AIFS Terms and Conditions

American Institute For Foreign Study, Inc., a Connecticut corporation (“AIFS”), with an address at 1 High Ridge Park, Stamford, CT 06901, and you, the applicant (“You” or “Participant”), hereby agree as follows:

Application to Program

You hereby apply for acceptance into an AIFS Program (the “Program”). The Program enables Participant to study at an overseas institution and/or to perform work for a host company or organization (“Host”) as an intern, pursuant to a separate arrangement between Global Experiences, Inc. (“GE”) and Host. If interning, neither GE, nor the Host (unless it chooses to do so at its option) will pay Participant for such work. Participant further understands and acknowledges that the agreement between Participant and AIFS is not binding on AIFS until (i) Participant is accepted into an AIFS Program (the “Program”) and has paid his or her Program Tuition (as defined below) and (ii) Participant agrees to AIFS’s (a) Terms and Conditions, (b) Agreement and Release, (c) Code of Conduct and, if interning, (d) the GE Program Contract.

Application Fee

A $95.00 application fee is due upon submission of an application to the Program. For Summer 2024 programs onward the fee will be $150. The application fee is non-refundable and is not considered part of or able to be applied to the Program tuition fee (“Program Tuition”). 

Program Tuition

The Program Tuition and any other fees for the Program can be found on the relevant program location pages on the AIFS website.

EXCURSIONS

Dates and itineraries for excursions are tentative and subject to change. Students must enroll and pay for the optional excursions in the U.S. by the final payment deadline. Prices are indicated on the website and vary by excursion. Once paid for excursions are non- refundable except in the event of cancellation by AIFS.

Initial Deposit Payment and Refund Policies

The initial deposit payment (“Enrollment Deposit”) is due before AIFS can begin to formally process Participant’s enrollment. The Enrollment Deposit is for the sole purpose of reserving Participant’s position in the Program, and since AIFS will make numerous financial commitments upon acceptance and enrollment into the Program, the Enrollment Deposit, except as otherwise provided herein, is non-refundable. There will be no exceptions to the refund policy. The Enrollment Deposit will be applied towards the Program Tuition balance. The terms of this Agreement are effective upon receipt of the Enrollment Deposit.

Payment Policy and Options

For on-location Programs, upon acceptance and receipt of the non-refundable Enrollment Deposit, which will be applied towards the Program Tuition, AIFS offers two payment options (“Payment Options”) for the final balance due on the Program Tuition: (i) Pay in 30 Days: the Program Tuition balance will be due within 30 days of enrollment; or (ii) Financial Aid: use of home institution financial aid arrangements. The use of home school financial aid should be discussed and implemented with the Student Accounts team or with the Program Advisor or Program Manager.  Failure to receive Financial Aid will not relieve you of your obligation to pay the balance on the Program Tuition or entitle you to a refund of the Enrollment Deposit. Participants in a Global Experiences internship program may also use a payment plan allowing the Participant to pay the Program Tuition balance due in equal monthly installment payments with all amounts paid in full no later than 30 days prior to departure.

Payment due dates may be modified for enrollments confirmed close to the deadlines, and the payment schedule may vary. Unless a statement is received in writing from AIFS staff extending any deadline, you must enroll within 14 days of being accepted into the program. There is a 5.00% installment fee added to payment plans.

For the GE Virtuoso virtual internship program, there is no payment plan option and the Program Tuition must be paid in full within 30 days of enrollment.

A fee of $30.00 will be charged for all failed or returned payments.

Balance of Program Tuition

The Participant agrees to pay the balance of the Program Tuition according to the payment terms selected among the Payment Options at the time of enrollment. AIFS reserves the right to collect any unpaid balances using all remedies available at law or in equity.

Late Payment POlicy

Because AIFSAbroad incurs expenses immediately upon your acceptance into the Program, late payments on non-deposit payments will be charged a $50.00 late payment fee and will accrue interest until paid in full at the lesser of (i) eighteen percent (18%) per annum or (ii) the maximum rate allowed by applicable law.

Non-Refundable Program Fee

AIFS will reserve the Participant’s place in the Program and will make immediate financial commitments on the Participant’s behalf related to the Participant’s participation in the Program. Therefore, the Participant understands and agrees that when the Participant electronically executes this Agreement by clicking on the “Terms and Conditions Approved” box on the Program application, the Participant’s has made a commitment and agreed to pay the entirety of the Program Fee subject to the Cancelation/Withdrawal and Refund Policy guidelines provided below.

Accommodations

The Program Tuition includes accommodation in an apartment, student residence or homestay, which choice shall be in AIFS’s sole discretion. Unless noted otherwise or student is enrolling in the AIFS Travel Package, The Participant is responsible for any costs incurred for transportation between the accommodation and the Program locations, including, but not limited to, fare for buses, taxis, trains or any other transportation costs. AIFS does not guarantee the location of accommodations nor does it guarantee any amenities that may or may not be included in the accommodations.

Program Changes

AIFS reserves the right to make changes, cancellations or substitutions to the Program for any reason, including, without limitation, insufficient enrollment, emergency or changed conditions or based upon other circumstances which may affect the Program. Any expenses incurred due to such changes, cancellations or substitutions are at the Participant’s expense, including, without limitation, travel arrangements and changes in accommodations. If the Participant chooses to withdraw from the Program as a result of any such changes, there will be no refund of any portion of the Program Fee or of any other expenses. Additionally, if any change the Participant makes results in additional fees, the Participant will be responsible for paying such fees in full by the established payment due date.

Flights, Travel Risks and Procurement of Travel Insurance

Unless the Participant enrolls in the AIFS Travel Package, AIFS does not make flight or travel arrangements so participants will be responsible for their own bookings as well as flight costs and fees charged by the airlines. There are risks associated with international travel, and it is important that the Participant be aware of the specific risks as they relate to the host country for the Program.

For travel to all non-US locations, AIFS will register the Participant for travel/medical emergency insurance, which is included in the Program Tuition.

For travel to US locations, the Participant is required to procure all travel insurance necessary to cover the Participant for the entire length of the Program. If the Participant fails to register, AIFS assumes no responsibility or liability for any costs or damages incurred as a result of not having the proper insurance, and the Participant specifically acknowledges and agrees that AIFS will not be held responsible for any uninsured losses.

Enrolled students will need to sign an Acknowledgement of Risk as part of their tasks in order to participate in the Program.

The GE Virtuoso virtual internship Program Fee does not include travel/medical emergency insurance, as there is no travel involved in the GE Virtuoso Program.

Travel Documentation

Obtaining a passport and any other required travel documents, including visas, is the Participant’s responsibility and it at his or her expense. For students participating in the AIFS study program in Spain in the Spring and Fall Semesters, AIFS can provide assistance through a visa processing program. This is an opt-in service and a relevant fee will be assessed. 

AIFS is not an immigration agency, and the Participant shall hold AIFS harmless in the event the Participant cannot obtain the necessary documents for participation in the Program. The inability to obtain visas or other documents does not constitute grounds for a refund or waiving of any portion of the Program Tuition.

For the GE Virtuoso virtual internship Program, the Participant will not be able to secure visas to travel internationally based upon the internship experience.

Cancelation/Withdrawal and Refund Policy

Participant Withdrawal and Refunds prior to the start of the program.

Using the postmark, email or fax date of a participant’s withdrawal letter as the official withdrawal date (or next business day if this is a weekend), the following applies:

If a Participant withdraws:

• More than 61 days before program start: 100% refund (less deposit)
• Between 31 and 60 days program start: 50% refund (less deposit)
• Within 30 days of program start: Recoverable costs only (less deposit)

Participants who have not paid their program fees and do not notify AIFS in writing of their intent to withdraw before a payment deadline for their program are also subject to the stated refund policy. They will be invoiced accordingly and responsible for the balance due.

Participants Choosing to Leave the Program Early

Participants choosing to leave the Program early once it has commenced for personal, medical or other reasons are not entitled to any refund. Completion of academic credit will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Participants dismissed for disciplinary reasons shall receive no refund of any kind and forfeit any academic credit.

Missed Program Benefits

There are no refunds for meals, accommodation, cultural activities/excursions, tuition or transportation missed by participants.

All Enrollment Deposits are non-refundable. Once AIFS finalizes the Program, it makes financial commitments on the Participant’s behalf and is obligated to secure and pay vendors and other third parties, excursions and activities, and other services related to the Program.

If Participant is unable to complete the Program after it has begun due to outside factors beyond the reasonable control of either AIFS or Participant (including, without limitation, if the Host or Overseas University ceases to do business or terminates its participation in the Program, or if a country’s visa-granting agency refuses to grant necessary work permits or visas to Participant, etc.), there is no assurance any funds will be recovered, and AIFS will have no liability for a refund beyond what is recovered.

AIFS Cancelation of a Program Prior to the Start of the Program

Should AIFS cancel a program prior to departure for reasons within its control (including due to lack of enrollment), participants will be notified and options include options moving to another program location, receiving credit towards another program (either for a future term or a virtual program during the same term), or a full refund, including deposit. This is the only unique situation where a non-refundable deposit can be returned.

AIFS Cancelation of a Program After the Start of the Program

Should AIFS cancel a program (including once the program has started) for reasons beyond its control including, but not limited to, Acts of God, government actions (including those restricting travel), pandemics, fire, flood, explosion, earthquake, or other natural forces, war, civil unrest, accident, terrorism, any strike or labor disturbance, or any other event similar to those enumerated above (a “Force Majeure Event”) participants will receive no refund except for recoverable costs.

AIFS will make arrangements to bring the students who have purchased the flight option back to the U.S. but students will be responsible for any additional flight fees charged by the airline(s). Students with the flight package that opt to make their own return flight arrangements, rather than have AIFS do so, will not receive any refund for the unused return flight included in the AIFS Travel Package. Once a flight has been changed [by AIFS] the student is responsible for the flight change fees. All other students will be responsible for any flight costs and fees charged by the airlines in the event of a cancellation.

AIFS pays the program costs, including but not limited to housing, tuition, social/cultural activities/ excursions, flight packages, safety and security and administrative costs before the start of the program and these costs are not typically recoverable. In the event of cancellation AIFS will endeavor to obtain refunds from suppliers and pass any recovered costs on to the Participant.

GE Virtuoso Virtual Internship Program

For the GE Virtuoso virtual internship program, $500 of the Program Tuition remains non-refundable at all times. If the Participant wishes to withdraw from the GE Virtuoso Program, the following applies:

• For cancelation prior to being offered a virtual internship placement, the Participant will be eligible for a refund of the Program Tuition less the $500 non-refundable portion described above.
• For cancelation after the virtual internship placement is confirmed, the Participant will not be eligible for a refund of any kind.

Internship Placement Process

GE uses commercially reasonable efforts to locate internship placements in the first or second placement area outlined on the Participant’s acceptance letter. The Participant must attend all interviews arranged. The Participant is expected to accept a position upon receiving an offer from a Host (provided it matches one of the placement areas indicated on the Participant’s acceptance letter), and the Participant’s failure to accept an offer would be a breach of this Agreement. If the first Host that has interviewed the Participant is unable to offer an internship, GE will use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain another opportunity for the Participant to interview with a different Host. All internship offers will be communicated to the Participant either by phone or email, and the Participant is required to accept or decline a position by phone or email, as well. If the Participant rejects a properly made offer, GE is not responsible for finding another placement.

Early Termination of Internship while on the Program

The Participant must provide two (2) weeks’ notice to both GE and the Host if the Participant intends to terminate an internship ahead of the anticipated internship end date. If the Host chooses to terminate the Participant’s internship, the Participant’s Program will also be terminated, and the Participant will be entitled to no refund whatsoever.

For Internship Participants – Relationship of the Participant, GE and Host

The Participant, after enrollment, is a member of the AIFS/GE Internship Program, and the rights and obligations between the Participant and AIFS/GE are expressly limited to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. The Participant will not be an employee or independent contractor of AIFS/GE while in the Program. The Host is providing the opportunity for the Participant to gain valuable experience as an intern working for the Host; otherwise, subject to relevant applicable law, the Host has no obligations to the Participant under the Program, and the Participant will not be an employee or independent contractor of the Host while in the Program (unless the Host independently offers the Participant a paid internship position).

For Internship Participants – Participant’s Work Commitment

The Participant is expected to attend and participate in the Program for the entire length of the Program. The Participant will work for the Host based on a schedule requested by the Host and, if applicable, comply with any visa requirements. Any requests for time off must be submitted in writing and approved by the Host [and AIFS/GE], and the Participant may be released from your full work commitment under the Program only with AIFS/GE’s prior written consent.

Dispute Resolution Policies and Grievance Procedures

If the Participant has a complaint about the Program (before or during), the Participant must communicate in writing with the Resident Director if on a study abroad program or the relevant Program Advisor / Program Manager if on an internship program. At this stage AIFS will make a decision, in its sole discretion, whether any action is warranted. All decisions made by AIFS, in its sole discretion, are final.

REcorded Media

AIFS often documents its programs by video, photographs, testimonials from participants and other means (collectively, “Recorded Media”). AIFS may use any means to record or otherwise memorialize the Participant’s participation in the Program, and the Participant authorizes AIFS to utilize any Recorded Media of the Participant in AIFS promotional material and websites, or otherwise as AIFS may elect, at any time in the future, without compensation to the Participant or any further permission or consent from the Participant.

Representations and Warranties

The Participant hereby represents and warrants that: (i) the Participant have all requisite power and authority to enter into and perform the Participant’s obligations under this Agreement; (ii) the Participant will abide by all applicable laws, rules and regulations and will endeavor to comply with all local customs; (iii) the Participant will carry out the Participant’s duties as a Program participant to the best of the Participant’s abilities; and (iv) all of the information provided herein is true and accurate. Except as set forth herein, any materials and/or information provided as part of the Program are provided to the Participant on an “as is” basis. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, AIFS DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS, EITHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND/OR NON-INFRINGEMENT, WITH REGARD TO ANY MATERIALS AND/OR INFORMATION PROVIDED AS A PART OF THE PROGRAM.

Limitation of Liability

In no event shall AIFS be liable for any consequential, indirect, exemplary, special, incidental or punitive damages of any kind, including, without limitation, damages for any loss of opportunity or other pecuniary loss, even if AIFS has been advised of the possibility of such damages or losses, whether such liability is based upon contract, tort, negligence or other legal theory. In no event shall AIFS’s total aggregate liability to the participant under claims arising under this Agreement exceed the total amounts paid by the participant to AIFS under this Agreement during the twelve (12) month period preceding the date of the initial event resulting in such claims.

Force Majeure, Forces Beyond Control

AIFS shall not be deemed in default of this Agreement for any delay or failure to fulfill any obligation hereunder so long as and to the extent to which any delay or failure in the fulfillment of such obligation is prevented, frustrated, hindered or delayed as a consequence of any Force Majeure Event. In the event of any such excused delay, the time for performance of such obligations shall be extended for a period equal to the time lost by reason of the delay. A party claiming the benefit of this provision shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after the occurrence of any such event, (a) provide written notice to the other party of the nature and extent of any such Force Majeure Event; and (b) use commercially reasonable efforts to remove any such causes and resume performance under this Agreement, or any ancillary agreements, addendums or materials, as applicable, as soon as reasonably practicable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, should the Force Majeure Event suffered by a party extend beyond a two-month period, the other party may then terminate this Agreement by written notice to the non-performing party, with the consequences of such termination as if this Agreement had been mutually terminated. Provided, however, in such event, all cancellation policies and payment obligations of Participant shall be as provided herein.

No Assignment; Binding Effect

The Participant may not assign any of the Participant’s rights or obligations under this Agreement without AIFS’s prior written consent, to be given or withheld in AIFS’s sole discretion. Subject to such limitation, this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and bind the Participant and AIFS, and their respective successors, assigns and personal and legal representatives. Any release of liability of AIFS under this Agreement shall extend to AIFS’s agents, staff, alumni, employees, officers, directors and shareholders, and to all other persons and entities affiliated with AIFS.

Severability

If any portion of these Terms is held by any court to be illegal, void or otherwise unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement will nevertheless continue unimpaired and in full force. In such an event, the court shall be authorized, upon the motion of either party, to modify this Agreement to the minimum extent required to render it valid and enforceable and to carry out the purposes and intent as set forth in this Agreement.

Notices

Any notices required or permitted hereunder shall be given to the appropriate party at the address specified above or at such other address as the party shall specify in writing. Such notice shall be deemed given: upon personal delivery; if sent by telephone facsimile, upon confirmation of receipt; if sent by internationally recognized courier service, in the second business day after delivery to the courier service; or if sent by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, three (3) days after the date of mailing.

Counterparts

This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement.

Entire Agreement; Waiver; Modification; Headings

This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the parties with respect to its subject matter and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous understandings and agreements, whether written or oral, with respect to such subject matter. No terms contained on any proposal, purchase order, acknowledgment or other document will be effective with respect to affecting the terms of this Agreement. No delay or failure by either party to exercise or enforce at any time any right or provision hereof will be considered a waiver of such party’s rights thereafter to exercise or enforce each and every right and provision hereof. No single waiver will constitute a continuing or subsequent waiver. No waiver, modification or amendment of any provision hereof will be effective unless it is in a signed writing by the parties. The headings of the various sections of this Agreement have been inserted only for the purposes of convenience and are not part of this Agreement and shall not be deemed in any manner to modify, explain, expand or restrict any of the provisions of this Agreement.

Your Undestanding

You have read and understand this Agreement and agree to all of the terms and conditions herein.

Enforceable Agreement

You acknowledge You are bound by this Agreement when You submit it to AIFS, either via online application or paper application. You acknowledge this is a fully enforceable and legally binding agreement that is accepted by all Program participants upon application to the Program, and You will not be released from your obligations under this Agreement unless either (i) You are not accepted for the Program or (ii) as specifically set forth in this Agreement.

Waiver of Privacy and Confidentiality in Certain Situations

I also hereby waive any right to privacy or confidentiality regarding AIFS reporting to the appropriate authorities at my home school if I am seriously ill; suffer an injury; am the victim or perpetrator of harassment, whether on or off campus; am the victim or the perpetrator of sexual or gender-based misconduct and/or of criminal behavior, whether on or off campus, and I grant AIFS staff, faculty and administrators full authority to report to the appropriate authorities at my home school any and such all incidents, under the applicable laws (including but not limited to Title IX and Clery Act), whether or not it involves disciplinary action.