Alcohol and Drug Use

Substance abuse can carry significant health or legal risks for travelers. It is important to research cultural norms and attitudes along with local laws related to alcohol and drug usage in your destination(s) prior to departure.

  • Most travelers will be headed to a country in which they are of the legal drinking age according to local law. Travelers are advised to exercise good judgment if consuming alcohol while abroad.  Alcoholic content of beverages may be higher than what is served back home.  Regardless of alcoholic or non-alcoholic, all travelers should monitor any drinks ordered while abroad and not accept beverages from strangers.

    Culturally, drinking heavily may not be acceptable or could be considered culturally inappropriate. Research and be aware of customs in the country of travel.

    For students traveling on an international experience, intoxication which causes significant damage or disruption can lead to a violation of the Kennesaw State University Code of Conduct and carry significant academic and/or financial ramifications.

  • In most countries, the laws surrounding drug usage are more severe than in the United States. Penalties for relatively minor infractions, such as possession of a small amount of drugs, can be grounds for mandatory sentences or even the death penalty in some countries around the world. While abroad, travelers are subject to the host country’s laws and therefore no longer under the protection of U.S. laws or constitutional rights. The best way to protect yourself is to not use, buy or accept drugs from anyone during transit or while abroad.

    For students traveling on an international experience, the Kennesaw State University Code of Conduct has a strict zero tolerance policy for drug usage, which extends to participation on an education abroad or university-supported international travel experience.  This is regardless of the local laws in the destination country.  A violation of the Code of Conduct can carry significant academic and/or financial ramifications.

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