Risk-based decision is the idea that it makes more sense to take certain risks in certain situations and less sense to take other risks in those same situations. For example, if you are in your house and hungry, it makes sense to leave your house and walk to the grocery store to purchase food, even though there might be risks associated with leaving your house and taking that walk. Conversely, if you were at home and were feeling bored, it makes far less sense to leave your house, go out into the yard, lay down a path of hot coals, and walk across them. While this might alleviate your boredom, there are likely other things that you could do that are less risky and have of a chance of harming you than walking on hot coals.

You most likely use this decision making tactic regularly in your day to day life. It is vital that you think this way while abroad. For example, consider that you are studying abroad in Paris, and need to choose between visiting the Louvre and skydiving (hint - do not choose this option).

• Example: Visiting the Louvre is a once in a lifetime experience, can only be done in France, and there is a small likelihood/magnitude of harm (covid-19, slip and fall, theft).
• Example: Skydiving can be done anywhere, is not specific to France/program and has high likelihood/magnitude of harm (sickness, injury, death).

As you can see, it makes sense to visit the Louvre, as the risks are low, and you can only visit the Louvre while in Paris. Skydiving on the other hand, has extremely high-risks, and has nothing to do with why you are studying abroad in Paris. When you are abroad, use this formula to eliminate activities like skydiving and to substantiate participating in activities similar to visiting the Louvre. In general, if the likelihood of harm is low, and the magnitude of harm is low, and the activity is substantially related to the content of your study abroad program, it passes the test, and you should consider participating. If these criteria are not met, just say no!