Job Discussion Forums

basiltherat · Joined: 04 Oct 2003 Posts: 952

Hi everyone
Having discussed this topic at some length with a couple of my colleagues, I am wondering how much you guys give/gave to personal safety when you either will decide or decided on where to end up teaching.
The main reason I decided to quit Jakarta for example, was the growing insecurity and unsafe atmosphere that persisted there. A great number of people either welcolmed you or despised you depending on the political climate at the time. In contrast, I have never felt any threats here in Damascus, no matter what the political temperature is. At the same time, I cannot recall any reports of burglary, muggings, rape or any other kind of crime reaching my ears here. In addition, I have never heard of or seen any with my own eyes.
Compare that to Jakarta where I witnessed and heard of a great deal crimes being committed literally every day.
I know I have mentioned this before but if it came to recommending a place to visit just based on personal security, I'd definitely suggest Damascus while I'd give the thumbs down to Jakarta.
How is it where you are ?
best
basil Smile

acwilliams · Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 9:28 am Post subject:

Basil, I agree completely about Jakarta. I lived there for a year. While the school and students were wonderful, I've never felt so unsafe in any other city (and I grew up in some rough places).

Personal security was actually one of the main reasons why I came back to China two years ago. There is some risk of petty theft here, and burglaries are not unheard of in housing that lacks adequate security (I'm talking locks on doors and windows, not armed guards!). Traffic is also dangerous. But mugging would be really unusual, and I feel very safe walking around my city alone late at night. I'm female, so another big plus about China is the lack of hassle and intimidation from the local men.

sidjameson · Joined: 11 Jan 2004 Posts: 629 Location: osaka

I was definitly one of those who scoffed at the "Is xx a safe place?" posts before. Now? After 8 years in Japan I think I have caught that terrible local desease of thinking that anywhere else is not a "safety country."
It's ironic. The longer I stay in a place where I have NEVER seen even a hint of crime, the more I seem to worry about my own personel safety. Rolling Eyes

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

As a single woman in Peru who is used to being independent (which includes traveling alone, walking to the supermarket alone, etc.), I really have to be careful. This is the only place I have ever lived in where I hesitate to do anything by myself past 8pm or so. The hooting and catcalls that happen during broad daylight are enough to make me wonder what might happen after dark.

In Japan and Prague, I never gave a second thought to safety, and I never had to. I could do anything, anywhere, at any time of day or night, with no problems. The contrast between then and now is so great that it is really coloring my entire experience here!

d

william wallace · Joined: 14 May 2003 Posts: 2869 Location: in between

nomadder · Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 1:33 pm Post subject:

Basil: What was Damascus like during that Danish foolishness?

Yes I think about safety and it's one reason why I am choosing Japan again. There are enough hassles living abroad without having to worry about safety and being a stand out target.

tedkarma · Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 2:37 pm Post subject:

I found Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand all to be quite safe. In Tucson, I was burglarized three times in about ten years. 15 years overseas and NOTHING (knock on teak).

Once in Korea was leaving town for a couple days and brought my umbrella. Seemed I wouldn't need it, so set it on top of a locker at the train station. Came back three days later - it was still there.

I've certainly lived in neighborhoods overseas - without fear - the I would not dare walk into back home.

Another good one - back home I would be VERY careful around a group of teenagers late at night on a back street - here no problem.

basiltherat · Joined: 04 Oct 2003 Posts: 952

nomadder
i think there were a couple of demonstrations and, as you probably know, a couple of embassies were set fire to. I was not in those areas but the overhelming majority of people i deal with just found it (the cartoons as well as the burning) a complete farce.
Anyway, suffice to say, i didn't feel under any threat.
Basil Smile

valley_girl · Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 9:55 pm Post subject:

I don't think I've ever lived anywhere that I felt unsafe. Lucky me. Wink

However, I did spend 24 hours in Manila once (not by design) and didn't feel too safe there. I was quite happy when it came time to leave!

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

The feeling of safety (or insecurity) comes from within, not from without. Of course, there are many places where you should exercise caution, but if you don't know how to feel secure, it doesn't matter where you are.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Guy, there is some element of truth to that, but that wouldn't have helped me when I was in Romania about 10 years back. Being robbed by the police was not my idea of fun and then 10 minutes later being abandoned on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere by my "ride". There is a lot we can do to minimize our chances of being assaulted or robbed, but sometimes there is nothing you can do about it.
I feel really safe in Japan, I've never locked my car and often don't lock my front door at night. When shopping with my 4 yr old daughter I often lose sight of her in the store without a worry. I'd never do that in Canada.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

I'm currently located in a rather seedy suburb of Moscow, where I've been sent to teach a 10-week intensive course. My wallet was promptly lifted in week one in one of those push-and-shove operations, and since then I've been on red alert in the metro area. However, I have to say I don't really fear violent crime here, just possible harassment and theft. On the other hand, I find I'm making sure I get back to my (secure) flat before dark....But I do find Moscow about ten shades darker and wilder in general than, say, Prague. Based on my one-month experience I can say for sure that I wouldn't want to live in this neighborhood....in Moscow I can't really say for sure, but probably not.

VanIslander · Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 8:02 am Post subject:

kaw · Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 8:15 am Post subject:

Apart from the appalling driving over here Bahrain has always seemed a pretty safe place to me and I have yet to hear any of my colleagues having any real problems. I also felt Oman was pretty safe. I think the only places I maybe didn't feel too happy about were Jakarta and possibly Barcelona (but that was over 6 years ago and things change).

Tiger Beer · Joined: 08 Feb 2003 Posts: 778 Location: Hong Kong

Korea feels extremely safe all the time.. I feel the same way with Japan and China.

Yeah, Jakarta. I went down there for a month with the idea of teaching there. Was looking forward to the anti-Korea (in my mind).. but the feeling I felt walking around there was never that good. In short, not the place for me for living at all.

I don't have problems/issues with personal safety.. lived in Washington Heights (NYC), Brazil, traveled throughout South America.. love the Philippines.

But something about Indonesia.. it has this real weird undercurrent vibe.. something just strange about the place. Its an interesting place.. but I'd rather be elsewhere.