Let’s talk about drinking.
It’s funny to me that some students think of me as just an advisor and that I assume that they won’t drink in excess whilst studying abroad.
That’s cute.
Apparently students forget that their study abroad advisors studied abroad (for the most part) and made some pretty questionable decisions during that time.
I promise that I wouldn’t lie to you about staying safe while abroad.
I know that safety is the thing furthest from your mind when you’re out for a night of drinking. Again, #beenthere.
However, if you take certain precautions, you will be looking out for yourself and for your friends. It is heart wrenching to see stories like this about drunk students from the United States being targeted in some of the most amazing cities in the world.
Being prepared is important for any situation, especially when alcohol is involved.
So, since you WILL go out drinking while traveling or studying abroad, here are ways to stay safe.
Try (and respect) the local alcohol.
In most countries that are not the United States, drinking (especially for those under the age of 21) is common and accepted. Having a drink with dinner, or friends, or coworkers, is completely normal.
It’s a part of cultural exchange to sample local wines, beers, and liquors. In fact, I highly encourage you to go on a distillery tour, a vineyard tasting, or visit a local brewery.
Tastings should not lead to black-outs, for the record.
(Also, the local alcohol will likely put you on your ass if it’s liquor. Keep that in mind.)
Know your limits.
Ha. This one is funny. We all “know our limits” but still black out.
But when (not if) you go out drinking and end up with a monster hangover, maybe next time you can save some money and not have as much to drink.
How much fun is it really to nurse a hangover when you’re supposed to be exploring a new city? It’s wretched to have a hangover on a ferry, a snorkeling trip, a train, a bus, a walking tour…
Related: 10 Ways to Save Money While Living Abroad
Use the buddy system.
Let’s say that you’re visiting a new city in the United States alone. Would you go out drinking by yourself until early o’clock in the morning, and then stumble home?
I hope your answer is no.
Students especially have a habit of assuming safety while abroad. Again, this was me, especially when I studied in Paris and the Dominican Republic.
It is so important to bring someone with you who is looking out for you and your drink, and you reciprocate this care and concern.
No matter where you are in the world, drinking with a buddy is always a good idea.
Have a “designated walker.”
I know this sounds crazy, but especially when you are in a different country where you are the “other,” there should essentially be a designated walker.
This sober friend makes sure the whole group makes it to the destination, and the whole group makes it back home.
The DW also drives hard negotiations for group members who want to go out to “just one more bar!” or who want to go to someone else’s home.
Shit gets real when drinking. Make sure someone looks out for the group.
If you are a study abroad student and are attending a school-sponsored event that involves drinking, don’t get sloppy.
All study abroad advisors have at least one story of students who have created chaos by binge drinking at a school-sponsored event – especially during orientation week.
It makes you, and your university, look really, really bad.
If the event open bar, stop yourself before three drinks.
This is not a suggestion. It’s a plea from advisors everywhere.
Related: Checklist: Things to Do During Your First Week Abroad
Leave valuables in a secure place at your apartment, hostel, and anywhere but on you.
Or, if you want them to find a new home, bring them all with you.
But seriously, bring as little as possible with you when you go out for a night of drinking. Some cash, your I.D. (that is not your passport), and a credit card if you desperately need it is more than sufficient.
You’ll probably also bring your phone, but make sure that everything that comes out with you finds its way home with you.
Related: What to Do If You Lose Your Passport
Don’t mix alcohol with drugs.
Also known as “don’t do any drugs when you’re abroad.”
No exceptions.
Make sure you have the local emergency number saved in your phone, as well as the emergency contact at your school if you end up needing help.
Let me make this clear – while you are out for a night of partying, your study abroad program is only peripherally responsible for you.
Just like when you go to an apartment party or bar while at home, if something happens to you, your home university is only peripherally responsible for you and your actions.
The people who will be able to help you in the event that shit gets real are the local police. And maybe your emergency contact at your school.
Keep this number on your phone, and maybe even on a piece of paper in your wallet or purse.
If everyone in your group has this information saved, at least one of you will still have it at the end of the night.
Related: What to Do During an Emergency Abroad
There are real risks to drinking in a new city, but there are precautions that everyone can take in order to stay safe and have an amazing time.
Let’s make sure that those nights you don’t remember are not nights you will regret!
Salud!
Related:
Study Abroad Guide: Preparation Phase
How to Write a Kick-Ass Application Essay
Websites You Should Know for Study Abroad
When to Start Planning for Study Abroad
11 Things You Need to Research Before Traveling