Bright Light Volunteers is a not for profit, charitable organization formed under Section 501(c)(3) of the US I.R.C. that is committed to international student volunteering, uniting people and cultures through positive, sustainable change. We bring people together for the better because we believe we can teach and learn from one another. We are dedicated the mission “bringing the world closer together, and making the world a brighter place.” Each participant is required to read and sign this Drug and Alcohol Policy before participating in a program. As a participant in a Bright Light service program, I understand that I am serving as an ambassador for Bright Light and for our home community. Therefore, I am expected to abide by the laws, regulations, and customs of the host country, community, institution, and program. I will conduct myself in a responsible and mature manner at all times.
Alcohol Use Although there may be no minimum drinking age in the host country, the customs regarding alcohol use may be very different from the ones in the United States. I am aware of the following circumstances that might tempt me to misuse alcohol while abroad: a mistaken impression of how alcohol is used in your new surroundings; cheaper costs in some countries; a lower minimum drinking age; more lenient laws against drunkenness; or a desire to experiment or fit in. However, during my orientation I was well informed that alcohol misuse and abuse is not acceptable anywhere in the world and will not be tolerated on a Bright Light Volunteers service program. Violation of local laws and/or BLV policies related to alcohol use will result in:
- Parental notification and university/school notification
- Possible dismissal from the program, at participant’s expense
Drug Use (Adapted from the U.S. Department of State's Travel Warning on Drugs Abroad) See http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2008/feb/101133.htm Also, www.travel.state.gov Bright Light has a zero-tolerance policy regarding the possession, use, manufacture, production, sale, exchange or distribution of illegal drugs by participants in the Bright Light service programs, including, but not limited to, the BU Global Service Learning Program. Violation of this policy will result in:
- Parental and university/school notification
- Immediate dismissal from the program, at participant’s expense
- Academic withdrawal from the University for the semester in progress, if applicable
NOTE: Each year several thousand Americans are arrested overseas. Many of the arrests are on drug-related charges. If you choose to use illegal drugs abroad, there is very little that anyone at Bright Light Volunteers, our educational partner, Bethel University, or the US Government can do to help you if you are arrested.
You are operating under the laws of the host country and the regulations of the local institution. Neither the U.S. government nor the home institution will be able to secure your release should you be arrested. It is your responsibility to know the drug laws of a foreign country before you go. Some laws may be applied more strictly to foreigners than to local citizens; therefore, do not assume that just because local people are using drugs, it’s acceptable for you to use drugs.
Here is what the U.S. Consulate CAN and CANNOT do if you are arrested on drug charges:
The U.S. Consular Office
CAN:
- visit you in jail after being notified of your arrest
- give you a list of local attorneys (The U.S. Government cannot assume responsibility for the
professional ability or integrity of these individuals or recommend a particular attorney)
- notify your family and/or friends and relay requests for money or other aid - but only with your authorization
- intercede with local authorities to make sure that your rights under local laws are fully observed and that you are treated humanely, according to internationally accepted standards
- protest mistreatment or abuse to the appropriate authorities
The U.S. Consular Office
CANNOT:
- demand your immediate release or get you out of jail or the country
- represent you at trial or give legal counsel
- pay legal fees and/or fines with U.S. government funds
If you are caught using illegal drugs by a BLV program leader, you will be immediately dismissed from the
service program. You will be sent home at your own expense. If you are caught by local authorities, it could
mean:
- Interrogation and delays before trial, including mistreatment and solitary confinement for up to one year under very primitive conditions
- lengthy trials conducted in a foreign language, with delays and postponements
- weeks, months or life in prison (some places include hard labor, heavy fines, and/or lashings), if found guilty
- death penalty in a growing number of countries (e.g., Malaysia, Pakistan, and Turkey)
Although drug laws vary from country to country, it is important to realize before you make the mistake of
getting involved with drugs that foreign countries do not react lightly to drug offenders. In some countries,
anyone who is caught with even a very small quantity for personal use may be tried and receive the same
sentence as the large-scale trafficker.
- Once you leave the United States you are not covered by U.S. laws and constitutional rights.
- Bail is not granted in many countries when drugs are involved.
The burden of proof in many countries is on the accused to prove his/her innocence.
- In some countries, evidence obtained illegally by local authorities may be admissible in court.
- Few countries offer drug offenders jury trials or even require the prisoner's presence at trial.
- Many countries have mandatory prison sentences of seven years to life without the possibility of
parole