Women may experience some particular difficulties while abroad. Despite the fact that the rate of violence towards women, including rape, is higher in the US than in many other countries, the mere fact of facing the unfamiliar can raise your anxiety level. This is compounded by language and cultural differences, and by the unfortunate fact that people in other countries often have acquired their knowledge of US women through distorted and stereotyped media images such as those used in TV, ,movies and advertising. American women have acquired a reputation for enjoying a type of lifestyle which contrasts with more traditional behavior in many countries. In addition, cultural differences can extend to body language. US students may encounter people who do not understand their friendliness with strangers as simply a gesture of friendship. A smile, a hairstyle, the way you carry yourself, eye contact, and the distance between people talking can have profoundly different interpretations from culture to culture. Even a smile to a stranger may be misunderstood.
There is much you can do to prepare yourself to face a range of possible situations, from sexual comments or harassment, to the rare extreme of a physically threatening situation. Before leaving, take the time and initiative to learn as much as possible about your host country’s language, religion, customs, and appropriate dress for women. Talk to women and men who have visited your host country and, if possible, talk with people from your host country. The more familiar you are with your new country’s customs, the more respect you will earn and the more you will break down stereotypes. Such knowledge will increase your confidence and independence , which are important to your personal safety. Continue this learning in your host country. Talk to local women. Follow examples of culturally appropriate dress and demeanor. Ask about women’s organizations. While you can’t change the culture around you, you can use your friends (American and host nationals) as a safe haven for developing coping skills and venting frustrations.
You should not use cultural differences as an excuse to endure or excuse verbal or physical abuse; depending on the situation, remove yourself as quickly as possible, confront the person, or ask for support from others. Trust your intuition and feelings. If you are offered a ride and you feel some anxiety, decline the offer. If you are in a setting that makes you nervous, leave immediately. Don’t be persuaded to do something your instincts warn you against. Precautions also apply to social situations. Most likely, you will find everyone you meet to be interesting and interested in you. However, you cannot make judgments about your safety based on another person’s looks, appearance or financial status. Some situations may require you to be assertive and say “no” in a convincing manner.
Only you can determine how best to handle a situation. However, if you prepare yourself before your departure, you will find that you will have more options for dealing with situations.