Study Abroad

The Office of International Programs at JMU has a significant and ongoing concern regarding the abuse of alcohol by our undergraduate students involved in study abroad programs. It is not at all uncommon that excessive alcohol consumption causes students to be unable to fully appreciate and benefit from the experience of being immersed in another culture (e.g. standing in the presence of Michelangelo's David and carrying on discussions about the previous night’s drinking or simply being too hung over to care that they are viewing a masterpiece of the Renaissance). We are interested in implementing programmatic elements that might prevent or allow for more effective interventions with alcohol abuse in the study abroad population. If you have policies and/or programs that are achieving these goals, I would appreciate hearing from you. Innovative ideas and suggestions are also welcome.
Thank you in advance