CU Boulder Education Abroad Financial Contract

This Contract is in effect beginning Spring 2024. To see the prior version of the Contract please view the Participant Contract for Summer 2021 - Fall 2023. 
 
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY - CONTAINS WAIVER OF LEGAL RIGHTS. This contract is a legal and binding document that must be signed by any student choosing to participate in an Education Abroad program with the University of Colorado Boulder. By clicking on the "Commit" button within the "Program Confirmation" section of your application for this program, you are signing this contract to show that you intend to participate in the program and understand the conditions and limitations stated.
 
Upon receipt of the signed contract, your CU Bursar account will be charged program fees in accordance with the Payment Schedule as outlined on the Program Costs page. Check your Bursar account (students log in to Buff Portal; authorized payers log in to CUBill&Pay) to view charges. You can either make the payments online or you can send payments to the CU Boulder Bursar's office.
 
All policies and conditions set forth in the sections below are incorporated and made part of this agreement.

1. Program Fees, Inclusions, & Student Financial Responsibilities

1.1. I understand that I am financially responsible for the CU Boulder Education Abroad program fee as it is outlined on the Education Abroad Program Costs page, and for any and all other expenses and costs not included in the program fee that are incurred by me before, during, and after the program. Under no circumstances will CU Boulder Education Abroad be responsible for any of my personal expenses that may be incurred in preparing for the program, which may include but are not limited to advance purchase airfare, equipment, housing fees, passport fees, visa fees, medical expenses, etc.

I understand that I am responsible for any financial consequences that are a result of any changes I make to my program. These changes may include but are not limited to switching programs; adding or dropping sessions/blocks; housing adjustments; and/or adding or withdrawing from terms.
 
I understand the costs of this program - including program fees and estimates of costs not included in the program fee - and that a schedule of payments including due dates are available on the Education Abroad Program Costs page. I acknowledge that I have reviewed these costs and agree to be financially responsible for these costs.

1.2. I understand that Education Abroad expects students to conduct their private financial activities honestly and responsibly while participating in an Education Abroad program. Specifically, I am expected to have paid all expenses incurred by their due date. Should I leave a debt which could adversely affect the operation of the education abroad program or reflect badly upon the University, I agree and understand that I am fully responsible for my own debts and financial activities, and the University of Colorado is in no way responsible for my own debts or liabilities, and Education Abroad maintains the right to hold me responsible for that debt by applying it to my CU Boulder account as well as by refusing next term registration, re-enrollment at CU Boulder, and/or access to transcripts and/or diplomas until the debt is paid.
 
1.3. Although every effort will be made to operate the program at the quoted price and with the plans as announced, CU Boulder Education Abroad reserves the right to adjust program fees or the program itinerary/inclusions when conditions require it. Adjustments will not be made to the program fee due to exchange rate fluctuations, as the program fee is in U.S. dollars. Students who miss parts of the program or program inclusions for any reason are not entitled to reimbursement of those missed program inclusions.

1.4. CU Boulder Education Abroad and its partners make every effort to provide reasonable accommodations/housing on programs where housing is included as part of the program fee. I understand that specific vendors/housing options are not guaranteed on any program, and I am not eligible for an adjustment to my program fee if the housing is not in a location or through the vendor that I expected. I am responsible for any costs or fees as a result of damage to my housing or failure to abide by my housing’s rules and policies.  Additionally, I am not eligible for reimbursement of any kind and may owe additional fees if I change my housing arrangements after any housing deadlines set by my program.  Finally, I acknowledge that my program may have a housing contract and that I am also responsible for compliance with the terms of that contract, as well as the terms and conditions of this Education Abroad Financial Contract.

1.5. I understand that I am financially responsible for all program costs and fees regardless of my total credit enrollment. I understand that I am responsible for any financial implications connected with my academic enrollment, which could include (but is not limited to) supplementary course fees, textbooks and class supplies, etc. I understand that I am not eligible for any adjustments to my program fee based on a total credit enrollment that may vary from the standard credit requirement of my program. I understand failure to maintain full-time status (defined as the equivalent of 12 CU credits per semester), either due to under enrollment, repeating a class, or failing to obtain a passing grade in a course (or courses) may jeopardize my financial aid award at CU Boulder.

1.6. This agreement takes effect when I click on the "Commit" button within the "Program Confirmation" section of my application for this program. If my acceptance is pending a final decision by a program provider or host university and I am not accepted by them, this contract will be void and the required non-refundable deposit will be refunded.

1.7. I understand that the University requires that I am enrolled in Education Abroad’s Travel Accident and Sickness insurance, which is a limited accident and health insurance policy. I understand that I may not opt out of this insurance coverage and that the cost of this coverage is included in my program fee. I understand that the University does not assume any responsibility, beyond the coverage provided, for any health care expenses. I understand that Education Abroad recommends that I maintain Affordable Care Act-compliant health insurance at all times, even during my time out of the country or state, and even while enrolled in Education Abroad's Travel Accident and Sickness Insurance.  If I am participating in a domestic program, I understand that I am required to carry comprehensive medical insurance coverage.
 
2. Withdrawals, Dismissals, and Program Suspensions
 
2.1. I understand that all withdrawals must be made in accordance with Education Abroad's withdrawal fee and deadlines policy, and that withdrawing from the program may have a financial implication. This policy is available on the Program Costs page, incorporated here by reference. Notice of withdrawal from an Education Abroad program must be submitted in writing to Education Abroad by email from my official CU email; I understand that failure to do so may result in denial of the withdrawal request. The date of withdrawal is the regular business day during which my written withdrawal statement is received.
 
2.2. If I was charged an application fee, I understand that I am not eligible for a refund of that application fee after signing the “CU Boulder Education Abroad Application Fee (Agreement to Pay)” for any reason, including a withdrawal, dismissal, or a program suspension.

2.3 I understand that failure to maintain eligibility (academic, disciplinary, financial, immigration requirements, or otherwise), failure to fulfill any conditions imposed at the time of acceptance by CU Boulder Education Abroad, and/or failure to abide by policies (such as academic or behavioral policies) set by CU Boulder, Education Abroad, and my program and/or host institution will mean dismissal from the program. I understand that if I am dismissed from my program, I have no entitlement to a refund of any fees paid, due, or owing to CU Boulder, including fees paid, due, or owing to the program provider by me or by CU Boulder.
 
2.4. I understand that the financial implications of a withdrawal or dismissal can vary based on the timing of that withdrawal/dismissal and that the withdrawal fees and schedule for my program is outlined on the Program Costs page.  Education Abroad is required to make large payments on behalf of a participant well in advance of the program start date, before Education Abroad has charged the participant’s CU Boulder Bursar account, and/or before the participant has submitted payment. The posted withdrawal fees and schedule reflect the timeline for when these funds are due. I am responsible for paying these withdrawal fees and understand that I am not eligible to have these fees removed or refunded as a result of my withdrawal/dismissal.
  2.5. I understand that Education Abroad assumes no responsibility for losses or penalties should I withdraw or be dismissed from an Education Abroad program for any reason, should a program be suspended, or its dates changed. Education Abroad advises that participants purchase fully refundable airline tickets and/or trip cancellation insurance to safeguard their investment in an Education Abroad program.

2.6. I understand that if the program is suspended by CU Boulder Education Abroad or the program sponsor (refer to the Assessment of Education Abroad Programs page for details) at any point before or during a program, all efforts will be made to refund recoverable expenses. For example, recoverable expenses may include instructional costs if a program is canceled prior to its start but would not include instructional costs if the program had started and students were provided an opportunity to earn credit through an academic continuity plan. If Education Abroad has paid or encumbered any funds on my behalf for program expenses prior to the program suspension (for example, housing deposits), I am not entitled to a refund. CU Boulder reserves the right not to refund actual fees or costs incurred by the University due to suspension outside of the University’s control. Refunds will not be provided for any expenses not included in the program fee, which could include airfare, personal expenses, independent housing, visa fees, etc.

3. Severability Clause

3.1 If any provision of this agreement is held, in whole or in part, to be unenforceable for any reason, the remainder of that provision and of the entire agreement shall be severable and remain in effect.

4. Merger Clause

4.1 I acknowledge that this agreement represents my complete understanding with the University of Colorado concerning its subject matter, and I acknowledge that this agreement supersedes any previous or contemporaneous understandings I may have had with the University on the subject matter discussed above, whether written or oral, and cannot be changed or amended in any way without my and the University’s written concurrence.

I have read, understand, and acknowledge the preceding paragraphs. I have given this matter serious thought. I freely accept full responsibility for my decision to participate in this program and the associated risks. I have read and freely accept the terms of this Financial Contract.