World Learning is committed to keeping you healthy and safe during travel and throughout the duration of your workshop. If you are uncertain whether a situation should be handled as an emergency, please contact your World Learning program staff. If you are feeling ill, but do not need immediate help, please inform a World Learning staff member so that they are aware of your illness and can take action if your condition worsens. World Learning staff will help you take the appropriate steps to address a potential emergency situation or illness.
Personal Health
Appropriate standards of healthcare are available from selected providers, most commonly found in hospitals or urgent care centers in Washington, DC. There are also a few private medical clinics that offer a limited range of medical services, usually for non-emergencies.
During the workshop, remember to:
Stay hydrated – drink plenty of water!
Get plenty of rest – rest in between sessions and get a good night’s sleep.
Eat nutritiously – seek out meals that make you feel healthy and strong.
Be flexible and adaptable – sometimes things don’t go as planned, so remember to stay positive and flexible in the face of change.
Stay active – walk, stretch, and run at the hotel gym or outside if possible.
Wash your hands often to prevent illness during your workshop.
Carry your ASPE card and student id card with you.
General Safety Tips
Maintain a low profile. Avoid displaying money, wearing jewelry, or carrying valuables such as laptop computers or cameras.
Carry a mobile phone programmed with numbers that would be useful in an emergency (e.g. World Learning, police, your University advisor).
Walk in groups or at least with one other person.
Understand the basic geography of your destination and familiarize yourself with key routes and high-crime areas. If you find yourself disoriented, be discreet when consulting a map – or ask for directions from someone in public.
Avoid disputes, demonstrations, political rallies, and commotions on the street.
Carry cash in more than one pocket and keep a small amount in a top pocket to hand over to a robber if one confronts you.
Obtain small denominations of currency and keep cash/cards in a money belt.
Ignore verbal “bait” from others – do not get into an argument. If you think that you are being followed, enter any public place and call for help.
Maintain a high level of information security. Do not give out personal information. Do not discuss your plans with strangers.
If walking at night, walk in groups and well-lit areas.
Do not accept food or drinks from strangers. Always keep your food and drink in sight in entertainment venues.
Site-Specific Advice: Washington, DC
Travelers should take sensible precautions to reduce the risk of falling victim to petty crime and periodic violent behavior, especially near tourist attractions and on public transport. Please avoid the following places (especially at night).
Fast Food Restaurants such as McDonalds, Burger King, etc.
Gas Stations and Convenience Stores
Alleyways
Parks at Night
Any street that is not well-lit.
Emergency Protocols
In the case of an emergency, you should follow the steps below:
If the emergency requires immediate attention, call the local emergency number. In Washington, DC, the emergency numbers are as follows:
Police: 911
Ambulance: 911
Fire: 911
Contact a World Learning staff member and inform the staff member of the situation. World Learning staff will help to make sure you are safe and cared for.