Health, Safety, and Wellness

In general, the United States is a very safe place. You should feel comfortable in your host community. However, it is always a good idea to keep security and safety in mind, especially when traveling after your program has ended. Overall, you will find this country full of warm, friendly people who will enjoy meeting you, sharing their culture with you, and learning about your culture. If you use common sense, you will be able to avoid most difficulties and have a wonderful, safe time in the United States.

Here are some tips for maintaining your well-being and staying safe:

• Do not hitchhike or accept rides from strangers.
• Do not jaywalk or walk across or along highways.
• Always wear a bike helmet and obey all traffic laws when riding a bike. Use lights and reflective clothing at night.
• Remember that cars drive on the right side of the road in the USA.
• Do not carry more money than you will need for the day.
• Be aware of your surroundings when using an ATM.
• Take extra caution at night.
• Do not accept any form of money from strangers.
• Do not carry your passport with you if you don’t need it. Carry a different form of identification, such as your driver’s license or a photocopy of your passport.
• Protect your personal ID and confidential information: your Social Security number is yours alone. Do not share this number or allow others to use your number. Record your number in a safe place in case your card is lost or stolen. Protect both your card and your number to prevent misuse.
• Don’t respond to emails from strangers or provide personal information over the Internet unless on a trusted website with appropriate security.
• Do not jog or walk alone at night.
• Avoid parks, woods, and remote areas when you are alone, especially at night.
• Always let someone know where you are going and when you will return. Contact someone if your plans change.
• If you feel you are being followed, cross the street and observe what the other person does. Put space between yourself and the person following you. Pretend to see a friend, even if it is a person you do not know and call out or wave to that person. You should try to attract attention and scare away the person following you. If a store, restaurant or business nearby is open, go inside and ask for help.
• If you think you are being followed while driving, drive to the nearest police or fire station.
• Notify the authorities and InterExchange immediately if you are threatened by your employer, colleagues, landlord, or anyone else.
• During local emergencies, obey all warnings and advice from authorities and read communications from InterExchange.
• Be aware of the Wilberforce laws that protect you and the rights you have as an exchange visitor
• Know the Signs of Trafficking: Everyone can help combat human trafficking by recognizing potential indicators and reporting suspected cases of human trafficking.

If you are ever in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. Please also contact InterExchange to update us on the situation. We are also available 24/7 if there is an emergency. You can reach us at (888) 621-1202 during business hours. However, if you experience an emergency outside of business hours, please call (917) 373-0994.