Hannover and Clausthal-Zellerfeld are very safe places. Crime rates are very low and barely existent in Clausthal-Zellerfeld. Nevertheless, you will be provided with an emergency telephone number. Your supervisor will also nominate a contact person should you feel the need to get in touch.

Yet, you should take the same common-sense safety precautions that you would at home: be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables concealed. Be prudent when meeting strangers, and listen to safety advice from your supervisors and local residents. Remember, most incidents happen when you are careless.

1. Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visas, if required. Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport!
2. Read the Consular Information Sheets (and Public Announcements or Travel Warnings, if applicable) for the countries you plan to visit.
3. Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page and visas with family or friends at home, so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency. Keep your host program informed of your whereabouts.
4. Make sure you have insurance that will cover your emergency medical needs (including medical evacuation) while you are overseas.
5. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. Remember, while in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws!
6. Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas and never accept packages from strangers.
7. While abroad, avoid using illicit drugs or drinking excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages, and associating with people who do.
8. Do not become a target for thieves by wearing conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of cash or unnecessary credit cards.
9. Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money to avoid violating local laws.
10. When overseas, avoid demonstrations and other situations that may become unruly or where anti-American sentiments may be expressed.