It's once again time for sping breaks. Students are getting ready for that much anticipated trip outside the United States. Most will have a fun and enjoyable adventure, but for a few students the trip will become a nightmare. Drugs, alcohol, disorderly behavior are often the cause of the ruin of a number of vacations each year.
Over 2,500 American citizens each year are arrested abroad, with about 50% on narcotics charges, which includes possession of what most would consider very small amounts of illegal substances. Often you will find that a drug that is legal in one country may not be legal in another. Young people who are unaware of the laws, customs, or standards of the country they are visiting often become victims.
When traveling abroad students should remember that engaging in reckless behavior or the use of drugs or alcohol while in another country can do a lot more than just ruin their vacation. They can find themselves in a foreign jail, or possibly suffer physical harm, or worse. Common sense should be used in any activities American Students take part in so that safety hazards can be minimized. Safe and fun trips are possible when risky behavior is avoided and when knowledge of the basic laws and customs of the country being visited is learned.
