Alcohol and Drugs Abroad
Alcohol abroad is much more accessible because of lower minimum drinking ages than in the U.S. But it is important to remember that excessive drinking of alcohol and intoxication are a leading cause of injury and accident and makes you more vulnerable. If you are going to drink, drink responsibly, and look out for the safety of your fellow students.
In addition to safety concerns, keep in mind that in many countries excessive drinking is not culturally accepted. You should also never feel pressured into drinking more than you wish to drink, or engaging in any other potentially dangerous, illegal, or unhealthy personal behavior against your will because you think you may offend another culture. Find ways to say "no." Often a friendly but firm "no thank you" or hand-over-the-glass gesture does the job.
To learn more about alcohol and drinking responsibly, visit the Loyola Student Health Services' page on Alcohol Information.
Illegal drug possession abroad can subject you to harsh criminal proceedings and severe punishments. In some cases drugs that are legal in the U.S. are illegal in other countries, and aspects of the U.S. legal system (such as the presumption “innocent until proven guilty”) are not followed. Since illegal drugs or narcotics may be more available overseas than in the U.S., many people assume that their use is condoned and that drug laws and their enforcement in other countries are more lenient than in the U.S. These assumptions are not true. in most countries, prosecution for the possession, sale, and use of drugs and narcotics by foreigners as well as locals can be severe. Aid from the U.S. embassy will be limited to providing a list of local attorneys and contacting a family member in the U.S., then the offender is on his or her own.
While studying abroad, you must still follow the Loyola University New Orleans Student Code of Conduct. Failure to abide by the code can result in a student conduct hearing and disciplinary sanctions. To read the Student Code of Conduct, visit this webpage.
Read more about Sexual Health Abroad
Revised 4/17/2019
In addition to safety concerns, keep in mind that in many countries excessive drinking is not culturally accepted. You should also never feel pressured into drinking more than you wish to drink, or engaging in any other potentially dangerous, illegal, or unhealthy personal behavior against your will because you think you may offend another culture. Find ways to say "no." Often a friendly but firm "no thank you" or hand-over-the-glass gesture does the job.
To learn more about alcohol and drinking responsibly, visit the Loyola Student Health Services' page on Alcohol Information.
Illegal drug possession abroad can subject you to harsh criminal proceedings and severe punishments. In some cases drugs that are legal in the U.S. are illegal in other countries, and aspects of the U.S. legal system (such as the presumption “innocent until proven guilty”) are not followed. Since illegal drugs or narcotics may be more available overseas than in the U.S., many people assume that their use is condoned and that drug laws and their enforcement in other countries are more lenient than in the U.S. These assumptions are not true. in most countries, prosecution for the possession, sale, and use of drugs and narcotics by foreigners as well as locals can be severe. Aid from the U.S. embassy will be limited to providing a list of local attorneys and contacting a family member in the U.S., then the offender is on his or her own.
While studying abroad, you must still follow the Loyola University New Orleans Student Code of Conduct. Failure to abide by the code can result in a student conduct hearing and disciplinary sanctions. To read the Student Code of Conduct, visit this webpage.
Read more about Sexual Health Abroad
Revised 4/17/2019