Behavior

The student handbook outlines specific issues regarding Colby's standards for behavior on its programs abroad. We ask that parents encourage their son or daughter to read this handbook prior to departure. Please also refer to the handbook for the specific Colby program you are considering.

Most issues surrounding inappropriate behavior are related to alcohol consumption. In many European countries, the minimum age for alcohol consumption is 18; in fact, nearly every student on a Colby program abroad can legally be served alcohol in Europe. While Colby's policy is to respect the laws of the country in which our program is located, no student should feel pressured to consume alcohol.

Students should know, and parents should understand, that behavior that may be common at college campuses in the US is unacceptable in Europe. Binge drinking in particular, or drinking to get drunk, is culturally inappropriate. Additionally, other countries may have more stringent laws in a variety of areas, and being a foreigner is no protection. If local laws are contravened, the United States embassy, or your home country embassy, is only able to assure that the student receives equal treatment under the terms of local law and procedure. Your son or daughter will receive a written policy on alcohol consumption during on-site orientation, with a clear indication of possible sanctions for disregard of the policy.

Colby's policy regarding illegal drugs is one of zero tolerance. Students must understand that the consequences for possession or sale of illegal drugs abroad are brutal. Neither Colby nor the United States embassy can help if a student has broken another country's laws. Any student identified by a resident director or program staff as distributing or selling illegal drugs will face immediate dismissal from the program with no refund of fees and no credit.

Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated and students will be asked to withdraw from the program, without refund or credit, if the resident director feels that their behavior is irresponsible and threatens their well-being or that of other members of the program. The Dean of Students Office at Colby will receive reports on any inappropriate behavior by students, whether or not this behavior results in dismissal. Students are subject to the policies and procedures, where applicable, listed in the Colby Student Handbook, which can be viewed via the web on Colby's home page under Publications.