CONDUCT BY A FOREIGN GUEST: Because you will be a visitor, a foreign guest, in the countries of our destination, and because you will be representing not only Radford University, but also your country, you will have to be conscious of your manner of conduct. That includes attention to some of your habitual behaviors: being polite, open-minded and understanding, etc. You may be shocked to learn that our countrymen tend to be stereotyped in some European countries as "loud" or "obnoxious" in the hotels, in the museums, in the streets and restaurants), and "demanding service" just because they are "paying for it." Do all you can not to perpetuate this stereotype. There are no inherent privileges or considerations attached to being an American. 
 

LAWS of the host country:  Wherever you are, you are under strict obligation to obey all laws of the host country--particularly including laws concerning the purchase, possession, use, or distribution of "illicit or controlled substances."  Neither Radford University, nor the United States will tolerate "behavior that is illegal, obnoxious, or embarrassing" to our study abroad group. This applies to big offenses, as well as to such "minor" offenses as removing objects from restaurants or hotels.  For instance, consider that taking ashtrays or "shooters" from restaurants as souvenirs is stealing.
 

SAFE  & PROPER CONDUCT:  Your proper behavior will include being on guard with strangers (as  in “no flirting").  If you can't help it, absolutely do not bring your new acquaintances to your room.  You will share rooms with other Program participants and you are NOT to offend their sensibilities and need for privacy. Conversely, do not go to your new acquaintances' rooms in hotels at any time--you are potentially putting yourself in grave danger and there is nothing that your professor or your fellow-travelers can do to help you (should you need help).   
 

RESPECT:  Since you will be a part of a group for three weeks, remember that moods may change and tempers may fly.  What do you normally do to deflect a "heavy" situation? As you know, the actions of one can affect the moods of many, so it is important to project a respectful attitude towards each other (not to mention towards our hosts). Avoid "antisocial behavior" (and read this fully page: "Adventure Behavior").
 

DISMISSAL FROM THE PROGRAM:  The Radford University Honor Code will be in effect throughout our Program. Violation of the RU Honor Code could result in sending you home early and judicial action later. In addition, unacceptable or illegal conduct on the part of any participant will not be tolerated and will result in immediate and unconditional dismissal, with no refund of fees or tuition (those behaviors are listed on a document provided by the International Office, "RU Study Abroad Standards of Student Conduct"--please, study it in conjunction with the present document).
 

SERVICES:  As participants in a complex set of cultural processes, you are asked to clear your actions with the professor. For instance, do not deal with the hotel management or travel personnel about any problems you encounter. Your  concerns/complaints must go through your professor who, as your group leader and your representative on location, negotiates all services and coordinates all transfers.
 

CLASS CONDUCT ON LOCATION:  Remember that you are under obligation to pay attention to all instructions given by the professor--that includes  social/cultural matters, as well as  course /content matters. In museums, cathedrals and other cultural sites, do stay close as the lectures are in progress--it's impolite and detrimental to group morale to wander off while your professor is  speaking. Also, please do obey restrictions on flash photography in museums, churches, castles, and other sites.
 

ATTENDANCE AT PROGRAM  FUNCTIONS: Your attendance is mandatory or your grade will suffer.  There is some built-in flexibility in this program and free time, so if you wish to book yourself to  a hotel-sponsored tour (castles; abbeys; day-trip to Rome, etc), you'll have to clear it with the professor in advance; have your cash ready and mind that your tour will have to be reflected in your final project. 
 

BREAKFAST SESSIONS  are mandatory. Allow for enough time in the morning, so you can arrive to the sessions on time, alert, prepared and ready. You must also be ready to leave the hotel or arrive at the designated meeting place on time. Promptness is particularly important on field-days and departure days: the group will not wait for stragglers. Be aware that for some day trips we might have to leave relatively early in the morning, and that we may not return until late at night. Complaints are not welcome--but spirit building activities (singing? limericks?) and keen sense of humor are!
 

use your common sense: Getting enough sleep before travel and before class/field days would, well, make sense. Chances are you will be tempted to stay out late--but remember that you will also have to get up early the next morning! Our "Breakfast Session" lectures will require that you are alert and mindful of the "field work" project for the day. When we travel outside of our "hub cities," you might not want to miss the scenery: what are the chances that you will see it again?  And how will you enter them in your log?
 

Speaking of Logs: a notebook is a must and you should never be caught without it. Make every effort to record your thoughts and queries, to take notes about places, food, and language--anything that enters the range of your senses. You will be grateful you kept a journal when it comes to building your final project web site, so start even before our departure, as you read about the places you will visit.