I acknowledge that my participation in an overseas program, whether through Grand Valley State University (GVSU) or through a provider program, is voluntary and not necessary for the achievement of my degree. I understand that I am responsible for all fees associated with my participation in an overseas program. I agree that an official hold may be placed on my records until all financial responsibilities are fulfilled. I also understand that I am responsible for my personal conduct and that I can be dismissed from the program for violation of the following program rules, requirements, and/or the Code of Conduct for Study Abroad.

RISKS OF PARTICIPATION

I understand that there are certain risks inherent in foreign travel and fully accept those risks. Risks may include, but are not limited to, the hazards of travel by airplane, boat, train, car, bus or other forms of transportation, political or civil unrests, different or unstable legal, social or economic conditions, war, quarantine, different standards of design, safety and maintenance of buildings, lack of accessibility and accommodations for persons with disabilities, public health risks, criminal activity, adverse weather conditions, terrorism, exposure to infectious, communicable and other diseases, ill effects of unfamiliar food and water, physical exertion or emotional distress, accident, injuries or damage to property, lack of competent medical services, natural disasters, differences in the recognition of civil rights, differences in gender expectations, differences in acceptance of different sexual orientations, differences in educational systems and expectations, and government restrictions. I understand that not all hazards and dangers associated with my participation in the study abroad program can be foreseen. I understand that it is impossible for GVSU to guarantee my absolute safety and that my participation in the program exposes me to certain risks and dangers which may result in serious physical injury, sickness or death and/or damage to, or loss or destruction of property. I have conducted my own review of the U.S. Department of State's Country Information, Travel Alerts and Worldwide Caution advisory. In addition, I have reviewed the Center for Disease Control's recommendations on travel to my host country or region.

NON-GVSU PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS

I understand and acknowledge that GVSU does not administer or have involvement in the design or implementation of provider programs. GVSU does not represent or act as an agent for, and cannot control the acts or omissions of, any host institution, host family, transportation carrier, place of lodging, tour organizer, or other provider of goods and services in connection with the program. I acknowledge and understand that GVSU does not conduct an independent investigation or assessment of any aspect of a provider program, including the content or quality of the academic program, instructors or facilities, the adequacy of the living arrangements, or the safety of the location(s) in which the program may be conducted. I acknowledge that I have chosen to participate in the study abroad program with full knowledge of this information. The Padnos International Center does verify the acceptance of credit from the host institution at the time of application for study abroad.

PERSONAL CONDUCT

Grand Valley State University, through its official representatives, including, but not limited to, a Program Director, has the authority to establish rules of conduct necessary for the operation of a program during the entire period of the program, including free time. The illegal use of drugs and/or alcohol during the entire period of the program, including free time is strictly prohibited. Should an official representative of GVSU decide that a participant must be dismissed from the program because of violation of any stated rules, for disruptive behavior, or for any conduct that might bring the program into disrepute or its participants into legal jeopardy, that decision will be final. Dismissal from the program will result in the loss of all academic credit for the program. Persons dismissed from the program will remain responsible for all program costs incurred on their behalf and any additional costs resulting from their dismissal and early departure. While I am studying abroad, I will be enrolled at GVSU and, consequently, will to be subject to GVSU's Student Code of Conduct and all other applicable University policies, rules or regulations. Additionally, I agree to adhere to all policies and regulations established by the host institution.

ACADEMIC PARTICIPATION

I understand that I am choosing a study abroad experience (or an internship) for the purpose of earning academic credit and that my full participation in all academic activities is expected. I understand that unauthorized absences from classes or disregard for meeting academic expectations can result in dismissal from the program. In the event of dismissal, I understand that I will be fully responsible for any costs associated with my early return home from the program. I also agree to limit outside activities such as authorized work, volunteer, or personal travel in the event that these activities interfere with my academic performance.

DISCLOSURE

I understand that GVSU may contact my parent(s) or other designated emergency contact and disclose otherwise confidential or private information, including but not limited to, medical information, disciplinary concerns or legal issues, if such disclosure is necessary or desirable in order to assist or resolve an emergency or crisis involving me.

LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

I understand that I must respect and adhere to the laws and customs of the host country or countries where my overseas program is located and understand that the intentional violation or disrespect for those laws and customs may result in my dismissal from the program as defined above. Furthermore, I acknowledge that the violation of such laws and customs may have legal ramifications with consequences beyond the control of the GVSU representatives and the U.S. Government. I will be responsible for and attend to any legal problems I encounter with any foreign nationals or government of the host country or any country to or through which I travel during my participation in study abroad. GVSU is not responsible for providing any assistance under such circumstances.

ORIENTATION AND REQUIRED FORMS

I understand that I must attend all required orientations and pre-departure meetings, complete all required forms and make required payments by the due dates. I am fully aware that it is my responsibility to make arrangements to attend these meetings and familiarize myself with the pre-departure information available to me. Failure to attend required meetings, complete required forms or make payments may result in additional costs to me or in my acceptance for participation being revoked. I understand I will be responsible for any fees paid or any irrecoverable expenses incurred on my behalf if my acceptance is revoked for this reason.

RELEASE OF INFORMATION

I agree that information in my university records, including disciplinary, academic and medical records, may be made available to the Padnos International Center and cooperating institutions, with the understanding that the information will be kept confidential to the extent provided by law and made available only to appropriate individuals and handled with the highest level of discretion in order to protect student privacy.

INSURANCE COVERAGE

I understand that I am required to have health, accident, and hospitalization insurance during my participation in the study abroad program. The policy must include coverage for expenses relating to sickness, injury, medical evacuation, accidental death and repatriation. Proof of insurance coverage must be indicated on the Medical Insurance Form and provided to the Padnos International Center prior to departure. I have arranged, through insurance or otherwise, to meet any and all needs for payment of medical costs while I am participating in the study abroad program.

MEDICAL TREATMENT

I understand that all health and physical or physiological conditions must be described on the Padnos International Center Health Information Form. I understand that there are health risks associated with living and studying in another country and I agree that I am personally responsible for obtaining all health information, immunizations, and prophylactic medications appropriate to my participation in this study abroad program. I agree to consult with a medical doctor with regards to my personal medical needs and discuss my plans for participation in a study abroad program, including disclosure of the location of study. I certify that there are no health-related reasons or problems that preclude, restrict or recommend against my participation in a study abroad program at this time. In the event of illness or injury to me to such an extent that I am unable to make decisions relative to my immediate medical condition, I authorize any official representative of GVSU to secure medical treatment on my behalf, including surgery and the administration of an anesthetic, and I accept all financial responsibility for such authorized treatment. I acknowledge that GVSU is not responsible for the quality of such treatment or care. I release GVSU, the program and its officers, trustees, agents and employees, from any liability for authorizing such treatment.

RESPONSIBILITY DURING FREE TIME

I understand that during free time within the period of this program and after the period of the program, I may elect to travel independently at my own risk and expense. If participating in a GVSU faculty-led program, I agree to inform an official representative of GVSU of my travel plans and understand that neither GVSU nor its official representatives are responsible for me while I am traveling independently during such free time.

PROGRAM CHANGES

GVSU has the right to make cancellations, substitutions, or changes in the case of emergency or changed conditions. I accept all responsibility for loss or additional expenses due to delays or other changes in the means of transportation, other services, or sickness, weather, strikes or other unforeseen causes. I understand that GVSU is not responsible for disruptions in the program, nor for any consequent expense I may thereby incur. In the event of an unforeseen GVSU program cancellation, all efforts will be made to assist students in registering for regular GVSU classes to the extent possible. I understand that, as with all GVSU courses, any and all courses as part of study abroad programs may be cancelled because of insufficient enrollment.

THEFT AND OTHER CRIMES

I agree to release GVSU and its official representatives from any liability for damage to or loss of my possessions, injury, illness, or death arising out of intentional acts of third parties during the period of the program.

POLITICAL UNREST

I recognize that in cases of political unrest, an official representative of GVSU will take reasonable measures for the protection of program participants. I understand that GVSU and its official representatives assume no responsibility for damage to or loss of property, injury or death arising out of political unrest.

TRAVEL

I understand that I will be traveling during the program by various modes of transportation including but not limited to airplane, train, bus or van, and I release GVSU and its official representatives from any responsibility for loss of property, injury or death during such travel.

WITHDRAWALS, REFUNDS, CHARGES

I understand that I may be held accountable for the entire cost of the program once I have been accepted to participate by the Padnos International Center and/or host institution. I understand that submitting this application is agreement to enroll in the study abroad program for the semester/year for which I am applying. To withdrawal from the program or defer enrollment, I must notify the Padnos International Center and the host institution or organization in writing. I understand that it is my responsibility to review all refund policies associated with my program. In the event that I notify the Padnos International Center in writing of my intent to cancel my participation or withdraw for reasons beyond my control, I understand that I will forfeit my $100 deposit and I will remain responsible for all unrecoverable program costs incurred on my behalf. I understand that I am responsible for any and all costs arising from voluntary or involuntary withdrawal or dismissal from the program prior to its completion, including withdrawal caused by illness or disciplinary action. Merit scholarships and financial aid may not be used to cover charges arising from a student's failure to participate in a study abroad program. Financial aid recipients who withdraw from their program after arrival in the host country are subject to the federal refund requirements.

GENERAL RELEASE AND WAIVER

In consideration of participating in the study abroad program offered through Grand Valley State University or through a provider program, I the undersigned, in full recognition and appreciation of the dangers and hazards inherent in traveling and to which I may be exposed during my enrollment and/or participation in this activity/program, do hereby agree to assume all the risks and responsibilities surrounding my participation in the program or any independent activities undertaken as an adjunct thereto; and, further, I do for myself, my heirs, and personal representative(s) hereby defend, hold harmless, indemnify, and release, and forever discharge all its officers, agents and employees from and against any and all claims, demands, and actions, or causes of action, on account of damage to personal property, or personal injury or death which may result from my participation, and which result from causes beyond the control of, and without the fault or negligence of Grand Valley State University, its officer, agents or employees, during the period of my participation as aforesaid. In addition, I understand that any claims, actions, or causes of action related to the Study Abroad Program against the University or its Board of Trustees, officers, employees, students, representatives, agents, or contractors be determined pursuant to the law of the state of Michigan and that sole and exclusive jurisdiction shall be the courts of the state of Michigan.