The Middle East region has recently undergone major changes both politically and socially. Since the successful revolution in Tunisia that took place in January, 2011, the country has returned to a normal everyday flow.
Our center places a high priority on the safety of our students coming from abroad and takes certain measures to try to ensure their health and well-being. We provide every student with a Safety Handbook and mandatory Safety Orientation as part of the overall orientation and welcome upon their arrival. We also keep the contact information of their families or preferred contacts abroad on-file if the student would like to have us contact them in case of any possible emergency.
Some general precautions for students coming to keep in mind when coming to Tunisia include:
Staying aware of your surroundings and being mindful of your possessions
As with living and traveling in any foreign country, students are advised to stay aware of their surroundings and take certain precautions to ensure their safety throughout their stay. Students should not leave their bags on the ground unattended while in public and remain vigilant about their surroundings as a precaution.
Avoiding responding to inappropriate attempts to get your attention
As a whole,Tunisia is one of, if not the safest country for women living and traveling alone in the Middle East and North Africa. However, female students are strongly advised not respond to males who may try to get their attention through such means as catcalls, hisses, etc. Responding to such types of advances will only encourage further negative attention
Abstaining from illegal drugs and excessive alcohol consumption
Center Sidi Bou Said for Languages does not allow the use of illegal drugs on the premises of its facility, student housing units or host families. If students choose to consume alcohol, they are advised to do so in a responsible manner. Being strongly under the influence of alcohol in an unfamiliar country could lead to dangerous situations.
Bringing a supply of any prescription medications to last them throughout the duration of their stay
Overall Tunisia’s health system is very reliable and affordable so it is becoming increasingly common that European patients are coming to Tunisia for medical treatment. There are also several world class private clinics located throughout the capital region as well as hundreds of doctor’s practices. While medication is affordable and often easily obtainable, even without a prescription at many local pharmacies, it is advised that to avoid any possible inconvenience, students bring a supply of their own medication to last throughout the duration of their stay.
