CU Boulder Education Abroad Participant Contract

This Contract was effective Summer 2021 through Fall 2023. Click here to review the Financial Contract which is effective beginning with Spring 2024 applicants. 

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. Finances
 
1.1. I understand that I am financially responsible for the CU Boulder Education Abroad program fee as it is outlined on the 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 that the costs of this program - including program fees and estimates of costs not included in the program fee - and 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 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 does reserve the right, should conditions warrant or necessitate demand, to make changes in program itinerary, inclusions, or the fee. Periodic reviews will be made before and after the program begins. It may be necessary to make some adjustment of the fee before the program begins or to alter and/or cancel program inclusions at any time. While the fee may be adjusted for changes in program inclusions, there will not be any adjustments made to the program fee due to exchange rate fluctuation as the program fee is in U.S. dollars. CU Boulder Education Abroad will make efforts to keep you apprised of any changes in the program inclusions or the fees at issue. 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. This agreement takes effect when you click on the "Commit" button within the "Program Confirmation" section of your application for this program. If your acceptance is pending a final decision by a program provider or host university and you are not accepted by them, this contract will be void and the required non-refundable deposit will be refunded.
 
1.5. I understand that failure to maintain eligibility (academic, disciplinary, financial, or otherwise) and/or failure to fulfill any conditions imposed at the time of acceptance by CU Boulder Education Abroad will mean dismissal from the program and 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. Withdrawals and Program Cancellations
 
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. 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 or a program cancellation.
 
2.3. I understand that the financial implications of a withdrawal can vary based on the timing of that withdrawal 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.
 

1. If an applicant withdraws from an Education Abroad program after being accepted by Education Abroad but before signing the Participant Contract, the applicant will not be responsible for paying the Program Fee.
2. If a participant withdraws from an Education Abroad program after signing the Participant Contract, the participant will be subject to the withdrawal fees as outlined on the Program Costs page.
3. If a participant withdraws from an Education Abroad program after the program officially begins, the participant is responsible for the full Program Fee unless otherwise indicated on the Program Costs page.

2.4. I understand that Education Abroad assumes no responsibility for losses or penalties should I withdraw from an Education Abroad program for any reason (which may include failure to obtain a visa, personal reasons, etc.), should a program be canceled, or its dates changed. Education Abroad strongly advises that participants purchase fully refundable airline tickets and/or trip cancellation insurance to safeguard their investment in an Education Abroad program.

2.5. I understand that if the program is canceled by CU Boulder Education Abroad or the program sponsor (refer to the Program Cancellation Policy 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 should a program be canceled prior to its start, but would not include instructional costs should the program have 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 cancellation (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 cancellation 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. Emergency Medical Authorization
 
3.1. For programs with an on-site component, emergencies may occasionally arise that require medical care, hospitalization, or surgery for a participant. So that such treatment can be administered without delay, we ask that each participant authorize the University of Colorado Boulder's resident director or appointed program official to secure, at the expense of the participant, any treatment deemed necessary.
 
In the event of injury or illness, if I am unable to do so myself, I hereby authorize the resident director or other appointed official of the University of Colorado Boulder, at my expense, to secure any necessary treatment, including administration of anesthetic and surgery, and such medication as may be prescribed. It is further agreed that, if my condition so requires, I may be returned home, at my expense.
 
4. Personal Conduct Agreement
 
4.1. Students enrolled in a CU Boulder Education Abroad program are viewed as representatives of the United States as well as the University of Colorado from the conduct perspective and as such, must comply with standards of acceptable behavior and conduct as well as guidelines for health and safety while participating in the program. This is discussed during orientation meetings and in written materials, which are incorporated here by reference.
 
4.2. Every student enrolled in a CU Boulder Education Abroad program must abide by various rules, policies and laws during their Education Abroad program. This applies during official program activities (such as courses or excursions) and also during free time. More specifically, students agree and understand that they must abide by the following rules and policies:
 

• Honor Code
• Student Conduct Code
• Policies and expectations outlined in the CU Boulder the Accepted Student Guide and other materials posted to students’ MyCUAbroad account
• Policies of the host university and/or education abroad program, provided to students via their online portal and/or during orientation meetings
• All applicable local and national laws and policies at the program location

4.3. If students violate any of the above, the violation will be reported to the CU Boulder Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution office or other appropriate office and students may be subject to disciplinary action from CU Boulder, the host university, the education abroad program, and/or the host country.

By signing this agreement I hereby acknowledge that I have reviewed and understand the statements above, that I understand the rules and policies governing my participation in a CU Boulder Education Abroad program and that failure to abide by the conditions or spirit of this agreement may result in dismissal from the program and/or other discipline or penalties.
 
5. Legal Release, Indemnity and Assumption of Risk

5.1. In conducting Education Abroad programs, the University of Colorado Boulder makes every effort to provide for the welfare and safety of the participants. However, I acknowledge and agree that my participation in the program is voluntary and that there are certain inherent risks which the participant must assume. Such risks may include but are not limited to war, quarantine, civil unrest, public health risks, criminal activity, terrorism, exposure to communicable or infectious diseases, ill effects of unfamiliar food and water, incidents related to ground, air or water transportation, adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, accident, injuries or damage to property, and other physical, mental and emotional injury. Such risks may result in serious injury, including death.  I recognize and assume such risks and take full responsibility for damage to or loss of property, personal illness or injury, or death while a participant is on the program.

5.2. In consideration of my participation in the program, on behalf of myself and all those who could ever advance a claim through me, I agree to release and indemnify the University of Colorado, including its trustees, employees, agents, and representatives, from any and all claims and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees, for any injury, loss or damage, including catastrophic injury or death, related to my participation in this program.

5.3. While the University will provide limited international health care insurance for programs based outside of the United States, it does not assume any responsibility, beyond the coverage provided, for any health care expenses. The University does not mandate additional health care insurance for domestic or virtual programs. Participants are strongly urged to obtain such additional medical/hospital coverage as they deem appropriate. Participants who wish to remain enrolled in the CU Gold Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) during their Education Abroad program must reach out to the Student Insurance Department for a manual enrollment as SHIP does not carry over to the semester while on Education Abroad.

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 Legal Release, Indemnity and Assumption of Risk.