General Information

We want you to make the most out of your exchange experience by ensuring that you are healthy and safe. In this section, you will find useful information on how to stay safe and well while overseas.

	Check with the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs website: The first thing parents and students should do before travelling anywhere is to check with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) Smartraveller website.  This website provides accurate, up-to-date travel advice on a range of different countries and the risks (if any) in travelling to these countries. To make sure you have a more comprehensive view of the situation in your host country, you may also want to cross-reference with other sources of information, such as the U.S. Department of State's current Travel Warnings , the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade , and the U.K. Foreign Commonwealth Office .
	What to Know about Your Country: Research your new environment, making use of as many different sources as possible - online, in the library, on television and radio news programs, and in the paper. Learn about the health and safety issues of the countries you plan to visit. This includes reading about the cultural and political climate of those countries, as well as learning about how others view people from your country, race, ethnic group, religion, gender and sexual orientation. Don't limit yourself to Australian sources. Instead, contrast the Australian information with that provided by other countries.
	Alcohol and Drugs: Use and abuse of alcohol and drugs abroad can increase the risk of accident and injury. Violating drug laws abroad may result in very serious consequences. In some countries, being found guilty of violating drug laws can result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty.