Drink Responsibly While Abroad

Note: you’ve seen this before, in your Application Post-Decision materials. Please review it and make it your goal to live by these suggestions while you’re away.

In this section we will be discussing alcohol consumption.  Be aware that many accidents and injuries involving students studying abroad occur as a result of alcohol and drug use.  To make the most out of your study abroad experience, limiting or avoiding alcohol may be your best choice.

For Each Country You Intend to Visit, Research Their Social and Legal Views on Alcohol Consumption.

Before studying abroad, research the country’s regulations regarding alcohol consumption.  The minimum drinking age may be different than in the U.S.  Also research the social expectations, health effects, and mental effects of drinking.  While drinking may be acceptable, being drunk may be deemed inappropriate and may get you into legal trouble.  It is also important to review your home campus and study abroad sponsor conduct rules in regards to alcohol consumption abroad as their regulations may be more strict than the local laws.

Know your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)

Please review this resource – CDC:  Alcohol and Public Health

Your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is the concentration of alcohol in your blood.  Always be aware of your BAC as it will help you understand how much you can drink before it begins to seriously impair your physical and cognitive abilities.  The effects of alcohol vary depending on age, sex, weight and genetic differences.  Look at the two BAC charts in the next section to see how alcohol consumption affects your driving ability and legal liability.  Print out and carry your BAC chart with you to better understand your limits before consuming alcohol.  The two charts in the next section have been created based on research by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and by the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.  For more information, see the website link above.

Know the Alcohol Content of Drinks

Beer, wine, and liquor in many countries have higher alcohol content than in similar drinks in the U.S.  Know the alcohol content of your drinks in order to manage your alcohol consumption effectively and to prevent potentially dangerous situations.

Be Aware of Your Drink at All Times and Do Not Accept a Drink from Anyone

As in the U.S., it is important to keep track of your drinks at all times, whether they are alcoholic or otherwise.  Also be sure to avoid accepting drinks from others, especially strangers.  There may be some unsavory individuals who will attempt to put drugs into your unattended drink, leading to extremely dangerous situations which can include robbery, date rape, or worse.  Do not let a night out become a disaster due to neglect or carelessness.

Be Aware of Sexual Risks While Abroad

Always consider the safety of the environment in which you are drinking. Laws regarding sexual harassment vary from country to country, and it may be difficult to defend yourself while under the influence of alcohol.  Social norms may also cause dangerous situations regarding sexual harassment when involving alcohol.  Increased independence, decreased supervision, foreign environment and increased consumption of alcohol all increase the potential for negative sexual outcomes. Understand your situation and make the best choices to make this study abroad opportunity both enjoyable and safe.

Understand the Consequences of Excessive Drinking

According research conducted by the Boston University School of Public Health, over 1,400 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die every year due to alcohol-related incidents, including motor vehicle crashes.  Over half a million suffer injuries or have been assaulted by a person under the influence of alcohol annually.  In addition, over 70,000 are victims of sexual assault or date rape.  Understand the dangers of excessive drinking and make the best choices to avoid these harmful situations.

Know the Health Risks of Excessive Drinking

The risks of drinking abroad are the same as the risks of drinking at home.  However, know that medical care provided abroad is not the same as in the U.S., and may indeed not be of as high quality.  In addition, your insurance abroad may not cover accidents or injuries when excessive alcohol use is involved.  Know your limits and use your best judgement before drinking.

Use the Buddy System—Don’t Drink Alone

While studying abroad, you may not have the safety and comfort of having your friends and family nearby.  When going out, be sure to have at least one buddy (a classmate or friend) with you at all times to help support you in the case that you drink too much and your judgment is impaired.  In some cases, they can help protect you against others who have become too drunk or belligerent.

More Information on Alcohol Consumption

SAFETI Adaptation of Peace Corps Document Dealing with Alcohol

World Health Organization: Alcohol

Center for Global Education Home:  www.GlobalEd.us

SAFETI Clearinghouse:  www.GlobalEd.us/SAFETI

Student Study Abroad Handbooks:  www.StudentsAbroad.com

GlobalScholar.us Online Courses for Study Abroad:  www.GlobalScholar.us

The Center for Global Education (UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies) promotes international education to foster cross-cultural awareness, cooperation and understanding. Living and working effectively in a global society requires learning with an international perspective.

We promote this type of learning by collaborating with colleges, universities and other organizations around the world. Visit www.GlobalEd.us to view a vast array of international education resources for educators, students and parents.