Friday’s attack on the student from Andhra Pradesh in England was just the latest in a long list of such incidents. Is there anything that our students and young professionals are doing wrong? Are they not assimilating with the foreign societies they live in? Or are they just soft targets?

When in Rome…
* It is important to try and appear confident in public as most people who get mugged are more often than not foreigners.
* Don’t pick up a fight when someone makes a racist remark on the street.
* Be polite and respect local culture. Do not speak loudly in public. Say “please” and “thank you” liberally.
* It is important to find out beforehand the safest route from the place of stay (hostel) to the university or workplace and equally, to know the racist pockets along the way.
* Try not to go out late at night to the city centres where the crime rates are high.
* Always carry some money in your pocket. Carrying nothing is dangerous. If attacked, do not resist giving away your purse. There is a good chance that the mugger will leave you alone if he gets some money out of you.
* Whilst withdrawing money from ATMs, try and do it during daylight hours inside a bank.
* Always keep your wallet safely inside and not where it’s easily reachable.
* When in public transport like buses or trains, always sit with other passengers – sitting alone is inviting trouble.
* Never take a ride in a stranger’s car. If one has to use a taxi, always use a registered cab

Minimising institutional racism in the UK

* Work hard. Stay focussed. One has to be much better than the locals to achieve success in a foreign country. No point sulking because you are as good as a local and yet have not been offered a job.
* Do not be subservient. Stand up for your knowledge and ability.
* Associate with an Indian community aboard.
* Finally, enjoy your stay aboard. Imbibe the good qualities of the nation and ignore the bad aspects.

— The writer is the CEO & director of Ushalakshmi Breast Cancer Foundation, Hyderabad