Study Abroad Policies and Technical Standards

Cancellation and Refund Policy

The $100 application fee is non-refundable. Airfare is non-refundable/non-transferable once purchased. For a fee, tickets can usually be used towards other travel based on individual airline policy. Refunds for other programs fees will be on a case-by-case basis, and are time sensitive. The likelihood of receiving a refund within 60 days of departure is unlikely. Central Piedmont course refunds are made according to Central Piedmont regular policy.

Each program will have a specific cancellation and refund policy. Requests for refunds will be carefully considered under the following guidelines.  

• Individualized Consideration: Each request will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to accommodate unique situations.   
   
• Program Specific: Refund policies, amounts, and timelines of reimbursement may vary by program.  
  -Please note that after a certain date, participants may no longer qualify for refunds. This date will be made clear on each program page and upon acceptance into the program. 
  -Please take this policy into consideration before committing to and investing in a study abroad experience. 
   
• Observation 
  Study Abroad participants are expected to be able to not only gather accurate information but gather it in an unfamiliar environment where English may not be the primary language.  
   
• Communication 
  -While participating in a study abroad program participants are expected to utilize efficient and effective communication using a range of communication methods. 
  -Participants are expected to communicate respectfully and in an engaged way with members of their group throughout the program.  
  -Accurate perception of nonverbal information and cues through interpersonal and cross cultural encounters is crucial. 
  -Participants should understand and be prepared that English may not be the primary language used where they are traveling and that this may impact their ability to communicate. 
   
• Motor / Physical Skills 
  -Sufficient motor function / physical strength and skills to execute physical functions and actions pertinent to the program including, but not limited to, extended periods of walking or hiking, carrying own belongings for extended periods of time, climbing stairs, participating in activities outside with humidity and high temperatures for extended periods of time, long periods of travel on various modes of transport, and navigating through crowds. 
   
• Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities 
  -Participants are expected to possess maturity, self-discipline, and sound judgment while behaving and acting appropriately and in a manner befitting the student’s representation of the college while also following the local cultural norms and expectations of the destination country. 
  -Participants are expected to possess maturity, self-discipline, and sound judgment while behaving and acting appropriately and in a manner befitting the student’s representation of the college while also following the local cultural norms and expectations of the destination country. 
  -Participants are expected to be free of the influence of illegal drugs and alcoholic beverages for the duration of the program and when engaged in any program encounters.
  -While on a study abroad program, participants are expected to possess and utilize conflict resolution skills and ability to negotiate conflicting attitudes and opinions while maintaining standards of courtesy and professionalism required by code of student conduct. Additionally, behaving with compassion, integrity, interpersonal skills, interest, and motivation is crucial. 
   
• Flexibility / Adaptability 
  -While on a study abroad program, participants must have the ability to adapt with courtesy and respect to unexpected situations in the immediate, short, medium, and long term. 
  -Flexibility and the ability to function confidently, competently, and courteously in the face of uncertainties, including but not limited to changes in schedule, changes in itinerary, delays, living in close proximity with other program participants, unfamiliar foods, structured group activities, traveling in a group, waiting for group members, cross- cultural environment, being unable to speak the local language, unfamiliar local customs, inclement weather, jet lag is required. 
   
• Professional / Program Requirements 
  -Participants are expected to respond to any and all communication sent to them by the Center for Global Engagement and other relevant staff or faculty. 
  -It is an expectation that participants arrive on time for program commitments, including classes, field experiences, group activities, and meetings while being considerate of fellow program participants and reflect on impacts to the group before acting. 
  -Participants must meet deadlines for course assignments and program requirements; a pattern of repeated absences, lateness, and failure to meet deadlines in courses or fieldwork is not acceptable. This includes demonstrating good attendance, integrity, honesty, conscientiousness when engaged in any program work or encounters. 
  -Within all courses, participants must demonstrate attitudes of integrity, responsibility, and tolerance demonstrate honesty and integrity by being truthful about background, experiences, and qualifications; doing their own work; giving credit for the ideas of others; and providing proper citation of source materials