STUDENT UNDERSTANDING AND AGREEMENTSEMESTER AND YEAR-LONG STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMSThis Student Understanding and Agreement (the “Agreement”) is a legally binding contract between Lehigh
University (referred to as “Lehigh” or “University”) and the undersigned student (referred to as “student”,“participant” or “you”) that sets forth the requirements and expectations for participation in a study abroad
program offered by Lehigh University.
In exchange for being granted the opportunity to participate in a study abroad program at Lehigh, the student,
intending to be legally bound, agrees to the following terms and conditions:
A. ELIGIBILITY AND COMPETENCIES
1. ELIGIBILITY: In order to be eligible to participate in a semester or year-long study abroad programat Lehigh, you must:
a. Be enrolled full-time at Lehigh in the semester immediately prior to studying abroad;b. Have at least (36) Lehigh credits and second semester sophomore status;c. Have a GPA of 2.7 or above, or an average GPA of 2.7 in the two regular semesters prior toapplying; andd. Not be on disciplinary probation the semester prior to participation, or during the term abroad.
The Study Abroad Office, in consultation with the Dean of Students Office, will review each student’s
disciplinary records prior to determining whether to grant approval to study abroad. Students whose records
indicate a history of inappropriate conduct should expect to have their cases reviewed in depth andconsidered fully in the final decision about whether such student may study abroad.
2. REQUIRED COMPETENCIES: In order to participate in credit-bearing activities conducted offcampus, you must demonstrate the following required competencies:
a. Ability to be flexible and adapt to new, unexpected circumstances as they occur. Navigate
independently and/or appropriately in a new and /or unfamiliar environment. (Ex: live in a hostdorm with non-Lehigh students; use urban/rural public transportation systems).
b. Ability to be responsible for all known personal medical and psychological needs prior toparticipation in this off-campus activity, as well as the ability to be functionally stable for at least
six months prior to participation.
c. Ability to respect the host culture and its different language(s), values, customs, and belief systems.
d. Knowledge of, and willingness to uphold, reasonable and appropriate standards for living andlearning environments.
If you are unable to demonstrate the competencies at any point prior to or during a Study Abroad
program, Lehigh may reconsider your approval to participate in such program. You may contact theStudy Abroad Program Director, the Director of the Study Abroad Office or the Associate Dean ofStudents if you have questions about the competencies.

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B. COST AND PAYMENTS
1. REGISTRATION AND PROGRAM FEES: A $50 non-refundable registration fee is due at thetime of program application. A program fee of $120 per semester will be charged to your Bursar
account; the program fee, in part, covers the cost of the Lehigh University Student International
Services and Insurance Program and is refundable if you withdraw from the program prior to departure.
2. ACCEPTANCE: By submitting an application to a study abroad program, you are agreeing to enroll inthe program for which you applied if your application is accepted.
3. TUITION: You must register for a full-time equivalent course load, for which you pay Lehigh tuition,
regardless of the hosting institution’s tuition cost. Lehigh pays tuition to the program directly. Billing
will occur as usual (i.e., the Lehigh Bursar’s Office will send you a tuition bill). All tuition payment
policies apply.
4. FINANCIAL AID: Financial Aid from Lehigh applies to semester and year-long programs abroad. If
you receive financial aid above Lehigh tuition, refund checks are not released from the Bursar’s Office
until the 10th day of class at Lehigh.
5. PROGRAM PROVIDER DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT: You are responsible for paying any deposits
required by your program provider. You are responsible for ensuring that deposits are applied toward
room and board or program fees, not tuition. You are also responsible for all non-tuition program fees
and transportation costs. You will be billed directly by the program provider.
6. STUDENT WITHDRAWAL: In order to withdraw from a program, you must notify the Study
Abroad Office and the hosting institution in writing. Since Lehigh may undertake substantial financial
commitment on behalf of students prior to the beginning of study abroad programs, you will be charged
for all non-recoverable funds Lehigh has committed on your behalf .Students are responsible forpurchasing their own trip interruption/cancellation insurance.
7. DISMISSAL BY LEHIGH: If your conduct after application and prior to departure leads todisciplinary probation, you will be dismissed from the program and will forfeit your registration fee andthe deposit paid to the program as well as any non-recoverable funds Lehigh has committed on yourbehalf up to the date of dismissal. If a student is dropped from the program for any reason prior to thedeparture date, the student may still be responsible for airline and housing cancellation fees.
8. PROGRAM CANCELLATION: Please refer to the Study Abroad Office’s website(www.lehigh.edu/studyabroad) for the cancellation policy.
C. INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
1. INTERNATIONAL SERVICES AND INSURANCE: Lehigh University has established the Lehigh
University Student International Services and Insurance Program (LUSISIP) for undergraduate
students abroad on Lehigh-sanctioned programs:
www.lehigh.edu/~incis/documents/ServiceandInsuranceProgram.pdf This mandatory insurance
program is primary in all cases, and works in concert with International SOS for the official duration ofthe abroad portion of the program. You will be responsible for obtaining your own insurance and/orservices package within the United States as well as for any travel abroad before or after the official
duration of the abroad portion of the program.
2.

WEB REGISTRATION FOR INTERNATIONAL SOS: You must register your international travel
prior to departure on the International SOS portal, which can be found on the Study Abroad website:www.lehigh.edu/studyabroad. You will receive directions for registering, which will include aJanuary 2013

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registration deadline.
3. AIRLINE RESERVATIONS: You are responsible for making your own travel arrangements. Whilesome programs may offer group flights, Lehigh is not responsible for coordinating them.
4. PASSPORT: You must obtain your own passport which must be valid for at least six months beyond
the last day of the program.. American citizens may obtain forms at www.travel.state.gov. Please notethat it may take up to eight weeks to process an application for a U.S. passport. Non-US passport
holders should consult their home embassy.
5. VISAS: You must obtain proper visas and pay all costs associated with such visas. U.S. citizens may
be required to obtain a visa if their plans include travel outside the designated study abroad country
before or after the program. Importantly, non-US passport holders need to consider very carefully any
visa requirements. Obtaining visas may be a lengthy and detailed process involving persistence. Check
www.travel.state.gov for specific entry requirements for each country.
D. GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. RELEASE OF LIABILITY; INDEMNIFICATION: In consideration for the use of premises orfacilities owned or operated by Lehigh University and/or in consideration for permitting me toparticipate in this program, on behalf of myself, my heirs, executors, administrators, successors orassigns, I hereby release and forever discharge Lehigh University, its trustees, employees and agentsfrom and against any and all actions, causes of action, suits, damages, claims, and demands, on accountof personal injury, including death, or any other cause whatsoever, which I may have by reason of or
arising out of my participation in this program.
Further, I agree to indemnify and hold harmless Lehigh University, its trustees, employees and agentsfrom any and all causes of action, claims, demands, losses or costs of any nature whatsoever arising outof or in any way related to my participation in the program and my use of facilities, equipment, orservices in association with the program. Lehigh University will not accept liability for any act I
commit, willful or negligent, which results in damages or injury to persons or property, and I agree toundertake full reimbursement to the injured party should such damage or injury occur.
2. RISK FACTORS: I understand that my participation in this program involves risks not found in study
at Lehigh University. These include risks inherent in traveling to, and returning from, one or more
foreign countries; foreign political, legal, social, and economic conditions; different standards of design,safety, and maintenance of buildings, public places and conveyances; and local medical and weather
conditions. I represent that I have made my own investigation and am willing to accept these risks.
3. REPORTING OBLIGATIONS: I agree to report to a program leader, host institution, and/orexperience provider any serious physical, safety, personnel or other problems that I may encounter
during the program. I understand that the University is not responsible and I agree to hold theUniversity harmless for any claims, disputes, losses, damages, injuries, adverse events, or outcomesarising out of or caused by the host institution, experience provider, or internship, including but notlimited to such claims, disputes, losses, damages, injuries, adverse events, and outcomes caused by theiractions, inactions, or negligence, even if the University has been advised of the possibility of such.
4. MEDICAL CONSULTATION: I agree to consult with my personal physician about necessary
immunizations and any other medical matters relating to my participation in an international program. I
understand that I am strongly encouraged to disclose to the Study Abroad Office and/or program leaders
any personal, physical, medical, and/or psychological or emotional concerns/issues I might have which
would, without reasonable accommodation, prevent me from performing my responsibilities on myprogram. I understand that if I have a disability which requires reasonable accommodation by theJanuary 2013

4program provider, I will advise the program leader at a time sufficiently prior to the commencement ofthe program to allow the program leaders/providers to make reasonable accommodations.
5. PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION & MEETINGS: I understand that I am required to attend andcomplete all mandatory pre-departure orientations and meetings with the Office of International
Programs/Study Abroad and Program Leaders.
6. ATTENDANCE: I agree to attend the program in accordance with its established location andschedule, including all orientations, meetings, classes, excursions, and exams on campus and abroad. I
agree to complete all University requirements/assignments associated with my program.
7. INDEPENDENT TRAVEL, ABSENCES, FREE TIME: I understand that Lehigh is not responsible
for my welfare or liable for my actions during periods of independent travel, absences from theprogram, or free time. Free time means any time(s) when students are not under the direction or
supervision of the program or its agents.
8. PROGRAM MODIFICATION: If necessary, Lehigh reserves the right to change or modify any
arrangement concerning the location and/or content of the program.
9. PAYMENTS AND BILLING: I will pay all tuition, fees and charges due according to the regularlyscheduled billing by Lehigh and I am responsible for the timely payment of all other charges incurredby me or on my behalf in connection with my participation in the program.
10. HEALTH AND SAFETY; INSURANCE: Lehigh reserves the right to make such decisions and takesuch actions that it believes are necessary to maintain my health and safety, and I shall not hold Lehighresponsible for such decisions or actions. I fully understand the insurance programs described inSections C.1 and C.2 above.
11. AUTHORIZATION FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES: I hereby authorize Lehigh, its faculty, staffand agents, at their discretion and without obtaining any further consent, to arrange medical services andtreatment as may be deemed necessary for me at my/my parents’ and/or guardians’ sole risk andexpense. If deemed necessary or desirable by Lehigh, I may be returned to the United States bycommercial airline or other means at my expense for medical treatment.
12. RULES, STANDARDS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR STUDENT CONDUCT: I will, at all times,act responsibly and comply with the policies, rules, standards, and instructions for student conduct andbehavior of Lehigh and the host institution(s). Lehigh will enforce appropriate standards of conduct andmay terminate my participation in the program for failure to maintain these standards or for any actions
or conduct which Lehigh considers incompatible with the interest, harmony, comfort or welfare ofparticipants. Unacceptable conduct includes, but is not limited to, unauthorized absence from theprogram, harassment, assault, vandalism, public disturbance, gambling, solicitation, and any illegalactivity.
I understand and agree to be bound by the rules and policies of Lehigh University and, in particular,
the Student Code of Conduct as well as those of my host institution(s).
13. ALCOHOL AND OTHER SUBSTANCES: Lehigh will not tolerate alcohol or drug abuse (by U.S.
definition, or that of any other country visited) and/or excess. I understand that if I am impaired andcannot fully participate in expected classroom attendance, group activities, excursions, and/or myconduct is disruptive or incompatible with the program purpose and objectives, Lehigh and/or the hostprogram may require my immediate termination from the program and I will return to the United States.

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14. REMOVAL FROM PROGRAM: If my program participation is terminated, Lehigh shall have theright to require me to leave the program and return to the United States without refunding my tuition orfees and without academic credit (if I return prior to the program end date). If Lehigh directs me toreturn to the United States, I agree to cooperate and abide by such direction and cover all associatedcosts.
15. UNFORSEEN COSTS: I understand that I am responsible for any additional unforeseen costs (e.g.,housing, board, travel fees) associated with my participation in the program in the event of anemergency that detains me outside of the program and/or planned program dates. I am responsible forthe purchase of trip interruption/cancellation insurance.
16. DAMAGE; THEFT: I accept full responsibility for any damage/theft, losses, or charges associatedwith my housing or other accommodations or the common areas or grounds of the host institution andits equipment including, but not limited to, telephones, vending machines, washers and dryers.
17. EMERGENCY CONTACTS: I agree that the Lehigh Study Abroad Office staff may distributeinformation about my participation in a study abroad program to the parent or guardian whom I havedesignated as my emergency contact. I further agree that such staff may discuss my academic anddisciplinary records for the purpose of ensuring my continued health, safety, and student status, as it
pertains to my study abroad experience.
18. AUTHORIZATION AND RELEASE OF COPYRIGHTS: I grant permission to Lehigh to use myphotograph, likeness or comments in any medium for educational, promotional, or any other purpose infurtherance of the non-profit missions of the University.

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