PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT

APPLICATION AGREEMENT & POLICIES

By submitting the online application form, you indicate your understanding and acceptance of the following statements:

• I certify that all of the information in this application is correct and I agree to stand by the financial, academic and conduct policies set forth by StudyAbroad.com and partner institutions/organizations.
• As StudyAbroad.com will be working on my behalf, I hereby authorize the release of my application and other records to its affiliated partner institutions/organizations.
• I authorize the appropriate officials of my overseas host institutions to forward official transcripts of the academic work I complete while abroad to StudyAbroad.com. StudyAbroad.com will then release this information to the appropriate officials at my home institution and may contact my study abroad advisor. 
• I authorize StudyAbroad.com to release my name and program information to my parents/family and home institution.
• I understand that it is my responsibility to educate myself on any specific visa requirements for my selected destination and to secure any required documents.
• In consideration of the benefits accruing to me from the StudyAbroad.com Program and other good and valuable consideration, I do hereby release and discharge StudyAbroad.com and any and all of their agents, employees, or representatives including persons, parties, organizations or agencies collaborating with them, from all actions, suits, claims, or liability for damages or other legal or equitable relief of any nature resulting from, arising out of, or related to my participation in the program (including, without limitation, claims for personal injury, property damage, deviation, delay, curtailment). StudyAbroad.com or the sponsoring institution reserves the right to cancel or alter any program or course for any reason.

 

CONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE POLICY

Some applicants may be conditionally accepted to their program. This is dependent upon the applicant’s ability to meet program-specific requirements, such as language proficiency, prior to full acceptance into their program. The applicants will be advised by their StudyAbroad.com advisor as to conditions that exist for their programs. The applicant must fill out and sign the Conditional Acceptance Agreement and return it to StudyAbroad.com with the program deposit to demonstrate their commitment to fulfilling the requirements necessary to participate in the program.

The due date for the completion of the program requirements will be set by the StudyAbroad.com advisor. By this date, the applicant must submit proof (such as their language proficiency score) that they have met the program requirements. They must also submit their remaining StudyAbroad.com enrollment documents. 

 

PASSPORTS AND VISAS POLICY

Program applicants who do not currently have a passport should apply for one upon acceptance in the program. In addition, a visa is required for most countries. It is the participant’s responsibility to secure any required documents. StudyAbroad.com will provide detailed instructions and advice and will be happy to answer any questions. Non-U.S. citizens must contact the consulate nearest their place of residence to determine whether any special documents are required. StudyAbroad.com cannot and will not intercede for those who choose not to obtain the appropriate documentation. Participants are responsible for educating themselves on any specific requirements for their selected destination. Failure to obtain appropriate passports and visas is not grounds for any refund.

 

REFUND & CANCELLATION POLICY

By submitting the online application form, you indicate your understanding and acceptance of the following:

Enrollment in an international program requires a great deal of advanced preparation. The participant must make commitments of time and money in order to go abroad. StudyAbroad.com also makes resource and financial commitments on behalf of each participant prior to the program start date. These commitments are made in order to maximize the value of the programs for all participants. For this reason, StudyAbroad.com has instituted limited refund, cancellation, and deferment policies for which no exceptions can be made. 

All cancellations or deferments must be sent in writing via email. No refunds will be made other than those specified below:

• The application fee is non-refundable.
• The program deposit is fully refundable if a written cancellation request is received by StudyAbroad.com within 7 days of the deposit payment receipt date or deposit payment deadline, whichever comes first. After 7 days, the program deposit is nonrefundable.
• If an applicant withdraws after payment is made, but prior to the actual start date of the program, the StudyAbroad.com refund policy is as follows:
  • If, in accordance with the StudyAbroad.com deferment policy, an applicant defers participation to a future program or changes to a different program, any monies already paid will be applied to the cost of the new program, but not refunded.
  • If, in accordance with the StudyAbroad.com cancellation policy, an applicant cancels participation, the following refund policy will be put into effect. The policy below will apply only to the remainder of the program fee, after payment of the program deposit. The program deposit is not subject to the policy outlined below. No refunds will be made other than those specified below:
    • If the applicant withdraws more than 90 days prior to the program start date as listed on the application, StudyAbroad.com will retain 25% of the program fees and refund the rest.
    • If the applicant withdraws 45 – 89 days prior to the program start date as listed on the application, StudyAbroad.com will retain 50% of the program fees and refund the rest.
    • If the applicant withdraws 30 – 44 days prior to the program start date as listed on the application, StudyAbroad.com will retain 75% of the program fees and refund the rest.
    • If the applicant withdraws 29 days or less prior to, or after the program start date as listed on the application, no refund will be given.

 

DEFERMENT OPTION POLICY

Applicants may request deferment of their program 90 days or more prior to their program start date. Written notification of deferment is required. In addition, participants should contact StudyAbroad.com to verify the amount of participation fees already paid for the current program as well as the amount of participation fees eligible to be applied to future participation, if applicable. Approval for deferment is at the sole discretion of StudyAbroad.com.

Participants eligible for the deferment option will be sent a Future Enrollment Letter confirming receipt of notification and noting the programs for which the participant may re-enroll. The participant will be required to submit a new application and application fee for the new program selected. In addition, participants must make up any price difference between programs. Acceptance to a previous program does not guarantee acceptance to a future program. Participants are subject to current prices and are eligible to defer only once.

 

PROGRAM CANCELLATION POLICY

StudyAbroad.com reserves the right to cancel or suspend a program for any valid reason, including but not limited to (i) insufficient enrollment as deemed by StudyAbroad.com; (ii) a travel warning of unsafe conditions in a country; or (iii) factors outside of StudyAbroad.com control. In any such event, accepted applicants are given the choice of (1) deferring to a future program session; (2) switching to a different StudyAbroad.com program site; or (3) a full refund of the program fee minus the application fee, program deposit, and any program expenses already paid by StudyAbroad.com on behalf of the participant. If the accepted applicant chooses to defer to a future program or switches to a different program site, the applicant will be responsible for paying any difference in the program fee.

 

CHANGE IN PROGRAM DESIGN POLICY

Although StudyAbroad.com attempts to ensure that programs operate as described, occasionally circumstances mandate that changes in the service, academic study and/or housing are necessary or advisable. No refund or reduction of fees will be made as long as the altered arrangements are similar to the original arrangements and participants are able to complete the required work. Determinations of similarity will be made at StudyAbroad.com’s sole discretion.

 

ACADEMIC CREDIT POLICY

While StudyAbroad.com will make every effort to align courses with students’ academic requirements, we cannot and will not guarantee credit transfer or the availability of specific courses. Credit transfer policies vary by institution, and it is the student’s sole responsibility to confirm course eligibility and transferability with their home university before enrolling. We strongly recommend that students work closely with their academic advisors and obtain pre-approval for courses to ensure a smooth credit transfer process.

 

SPONSORED ACTIVITIES AND EXCURSIONS POLICY

In an effort to introduce participants to the local community and to explore cultural, historic and social elements of the host culture, StudyAbroad.com will occasionally plan activities and excursions for participants of some programs. Although StudyAbroad.com attempts to plan activities around academic calendars and participant placement schedules, it is impossible to avoid all scheduling conflicts. Activity and excursion itineraries are based upon availability and are subject to change. No refunds or substitutions will be given to participants who either miss or choose not to participate in any StudyAbroad.com sponsored activity.

 

PROMOTIONAL PRICING POLICY

From time to time, StudyAbroad.com will offer promotional discounts or pricing plans. Only those applicants who submit the required application materials and fees within the specified time frame of the promotion will be entitled to the reduced program price. Applicants applying prior to the run of the promotion or just after the promotion deadline will not be granted any price adjustment or a price difference refund.

 

PARTICIPANT POLICIES

Future participants must abide by both StudyAbroad.com’s policies and those of the host institution or organization and host country. The term ‘participant’ refers to any individual participating in a StudyAbroad.com program.

 

SAFETY POLICY

StudyAbroad.com participants must conduct themselves as responsible members of the program. It is known that the most important factor in a safe experience abroad is the participant’s sensible and cautious behavior. Each StudyAbroad.com participant must make the commitment to be an informed, aware and cautious participant when making day-to-day choices and decisions while away from home. Actions that jeopardize one’s own welfare and/or the welfare of fellow participants will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action.

 

DRUGS AND ALCOHOL POLICY

Participants are subject to the laws of the country they are visiting. Excessive consumption of alcohol and possession or use of illegal drugs is forbidden. If a participant violates the laws of their host country, StudyAbroad.com cannot and will not intercede on the participant’s behalf, nor will the Consulate of the participant’s home country. Participants must accept responsibility for their own actions. Excessive consumption of alcohol and use or possession of illegal drugs as determined by StudyAbroad.com will place the participant’s safety in jeopardy and may result in dismissal from the program. No refunds of any kind will be available for participants dismissed as a result of that participant’s conduct.

 

HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY

The health and safety of all StudyAbroad.com participants is critically important. Each participant must disclose previous or current medical conditions prior to departure. This information helps the StudyAbroad.com staff provide participants with information regarding health services on-site. In addition, it helps the staff advise participants on the services the host university or organization and city may or may not have. Please note, StudyAbroad.com is not responsible for obtaining medical care for participants. Each participant is expected to prepare for their trip and make necessary arrangements for medical care, medications, services and/or treatment.

 

RESPONSIBILITY POLICY

The information and advice that StudyAbroad.com offers is intended as a guideline in each participant’s preparation. Participants are responsible for researching and understanding issues that relate to the safety, health, political, cultural and religious conditions in their host country. The StudyAbroad.com pre-departure guidance should be only one component of the participant’s preparation.

Study abroad students are fully responsible for themselves outside the official program dates. StudyAbroad.com’s support services, emergency assistance, housing, insurance, and other program inclusions apply only during the confirmed dates of the program. Before and after the program, students must arrange their own accommodations, transportation, and any necessary support. While we encourage students to travel and explore independently, they should plan accordingly and understand that our staff, resources, and protections do not extend beyond the designated program period.

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Participants who fail to attend classes regularly will not receive a transcript or academic credit. Each foreign institution establishes attendance policies. The host institution may fail a participant because of excessive unexcused absences, excessive tardiness, or failing grades. Please refer to your selected program for specific attendance policies. Participants may be dismissed from StudyAbroad.com programs because of repeated unexcused absences, repeated tardiness, or deficient performance as deemed by StudyAbroad.com. This policy applies to non-credit courses included in the program. No refund of any kind will be available for any participant dismissed from any program for attendance or academic reasons.

 

VISITOR / GUEST POLICY

Individuals not enrolled in StudyAbroad.com programs, such as parents, family members, or friends of participants enrolled in the program, are generally not allowed to visit the program or participants during the course of the program without prior permission from StudyAbroad.com or the host institution/organization/company. The program is designed to be more independent in nature and participants are expected to be self-directed and autonomous. If parents or close family members wish to visit the participant during their time abroad, we strongly recommend that this be scheduled after the last day of the program. Traveling with a participant at the beginning of the program or showing up at the project or accommodations with the participant is strongly discouraged. Families seeking more of a group travel experience should contact a StudyAbroad.com advisor and more information will be provided.

 

PET POLICY

StudyAbroad.com recognizes the important role that pets may play in the lives of its participants; however, due to the high level of stress that travel can place on pets and participants and due to the potential difficulty of coordinating a pet-friendly program in some locations, StudyAbroad.com does not permit participants to bring pets on any of its programs. 

 

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL (ESA) POLICY

Participants who wish to bring emotional support animals are responsible for all rules and regulations surrounding the ESA. StudyAbroad.com cannot and will not guarantee that an ESA will be allowed on any program; however, StudyAbroad.com advisors will make every effort to provide options and information to any participant wishing to bring an ESA abroad.

 

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

Social Media is a great way to share your international experience with your family and friends back home, but StudyAbroad.com urges participants to request permission from subject(s), provide background and context, avoid vulnerable or sensitive situations, and be culturally sensitive when posting photos to social media with the goal of challenging stereotypes and promoting ethical practices and behavior.

 

PARTICIPANT MISCONDUCT POLICY

Before being allowed to participate in a program, all participants must agree to StudyAbroad.com’s policies. In addition, participants may be required to read, sign and comply with on-site agreements that outline additional requirements of the on-site director, host institution/organization/company, or accommodation host. 

Participants are expected to take responsibility for their behavior or they risk early dismissal and consequent loss of time, money and academic credit. Refunds are not granted for any participant who is dismissed from a StudyAbroad.com program due to participant misconduct.

Participant misconduct will result in disciplinary action taken by StudyAbroad.com. Misconduct is defined as participant behavior which:

• Is deemed self-endangering to the participant or harmful to any other person;
• Is deemed irresponsible, unprofessional, or disrespectful to the local community and local customs;
• Violates the StudyAbroad.com Participant Code of Conduct and program policies;
• Violates the laws of the host country;
• Violates the policies of the host institution, organization, company, or project;
• Violates housing policies or the rules of the host accommodation.

EXAMPLES OF PARTICIPANT MISCONDUCT BEHAVIORS

Behaviors that may lead to dismissal from StudyAbroad.com program include actions that, in the judgment of StudyAbroad.com, jeopardize a participant’s welfare, the welfare of others, or the Program. Such actions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Threats or the use of physical and/or verbal violence/abuse;
• Violation of the laws of the country or host institution;
• Open abuse of the customs and mores of the community;
• Damage to or destruction of property of others;
• Alcohol or substance abuse (including participating in the program while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances);
• Harassment of any kind; physically or verbally abusing, disrespecting, or threatening anyone;
• Stalking behavior in which the participant repeatedly engages in a course of conduct directed at another person;
• Eviction from one’s accommodations;
• Obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures, work, or other activities related to the Program;
• Inappropriate, disrespectful, rude, aggressive communication or actions toward others, and uncivil behavior/communication (e.g. talking back, willfully ignoring communications of StudyAbroad.com and/or host institution/organization/company, physical/psychological intimidation, culturally insensitive behavior, name calling, willful or malicious maligning program or host staff, use of obscene or profane language, etc.) with others, particularly anyone associated with the Program;
• Disorderly or lewd conduct (e.g. of disorderly conduct: rowdy and drunken behavior, prostitution, fighting, vandalism, assaults, destruction of property, and loud parties, menacing, harassment, or intimidation);
• Participation in a disturbance of the peace (e.g. disturbing others with loud, unnecessary, and unreasonable noise/partying; operating any sound amplifying system, particularly at night; fighting/instigating a fight in a public place; participating in a labor strike, political rally, or riot);
• Failure to comply with directions of a Program staff or others acting on behalf of Program;
• Bias-motivated behavior, intentionally or unintentionally (e.g. disability, sexual orientation, race, religion, ethnicity, size, age, etc.);
• Unauthorized absence from the Program and/or any classes if applicable;
• Exceeding the number of unexcused absences from class allowed for the Program;
• Failure to register in and/or maintain a full-time course and/or unit load at the host institution as specified by StudyAbroad.com requirements throughout the duration of the Program;
• Failure to adequately complete expected hours of the Program (e.g. the number of hours/days expected at the internship or volunteer placement);
• Academic misconduct (cheating, fabrication, forgery, plagiarism, or facilitating academic dishonesty);
• Unwillingness to cooperate with StudyAbroad.com or anyone else acting on behalf of the Program.

 

DISCIPLINARY ACTION POLICY

StudyAbroad.com and its local program representatives will consider the context, severity, and impact of the misconduct when taking disciplinary action it deems appropriate. Disciplinary action includes any of the following sanctions or a combination thereof.

• Reprimand/warning/censure
  • Written reprimand that the participant has violated policies and/or regulations and that continued or repeated violations may be cause for further disciplinary action.
• Disciplinary probation
  • Written notice of a status imposed for a specified period of time during which a participant must demonstrate conduct that conforms to StudyAbroad.com and/or host institution/organization/company standards of conduct. 
  • Misconduct during the probationary period or violation of any conditions of the probation may result in further disciplinary action, normally in the form of dismissal. 
  • Depending on the participant’s misconduct, and at the discretion of the StudyAbroad.com, the following are examples of probation conditions: formal apology, written apology, written analysis of misconduct with reference to local social norms, community service, alcohol/drug assessment with treatment as deemed necessary, professional counseling, payment of fines/restitution of property, etc.
• Dismissal
  • Written notice of termination of StudyAbroad.com participant status. StudyAbroad.com will inform the student in writing of the action to be taken and of the appeal process available to the student, with copies to the host institution/organization/company, and the relevant contacts at the Participant’s home institution, if applicable.

CONSEQUENCES OF DISMISSAL

A dismissal from the Program will result in the termination of participation in the program including all services, supports, and benefits of the Program. A participant dismissed from the Program will be solely responsible for arranging transportation home.

Termination of the participant’s participation in a StudyAbroad.com program shall not diminish or otherwise affect the participant’s obligation to make all payments to StudyAbroad.com. The participant will not be entitled to any refund, may be required to reimburse their home institution for financial aid received, and is responsible for all unrecoverable costs incurred by the host institution/organization/company, the host accommodations, or StudyAbroad.com as well as personal financial obligations, including, but not limited to, utility bills and rent.

A participant’s program insurance coverage will end 31 days after the effective dismissal date.

A participant who is dismissed from the StudyAbroad.com program is not entitled to receive academic credit for unfinished courses or courses in progress. When applicable, a participant’s registration at their home institution may be blocked until all such financial obligations have been met. A participant’s home institution may, in addition, impose further sanctions, such as suspension or dismissal from the institution.

 

APPEAL OF DISMISSAL POLICY

If a participant decides to exercise his or her right to appeal StudyAbroad.com’s dismissal decision, he or she must do so in writing. The appeal must be initiated within 48 hours of the date of notice from StudyAbroad.com of the participant’s misconduct. The imposition of a dismissal sanction will be deferred during such appeal. 

An appeal must be in writing and sent to StudyAbroad.com’s Managing Director, CEO, or equivalent. This letter may include any relevant documents and testimonials that the participant wishes to enter into the record. If the participant does not submit an appeal within the time stipulated above, the participant’s right to appeal is waived.

Access to housing and the program will not be restricted unless the nature of the behavior that caused the discipline is appropriately related to the restriction. Exclusion of housing and the program will occur when there is reasonable cause for StudyAbroad.com to believe that the participant’s presence will lead to physical abuse, threats of violence, or conduct that threatens the health or safety of any person or other disruptive activity incompatible with the orderly operation of the program. 

StudyAbroad.com will adjudicate and will either concur with, or overturn the decision of the StudyAbroad.com representative, ordinarily within a period of two business days after receipt of the appeal. StudyAbroad.com will inform the student in writing of the decision. This decision will also be communicated to the StudyAbroad.com representative, the host institution/organization/company, and local program staff as well as to the participant’s home institution, when applicable.

 

AFTER THE APPEAL HAS BEEN ADJUDICATED

If StudyAbroad.com believes that the case should also be referred to the participant’s home institution (if applicable) for consideration of disciplinary action, or if the participant does not accept the penalty assigned by StudyAbroad.com, all pertinent documentation will be sent to the contact on record for the participant’s home institution, who will be responsible for forwarding it to the appropriate officials on campus.

 

DISCLAIMERS

The program details and information published online, in digital or print materials, or shared in any emails or verbal formats by StudyAbroad.com or advisors is for general information purposes only. While we strive to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the website, digital or print materials, advising emails, or advising calls or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website or in digital or print materials for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage, including, without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits, arising out of or in connection with the use of this website or digital or print materials.

Through this website you are able to click links to other websites which are not under the control of StudyAbroad.com. We have no control over the nature, content, or availability of those websites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.

Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, StudyAbroad.com takes no responsibility for and will not be liable for the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues.