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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.