POWELL PROMOTES SPRING BREAK SAFETY AMONG STUDENTS ABROAD

More Than 2,500 American Citizens Are Arrested Abroad Yearly For Acts Of
Misconduct

Spring break is just around the corner and students are beginning to pack
their suitcases. Students' plans vary from laying low at home and catching
up on lost sleep, to traveling long distances. Some will even be going abroad.

Secretary of State Colin Powell issued a warning to those planning on
traveling outside the country during the upcoming tourist season. He
encourages young Americans to act responsibly, noting that many are
arrested in foreign countries due to inappropriate behavior related to
heavy drinking.

According to the Travel Safety Information for Students fact sheet issued
by the U.S. Department of State, more than 2,500 American citizens are
arrested abroad each year. Half of these arrests are because of narcotics
charges. The fact sheet warns that drugs that are legal in one country may
not be legal in a neighboring nation.

Alcohol can also cause trouble for U.S. citizens abroad. Each year students
are arrested for public intoxication, drunk driving and underage drinking.
It is expected that Americans obey all laws of the country they are
visiting, the fact sheet read. Failure to do so may result in penalties
such as prison sentences.

In addition to alcohol and drugs, Americans should be aware of the dangers
of rape or robbery. The possibility of these happening, according to the
fact sheet, are somewhat heightened when in foreign countries because of
the unfamiliar location.

Jennifer Adams, a sophomore studying zoology, is anticipating her upcoming
vacation to Sydney, Australia. Adams will be traveling with her 18-year-old
sister.

"I'm a little nervous, since we're going by ourselves," Adams said. "But I
feel prepared." Adams intends to bring traveler's checks instead of cash,
as well as extra identification.

Kerry Eichholz, a student in business administration, is preparing for a
spring break vacation in Vancouver, British Columbia. Like Adams, Eichholz
said she isn't too concerned about her safety while out of the country.

"My friends and I aren't taking anything too valuable," Eichholz said. "And
we're planning on driving an older car. Hopefully, that will dissuade
anyone from breaking in. Other than that, though, we're not taking any
serious precautions."

For further information on safety while traveling abroad, visit
http://travel.state.gov/studentinfo.html.