Tips for staying safe
Abiding local laws
During your time in Denmark or Sweden, be aware that local laws and penalties apply to you. If you break local laws, on Study Tour, or in any country you visit during your DIS term, your passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. Find more information for U.S. citizens.
Prepare
- Learn about the culture and political environment in Denmark or Sweden and any country you will visit. Explore the perceptions of Americans and people of diverse backgrounds. This situational awareness will help you to reduce your risk exposure
- Make copies of your credit cards, passport, and other important documents. Keep these in a safe place to expedite cancellation and replacement in the event they are lost or stolen
- Avoid public or political demonstrations
- Drink responsibly and do not use illegal substances
- Marijuana available in Europe is typically different from the U.S. with higher levels of THC and no regulations for the users’ safety. As a result, DIS students have recently had very serious reactions to marijuana use, including drug induced psychosis and hospitalization.
- IMPORTANT: Illegal drug use may lead to immediate dismissal from the program and the country.
- Save the After-hours Health and Safety Emergency Phone Number in your phone. This number can be contacted 24/7 during your time with DIS, including while on Study Tour or independent travel.
- In the case of an emergency, call 112 to contact local police
- Check your privacy settings on social media and consider what you publicize, as the information can be used for nefarious purposes
- For Copenhagen students, familiarize yourself with bike etiquette and rules
In the moment
- Be aware of the people and circumstances around you and report any suspicious behavior to DIS staff or the police
- Be careful about divulging information about yourself and your classmates to strangers. This includes information about where you live
- Avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourself through dress or action
- Do not leave your bags or valuables unattended and do not transport/assist with a package or suitcase for anyone
- If you experience any type of sexual violence, including relationship violence, while on the DIS program, please know that you have options and support available to you. See more information under sexual assault resources.
In general
- Follow the advice of local authorities, DIS, and the U.S. Department of State
- Trust your instincts. If a situation feels unsafe, speak up or remove yourself. Your safety is more important than hurting someone’s feelings
Bias incidents
Although we hope that you have not experienced a bias-related incident or discrimination, we do know that bias situations can occur within our community and outside it.
DIS takes bias incidents and discrimination very seriously, so we developed a tool for you to inform us about bias-related incidents involving you or another DIS student, whether at DIS or in the public. With this information, DIS can properly understand, address inappropriate and unwelcome behavior, and take the opportunity to educate our community.
View more information under bias education and information.
We welcome any questions or feedback that you may have about this resource. Please email bias@disabroad.org if you have any suggestions.
How to prevent pick-pocketing
Copenhagen and Stockholm have low crime rates compared to many other cities, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching continues to increase, especially in tourist areas and during the summer months. Prevent pick-pocketing by:
- Staying alert in crowded places, on the pedestrian street, metros, trains, buses, and tourist attractions
- Choosing a bag that can close with a zipper and avoid putting valuables in a backpack, which you cannot keep an eye on
- Reacting if someone bumps into you – check your belongings and write down a description of the person if something is missing
- Carrying only what you really need. Ask yourself if all the valuables you are carrying are necessary. If not, leave your things in a safe location
Minimize the risk of bicycle theft
- Always lock your bike, and make sure you can lock it to a stationary object (pole, bike rack, etc)
- Avoid leaving your bike at major transportation stations
- If your bike has a wheel lock, use a secondary external lock
- For Copenhagen students, consider parking your bike in the Vestergade 10 courtyard bike parking area
Keep your home safe
Remember to secure your residence. Though break-ins are rare, they can happen if you are not conscious of keeping your housing locked.
Tips to minimize the risk of a break-in:
- Always lock your door. In DIS housing facilities, this includes locking your door when you’re heading to the common room or to do laundry. Note for Copenhagen students: If you leave your door open/unlocked or wedged open and you are burgled, the insurance company is highly unlikely to replace your items.
- Do not leave valuables sitting out in the open, including your computer. Hide valuables in a closet or somewhere that is not easily accessible
- Close and lock your windows: opening windows is a common practice in Scandinavia to air out your room, but while you are out, they should be closed. This is particularly important if you live on the ground or first floor
- Never leave a spare key outside your room or apartment. If you need to give a key to a roommate or visitor, arrange for them to pick it up at DIS, from a neighbor, or another secure source
When traveling:
- Make it look like someone is home. Leave your lights, curtains, and room as they are when you are not traveling
- Do not announce travel on Facebook, Twitter, or other social media sites. Even if your privacy settings are very controlled, wait to post travel updates and photos until you have returned
Note: If you leave the door unlocked, any theft incident will not be considered a result of a break-in and your DIS insurance will not cover any loss.
Safety measures for independent travels
This is a resource for DIS students who choose to travel during the weekend or travel breaks. For more information on Study Tour safety measures, refer to the Emergency Response Plan When on DIS Travel.
Independent travel plans
Prior to your independent travel that takes you outside of Copenhagen or Stockholm overnight or longer, you are required to provide your itinerary and contact details to DIS. We will keep this information on file in order to facilitate communication in the case of an emergency.
Students choosing to undertake independent travel do so with the understanding that they are solely responsible for the travel arrangements, preparations and risks, including personal and financial. DIS Academic Regulations require that independent travel not interfere with DIS academic courses including Field Study and Study Tours. In addition, you must adhere to your home institution requirements regarding any and all travel policies, including those that might limit travel to specific locations.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
All students are encouraged to register with the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for the duration of their time with DIS, as well as all travel (DIS-sponsored and independent) before, during, and after their program. This allows the U.S. Department of State to send updates relevant to their travel and allows the Embassy to contact them directly in case of an emergency.
Consult U.S. Department of State resources
Before booking travel, and prior to beginning your journey, review the important travel information provided by the U.S. State Department. Non-U.S. citizens may find similar resources from their own government, as well. Get updated information about your destination from the U.S. State Department.
Know your embassy
Before traveling, find out where the nearest embassy will be located. Save the embassy’s contact information in your phone in case of an emergency. Find the U.S. embassy directory. Non-U.S. citizens will find similar information from their government online or by calling your government’s representative in the U.S.
Get educated
One of the best ways to increase your safety while traveling it to be educated on the location you are visiting. Review the U.S Department of State’s Traveler’s checklist, as well as look at news from the location you will visit. Read reviews in travelers forums for other travelers and talk to anyone you know who has visited the location.
Care for yourself and your valuables
If traveling outside of the EU (within the EU, the emergency number is always 112), note the emergency phone number for that location and keep it on you. Find worldwide emergency numbers per country.
Should you choose to use a rideshare service, such as Uber, while abroad, DIS recommends that you follow the following safety tips:
- Do not get into a car until you have:
- Made sure the driver’s information on the app matches the person who has arrived, including the car’s make and model and license plate
- Asked the driver to confirm your name
- If you are alone, sit in the back seat
- Share your travel plans with a friend or family member
Marijuana is an illegal substance in most countries in the European Union. What is available is typically different from the US with higher levels of TCH and no regulations for the users’ safety. As a result, DIS students have recently had very serious reactions to marijuana use, including drug induced psychosis and hospitalization.
If you experience any type of sexual violence while on the DIS program, including while traveling independently, please know that you have options and support available to you. See more information under sexual assault resources.
Save the After-hours Health and Safety Emergency Phone Number in your phone. This number can be contacted 24/7 during your time with DIS, including while on independent travel.
Keep in contact with your emergency contacts, friends, and family
In addition to reporting your planned travel to DIS, be sure your emergency contacts (often your parents) know that you will be traveling, have a copy of your itinerary, and can reach you in an emergency. Let them know when you plan to check in with them and assure you do so to avoid scaring them. Except in an emergency, DIS will not provide travel details to emergency contacts, friends, or families.
Families can contact the U.S. Department of State Office of Citizens Services at 1.888.407.4747 if they are not able to locate their student in a crisis or need crisis assistance. Review What the Department of State Can and Cannot do in a Crisis, and read this article about ways to locate someone in a crisis abroad.