As I anxiously prepare for my semester abroad in Europe, I am constantly reminded of how dangerous it can be, and advised to be very careful. While I am excited to get away from the perpetual talk of politics and the social injustices, the whispered study abroad horror stories in my ear are reminders that I must heed everyone’s advice to “be careful.”
The one story everyone is familiar with is the movie Taken, when two college girls went to Paris and were abducted by sex slave traders and almost auctioned off until one of their fathers found her. As a young American girl, parents and other adults are more worried that things like this will happen while my friends and I travel abroad. By sticking together with a big group and being more wary than usual in strange situations, this will hopefully be avoidable.
Other common stories are ones of American students being robbed or mysteriously losing their wallets. Many people believe that “looking American” is one of the worst things you can do while traveling in Europe and surrounding areas because Americans are targeted more often, probably because they are the ones that look really confused or ask the waiter whether or not they should tip. Thus, to avoid robbery while abroad, one should prepare for their travels before-hand so as to not be confused and in doing so, have the ability to pay attention and be as aware of your surroundings as possible.
Recently, in Rio, at the Olympics yesterday, Ryan Lochte, a USA swimmer, and three of his teammates were robbed at gunpoint by men who were impersonating police men in a taxi. While none of the athletes were injured, they were in a very dangerous situation. Lochte lost his wallet, but thankfully he still has his gold medal.
While there are dangerous situations in the states, it is important to be even more aware and cautious while you are traveling in unknown territory. Be careful not to miss out on some awesome sightseeing out of fear of being targeted!
