Powell reminds students to abide laws while traveling abroad

As the time approaches for spring and summer break, many college students are ready for that much anticipated trip abroad.
Most will have a safe and enjoyable adventure, but for some the trip will become a nightmare. One or more of the following causes a number of ruined vacations: drugs, alcohol and disorderly behavior.
According to U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, each year many American students serve time in foreign jails or await trial in detention because they are unaware of the risks of using or possessing drugs or the inappropriate behavior associated with heavy drinking while overseas.
“The State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs is responsible for the protection and welfare of U.S. citizens overseas,” said Powell in a statement released to college newspapers across the country. “Although U.S. consular officers can visit American citizens being held in foreign jails, they cannot get them released.”
Spanish professor Warner Anderson takes a group of Southern University students to Mexico each Maymester for the Study Abroad program and proper behavior is stressed.
In a series of pre-departure meetings, Anderson discusses with his students the do’s and don’ts of international travel and study and the rules and regulations of a foreign country.
“We also tell our students to be conscientious of the fact that they are representing the African-American culture while abroad,” said Anderson.
Anderson said there has never been a problem between students and their host families.
“We host meetings where everyone can express their minds openly and respectfully. This teaches student groups dynamics,” said Anderson.
According to the Bureau of Consular Affairs, each year more than 2,500 American citizens are arrested abroad–about half on narcotics charges, including possession of very small amounts of illegal substances.
Some young people are victimized because they may be unaware of the laws, customs or standards of the country they are visiting.
To obtain more information about traveling abroad, check the Department of State’s web site at http://travel.state.gov/studentifo.html.
Top Ten Tips for Travelers:
1) Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visas, if required. Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport!
2) Read the Consular Information Sheets (and Public Announcement or Travel Warning, if applicable) for the countries you plan to visit.
3) Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page and visas with family or friends at home, so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency. Keep your host program informed about your whereabouts.
4) Make sure you have insurance that will cover your emergency medical needs while you are overseas.
5) Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. Remember, while in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws!
6) Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas and never accept packages from strangers.
7) While abroad, avoid using illicit drugs or drinking excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages, and associating with people who do.
8) Do not become a target for thieves by wearing conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of cash or unnecessary credit cards.
9) Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money to avoid violating local laws.
10) When overseas, avoid demonstrations and other situations that may become unruly or where anti-American sentiments may be expressed.