List of skills for a trip somewhere foreign and dangerous

[JusticeZero]

So my student is going to be going to Columbia this summer; she is going to be spending time in smaller poor communities with a small delegation, I don't know what all she's going to be doing.

I have a couple classes before then; what are some things I should cover as far as important skills to work on?

[Kuma]

Awareness, avoidance, escaping, and the location of the US embassy/ies is probably your best bet.

[Wastelander]

I agree with Kuma 100%--awareness drills, crowd escape drills, environmental navigation drills, and memorizing where the embassy is, how to get there, and how to call it. I might throw in some training against grabbing attacks--body grabs/bear hugs to pick her up or drag her away, grab around the neck from behind, and arm grabs are all common attacks on women.

[bushido_man96]

Has she researched the area yet? Do a Google Earth overview of the place, perhaps check into any crime stats for the area? Those things might help some.

[JusticeZero]

I don't know if that data is available. It's a rural area she's heading to from what I've been told.

[Harlan]

Learn Spanish?

Seriously...I'm hearing Kathleen Turner right now asking, 'Is this the bus to Cartagena?'.

[Kuma]

PM me some details and I may be able to help.

[JusticeZero]

That is most of what I know. She knows the language. I have no idea what the model threat for rural central America is in this case.

[mal103]

I agree with Kuma 100%--awareness drills, crowd escape drills, environmental navigation drills......

All of this, having the right attitude and being aware is possibly more important than having a few rushed skills of MA.

My daughter recently went to Morocco on a walking trip that took them through very poor areas and villages in the mountains, they had excellent guides and good attitudes - the rest of our trust was put in God to keep them safe.

If it's an organised delegation type trip then "stick close to the guides/staff" would be the best advice as they would know the local area.

[JusticeZero]

Well, I cover a lot of tactical movement and try to have tips on how criminals plan attacks as main curriculum, too.