U.S. colleges and universities are a very diverse lot and their response to the
issue of drinking by "underage" students in countries where they are "legal" varies. In
my view, the best approach for universities to take to the issue is a cautious, risk adverse
one. I would urge U.S. schools to be sure their student funds are not going to purchase
alcohol or support other dangerous activities. As for enforcing a U.S. drinking age on
students studying abroad, this situation presents real problems for administrators. They
will argue, often with reason, that it is simply not feasible to "police" students to this
extent, where the local law permits drinking by "underage" U.S. students.