I would suggest that is sage advice always, irrespective of the continent one finds themselves on. If you can't get away with it in Italy (see: Caligula), it's probably a bad idea everywhere.
Ok, Mexico too. ;)
Two of our kids did a junior year abroad(England & Australia). I can’t imagine what these parents are going through. We also just spent 2 weeks in Italy and, to be honest, it’s not a country where I felt totally comfortable.
Don’t know if Amanda is guilty but I have some doubts about the fairness of this trial.