Safety Abroad
Conduct
You are required to follow the laws of the city and country where you are studying. In addition, you will be required by HWS and by your program to sign Behavior Agreements before going abroad and these are a binding document between you, HWS, and your program provider. For students whose program is based at a large study abroad program or at a foreign university, you will also be bound by the student conduct code of that institution. Conduct guidelines and expectations will be laid out clearly as part of your orientation to the site and are also found on program provider or host university websites.
Should you be accused of conduct violations while abroad, you might be subject to simultaneous disciplinary action by the HWS program director, the HWS home campus, the host institution’s own judicial system, and/or by local, city, or national law enforcement at your site. Sanctions could range from a verbal or written warning to dismissal from the program abroad, suspension from HWS, or even jail time abroad, depending upon the circumstances. Generally, the party or institution responsible for determining disciplinary action will depend upon the nature and severity of the infraction, where the infraction takes place, and who reports it. While the CGE can provide information about your options, we cannot intervene in matters between you and the local authorities.
Alcohol and Other Drugs
While alcohol consumption varies in degree and social context from country to country, it is safe to say that alcohol is treated quite differently in many cultures than in the US. People around the world consume alcohol, but many cultures do so primarily as part of a meal. Binge drinking is less common. At clubs and social venues, most people abroad drink less and more slowly than many American students in a similar setting.
While you are “legal” abroad, if you choose to drink, be aware of the quantities you consume. Alcoholic drinks abroad, beer and hard cider in particular, tend to have a higher alcohol content per volume than their US counterparts, in some cases significantly higher. Moderate yourself accordingly. Drinking to excess leaves you vulnerable to pick-pocketing and other crime. Don’t go out alone, never accept drinks from strangers, and keep an eye on your own drinks to minimize risk.
While our message relating to alcohol use is to be careful and responsible, our message relating to drugs and other substances is simpler: using illegal drugs will lead you to be removed from the program and sent home at your own expense, forfeiting academic credit for the term.
How to Get Help If Things Go Wrong
Be sure to locate and keep the phone numbers for emergency services in your host country with you at all times. The US Department of State has compiled emergency phone numbers by country, which can be found here.
Should a fellow student violate your rights, report the violation to your program director AND to the Center for Global Education as soon as possible. Lodge a formal complaint in writing, in person, or via e-mail by detailing the time, date, and description of the event and the name(s) of the individual(s) whose behavior is problematic. This will initiate an investigation and other judicial proceedings as appropriate. If you are uncertain whether you wish to make a formal complaint, you may consult with the CGE and your program staff on site to determine if, and how, to proceed. Should you be the victim of a crime perpetrated by a non-HWS student, then your program director or host institution can inform you of your rights and the process to take action within that institution and/or with law enforcement officials on site. Note that in all situations, the CGE can advise you and facilitate support services (such as counseling or medical care). While we cannot take judicial action against the perpetrator, we will determine the reporting options available to you on site. In all instances, if you would like fully confidential assistance, you can call the Counseling Center at +1 315-781-3388. An on-call counselor is available after hours for emergencies by calling Campus Safety at +1 315-781-3000/Emergency Line +1 315-781-3333.
For more information about sexual misconduct or Title IX complaints (definitions, reporting, judicial processes, etc.) HWS students should visit the Office of Title IX Programs & Compliance webpage.
Safety Tips While Abroad
- Travel in groups; do not walk alone, especially at night.
- Carry local emergency numbers with you at all times, along with the location and contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
- Always make sure you have notified your program (as well as host family, flatmates, and friends) about any travel you are planning.
- Whistling and catcalling are common on public streets abroad. You are more likely to be targeted if you make eye contact or smile at strangers, which is not typical behavior in many countries. While this can be annoying, it is usually not dangerous. However, if you feel that someone is harassing you, note the location where the behavior occurs and the perpetrator’s appearance and report the incident to a staff member at your program who can then advise you about whether and how to take other action.
- In the US and at HWS, we support a culture of affirmative consent and teach that, if someone is impaired by alcohol or other drugs, they are not capable of consent. This may not be the case in your destination country.
- Being the victim of a crime is not the fault of the victim. There are, however, strategies you can implement to decrease risk. Don’t go out alone, never accept drinks from strangers, and keep an eye on your own drinks to minimize risk.