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Frequently Asked Questions

Communicating
Sexual Harassment

For health-related questions

Health-related FAQ page
LGBTQ+
Student Conduct

For technology-related questions

Technology-related FAQ page
Socializing Safely
Substance Use

Communication

LGBTQ+

Each of our identities can add unique challenges to traveling abroad. Laws and cultural norms in some countries may impact a traveler's experience and safety. There are a variety of resources available to asssist LGBTQ+ travelers better understand what to expect at their destination.

Socializing Safely

Socializing abroad can present some challenges because of cultural differences and misperceptions. The unspoken “rules” of social interaction in the US might not be appropriate in your host country. These concern matters such as:

  • Family structure
  • Faculty-student relationships
  • Friendships
  • Gender and personal relationships

Be cautious of different cultural norms and behavior. Some examples of what you should be aware of:

  • What are the cultural patterns for friendships like eye contact, smiling or waving at strangers, accepting a gift, any physical contact or interaction?
  • The cultural patterns for dating.
  • What is polite to address people by? First name or a certain title?
  • How formal should conversations be in different spaces? Is sarcasm potentially offensive?
  • Do women have equal rights?
  • What are both the legal restrictions and cultural norms related to the LGBTQ+ community?

Racism and colorism are also part of cultural norms in some countries. Consider how your ethnic/racial identity will be perceived at your destination country. Keep in mind that stereotypes at your host country could affect your experience.

Every community has different expectations for clothing. People tend to dress more formally in other countries. To decrease your likelihood of being targeted by criminals:

  • Dress conservatively or try to blend in with the local population.
  • Leave your USA t-shirts and baseball caps at home.
  • Do not wear expensive-(looking) jewelry or accessories.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual and discriminatory harassment violate Virginia Tech policy (Title IX) and are illegal in the United States, but laws may be different in your host country. The vast majority of offenders are not other college students, but citizens of the host country. Females may also be more likely to encounter harassment such as unwanted sexual gestures, physical contact, or statements that can be perceived as offensive (honked at, stared at, verbally and loudly approved of). On the other hand, foreign tones of voice, gestures, and perception of personal space may cause you to feel threatened by people who mean them no harm. Researching cultural norms before you travel can help set expectations. Trust your intuition. If you do not feel safe in a space, make a change or leave that space.

If you have been sexually harassed or sexually assaulted, you have access to the same support and resources you would if you were in Blacksburg, but how you engage with them may be different. We encourage you to connect with any office that you are comfortable with. In consideration of the additional complexity of seeking assistance while abroad, this website describes which VT resources can assist you most directly with different needs.

Student Conduct

Even though you are not physically on campus, you are still expected to properly represent Virginia Tech abroad. You are considered a Hokie wherever you are, and will still be held accountable to the student code of conduct and need to face disciplinary action when in violation of these rules.

When you travel abroad, you are no longer under the legal jurisdiction of the United States and must abide by all the laws of the countries in which you travel

  • If violating the law, you will have to face legal proceedings in the local judicial system.
  • If convicted of a crime, you will face punishment according to local practices.

Most students do not break the law on purpose; instead, they end up doing something illegal without knowing it, so…

  • Become familiar with local laws ("I didn't know it was illegal" will not get you out of jail)
  • Investigate consequences / punishments
  • Laws may be more lenient, but the penalties can be more severe
  • Some laws may be applied more strictly to foreigners than to local citizens
  • Don’t assume that what is legal at home is legal in other countries
  • Police may have a right to do a search even without probable cause
  • In many countries bail is not granted
  • The principle of “innocent until proven guilty” is not necessarily a tenet abroad

Substance Use

Alcohol is consistently reported to be the single greatest risk factor for students.

  • Be aware of the cultural norms related to drinking in your host country, as drinking may be culturally inappropriate or not permitted.
  • Know your limit and keep track of how many drinks you have had.
  • Do not accept drinks from strangers or leave your drink unattended.
  • Do not drink alone and stay with friends you trust.

Check the local drug laws and regulations before you travel becuase they vary greatly by country. Drug laws are different in every country and you are subject to local laws as a foreign traveler. Drug-related arrest abroad could result in:

  • Harsh interrogations
  • Lengthy or no trials
  • Weeks, months or life in prison
  • Deplorable prison conditions (mistreatment, solitary confinement, hard labor)
  • Prison may lack even minimal comforts (i.e. bed, toilet, washbasin)
  • Death penalty