Amanda Knox, a study abroad student, was convicted of murdering her roommate in Perugia, Italy. After serving 4 years of a 26 year sentence, her case was overturned.

Planning on studying abroad in the future? Now this isn’t a scare tactic regarding the types of crimes committed in a foreign country, but a lesson to be learned as to what your rights and responsibilities are when you do study abroad and how to prepare.

Talk to Student Legal Services

Be aware of the legal system in the country you are going to study in by stopping by Student Legal Services. They offer legal advice and consultation regarding many topics, and it’s free!

If You’re a Suspect

If you happen to get in a bit of trouble while studying abroad your absolute first action is not to panic, but to call the US Embassy and get ahold of anyone there who is available to take your call and get it on record. Next, contact the emergency contact number for the study abroad program you are enrolled in.

Don’t Hesitate

Don’t let a few exceptions to criminal mischief scare you from studying abroad. Only a few cases arise out of the thousands of students to travel to foreign countries to soak in the culture – it is essentially comparable to airplane crash statistics.