Staying Safe in Baltimore: A Guide for International Students — and Why BRIDGES Matters
Moving to a new country is both exciting and overwhelming. For many international students coming to Baltimore to study at world-renowned institutions like Johns Hopkins University, safety is one of the first concerns — not just for students, but for the families who love and support them from thousands of miles away.
Baltimore is a vibrant city full of culture, opportunity, and innovation, but like any large urban area, it also requires newcomers to be smart, aware, and informed. That’s why ACEE’s BRIDGES program exists: to help international students feel safe, confident, and connected — every step of the way.
What Safety Really Means for International Students
Safety for international students isn’t just about crime statistics. It’s about navigating unfamiliar streets, understanding local norms, knowing who to turn to in an emergency, and not feeling isolated. Cultural differences, language barriers, and lack of local knowledge can create a sense of vulnerability — especially in the first few months after arrival.
BRIDGES was created to eliminate those barriers. From airport pickup and 24/7 support to orientation workshops on local safety practices, emergency response, and even mental health resources — we work to ensure that students are never left to figure things out alone.
Knowledge Is Protection
When you join BRIDGES, you gain access to real-time safety guidance and community-based resources. We teach students how to use Baltimore’s public transportation safely, how to spot and avoid scams, and how to seek help if needed. We also provide students with a safety guide that explains everything from understanding U.S. emergency services (like 911) to what to do in case of a medical concern or legal issue.
But most importantly, we foster connection. You’ll meet other students from your home country and from around the world, so you can share information, look out for each other, and build a network of friends who understand your journey.
Support You Can Rely On
The BRIDGES team includes bilingual staff and local professionals who know Baltimore well — and more importantly, who know how to help. Whether you’re feeling homesick, need advice after a stressful incident, or just want someone to walk you through how to open a bank account safely, we’re here.
While our housing services are an important part of what we do, BRIDGES is about so much more than where you live. It’s about giving you tools, confidence, and relationships that keep you safe and grounded in your new life — both inside and outside the classroom.
Parents Can Breathe Easier, Too
We know that many of our students’ families are thousands of miles away, worried about how their children will adjust. That’s why we maintain close communication with our students, offer regular check-ins, and provide culturally sensitive support that helps students thrive — not just survive — in their new environment.
When you’re part of BRIDGES, you’re never just dropped into a city and left to figure it out. You’re part of a warm, watchful, and proactive community that’s ready to help you succeed — safely.
