C e n t e r     f o r     International  Academic  Programs

Pre-Departure Handbook

To Women

At the risk of sounding alarmist, and at the risk of perpetuating unfair stereotypes, we urge you to be more careful about where you go, when you go, and with whom you go than you are accustomed to being at home. This is not to say that you shouldn't go out with men and establish relationships of various kinds with them. We wish to warn you about casual encounters, possible misreading of non-verbal cues, potential real misunderstandings owing to language difficulties, and inaccurate notions about American women in the minds of many men.

One common assumption is that American women are "easy." Some men will harass American women though the same men would not dream of treating "their own" women in similar ways. For the most part, such harassment is relatively harmless although it can be extremely annoying. Due to the unique social and cultural milieu in the U.S., most Americans tend to be less reserved, less inhibited and less restrained to communicate friendliness and sociability. But in some areas abroad this outgoing manner, especially on the part of young women, can be grossly misinterpreted.  A friendly smile and a warm "hello" on the streets of Rome could be easily interpreted by an Italian man as something more than mere friendliness. Therefore, it is wise to be more formal and restrained in your social contacts.

Uncomfortable situations can often be avoided by taking the following precautions. Dress conservatively. Although short skirts, shorts and tank tops may be comfortable, they may also encourage unwanted attention.

In many countries if you are out alone-- even during the day visiting a museum, for example--your solitude may be construed as an invitation for company. Take cues from the local women on behavior. Talk to people about what to do in certain situations before they arise. Asking older women for their help is often recommended as an effective tactic. Avoid walking alone at night or in questionable neighborhoods. You should also be wary of going to unfamiliar places, like beaches and parks, with men whom you do not know well. Invitations will not be lacking, and rape, especially "date rape," is as much a reality abroad as it is in the U.S.

Do not carry mace with you unless you are absolutely certain that it is necessary, and that carrying it is not in violation of the laws of the country in which you are traveling. Mace and pepper sprays are illegal in Britain.  Check with customs upon entering the country.

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