Mitigating the Risks of Substance Usage on School Trips

Overseas school trips offer invaluable experiences for students to learn about diverse cultures and broaden their global perspectives. While intended to serve as a safe environment for pushing boundaries, these trips can also become arenas for risky behavior. A study by On Call International showed that 11% of American students admitted trying recreational drugs for the first time while overseas. Coupled with the perceived anonymity in foreign environments, the allure of experimenting with drugs and alcohol poses significant hazards. What are the potential risks, and best practices that schools should take note of to safeguard students while on overseas trips?

Access to Recreational Drugs

The rules around recreational drugs vary widely from country to country and even between states within a country. Substances which are illegal in one location may be freely available and unregulated in others. Even in places where some substances are subject to strict rules, students can still gain access to them.

Music festivals are well known to be events where recreational drugs are commonly used, regardless of police presence. “Retreats” that offer "traditional" therapies including psychedelic experiences are increasingly common. In some parts of Southeast Asia, partygoers can attend Full Moon Parties where drugs are known to be sold and consumed.

In Europe, there are many locations, sometimes called ‘Coffeeshops’, where cannabis is legal and readily available. Licensed restaurants in Thailand also serve cannabis inside food. In some countries, it is common to find cannabis as a pizza topping, or in common foods such as chocolate and ice cream. However, this does not mean that the experience is legal.

Legality of Drug and Alcohol Consumption

Understanding the laws regarding drug and alcohol purchase and consumption is crucial when studying abroad. Laws vary between countries, as do the consequences of breaking those laws, ranging from a warning without conviction, to severe penalties including imprisonment or even the death penalty.

Legal drinking age is variable and is not necessarily the same age at which one can legally purchase alcohol. Some countries do not restrict the consumption or sale of alcohol to minors, and in other countries alcohol is completely banned.

In Singapore, vaping is illegal, and drug trafficking carries a mandatory death penalty, yet the legal drinking age of 18 is younger than the United States' minimum age of 21. Alcohol accessibility is even higher in some parts of Europe, such as Germany, where it is legal to consume beer and wine without supervision at the age of 16.

Recreational cannabis is legal, although there are restrictions on possession and purchase, in over 20 states of the USA, and throughout Canada and Mexico. In South Africa, cannabis has been decriminalised for personal adult consumption in private, while Singaporean law prohibits cannabis consumption overseas, even if it is legal in the host country, regardless of age. Educating students about local regulations and emphasizing adherence to both host and home country laws is essential for safety and legal compliance.

Impaired Judgement and Accidents

Away from home, parental supervision and social connections, a feeling of anonymity can lower the student’s inhibitions making them more open to engaging in risky behavior. River tubing while intoxicated increases the risk of drowning.

We have seen students getting into motor bike accidents after drinking, resulting in significant physical injuries, property damage, and legal troubles.

Best Practices and Recommendations

Institutions must adopt proactive measures to mitigate drug and alcohol exposure risks on overseas trips, incorporating:

1. Pre-departure briefs on cultural norms, rules and restrictions on alcohol and drugs.
2. Education about substance dangers and guidelines.
3. Communicating the institution's policies (and consequences if these policies are not followed).
4. Encouraging open communication for reporting and assistance.
5. Providing incident management, coping strategies, and post-incident support strategies.

How International SOS Can Help

Partnering with International SOS enhances student safety during overseas trips. Our security and medical experts can help institutions mitigate risks through:

1. Reviewing travel safety policies for students and staff.
2. Proactive risk assessments, trip leader training and contingency planning for staff.
3. Providing destination-specific briefings to empower students to make informed decisions.
4. Providing Travel Risk Awareness training for trip leaders and students.

With over four decades of global experience supporting organizations and partnering with leading education institutions in the scholastic space, International SOS understands the unique risks of your students and staff, regardless of trip specifics. As stewards of student safety, schools are recommended to take proactive steps in protecting student well-being, regardless of geographic boundaries.

Contact us to discuss your Duty of Care journey.