatively rare, yet they do occur. You can protect yourself with some common sense and the simple tactics noted above.

Keep in mind that any comments directed at you are rarely personal. Even in the best of times, the above advice will intensify your cultural experience. Living and learning in a culture different from one's own is a valuable experience. It is a time of reflection, insight, and maturation. It is an opportunity to gain a broader perspective on global issues and U.S. foreign policy. By being conscious of your appearance and conduct, you should enjoy an even better integration into the life of your host country.

PICKPOCKETING

Because of Ecuador's economic situation, there is a lot of petty crime at the level of pickpocketing, shoplifting, and robbery. Use your common sense, travel with a partner (especially at night), and use a money belt that fits under your pants when traveling. There is no need to worry excessively, but you should still use average common sense and caution and be vigilant, especially in public transportation and at night.

Watch out at the main bus terminals, Pichincha, El Panecillo, and La Mariscal (now known as “gringolandia"), etc. -- they are notoriously popular for robbers and pickpockets. It is also considered dangerous to walk with cameras hanging from your neck, big backpacks, bags, flashy purses or other items that can be snatched or ―slashed, allowing the thief to make off with the contents while the bag is still on your shoulder.

Watches, necklaces, chains, and other jewelry are also prime targets in crowded areas. Don't walk around with your cell phone out without keeping your eyes and hands on it, etc.

Always hold on tightly to your goods and keep your eyes wide open.

ALCOHOL & DRUGS

It is legal to drink alcohol at 18 years of age in Ecuador. Alcohol is also a standard part of the social life of young Ecuadorians. It is easy to use alcohol to make social situations more comfortable, especially when you have inhibitions about being in a foreign culture and speaking a foreign language. Be aware of how much alcohol you are drinking, and don't depend on it to have a fun time. Also, remember that alcohol has a much stronger effect at 9,000 feet elevation and you put yourself at health and safety risk!

While Ecuador is not an extremely dangerous country, it is also far from being completely safe. Being in control of your actions is extremely important. If you expose yourself to danger by being out of control, you are jeopardizing yourself and the program. Drugs (including not only LSD, crack, marijuana and the like, but also pills, like tranquilizers), are absolutely prohibited in Ecuador. The use of drugs is punished severely and Ecuadorian authorities make no distinction between use and dealing of drugs. Please note that while in Ecuador you are subject to Ecuadorian laws exclusively-- not U.S. laws. Once you are in prison, neither the Resident Director nor the U.S. Embassy can get you out. In recent years, four American exchange students were imprisoned in Ecuador because of drug use. You will be dismissed from the program immediately for drug use.

We should note that, for the most part, over- or inappropriate use of alcohol and drugs have not been issues with our SLP program participants.

SCOPOLAMINE

(Taken from the OUS Handbook written by Marleen Haboud, OUS Resident Director.)

Scopolamine is a drug used by criminals to render their victims helpless. This drug is given orally (mixed in a drink) or absorbed through the skin (sometimes by means of a paper or business card.) A person who takes scopolamine loses all his/her willpower, and will basically do anything he/she is asked. People who have been given scopolamine made withdrawals of thousands of dollars. Others have lost their watch, wallet, clothes, car, etc., and in the worst cases people have been sexually assaulted or have taken a high quantity of the drug resulting in irreversible brain damage. This drug also causes a loss of memory that can last for up to 48 hours. This is pretty scary stuff, but if you use your common sense and avoid dangerous situations, you can reduce your risk.