STUDY ABROAD CONTRACT 

The Student named above agrees as follows:

Academic Conditions.
Credit-bearing international programs approved by Messiah College are not travel tours. While travel during free time can be quite educational in itself, the College does not grant academic credit for travel. International study programs are strictly academic in nature, and students must expect to invest at least the same amount of time and effort that would be required for courses at a comparable level on the Grantham campus. Travel on weekends and holidays must not conflict with scheduled lectures or classes. Students are responsible for making travel plans which will permit them to attend all regularly scheduled class activities and field trips.

 Program Participation.
I understand that students enrolled in international programs are required to attend all scheduled classes, lectures, activities and field trips. This also includes mandatory attendance at predeparture orientation sessions provided by Messiah College.

Grades.
I am aware that I will receive letter grades for credit-bearing international work earned through Messiah’s approved programs. All of Messiah’s official pass/fail (P/F) policies apply while I am off-campus. Courses taken through an approved off-campus study program, along with their corollary grades, will be reported on my Messiah College transcript and are calculated into my cumulative grade point average.

 Assumption of Risk and Waiver of Liability.
This portion of the Study Abroad Contract involves a release of certain legal rights. Be sure to read and understand it before signing.

Institutional Arrangements.
I understand that the College does not represent or act as an agent for, and cannot control the acts or omissions of, any host institution, host family, transportation carrier, hotel, tour organizer or other provider of goods or services involved in the Program. I understand that the College has exercised its best efforts in regard to these matters, but that it is not responsible for occurrences that are beyond its control. I release the College from liability for any injury, loss (including loss of luggage or other personal property), damage, accident, delay or expense arising out of any such matters.

1. I have consulted with a medical doctor with regard to my person medical needs. I have provided the College with all medical data and any other personal information necessary for a safe and healthy study abroad experience. There are no physical or mental health-related reasons, problems, or special dietary requirements or restrictions which preclude or restrict my participation in this Program.

2. I am aware of all applicable personal medical needs. I have secured health insurance coverage to meet any and all needs for payment of medical costs (including those incurred outside the United States) while I participate in the Program. I recognize that, while the College will use its best efforts to see that I receive adequate medical care while in this Program, I assume all risk and responsibility for my medical or medication needs and the cost thereof. If I require medical treatment or hospital care in a foreign country or in the United States during the Program, I authorize the College to secure any necessary care deemed appropriate. I am aware that a separate Medical Authorization and Release must be signed prior to participation in the Program.

3. The College may take any actions it considers to be warranted under the circumstances to protect my health and safety. I agree to express any health or safety concerns promptly to Program staff or other appropriate persons.

Information for students with disabilities who may require accommodation:
Messiah College makes reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities who are otherwise qualified to participate in its activities and programs. However, the Americans with Disabilities Act does not govern accessibility standards in other countries. The College does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admissions for study abroad programs, but is not responsible for assuring accessibility in international locations and cannot guarantee that accommodation will be available. While the College will try to arrange accommodation for special needs, students with disabilities must understand that some international experiences may not be appropriate for them.

In order to address this concern, College policy requires students with special needs who require accommodation to self-identify at the time of application for participation in an international experience. These students must notify the Disability Services office of their interest in participating in an international experience and of their need for accommodation. The Director of Disability Services will meet with the student, sponsoring faculty and program representative to determine whether the student's needs can be accommodated.

Standards of Conduct.

1. I understand that each foreign country has its own laws and standards of acceptable conduct, including dress, manners, morals, politics, drug use and behavior. I recognize that behavior which violates those laws or standards could harm the College’s relations with those countries and the institutions therein, as well as my own health and safety. I am aware that if I violate laws of the host country, I may place myself in legal jeopardy and that U.S. standards of due process may not apply. I will become informed of, and will abide by, all such laws and standards for each country to or through which I will travel during the Program.

2. I also will comply with the College’s rules, standards, and instructions for student behavior. I waive and release all claims against the College that arise at a time when I am not under the direct supervision of the College or that are caused by my failure to remain under such supervision or to comply with such rules, standards and instructions.

3. I agree that the College has the right to enforce the standards of conduct described above in its sole judgment, and that it may impose sanctions up to and including removal from the Program for violating these standards or for any behavior detrimental to or incompatible with the interest, harmony and welfare of the College, the Program, or other participants at any time prior to or during participation in the Program. I recognize that, due to the circumstances of the Program, procedures for notice, hearing and appeal applicable to student disciplinary proceedings at the College do not apply. If I am removed from the Program, either before or during participation, I understand that I will be sent home at my own expense with no refund of fees.

4. I agree that I will not operate a motor vehicle of any kind while participating in the Program. I further agree that I will not engage in any of the following activities while participating in the Program (unless required by the Program and supervised by a certified instructor): scuba diving, skiing, mountain climbing, sky-diving, hang gliding, glider flying, parasailing, piloting an aircraft, bungee jumping, and any other like activity normally considered to be ultra-hazardous or regarded as an “extreme sport.”

5. I will attend to any legal problems I encounter with any foreign nationals or government at my own expense. I understand that, while the College will use its best efforts to assist me, it is not responsible for providing me with legal representation.

6. I understand that during time designated for independent travel before, during or after the Program, I may have the option to travel at my own expense. I agree to inform a representative of the Program of my travel plans, understand that the College is not responsible for me while I am engaged in independent travel, and understand that any such travel is at my sole risk and expense.

Program Changes.
The College has the right to cancel the Program at any time prior to departure, in which case all moneys paid will be refunded in full. It also reserves the right to cancel a Program in progress and to require all participants to return to the United States if it determines that conditions pose a heightened potential of danger to students. I understand that the College may alter the Program’s itinerary, travel arrangements, or accommodations due to emergency or changed conditions, and agree to be responsible for additional costs. I understand that the College’s fees and program charges are based on current airfares, lodging rates and travel costs, which are subject to change. If I leave or am removed from the Program, I will receive no refund of fees already paid. Understanding that the College will make every reasonable effort to minimize the effect of same, I accept all responsibility for loss or additional expenses due to transportation delays, necessary Program changes, sickness, weather, strikes, or other unforeseen causes. If I become separated from the Program group or fail to meet a departure bus, airplane, or train, I will at my own expense seek out, contact, and reach the Program group at its next available destination.