Health & Safety Handout for Abroad Programs

Program Name: Student Teaching Abroad:

Countries/Cities to be visited during program (overnight stays): , Brazil

The EAO encourages students to take responsibility for their own safety and security by carefully reading the information, advice, and resources provided, including the following websites:

CDC Website (Health Information for Travelers): http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/brazil

State Department Website (International Travel Information): Brazil: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country/brazil.html Students Abroad: http://studentsabroad.state.gov/smarttravel.php Traveling with Disabilities: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/go/disabilities.html LGBT Travel Information: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/go/lgbt.html

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some additional vaccines may also be required for travel. Routine vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. The CDC may also recommend additional vaccines or medications depending on where and when you are traveling. Please consult with your doctor/medical professional if you have questions or concerns regarding which vaccines/medicines are right for you.

Country Specific Vaccinations/Medications: All Travelers: Routine Vaccinations (MMR, DTaP, Chickenpox, Polio, Flu) Most Travelers: Hepatitis A, Typhoid Some Travelers: Hepatitis B, Malaria, Rabies, Yellow Fever Visit the CDC website listed above, check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.

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• Familiarize yourself with attitudes, local laws, and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. • Remember that no matter how safe you feel there is crime everywhere. Pick-pocketing and theft of a purse or bag is most common. Use common sense; stay aware of your surroundings. • To avoid being a target of crime, do not wear conspicuous clothing or expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money or unnecessary credit cards. • Avoid traveling alone or at night. Always tell someone your travels plans including your destination, hotel, dates of travel, and method of travel. • Avoid protest groups or other potentially volatile situations.

City/region specific safety information: Brazilian police and media report that the crime rate remains high in most urban centers. In airports, hotel lobbies, bus stations, and other public places, pick pocketing and the theft of hand-carried luggage and laptop computers is common. You should "dress down" when in public and avoid carrying valuables or wearing jewelry or expensive watches. Take care at and around banks and ATMs that accept U.S. credit or debit cards. The city continues to experience high incidences of crime. Tourists are particularly vulnerable to street thefts and robberies in the evening and at night especially in areas adjacent to major tourist attractions. There have been attacks, including shootings, along trails leading to the famous Corcovado Mountain and in other parts of the Tijuca Forest. If robbed, do not attempt to resist or fight back, but rather relinquish your personal belongings. At all times, pay close attention to your surroundings and the behavior of those nearby.

Demonstrations and political/labor strikes are common in urban areas and may cause temporary disruption to public and private transportation. These events could become violent – do not engage with or participate in such activities. If you become aware of a protest in your vicinity, you should avoid the area; remain indoors and close doors and windows.

ACCESSIBILITY: While in Brazil, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you find in the United States. Although federal and state laws have provisions ensuring access to buildings for persons with disabilities, states do not have programs to enforce them effectively. Accessibility to public transportation and the ability to accommodate the needs of physically disabled persons are limited in many areas.

LGBT RIGHTS: , , bisexual, and (LGBT) people in Brazil enjoy many of the same legal protections as non-LGBT people. However, you should keep in mind that individual biases, opinions, and attitudes may vary (much like in the United States). For many in Brazil attitudes are closely tied to the catholic church which may not always be supportive of the LGBT community.

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Country specific advice/tips for local travel: Travel in paids. Take Radio Taxi. Remain in contact with school.

Remember that Brazil’s summer is the U.S. winter and vice-versa. Pack accordingly.

Rio de Janeiro’s favelas are a subject of curiosity for many U.S. travelers. Even in some “pacified” favelas, the ability of police to provide assistance, especially at night, may be limited. For this reason we recommend that you do not travel to these areas.

Brazil’s beaches can pose a threat to the safety of travelers. Many beaches have very strong and dangerous riptides, including those in Rio de Janeiro and . Always observe posted flags and signs warning of strong swells and currents, and never swim while under the influence of alcohol.

Brazil is an endemic area for schistosomiasis, a water-borne parasite, and travelers should avoid wading, swimming, or other contact with fresh water in streams, lakes, and ponds.

Emergency Information: Medical Facilities: Hospital São Vicente Rua João Borges 204, Gávea Rio de Janeiro, RJ CEP 22451 400 Brazil 55-21 2529-4422 (Complete List http://brazil.usembassy.gov/medical_rio_district.html) Local Police: Gávea # 15 Rua Major Rubens Vaz 170 Gávea 33997040 Emergency Numbers: 190 - Police 192 - Ambulance 193 – Fire department U.S. Citizen Emergency Services (21) 3823-2000 during Consulate’s working hours (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) (21) 3823-2029 after hours U.S. Embassy (Brasilia) SES 801 - Avenida das Nacoes Lote 3 70403-900 - Brasília, DF Brazil Telephone: +(55) (61) 3312-7000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone +(55) (61) 3312-7400 http://brazil.usembassy.gov/ U.S. Consulate Rio de Janeiro Av. Presidente Wilson, 147 – Castelo 20030-020 - Rio de Janeiro, RJ Phone: (55-21) 3823-2000 http://riodejaneiro.usconsulate.gov/

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