University of Memphis students looking to brush off the textbookblues with a summer vacation should be smart and alert if theirplans include leaving the country, according to the United StatesDepartment of State.
Through several brochures and its Web sites, the StateDepartment urges students to do research on a country's history,politics, culture and customs before packing their bags.
U of M student Tasha Marsh might have saved herself a verbalassault had she taken the State Department's advice when shevisited Germany in the summer of 2001.
Marsh, a senior music business major, was waiting at a subwaystation in Donnerstag with the University Singers and UniversityOrchestra, when a man struck up a pantomimed conversation, tellingthe students to be careful.
"I wasn't going to let the language barrier get us down," saidMarsh, a self-professed charades fanatic.
However, when Marsh made the A-OK sign (touching pointer fingerto thumb with other fingers extended) with her hand, the helpfulstranger became angry and verbally berated her.
"All I could understand was 'freckles,'" Marsh said.
As more people stopped to stare, Marsh said a French persontalked the man down and escorted the students to anotherstation.
However, even the kindly helper couldn't resist taking a jab atthe students.
"(He) told us we were idiots," Marsh said, adding that the manexplained to them that the A-OK sign is the German equivalent offlipping someone the bird.
According to the State Department, students should be especiallycognizant of their overseas behavior because some conduct that maynot result in an arrest in the United States may land an Americantourist in jail.
More than 2,500 Americans are arrested abroad each year,according to the State Department, which said between a third andhalf of all arrests are narcotic charges.
In some countries, including Malaysia, Pakistan and Turkey, suchcharges can incur the death penalty.
The State Department has also cautioned students about alcohol,noting that drunken driving and public intoxication are stillcrimes overseas. To better inform Americans about the geopoliticalclimates and cultures of countries, the State Department compilesConsular Information Sheets for every country and Background Notesfor 170. These guides provide information on a country's entryrequirements, crime rates, availability of medical facilities,spoken languages, religious makeup and the status of relationsbetween the country and the United States.
In addition to being familiar with a country's background, StateDepartment officials recommend students learn basic phrases of acountry's language, as it shows the student is making an effort tocommunicate.
"I wish I'd paid more attention and learned how to say 'I'msorry,'" said Marsh.
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U.S. State Department's Top 10 TravelTips for Students 1. Have all required passports and visas signed, and be sure theemergency information pages are completed. 2. Read the Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings (ifapplicable) for the countries to be visited. 3. Leave copies of the trip itinerary and passport or visa datawith friends and family at home. 4. Be sure to have insurance that covers emergency medical needsthat may arise overseas. 5. Become familiar with a country's laws and customs.Remember, an American traveler is still subject to acountry's laws. 6. Don't leave luggage unattended in public, and never acceptpackages from strangers. 7. Avoid using illicit drugs or drinking excessive amounts ofalcohol while abroad or associating with those who do. 8. Do not attract thieves' attention with conspicuousclothing and expensive jewelry, and do not carry excessive amountsof cash or unnecessary credit cards. 9. Deal only with authorized agents when exchanging money to avoidviolating local laws. 10. Avoid demonstrations and other situations that may becomeunruly or where anti-American sentiments may be expressed. For more information, visit: U.S. State Department's home page: http://travel.state.gov/studentinfo.html Consular Information Sheets and Travel Advisories: http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html |
