1. I acknowledge that my participation in any The Learning Abroad Company Study Abroad program (“Program”) is fully dependent on The Learning Abroad Company’s acceptance of my application, and that The Learning Abroad Company has full discretion to accept or deny my application. For the purposes of this contract, “The Learning Abroad Company” and “The Learning Abroad Co.” include The Learning Abroad Company, EazyCity USA Holdings LLC DBA The Learning Abroad Co., EazyCity Ltd. (Ireland), EazyCity Go Abroad Ltd t/a The Learning Abroad Co., EazyCity Training & Services Ltd, Lyzop Holdings and EazyCity Ltd (UK).
2. I acknowledge and attest that I am 18 years or older at the time of submitting my application and have the capacity necessary to enter a contract.
3. I acknowledge that I have read, understand and accept all terms and conditions as described in The Learning Abroad Company’s Policies, available on The Learning Abroad Company website, which are incorporated into this The Learning Abroad Company, Study Abroad Participant Contract (“Contract”) by reference, and which constitute a material part of my application. I understand, agree and intend that this is a legally binding contract.
4. I certify that I do not have any conflicts with my Program dates and understand that my Program dates cannot be altered. I understand that should I need to leave my Program early for any reason The Learning Abroad Company will not refund any Program fees, and I that I will remain subject to the Policies as listed on the website at the time of and after my leaving the Program.
5. I understand and agree that obtaining a valid passport and any other required documentation to travel is solely my responsibility. I certify that I have obtained all documentation necessary to travel legally to, from and on the Program or will do so in advance of all applicable deadlines. I understand and accept that The Learning Abroad Company will give no refund nor make any manner of accommodation if I am unable to obtain and utilize necessary travel documentation in advance of any Program or institutional deadline.
6. I acknowledge that I will be traveling to a foreign country, where I will encounter different customs, languages, standards, laws, and risks. I understand that The Learning Abroad Company has no authority to interfere with or intervene with respect to the laws of any country, state or locality, and I understand and agree the The Learning Abroad Company has no obligation to do so. I agree to follow all laws in place in my host city or locations to which I may travel, either as part of a Program or independently, and I assume full responsibility to abide by these laws. My agreement to comply with all local laws also applies to those laws affecting travel and/or entry into any countries I travel through to reach my destination, as well as the laws governing re-entering the United States upon completion of the Program. I understand and acknowledge that I may be arrested and imprisoned, fined, punished or otherwise sanctioned by local authorities if I do not abide by the laws in place for each respective country, state or locality in which I travel. I further understand that governments may implement temporary
laws, such as curfews or checkpoints, or may change the laws, at any time and it is my responsibility to adhere to these laws. If I am arrested, imprisoned, sanctioned or otherwise impacted as a result of my failure to comply with the laws of any country, state or locality, whether actual or alleged, I understand and agree that The Learning Abroad Company will not be responsible to provide legal representation or assistance, and will not be liable for the actions of the local authority or their consequences to me.
I acknowledge that I may become ill or injured and/or I may become a victim of crime (including terrorism) while participating in the Program, as crime, political and civil unrest and health risks exist in foreign countries. I understand and agree that I am fully responsible for my personal actions in any and all situations, and I agree to use common sense and take all reasonable precautions and to use my best efforts to preserve and maintain my own health, safety and wellbeing at all times. I understand that The Learning Abroad Company is not responsible for my own health and safety, nor for any criminal and/or harmful actions taken by other persons or parties that affects me in any way.
While participating in the activities of the Program, I understand and accept the following risks, among others: illness, injury, accident, harm to reputation or privacy, loss of property, damage to property, loss or impairment of freedom and/or individual civil rights and death. I knowingly and intentionally agree to release, indemnify and hold harmless The Learning Abroad Company from any and all obligations, responsibility, culpability, liability and/or claims of damage or harm to person or property, deprivation or impairment of individual rights, injury, loss, expenses, or death that result from my participation in the Program, which may involve but are not limited to acts of God, illness, local laws and restrictions, terrorism, crime, political or social unrest, acts of war, accidents, or strikes.
7. I understand and acknowledge that it is my responsibility to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov.step/ a free service provided by the United States State Department to keep United States citizens informed of any crisis in the area in which they are travelling. I also will look for country specific travel alerts and travel warnings at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html. I further understand that it is my responsibility to obtain current health information, included recommended precautions for the area in which I am travelling at https://www.cdc.gov/ the website of the United States Centers for Disease Control.
8. I understand that abuse or use of alcohol and/or illegal drugs may cause me harm or death and/or may put me at greater risk of harm, including illness, injury and/or death. The use and/ or possession of illegal drugs also may put me at risk of arrest and/or prosecution. Accordingly, I agree that while participating in the Program and/or traveling to or from my participation in the Program, I will not abuse alcohol or drugs, and will not use or possess drugs or substances that are illegal in the countries in which I am travelling.
9. If I become a victim or am impacted by a crime, terrorism, political or civil unrest, or threat of harm while I am in the Program, I acknowledge I am strongly advised to contact the on-site coordinator in order to request assistance or information on reporting the crime to the appropriate local authorities and/or host institution, accompanying me to the hospital for care if needed, and obtaining information on additional resources included but not limited to counseling. The Learning Abroad Company may also help the student contact the local US embassy or consulate, which may offer additional resources. If I become a victim of sexual assault, I acknowledge that I can report the incident to The Learning Abroad Company or can decline to report it to The Learning Abroad Company in my sole discretion. If I decide not to report a sexual assault to
The Learning Abroad Company, I know that The Learning Abroad Company strongly recommends that victims of sexual assault seek out necessary support services independently, including but not limited to physical and mental health services. I further understand that if I report a sexual assault or other incidence of sexual misconduct to local authorities and/or the host institution, the laws and/or policies of the foreign authorities and/ or host institution will or may determine whether the local law enforcement agency and/or host institution provides information to my home country and institution, which may require or cause interaction between myself and my home country and/or home institution to occur.
10. I understand that The Learning Abroad Company does not discriminate, and does not tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, veteran status, predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, marital status, ancestry, source of income, or other classes protected by law in its Programs and activities. The Learning Abroad Company does not discriminate on the basis of sex or disability in its Programs and activities. I understand that violation of The Learning Abroad Company’s antidiscrimination policies and/or violation of the laws and policies of the host institution and host country may serve as a basis for discipline including but not limited to removal from the Program. I understand that I may be subject to disciplinary action as stated in the Policies in addition to any potential legal consequences and/ or consequences at my host institution and/or home institution.
11. I understand that The Learning Abroad Company has a strict and unequivocal policy prohibiting sexual harassment, abuse, discrimination and/or misconduct. Examples of prohibited conduct include, but are not limited to unwelcome touching or physical contact, unpermitted publication or transmission of sexually explicit language or images (i.e. sexting, etc.), sexual harassment, threatening, demeaning or abusive language, unwanted sexual advances, stalking, relationship violence, possession or distribution of illegal pornography, sexual assault and rape. Encouraging and/or assisting others to engage in or participate in any form of sexual misconduct will be viewed as violating this policy. I understand and have been reminded that laws, customs and standards of host institutions and communities may differ from those of my home country and home institution. I am aware that violation of The Learning Abroad Company’s policies and violation of the laws and policies of the host institution and host country may serve as a basis for discipline including but not limited to removal from the Program. I understand that I may be subject to disciplinary action as stated in the Policies in addition to any potential legal consequences and/or consequences at my host institution and/or home institution.
12. I understand that The Learning Abroad Company will automatically enroll me into Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) health insurance, and I agree to pay all fees assessed and/or associated with the policy in the manner specified by The Learning Abroad Company. I understand that once I am enrolled, I am solely financially responsible for maintaining the policy and for paying all associated copays and charges. I understand that there are exclusions to all health insurance policies, and it is my responsibility to research and know these exclusions. I am permitted to purchase additional health insurance plans if I would like additional coverage. I take full responsibility for submitting all claims for treatment directly to the insurance company, and I acknowledge that The Learning Abroad Company does not have the authority and has no obligation to submit a claim on my behalf.
13. I authorize The Learning Abroad Company to take any and all steps that it, in its sole and complete discretion, believes in the moment are necessary and/or appropriate to obtain medical treatment and/or transportation for me back to my home country if I become ill or injured while in the Program. I hereby agree to release, indemnify and hold harmless The Learning Abroad Company from all liability regarding my medical treatment and/or transportation. I understand that I may be given treatment that will not be covered by my international health insurance, and I agree that I will be fully and solely responsible for all medical costs incurred.
I understand and agree that The Learning Abroad Company has no duty or obligation to obtain medical treatment or transportation to my home country. I hereby agree to release, indemnify and hold harmless The Learning Abroad Company from all liability regarding any decision by The Learning Abroad Company not to obtain medical treatment and/or transportation for me in the event that I am in need of medical care.
14. I will provide two emergency contacts to The Learning Abroad Company. The Learning Abroad Company may, in its sole discretion, decide whether and when to make contact with one or both of my emergency contacts for any reason. I understand and agree that The Learning Abroad Company may provide any and all information known or available that may be necessary or helpful to providing my emergency contact with an understanding of my circumstances as they are known, understood or believed to be to The Learning Abroad Company at the time contact is attempted. The Learning Abroad Company may contact the first person on my emergency contact list and only reach out to the second person if The Learning Abroad Company is unable to reach the first person listed. I knowingly and intentionally agree to release, indemnify and hold The Learning Abroad Company harmless for the consequences of The Learning Abroad Company’s provision of information to the emergency contacts that I identify.
15. I understand that if I choose to travel outside of host location during the duration of the Program, I must submit an Independent Travel Form to the local The Learning Abroad Company office at least two days prior to departing the location. I understand I must provide the location where I will be staying including the street number and name, city or town, country, and zip code along with a phone number where I can be reached. I acknowledge that by leaving the host location I am removing myself from the responsibility of The Learning Abroad Company and the Program, and I will be fully and solely responsible for all my actions and their resultant consequences. I accept that The Learning Abroad Company’s ability to provide assistance of any kind while I am away from the host location and off the Program may be limited or non-existent, and I knowingly and intentionally agree to release, indemnify and hold harmless The Learning Abroad Company for anything that may occur affecting my health and/or safety while engaging in independent travel.
I further agree that I will not travel during any planned days of class, internship, or other program obligations.
16. I authorize The Learning Abroad Company to release and provide my application and any supporting documentation to my host institution, my home institution, to The Learning Abroad Company and its staff, and to any third-parties through whom The Learning Abroad Company provides program related services to whom provision of this information and document(s) may be necessary or helpful.
17. I understand that The Learning Abroad Company or the sponsoring academic institution reserve the right to make cancellations or substitutions to the Program for insufficient enrollment, emergency or changed conditions based on the interest of those involved. I understand that if I choose to leave the Program as a result of any such changes, The Learning Abroad Company will not refund program fees or expenses already paid.
18. I understand that I have provided or may provide The Learning Abroad Company personal identifying information,
medical information or records, financial information, grades, academic standing, discipline and other academic information in support of my application for acceptance into an The Learning Abroad Company Program. I authorize The Learning Abroad Company to use such information with respect to my application and participation in any The Learning Abroad Company Program, and further authorize The Learning Abroad Company, in its discretion, to provide and/or produce such information to my home institution, my host institution, to my medical care providers as may be necessary to facilitate emergency medical treatment and to my parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s). I understand that information provided to The Learning Abroad Company and used or disclosed by The Learning Abroad Company as provided in this paragraph may be subsequently disclosed or used by persons receiving it. I hereby release, indemnify and hold harmless The Learning Abroad Company for and against any claim based on the use or disclosure of such information and records, whether innocent, inadvertent, negligent or intentional for any reason.
19. I agree to obtain a local phone number upon arrival, whether by obtaining a local sim card for my current, unlocked and world device phone or by purchasing a local phone. I accept all charges for my use of the phone and agree to maintain the local number for the duration of the Program. I am responsible for providing the phone number to the The Learning Abroad Company on-site office and providing any updated information if my number changes.
20. I understand the The Learning Abroad Company may contact me via email or phone at any time during the application process or while I am abroad on my program in order to communicate regarding any matter. I understand that if I am not responsive, The Learning Abroad Company will contact my emergency contacts. I am fully responsible to responding promptly and reasonably to any and all requests for information by The Learning Abroad Company.
21. I acknowledge that from time to time, The Learning Abroad Company may take photos of students over the course of the program, obtain quotes and feedback, and collect other forms of participant experience in order to promote The Learning Abroad Company’s programs. I agree that The Learning Abroad Company may use these in order to promote The Learning Abroad Company on the website, publications, flyers, conferences, advertisements (both print and video), and in any other form. I understand that The Learning Abroad Company will not intentionally publish my name or any other personal identifiable information (including email) without my written permission.
22. I agree to participate and engage in all my classes and/or my internship as well as all orientation requirements. I agree to be punctual and to stay for the full duration of all planned commitments and activities. I understand that a lack of attendance may result in disciplinary procedures taken by The Learning Abroad Company, my host institution, and/or host company. I acknowledge that I will not receive any refunds for any included Program activities or excursions that I choose not to participate it. I will follow my host institution and/or host company’s policies, and I will not plagiarize.
23. I acknowledge and accept that I may be living in The Learning Abroad Company managed housing, and that I must follow all The Learning Abroad Company housing rules and policies and any additional rules of The Learning Abroad Company’s housing partner for the location where the student is housed. I commit to keep my housing clean and agree to report any concerns regarding my housing to The Learning Abroad Company. I understand I will be held financially responsible for any damage done during my occupation of the housing. I will not hold The Learning Abroad Company responsible for any theft of or damage to my personal items in the housing. I commit to reading the full Housing Handbook that will be provided in my housing and use it as a reference any time I have a question or concern. I will safeguard my key and not give it to anyone else, even temporarily. I will be billed for any lost or damaged keys.
I understand I am not permitted to have any overnight guests in The Learning Abroad Company housing without advance written permission from The Learning Abroad Company. In the event that The Learning Abroad Company grants permission, I agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless The Learning Abroad Company for the direct and/or indirect consequences of any harm done to my guest
and any harm done by my guest while in The Learning Abroad Company owned or managed property without limitation.
I agree to live in my assigned housing throughout the duration of the Program, and I understand that I may not secure independent housing unless arranged during the Program application process. I am responsible for any expenses incurred if I were to leave the housing at any time, and I acknowledge that no refund will be given if I leave my housing prior to the end of my Program. I will be fully responsible for leaving my housing in the same condition as it was on my arrival day.
24. I agree to submit payment for all Program fees, including the program fee, customized items I select, as well as any fees incurred while on-site, by the respective payment deadlines. I acknowledge that I will be billed a $50 late payment fee for every full week a payment is past due. If I use Financial Aid to pay part of all of my program fees, I must complete and adhere to the stipulations in the Financial Aid Proof of Funds form.
25. I authorize The Learning Abroad Company to release any information provided in my full application (including supplemental documents) deemed necessary to make arrangements for my participation in the Program to my home institution and host institution and/or employer. I further understand that the information in my application will be shared with on-site staff and any third party vendors providing program services on a need-to-know basis as determined by The Learning Abroad Company to provide full program services.
26. I will not exhibit any of the following behavior: violent, disruptive or inappropriate gestures, comments, or actions; criminal behavior; self-harm or endangerment or the harm or endangerment of others, harassment, bullying, inappropriate or illegal use of the internet; attendance at strikes, protests, or other politically-focused gatherings; or forging any document or signature. I acknowledge that I am to act as an ambassador of The Learning Abroad Company, my home institution, and my home country while abroad, conducting myself in an appropriate manner. I acknowledge that my decisions and actions may directly or indirectly affect my Program and my participation in my Program.
27. I understand that my failure to follow any of the Policies as listed on the website or any items listed in this Participant Contract may result in disciplinary action, up to and including my immediate dismissal from the Program. I understand that the standard Refund Policies apply at all times and I am responsible for any additional fees I may incur.