Staying Safe from Crime

Abstract

There is little existing literature according specific attention to how international students stay safe from crime. However, literature relating to the use of professional counselling services is extensive and generally suggests that international students are reluctant to seek help for fear they will be judged poorly by peers for not managing their personal problems (Flum 1998; Russell, Thomson and Rosenthal 2008; Zhang and Dixon 2003). In contrast, Lippincott and Mierzwa (1995) found that Asian international students reported they would seek counselling services more frequently than US students but would present with somatic health issues. The attention afforded to professional counsellors by the help seeking literature contrasts with Gonzalez’s (2001) finding that only 8 per cent of international students had sought help from counsellors, lecturers, general practitioners, or religious leaders. Nonetheless, the literature suggests that students with health and/or psychological problems can be particularly vulnerable to issues relating to safety and crime.

I think the first thing is to ask around what are the areas of the city to avoid. That’s the first thing. And it decides then where you look for apartments, to look for housing. So you’ve got to do it in advance.

(P79 German international student, US/Australia)