iap Forms and Policies

READ THIS DOCUMENT COMPLETELY BEFORE SIGNING. ITS EFFECT IS TO RELEASE VINCE AMALFITANO AND ITALY ABROAD PROGRAM FROM ANY LIABILITY RESULTING FROM YOUR PARTICIPATION IN STUDYING ABROAD AND WAIVES ALL CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES OR LOSSES AGAINST BOTH VINCE AMALFITANO AND ITALY ABROAD PROGRAM.

Release from Responsibility, Assumption of Risk and Waiver

I, ____________________________________________________________, have enrolled in the ITALY ABROAD PROGRAM to be held in Italy, for the following program dates;________________________________________________________________________________.

Exercising my own free choice to participate voluntarily in Italy Abroad Program, and promising to take due care during such participation, hereby release and discharge, indemnify and hold harmless Vince Amalfitano acting through ITALY ABROAD PROGRAM and their officers, agents, employees, and any other persons or entities acting on their behalf, and the successors and assigns for any and all of the aforementioned persons and entities, against all claims, demands, and causes of action whatsoever, either in law or in equity, relating to injury, disability, death or other harm, to person or property or both, arising from strikes, war, weather, quarantine, sickness, terrorists actions, government restrictions, or regulations; or arising from any act or omission of any ship, airline, railroad, sight-seeing, hotel, or transport company in connection with the study abroad program, or any self directed/planned activities/travel that I choose to undertake before, during, or after the program.

I acknowledge that I am aware of any hazards and risks, which may be associated with my participation in study abroad.  I understand, accept, and assume those hazards and risks, and waive all claims against Vince Amalfitano acting through Italy Abroad Program, and other persons as set forth above. I understand that I am solely responsible for any costs arising out of any bodily injury or property damage sustained through my participation in normal or unusual acts or conduct associated with the above-named activities.  

I have had sufficient time to review and seek any explanation of the provisions contained above, have carefully read them, understand them fully, and agree to be bound by them. After careful deliberation, I voluntarily give my consent and agree to this Release, Assumption of Risk and Waiver Form.  

Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity and considered a privilege.  This opportunity also comes with responsibilities to ensure a safe, positive experience abroad.  Remember that as you travel abroad, you are a U.S. ambassador and are a reflection of IAP and your home university.  You are expected to respect your community and abide by the rules and laws of the host country.

1) Purpose

The following Code of Student Responsibility outlines standards of student conduct and serves to promote an environment that fosters a safe and enriching study abroad experience for all students, enabling personal growth, cultural engagement, and academic excellence.

2) Student Responsibilities

I understand it is my responsibility to research and understand issues that relate to health, safety, political, legal, and cultural norms and expectations in the host country. I assume responsibility for all elements necessary for my personal preparation for the program, including full participation in orientation, and acquisition of proper documentation such as, but not limited to: 

• Valid passport – if you already have a passport, check its expiration date! (Your passport must be valid for at least 180 days past your date of return into the US) 

• Visa - if traveling with non-U.S. passport.

• Medical insurance coverage - if not covered by home university.

• Flight confirmation - if not on a group flight.

• Prescription medications – letter from your prescribing physician and clearance to bring a supply of your medication into the host country.

• Attend all class sessions and program activities, including field trips and excursions.

• Inform yourself with local laws, culture and customs.

• Bring two credit cards.

• Bring copy of your passport.

3) Prohibited Conduct

Misconduct while studying abroad can lead to removal from the program and may, in addition, result in a decision by IAP to impose further sanctions, such as suspension or dismissal from the program. Misconduct abroad refers to student actions that, in the judgment of the Program Director, faculty and staff, jeopardize the student's own welfare or that of fellow students and/or the integrity of the program. Such actions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Academic dishonesty

• Obstruction or disruption of teaching or other program activities

• The use of threats or physical violence

• Violating the laws of the country in which the student is traveling or living

• Openly abusing the customs and mores of the host community

• Damage to or destruction to school, residence or student property

• Alcohol or substance abuse

• Failure to attend class and/or other required activities 

• Unauthorized changes in housing 

• Arrest for infractions of local laws 

• A threat to the health or safety of self or others

• Physical or verbal abuse 

• Sexual harassment of any kind

4) Immediate Dismissal 

I understand that if I am dismissed from the program, I must vacate the program housing immediately.  I understand that I will not be reimbursed for the remainder of the program and am responsible for costs associated with returning home.  The following will not be tolerated:

• Engaging in action endangering himself/herself or others.

• Acts or conduct considered to be detrimental or incompatible with the best interest and welfare of the program. 

5) Conclusion

A) I expressly waive and release all claims against Italy Abroad Program pertaining to my failure to comply with this Code of Conduct.

B) I understand that Italy Abroad Program has the right to enforce the standards of conduct described above as well as all its policies, rules, standards, and instructions for student behavior consistent with the safe and efficient conduct of the program.

C) If I am dismissed from the Program, I consent to being sent home at my own expense with no refund of program fees.

D) I will address any legal problems I encounter with any foreign nationals or government of the host country.  Italy Abroad Program is not responsible for providing any assistance under such circumstances.

E) I understand that I will be financially responsible for any property damage or property misuse I cause during the period of the Program.

I have carefully read this ‘Code of Conduct’ form and agree to its terms and conditions.

Accommodations include fully furnished apartments and hotels, all centrally located.  Apartments will have multiple rooms with double/triple occupancy.  Italian law prohibits overnight guests.  Students understand that should a student permit a guest to remain overnight, it shall be a material breach of this Contract and student shall likely be immediately expelled from program housing without recourse or refund, in Italy Abroad Program's discretion. 

Each student is solely responsible for the security and safe-keeping of his/her personal property, valuables, and other property for which the student is responsible.  Neither the hotels, owner of the housing units, nor Italy Abroad Program shall be in any respect liable for losses of a student's personal property, valuables, and other property for which the student is responsible.  Italy Abroad Program requires students to obtain commercial insurance to protect themselves, their valuables, and property for which they are legally responsible while overseas.  Student hereby acknowledges that he/she is solely responsible for any and all such property loses whether or not he/she obtains sufficient private insurance.  Also, each student is solely responsible for determining limitations and inclusions of coverage under any insurance policy.

Students' personal safety and health are a primary concern of Italy Abroad Program.  Accordingly, students are expected to be observant of conditions in the apartment that they suspect may pose undue risks of fire (such as non-functioning smoke alarms), or other risks to health or safety.  Please report the details immediately in writing to your professor or Italy Abroad Program so they may take prompt remedial action.

IMPORTANT:  Charges shall be billed to a student's credit card for any non-standard housing charges or damages caused, excess utilities usage costs, any fines incurred but not otherwise paid, as well as any other damages or non-standard charges incurred by the student.

Each student is jointly and severally liable with the student's roommate(s), for damages and misuse of the room(s), facilities, and furnishings if individual liability cannot be easily determined.  Charges, if any, are normally applied within three months of students' departure from Italy, and an itemized accounting of charges applied will be provided to each student.  In the event charges for such damages or non-standard costs exceed the balance in a student's account, they will be separately billed.  Credit card information will be kept on file in case of future damages.

I understand that my entitlement to reside in the program housing and accommodations is conditioned upon me conforming to the above requirements and that any violation of the terms of this contract will result in disciplinary action up to and including immediate expulsion from the program without refund or recourse.  I understand that if I withdraw from the program or am expelled, I will vacate the property immediately.