Exchange Visitor Program Safety Tips

Participants can help avoid their programs going from delightful to disaster by following WWCE’s safety tips. These tips are not exhaustive, and we encourage all participants to research travel safety tips before their departure to the USA.

Documents

While on the program, participants must keep important documents like their passport and DS-2019 as secure as possible. Participants needs to take care not to lose or damage any documents, so we advise participants to use clear, plastic covers for each document and a binder or folder to compile all documents in one place. Once in the USA, participants should lock away their documents, if possible. If a participant is staying at a hotel, there is usually a lockbox located in the closet. If a lockbox is not available, one can be purchased from retailers such as Amazon. Participants should keep two copies of their documents – one in paper form and one in digital form. If any documents are lost or stolen, participants must reach out to WWCE immediately for assistance. 

Money

All participants should keep their money safe by keeping their funds in a bank account. Only small amounts, such as $20 to $40, should be pulled out at a time. Participants should not keep large amounts of cash unattended at work or in their apartment. If a participant loses a bank card, the card can be cancelled and they money will be safe, but if the participant loses cash, it is unlikely to be recovered. 

You should never wire money or send money using virtual payment platforms, like Zelle or Venmo, to:

·      Anyone who claims to be from a government agency

·      Any stranger, no matter what reason they give

·      A telemarketer trying to sell you something

·      Anyone claiming your account is compromised

·      Unauthorized, unverified cryptocurrency sites or salespeople

·      Anyone asking you to send money to yourself

Bicycling

Bicycling is a fantastic way to travel to/from work, explore your city, and exercise. However, there are dangers that come from riding a bicycle. Hundreds of thousands of accidents every year, ranging from minor scrapes to hospitalization to death. Participants must always wear a helmet properly strapped to their head, even if their city does not require it by law. A helmet is effective in reducing injury. Participants are expected to follow all traffic laws while biking. They must be aware of traffic lights and who has right-of-way. They must cross streets only at crosswalks and learn the proper hand signals to use. Participants will be less visible to drivers at night, which is dangerous. This is especially true in harsh weather conditions, like rain. Participants must wear reflective gear at night. Participants should try to find alternate travel options when it's dark. Bike theft is a common crime across the United States, so it’s important to take precautions. Participants should only lock their bikes in designated areas only. Finally, while biking, participants should not listen to music or use headphones. Attention must be focused on the surrounding environment.

All participants need to be mindful as they walk, ride bikes, or ride scooters here in the USA. The traffic conditions may be different than their home countries and cars here may not be as used to pedestrians and/or riders as participants are used to.

Alcohol/Drugs

Alcohol and drugs are taken very seriously in the United States. The legal drinking age in the US 21 years. Participants cannot consume alcohol if they are under 21 yrs. If a participant is over 21 years of age, it is illegal for them to sell alcohol to or purchase alcohol for someone under 21 years of age. For tobacco, the legal age is 21 years, and the same rules apply. Any illicit drug use within the United States is a serious offense that can lead to arrest and recreational drug use may lead to serious physical consequences like hospitalization. If a participant ever finds themselves in a situation where they are presented the opportunity to engage in drug use, they are pressured to use drugs, or there is drug use in their home or employment, they must reach out to WWCE immediately.

Scams

Participants must be aware of phone and email scams that may affect them as an exchange visitor. These scams involve phone calls from alleged government representatives demanding personal information and money with threats of deportation from the U.S. If a participant receives any call or email that may be a scam, they must email WWCE immediately. These resources provide more information on scams, including how to detect a scam:

✈ https://oig.ssa.gov/newsroom/scam-awareness

✈ https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/pass-it-on/imposter-scams#

✈ https://youtu.be/i4nCy6Xs6R8