OTHER TIPS
Here you can find some tips about isssues that can be useful for you:
Make a lost document kit. Make photocopies of your passport, credit cards, ATM card, driver’s license, student ID, birth certificate, and/or other valuable documents. Put these photocopies in an envelope and leave it at your homestay. If your documents are lost or stolen, having these copies will make the process of getting replacements much easier.
Carry your keys and cell phone in a front pocket. This makes them harder to steal. Avoid carrying keys and home address in the same place. If a thief has your keys and knows where you live, there is a chance that your home may be robbed as well. If your keys are lost or stolen, report this to your host family immediately. In most cases, you will be responsible for the cost of changing the locks at the home (this can cost anywhere from 100€ to 300€).
PRESHCO’s advice is to be sensible. Always watch your bags. Don’t spend lots of time in places where Americans congregate. Don’t “hold” or “watch” packages for strangers. Don’t call attention to yourself, either by your behavior or your clothing. If you find yourself in a dangerous situation, leave, call the RD or a staff member.
Any and all crimes (or attempted crimes) should be reported to the Resident Director (and to the police) as soon as possible. Our colleges require a PRESHCO INCIDENT REPORT from any student who suffers an incident of any kind, or who is party to any potentially harmful incidents. These forms are available in the program office. We have had relatively few problems with crime in the city of Córdoba, itself. Most incidents reported by students have involved attempted theft or pickpocketing. Keep the value of what you carry around at a minimum so that you will not be devastated if something is stolen. Petty theft does not usually include violence or guns. However, if you are threatened with a weapon or physical abuse, you will avoid danger by rapidly surrendering your possessions. If you do experience a theft, the program can loan you money until other arrangements can be made. If you need to secure a duplicate passport, the US consulate will require a copy of a police report.
VERY IMPORTANT! Maintain personal control at all times, as liquor and mind-altering substances can cloud judgment. You should be even more careful and disciplined in this regard than you are at home: remember, you are not yet fully conversant with local customs, something that can lead to misunderstandings. If you go out to bars or discos, do not go alone. It is very unusual for young people to go out alone in Spain; mostly, people go with groups of friends. Someone walking a deserted street at 5 a.m. is a prime target for muggers—and worse. If, for whatever reason, you find yourself in a situation in which you fear for your safety, walk into an all-night store or another business and ask for assistance; call a taxi, or call the staff. Sometimes a small investment in a taxi will save a great deal of money and aggravation (and taxi fares can be reimbursed from reembolso funds if you save receipts). Keep a 10€ note tucked into a safe place for this purpose.
Be wise about the new friends that you make. Stick to the basics we learned when we were young: refuse drinks or rides from strangers. Keep your eye on your drink. Never leave a drink unattended. If you do leave it don’t finish it.
During your study abroad experience, you will come into contact with people from a great variety of social, economic and educational backgrounds both in daily life and in social establishments. This makes for lively street life, cafés and nightlife—but it also means that you may be instantly judged on your appearance and behavior. What you wear and how you behave may be “read” and interpreted by others, who may then follow up on their own ideas with both verbal and physical responses. It is your right to wear what you wish, but keep in mind that Spain is a country where “las apariencias” count very much, and where clothing is considered one of the basic markers of what one consciously chooses to represent. Taking a more conservative approach to dress, and a more cautious approach to entertainment will help to keep you safe and comfortable.
PRESHCO students are expected to behave in ways that will not put themselves or others at risk, nor will damage the reputation of the program.