For college students contemplating a career in national security, one opportunity that may be of interest is a study abroad. The allure is understandable, yet some forward-thinking twenty-somethings hesitate to proceed due to career concerns. They worry that the experience gleaned from a study-abroad might be a double-edged sword when it comes to later obtaining a U.S. government security clearance.
The Benefits and Risks of Study Abroad Experiences
This concern is not misplaced. On one hand, the cultural experience and language skills obtained during a study abroad can provide valuable experience for national security careers. U.S. national security agencies often explicitly recruit for those skills and experience.
On the other hand, the same agencies that purport to want worldly people sometimes reflexively deny security clearances based on issues like relationships with foreigners. I often pointed out this dichotomy in appealing security clearance denials – some of them based on study-abroad issues – on behalf of my clients.
Steps to Minimize Security Risks
Fortunately, there are some steps young people can take to minimize the likelihood of a study abroad later being perceived as a security risk. To start, the U.S. Government itself sponsors several study-abroad programs aimed at recruiting young people with an interest in national security and foreign affairs. Participation in one of these programs can be very helpful, as can avoiding any countries where the government programs are not currently sending students (a potential warning sign about security risks and/or legality of travel). However, this alone does not guarantee a security clearance if the participant engages in problematic behavior or establishes concerning relationships while abroad.
Conduct That Raises Security Concerns
Therein lies the real issue. Outside of a few overtly hostile countries, it is the relationships made and the activities undertaken during the study abroad that more often raise security concerns than the study abroad itself. Some examples include:
- Illegal activities on foreign soil;
- Activities legal on foreign soil but illegal here (e.g., drug use or solicitation of prostitution);
- Visiting restricted foreign government facilities;
- Sending compromising photos or videos while overseas that can be intercepted by a foreign intelligence service and used for blackmail;
- Engaging in romantic relationships with foreign nationals; or
- Establishing any contact with a foreign government’s intelligence or security service.
This is by no means an all-inclusive list, but rather some illustrative examples of problematic conduct. Students should be especially wary of anyone expressing an unusual interest in them or offering payment in exchange for seemingly innocuous services like writing academic papers; such behavior can be a precursor to recruitment for espionage.
The Role of Foreign-Funded Programs
One caveat, however: there are some study-abroad programs where funding is provided in whole or in part by a foreign government. The source of funding is not always obvious; sometimes, it is obfuscated by a seemingly independent organization which is funded by a foreign government. In these cases, it is, indeed, the study abroad itself that can pose a security concern based on a perception of implied participant indebtedness to the funder.
Final Advice for Aspiring National Security Professionals
Students interested in pursuing a national security career should thoroughly investigate any sources of outside funding and avoid programs sponsored by a foreign government or unknown source at all costs. That due diligence, coupled with an avoidance of hostile countries and a basic ability to recognize and avoid potential security issues, should significantly minimize the risk of a security clearance denial due to a study-abroad.
This article is intended as general information only and should not be construed as legal advice. Although the information is believed to be accurate as of the publication date, no guarantee or warranty is offered or implied. Laws and government policies are subject to change, and the information provided herein may not provide a complete or current analysis of the topic or other pertinent considerations. Consult an attorney regarding your specific situation.
