Studying abroad can be a fantastic, life-changing experience. Many students thrive in a foreign setting, handling new cultures, friendships, and freedoms with aplomb. However, studying at a school in a foreign country doesn't mean that you are free from the responsibilities and expectations imposed by your school in your home country. If you fail to adhere to these obligations while abroad, you can land in deep trouble.

Most U.S. colleges and universities have a Code of Conduct designed especially for their study abroad participants. This code usually has the same policies and regulations as the school's standard Code of Conduct or Honor Code but includes particular adaptations for living abroad. Students are required to carefully read and sign this agreement before embarking on the program.

Students can run into trouble when they haven't read the code carefully, don't take it seriously, or believe that since they're far away from home, no one will know or find out if they break the code. But host and home schools don't hesitate to communicate about a student's misbehavior, and the students find themselves in hot water at both institutions.

Here are common reasons students can get in trouble with their home school while studying abroad.

• Engaging in academic misconduct. Study abroad students are expected to adhere to the highest standard of academic honesty. Cheating, plagiarizing, misrepresenting information, and many other types of dishonest behavior are forbidden.
• Engaging in violent, threatening, or harassing behavior. Most schools will not tolerate acts or threats of violence or any action that endangers another person's welfare. Such acts may be physical, psychological, or sexual.
• Failing to adhere to the conduct code of the host school. Study abroad students are responsible for learning and following their host school's code of conduct. Breaking these rules can result in serious consequences with your home school as well as the host school.
• Engaging in political demonstrations, protests, or other political acts. Some schools expressly forbid students to promote or engage in political or religious demonstrations in their host country. Not only might such activities be illegal or dangerous, but as a U.S. citizen, unscrupulous people might use the student's participation to further political propaganda or for other spurious purposes.
• Violation of local laws. Most codes of conduct warn that students are subject to the laws of their host country. Students who violate local laws are likely to find themselves in trouble with the legal system of their host country and their home school.
• Violation of alcohol or drug policies. Many schools acknowledge that students have the right to follow the laws of their host country with respect to drinking alcohol or drug use. However, students may still get in trouble with their home school for abusing alcohol and drugs or for any misbehavior that may arise from such abuse.

Seek Legal Help When Facing Discipline While Studying Abroad

Missteps and misunderstandings are commonplace in the study abroad context. If you've been accused of violating your school's code of conduct policy while studying abroad, you have the right to defend yourself vigorously. But there's no need to go it alone.

The Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm always advocates for the student's best interests and ensures their voice and story gets heard in the disciplinary process.

If you are facing possible discipline because you've been accused of violating your school's conduct or honor code while visiting a host school in a foreign country, we will defend you. Call the Lento Law Firm Team today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online. We want to help protect your academic future and reputation.