SPRING BREAK
Ready for Spring Break? Don't let your escape from dorm life and research papers turn into a Spring Break horror story. Put your mind (and your parents) at ease by using these strategies to avoid dangerous situations. go from here.
State Department Media Note – January 2009
Do you have a passport? You may now need a passport for Spring Break, even if you didn’t need one before! The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative created new guidelines for travel, even to Mexico and Canada. Make sure you have all the information you need before you travel, and APPLY EARLY FOR YOUR PASSPORT.
Avoid underage and excessive alcohol consumption. "Overdoing it," leads to
the majority of arrests, accidents, violent crimes, rapes, and deaths suffered by
American students on spring break. As in the U.S., disturbing the peace, lewd behavior, littering, driving under the influence, drinking on the street or on public transportation may all be considered criminal activities by local authorities—is it worth it?
Don't import, purchase, use, or have drugs in your possession. It just makes good sense. Drug charges can carry severe penalties, including imprisonment without bail for up to a year before a case is even tried. A conviction carries several more years of imprisonment in a foreign jail. In some countries it doesn't matter if you're underage either; you can still be charged as an adult.
Obey the local laws. An arrest or accident during spring break can result in a difficult legal situation. Your U.S. citizenship does not make you exempt from full prosecution under another country's criminal justice system. Many countries impose harsh penalties for violations that would be considered minor in the United States. If you find yourself in a legal jam, contact the closest U.S. consulate, U.S. consular agency, or the U.S. embassy for assistance. Keep in mind, U.S. consular employees cannot arrange for local officials to release detained American citizens.
Take warning flags on beaches seriously. This seems like a no-brainer, but many drownings occur when swimmers are overwhelmed by the water conditions. If black or red flags are up, do not enter the water. Strong undertow and rough surf along beaches are more common than you may think, especially on the Pacific coast. If you swim, always exercise caution.
Only use licensed and regulated taxis. Some illegitimate taxi drivers are sometimes, in fact, criminals in search of victims. Some passengers of unlicensed taxis have been robbed, kidnapped, and/or raped. When in doubt, ask the hotel, club or restaurant staff to summon a legitimate taxi for you.
Do not carry weapons. A pocketknife can result in a serious weapons charge while on foreign soil - even if the knife is found while being arrested for a separate offense. Visitors driving across the border to Mexico should ensure that their vehicles contain no firearms or ammunition.
Avoid participating in demonstrations and other political activities. Here in the U.S. we enjoy many liberties. However, political activities in other countries can result in detention and/or deportation by officials. Even demonstrations that are intended to be peaceful can sometimes turn violent, and you don't want to be caught in the middle. You can "stick it to the man," but on your own soil.
Be conscientious. Be aware of surroundings, and take general precautions. Remember that standards of safety and supervision (i.e. for swimming pools or hotel balconies) may not reach those expected in the United States. The difference has contributed to the deaths of U.S. citizens overseas. It’s scary, but true. Also, don't take your valuables with you on your trip—leave them at home in your sock drawer.
If you find yourself in a legal jam, contact the closest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. Keep in mind, U.S. Consular employees cannot arrange for local officials to release detained American citizens.
FROM ALL OF US AT STUDENTS ABROAD, HAVE A SAFE AND WONDERFUL SPRING BREAK!