UIC Community Standards and Expectations Abroad

As a UIC student studying abroad, you will not only be representing yourself, but also be seen as a representative for our university and U.S. students at large. You are encouraged to take this responsibility seriously by respecting the host country’s cultural norms and laws and representing UIC and our country positively.

While abroad, you remain a UIC student and, accordingly, are subject to the same community standards that apply to students on campus. In addition to respecting UIC’s community standards while abroad, there are other Study Abroad Office policies that you are asked to adhere to as a condition of your participation on a study abroad program. Students who do not respect the community standards and policies of their program will be subject to disciplinary action, which could include removal from a program at their own expense. Please take some time to familiarize yourself with these standards and the policies found on this page.

We believe that UIC students can represent and promote our university and country positively. We thank you for your efforts in doing so while abroad.

As part of your application to study abroad, you will be expected to review and sign the Conditions of Participation in Study Abroad at UIC document. This document contains important policy information covering topics such as:

  • Grading and transcripts
  • Program restrictions and dismissal
  • Student Rights and Responsibilities
  • UIC’s Nondiscrimination Statement
  • Harassment and Sexual Harassment Policies
  • Health, Safety, and Risk Management Information

You will be given a version of this document to review and sign during the application process for your program, but you may access a copy of it here for your review now.

Host country laws and regulations surrounding the consumption and use of alcohol and drugs can be drastically different than in the U.S.  It is important to know that your actions are subject to the host country’s laws and regulations.  Breaking laws in other countries regarding drug use and/or alcohol consumption may have more severe consequences than in the U.S.  Should you find yourself in a predicament involving drugs or alcohol, the study abroad office, UIC, and your host program may be limited in how they can support you.

In addition to abiding by local laws and norms, you will be responsible for adhering to UIC Study Abroad Office policies surrounding drugs and alcohol while abroad:

Local laws apply when students have free time. No alcohol is to be consumed during program time or in program housing that has been arranged, contracted, or otherwise organized by UIC or its designated providers, with the exception of homestays. Program time means any officially scheduled program activity, including but not limited to, formal lectures, guided tours, group meals, site or company visits, and hosted receptions. 

  • Any student who possesses, uses, or sells illegal drugs will be immediately expelled from the program at their own expense.
  • Any student who abuses/misuses alcohol at any point while abroad will be subject to dismissal from the program, also at their own expense.
  • UIC works with many study abroad program partners who likely have their own policies surrounding alcohol use and illegal drug use.  Should you violate one of their policies, the Study Abroad Office will consult with them regarding disciplinary action.
  • If you are participating on a UIC Study Abroad sponsored program, alcohol consumption and illegal drug use is strictly prohibited. Only under special circumstances, approved and reviewed by the Study Abroad Office, will alcohol be permitted for cultural activities.