6 Steps To Alcohol Safety When Studying Abroad
Start writing a post
Student Life

6 Steps To Alcohol Safety When Studying Abroad

Studying abroad can be an exciting time, especially for those who are under 21, but drinking comes with dangers, especially in a foreign country.

92
6 Steps To Alcohol Safety When Studying Abroad

If you've studied abroad or are making plans to, you've probably been told to be careful around alcohol - especially if you are underage in the United States. Students (including myself) never listen to this piece of advice, but I am here to tell you, from a student's perspective, to actually listen!

Last year, on a study abroad trip to England, a group of friends and I went out for a classmate's birthday. A lot of dancing and several shots of vodka later, I was having a great time but was in no shape to figure out how to get back to our hostel. Luckily, I was with a group of awesome people who mapped out our bus route and got everyone back in one piece.

Everything ended up being okay in this situation, but in hindsight, it was very irresponsible. I had just met my classmates and had no idea if they would be trustworthy companions. Also, being in a foreign country in a club you've never been to before is not a super great place to get drunk enough that you could be vulnerable to shady strangers. Again, I had wonderful travel buddies and ended up having a fun and safe night, but there is a different ending to that story in an alternate universe somewhere. I should have been much smarter about drinking in an unfamiliar place.

Luckily, you can learn from my carelessness! In just six easy steps, crafted from my own experience, you can make a plan for a safe and enjoyable experience consuming alcohol while studying abroad.

1. Research drinking culture in the country you're visiting.

Pixabay

U.S. college students are known for their habits of binge-drinking and partying. Around the world, though, this is not always the norm. In some European countries, for example, having a glass of wine with dinner or going out for a beer is very common, but drinking liquor and drinking to get drunk are not. Don't be that obnoxious, drunk American who embarrasses themselves and annoys all the locals. Do your research and assimilate with your host culture.

2. Drink in a safe and familiar place.

Giphy

If you're looking to have more than one or two drinks, consider staying in at your place of residence or a friend's (as long as you're not staying with a host family - that would be rude!) rather than going out where you're more likely to make a fool of yourself and/or get lost. If you do go out, hit up the bar that's just down the street instead of six bus stops away, so it will be quick and easy for you to get home. Finally, get a local's recommendation or do some research online to make sure you're headed to a place that's safe and well-reviewed.

3. Set boundaries before you start.

Spoiler alert: the limit does exist!

Giphy

Once you start drinking, it can seem like a good idea to drink more and more. Avoid this urge by setting rules for yourself before you go out (i.e. only beer tonight; no liquor, or, no more than two shots tonight). You'll be more likely to stick to your limits if you are firm on them before you even start drinking.

4. Have a buddy that you trust.

Don't drink alone! (Shot at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter in London.)

Going out with a friend or a group of friends (as long as they are trustworthy) is always safer than going out alone. A friend can watch your bag while you go to the bathroom, help you get out of an uncomfortable conversation, keep you from making bad decisions, and, if worst comes to very worst, one of you can get the other home safely. Even if everyone stays sober, having others with you is always a good precaution because you look less vulnerable to predators and can defend each other and look out for each other if anything scary happens.

5. Plan your route home ahead of time.

Pixabay

Finding your way around a foreign country is hard enough without also being intoxicated! In order to prevent drunkenly getting lost in a foreign country, make sure you know how to get back to your place of residence from wherever you're going out. Then, write this down somewhere on your person (i.e. have a note on your phone with the address of the nearest bus stop, which route you need to get on, and what stop you'll need to get off on), just in case you have a bit too much to drink and would otherwise be challenged in trying to find the proper route home. Also, if you plan to use public transport, make sure you check when the last bus or train is for the night so you don't get stranded at 3 a.m.!

6. Use your head!

Giphy

Finally, of course, be safe and smart just like you would anywhere else! Don't drink from a glass you've set down or walked away from, and be cautious of the people around you. If something doesn't feel right, there's nothing wrong with leaving - you owe it to no one to stay.

Most of the time drinking (especially cautiously) can be a fun way to meet locals and make friends. However, when you're in a foreign country, there's also a higher risk of being targeted for trafficking and other vile things, especially if you look like a tourist or are made extra vulnerable by being under the influence.

Studying abroad is supposed to be a fun and life-changing experience, both inside and outside the classroom! Don't jeopardize this literal world of possibilities by drinking irresponsibly. With this six-step plan and a little common sense, you'll be (safely) making friends with the locals in the pubs of your host country like a pro!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57046
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

36784
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958546
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

190033
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments