Alcohol and Drug Use
Many incidents abroad involve alcohol. Being impaired in a foreign environment increases your risk for an incident abroad as you are more likely to make decisions that put yourself or others in danger. If you are going to drink, do so in moderation.
Also, consider cultural views on alcohol and be aware of the customs of your host country. U.S. students studying abroad carry a reputation for excessive drinking. To that end, criminals and predators target people who are visibly impaired for pickpocketing, theft, drink spiking and even assault. Do not leave drinks unattended, and do not consume drinks that have been given to you by others. Sometimes perpetrators are other travelers. If you are planning on going out at night, go with a group.
Do not do drugs abroad. UW-Stout has a no tolerance approach to drug use while abroad. Students using drugs may immediately by removed from the program at their own cost. Drug laws are often stricter than they are in the U.S., and if you are arrested, the U.S. Embassy, OIE, and UW-Stout cannot help. “I didn’t know it was illegal” does not exempt a traveler from legal action.
You also remain subject to the UW-Stout Code of Conduct while you are abroad.