INTERNATIONAL STUDENTSLIFESTYLE & TRAVELFRAUD

Consider Safety A Game of Chess

Entering a new country for college can be an exciting opportunity for many incoming students. An important aspect of life as an international student is understanding how to maintain safety during this transition. It may be helpful to look at safety measures like playing a game of chess. The more you plan your next move by looking ahead, the more likely you are to prevent risks and protect their pieces. Safety measures are the same way, the more you plan the more likely you are to protect yourself.

Physical Safety

As in chess, a new player to the game may have difficulty understanding the rules and can find themselves distracted as they try to remember them instead of looking ahead to potential dangers to their pieces. Physical safety can be viewed much the same way; distractions can pull focus and cause individuals to become distracted and forget to look ahead for dangers. At times college students may experience situations where their physical safety is at risk. However, international students could be at greater risk due to not fully understanding the new area you live in yet or American social norms. Here are three ways to maintain physical safety:

• Geography –It is important to know where one is, where one is going, and how to get there. If these details are not known, then it is likely you will utilize the technology at hand (pun intended) to get directions. The problem with using technology to get around an area is that it can be a distraction, which can place you in danger. For instance, if you are looking at your phone and concerned with following a map, you may not be aware of crossing signals and vehicle traffic.
• Technology – Individuals who choose to use technology such as earbuds and headphones, may find they are blocking out sounds around them. Being able to hear your surroundings can be an important component of physical safety for many. Using sound blocking devices can place you at risk while walking, jogging, and biking, which could lead to accidents and injuries.
• Escorts – Many campuses offer programs that aid students by escorting you to your vehicles, dorms, and classes during evening hours. If you are uncomfortable walking solo, don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends, professors, or assistance programs to maintain safety. Take time to understand campus resources and learn if there is a safety assistance program in their area too.

Financial Safety

In chess, pieces of the board are currency, players create strategies and try to see ahead to avoid losing as many pieces as possible. During gameplay, it’s important to assess what pieces should be moved next and to where. Likewise, it’s important to assess when to use and who to share financial information, including where and when to use money. Money customs and information sharing are different by country, by state, and by the region of the state you’re in. To better maintain financial safety, understanding these concepts are important. Here are three tips to help:

• Sharing Information – Know when it is appropriate to give personal information and documents. Many times, these documents are used by colleges, financial institutions, and housing authorities like landlords and rental management companies. Unfortunately, fraudsters spend a lot of time learning about potential victims and what tactics to use to take advantage of them financially, which includes using a person’s unfamiliarity to do so. Ask questions and feel free to do research before sharing any sensitive information.
• Securing Information – If someone understands the necessary times to share personal information then it is just as important, they learn how to secure it. Identity theft is often committed by an individual the victim knows. One way to help avoid this is by securing important documents and passwords. When possible, purchase a safe to store important documents while not in use and use an encrypted password keeper to maintain digital records. Additionally, do not share important financial information such as logins, passwords, account numbers, or even account balances with anyone.
• Various Payment Types – Carrying different payment options is part of financial safety because it allows you to maintain the ability to use your money in case one or more methods are not available. For instance, if you needed to get back home after a night out with friends and lost your phone, you can still do so by using a debit card instead of walking alone late at night. On the other hand, if you were to lose your phone and your cards were stored on the back of your phone case, you could still get home with the cash stashed in a pocket after locking your cards in your financial institution’s mobile app.

Mental Safety

Chess is both a rewarding and difficult game which is why so many great books and movies have been created to showcase that. It takes practice, patience, and vigilance to become a chess master. In the same way, it’s no secret that being in college is both rewarding and difficult, which makes practice, patience and vigilance in maintaining mental safety. Read the following three tips to learn more about mental safety:

• Community – As an international student it is important to maintain a connection to culture to help prevent feeling homesick or alone. Be sure to use campus resources and local programs to find those you can talk to and lean on for support.
• Social Limits – Technology is changing at a rapid pace and social media along with it. At times social media can be a great tool to keep in touch with friends and family at home. However, it’s important to recognize that social media can have negative side effects on emotional and mental health. To maintain balance, opt to use social media sparingly or commit to taking social media breaks to be more present.
• Counseling or Therapy – College can feel overwhelming for any student, let alone an individual who is new to the country. Remember to take advantage of the mental health resources available as needed. Being able to share feelings with a professional can help organize thoughts and learn more about feelings and how to best manage them.

Many experiences in the United States as in international student will be filled with excitement, learning, and growth. During this time, taking an active role in maintaining safety whether it be physical, financial, or mental is important. Just like in the game of chess, the more one plans the better the outcome will be. When it comes to safety, the same idea applies, the more you practice looking ahead and taking safety measures the more likely you are to have a good outcome.