Not so, at least as far as drinking and illicit drug use go for participants in international study abroad programs. What is more, the regulations are portable, covering international study abroad programs as well as domestic studies. Before complete panic sets in let us remember all of the other good reasons to make sure your program is in compliance with the regulations. If effective risk management practices are being followed and you have already thought through the potential exposure your school may face in sending students abroad, you may already be in compliance with the regulations.
Minimum compliance is quite reasonable really.
That is it. Proper preparation for any study abroad program takes time. If conscientious about the process, students and staff may spend months or more preparing, familiarizing themselves with what may be new customs and laws, as well as language and culture. Schools with international study abroad programs can and should think beyond the narrow question, should we serve wine or beer at program functions. Instead they should be thinking about the myriad risks intoxicated or stoned students living in a strange foreign city pose to themselves and others.