Laws
Laws in the US may differ from that of your own country, so please make sure you are aware of those laws and that you abide by them while in the US. A few that we feel require bringing attention to:

Drugs - there are a few different ways you may get in trouble with the law in accordance to US drug policy. State to state will differ on illegal drugs and the categories you may get in trouble for:

1. Possession - if you have an illegal drug that you are carrying, in your pocket or some how contained in any portion of something within your clothing or materials you may be found guilty of Possession of an illegal drug.

2. Use - if you choose to use any drugs you can be found guilty of being Under the Influence of an illegal drug. Since drugs stay in your system for longer than just the period in which they are used, your charge of Under the Influence may still be used days, if not weeks, after you have used the drug.

3.Distribution - if you choose to provide other people with a drug that is in your possession you may be found guilty of Distribution of a Controlled Substance, meaning that if you have any drugs in your possession and you voluntarily give them to anyone else, that is a crime.

All of these crimes carry heavy legal consequences, so please avoid them at all costs.

Alcohol - the legal drinking age in the US is 21 years of age or older. If you are found drinking alcohol and you are under the age of 21 you are subject to fines, as well as, jail time. In addition, if you are found guilty of buying alcohol for people who are under the age of 21 you may face the same punishments. Any person working in either a bar or store will ask for your ID when purchasing alcohol.

Drinking & Driving - it is illegal to drink and drive in the U.S., meaning that you may not drink any alcoholic beverage and operate a moving vehicle, either during or after consumption. Drinking and driving is a leading cause of death and injury and should be taken very seriously. Should you choose to go out anywhere and consume an alcoholic beverage please appoint a "designated-driver." This is someone who is not drinking and therefore, may be the person who drives you home. Should you not have a designated driver another option you may choose is calling a taxi. Please avoid drinking and driving at all costs. Your safety and that of your friends, as well as, others depends on it.

Smoking - in the US this will be less tolerable than in outside countries. As a leading cause of cancer, disease and death, smoking is not permitted in many locations in the US, including restaurants, shopping malls, grocery stores and additional enclosed venues. For your health and the health of others smoking is very much discouraged and should you choose to partake in it please reference those around you to see if it is permitted in the location, which you are in, as well as, observing any signs or flyers that may be posted.

Local & National Laws - unlike what you may be used to, local law will differ from city to city, as well as, state to state. Should you be unaware of the laws in your location or US laws in general it would be good to reference them for your general knowledge. more...

Sex - national laws, which you should be very aware of involve being technically considered a minor versus an adult. The legal age, in the US, which you are considered old enough to consent to a sexual act is 18 years of age. Should you engage in this act with anyone under the age of 18 you could face very serious criminal charges, including jail time and fines. Before conducting yourself in such a manor it is your responsibility to know the age of the person consenting to this act.

A separate law under the same category is Rape. This is an act committed when one person is consenting to a sexual act and the other is not. A common phrase used under this law is: "No means No." Meaning, if you are interested in partaking in such an act with someone who doesn't share this mutual feeling and they express to you that disinterest, that you take that as No and do not pursue this act any further.

While these laws vary from state to state they are extremely important to remember and carry very heavy legal consequences should they be broken.

Harassment - this law has become more prominent in recent years in the US. The two most relevant laws under this category are simply Harassment and Sexual Harassment. Regular harassment came stem from calling someone a name to making threats. Either way, any malicious behavior towards another person, deserving or not, is considered harassment. The best form of elevation of this is to simply speak with the person whom you may not be getting along or agreeing with and settle your differences by communicating.

Another form of this law is Sexual Harassment, commonly addressed in the work place. Any form of a comment to any co-worker you make in reference to sexual preference, appearance, language or acts is considered harassment. Please make sure that you watch what you say while working and strive to treat everyone as equals with an equal amount of respect for all. Should you be found guilty of sexual harassment your employment will most likely be terminated.