College students may drink too heavily when studying abroad

By Staff Writer

Recent research from Loyola Marymount University suggests that American college students who participate in study abroad programs often have incorrect views of normal drinking. According to researchers, many students believe that alcohol is readily available in other countries and that it will make traveling more fun.

In addition, past studies have shown that heavy-drinking students are more likely to enroll in study abroad programs. These misconstrued ideas can place college students in danger when traveling, particularly when there are language barriers and unfamiliar places.

The survey, which was published in the Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice, asked 152 students about their experiences studying overseas. The results reveled that male students increased their drinking from an average of 2.38 to 2.92 days per week, while women's averages increased from 1.81 to 2.76 days per week.

Those who reported negative consequences to their drinking, such as a regretful sexual encounter, also reported drinking more heavily.

Each year, more than 250,000 American students travel to other countries for study, according to the Institute of International Education.