Going Abroad
Office of International Studies
To access concourse for Alcohol Education Abroad:
Alcohol Education for Study Abroad Program
To access the e-Chug self assessment:
e-Chug
Safety While Abroad
Click here for Real Scenarios from ND Abroad
Having the opportunity to study abroad is a privilege and the experience of a lifetime. Studying outside the United States can involve risks that may be beyond your control, your parents’ control and the university’s control. The social, cultural, political, religious, governmental, health care, legal (both civil and criminal) and other systems, as well as the geophysical characteristics of other countries may be different in subtle and/or significant ways. It is important to familiarize yourself with these issues prior to your arrival in another country. Just as you will have choices of visiting many cities, you will have choices about socializing with alcohol, please make sure you know the laws and culture around drinking abroad.
BE AWARE:
- Be aware of your environment at all times.
- Know the laws about alcohol consumption wherever you are.
- Although the legal drinking age is lower in many countries than in the US, there are still intoxication laws.
- The punishment may be more severe than in the US.
- If you are a non-drinker but are planning on drinking abroad, be aware that your tolerance will be lower than that of students who have been drinking longer.
- Some alcoholic beverages are stronger in other countries than they are in the US.
- Being a young, American student can make you more of a target for a variety of crimes. Drinking can decrease your awareness of your surroundings and make you more vulnerable.
- Respect local customs and laws. NEVER sacrifice your sense of safety for the sake of respecting cultural customs or traditions.
- Remember that no matter where you are, you are a representative of Notre Dame. Act in a safe and responsible manner.
- Prescription medications can be affected by alcohol consumption. The University Health Center has handouts available to check you medication.
- Never go anywhere alone and make sure you know the person well that you choose to take with you.
- Absinthe is a high distilled alcohol anise flavored spirit known as Grand Wormword, LaJee (The Green Fairy). Many believe it has hallucinogenic effects. Drinking Absinthe is not a good decision!
WEBSITES TO VISIT FOR MORE INFORMATION ON LAWS IN SPECIFIC COUNTRIES:
www.trepprep.com
www.mdtravelhealth.com
www.potsdam.edu
studentsabroad.state.gov