LAST UPDATE:
February 3rd, 2025
Booking Conditions
These Booking Conditions apply to all EF Gap Year programs and EF Study Abroad semester programs departing after January 1, 2025 (collectively, the “EF Programs”).
The EF Programs are operated outside of the United States by EF Education First International, Ltd., Switzerland. EF Institute for Cultural Exchange, Inc. is an affiliate of EF Education First International Ltd, headquartered in Massachusetts, and acts only as a marketing services provider for that company and is herein referred together with EF Education First International Ltd. as “EF”.
ENROLLMENT
Enrollment in an EF program is facilitated either by EF directly or through your college or university. Travelers enrolling through their college or university should refer to their institution's process and deadlines. For individuals enrolling directly with EF, the process outlined below applies.
To enroll in an EF Program, you must first speak with an EF Consultant. Enrollment is complete only when EF’s Booking Conditions have been signed and the applicant has paid the required enrollment deposit. The enrollment deposit payment is automatically applied towards the total EF Program fee, and EF’s payment plan and cancellation policies apply immediately.
The amount of deposit required is determined by the program type as detailed below.
Year Program: $2500
Semester Programs: $1500
If during the booking or onboarding process an EF Consultant or Advisor determines that the applicant does not meet the Essential Eligibility Criteria, or otherwise does not believe they will be successful in the EF Program, EF reserves the right to request additional information and/or cancel the enrollment.
Requests to change or modify an EF Program once enrolled are subject to availability. No program itinerary or program changes are allowed within 30 days prior to departure. No program changes are permitted after the program has begun.
Due to TSA security requirements, you must provide EF with your complete first, middle, and last names and date of birth as they appear (or will appear) on your passport; this information will be used to reserve your flights and it is your responsibility to ensure the accuracy of the provided information. If you have not yet applied for a passport, you should provide your full name and date of birth as they appear on your birth certificate, and you should apply for your passport immediately. If you need to make any changes to this information, it is your responsibility to notify EF before 90 days prior to departure. Failure to do so will result in additional fees, and you may be denied boarding at the airport if the name on your e-ticket does not precisely match your passport, and all additional costs associated with this will be borne by the program participant or their parents/guardian, including new airline tickets if needed.
Participants must be at least 18 years old at the time of departure to participate in an EF Program. You must also have a high school diploma or GED. If, during the application process prior to departure, you are under the age of 18 or are considered a minor under any other relevant law, a parent or legal guardian must co-sign all of your enrollment documents.
PROGRAM INCLUSIONS
Your EF Program’s base price includes:
EF Advisor support.
Accommodations as specified.
Ground transportation as specified.
Meals as specified.
Field Director, Student Life Coordinator, and Site Director support during related portions of the EF Program.
Sightseeing tours, internship, service-learning, academic coursework and language study placements as specified.
24-hour global emergency support.
Airfare is also included in some EF Programs and will be specified during booking.
What’s not included in the base price:
Global Travel Protection Plan*.
Any meals not specified.
Any flights not specified.
Transportation to free-time activities.
Any applicable baggage-handling fees imposed by the airlines.
Expenses caused by airline rescheduling, cancellations or delays caused by the airlines, bad weather or events beyond EF’s control (see “Flight delays & cancellations”).
Passport, visa, other travel documents, testing, and reciprocity fees.
Optional global mobile phone service package.
Optional excursions.
*Participants are required to maintain adequate insurance coverage for the duration of their program. Please see the Global Travel Protection Plan section below for more information.
Please note: Government taxes and fees with respect to air travel, including the September 11th Security Fee, and port taxes are part of the program price. All prices are in U.S. dollars. For the most up-to-date pricing, please contact your EF Consultant. While EF makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of its publications, it cannot be held responsible for typographical or printing errors (including prices).
FLIGHT ROUTINGS
For the EF Programs that include flights, EF negotiates special rates with major air carriers to provide you with the lowest possible price. Due to the nature of EF’s contracts, air arrangements may be subject to change and to certain constraints including, but not limited to, the availability of certain routings, travel times, and direct or non-stop flights. Seating on flights is entirely within the control of the airline, and EF is not responsible for seating or changes to assigned seats. Our contracts do not allow upgrades or the accrual of frequent flyer miles.
Occasionally, due to specific programs or flight routings, an overnight stay is required en route. If this is the case, EF will make arrangements for hotel accommodations, and a confirmation of the relevant hotel information will be included in your final travel documents.
Flight itineraries are subject to change up to departure due to schedule, equipment, or routing changes by airlines, and EF cannot be held responsible for these changes or additional associated costs.
If a participant would like to travel abroad prior to the beginning of their program (“Stay Ahead”), they must elect a “Land Only” program option and arrange their own flights to and from their program.
If a participant would like to stay abroad after the program ends (“Stay Behind”), they can request EF to adjust the date of their flight home up to 7 days after the end of program. EF cannot change the departure or arrival airport as part of this request. For these requests, an additional fee may be assessed up to a maximum of $500. Any requested changes to a flight routing must be done by May 1 for programs departing in the Fall of that calendar year or by September 15 for programs departing in the following Spring. Changes requested after these dates will incur fees. Students extending their time abroad are responsible for ensuring they have the correct visas and permission to remain abroad.
BAGGAGE
Each airline has its own baggage allowance policy, and some airlines may impose additional charges for checked baggage. If you exceed baggage allowances or choose to check a bag on an airline that doesn’t include baggage in its fares, you are responsible for any additional fees. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline’s checked baggage policies.
FLIGHT DELAYS AND CANCELLATIONS
EF cannot be held responsible for any flight delays or cancellations caused by reasons beyond EF’s control including, but not limited to, weather, mechanical issues, or personnel strike. Travelers who purchased the optional Global Travel Protection Plan should consult their policies for possible benefits. In the event of a flight delay, you must work directly with the airline to be rebooked. Once your new flight is confirmed, you must then notify EF of your new arrival time. If you are arriving later than your original scheduled flight, you may not be met by an EF representative at the airport. In this case, you will need to arrange your own transportation from the airport to your hotel. Persons missing program portions or components (including, but not limited to, meals, excursions, or sightseeing tours) due to flight delays or cancellations will not be refunded by EF.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Travel documents (including travel itineraries, hotel accommodations, and a copy of the flight itinerary if applicable) are digitally available approximately 14 days prior to the start of the program or prior to each semester in a multi-semester program. If your email address changes or if you want your final documents sent to a different address, you must notify EF at least 30 days before departure.
PASSPORTS, VISAS, VACCINATIONS AND OTHER TRAVEL OR ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You are solely responsible for obtaining prior to departure a valid passport, applicable visas, and any other travel documents, as well as verifying and satisfying entry requirements necessary for each country of travel on your selected program itinerary, including countries of transit. This may include required medical documents, testing, or proof of vaccinations (including any requirement to provide proof of full and up-to-date COVID-19 vaccinations). U.S. persons are required to have a passport for all trips outside of the U.S., which must be valid for at least six months beyond the completion date of the program. Entry laws differ with respect to participants’ citizenship. Non-U.S. citizens will need to contact the embassy or consulate of their destination countries to ensure they meet specific entry requirements, including for any countries visited in transit to the final destination. For more information on countries requiring visas for U.S. persons, please refer to the U.S. Department of State website: travel.state.gov. If a student is unable to obtain these travel documents or meet any applicable entry requirement, EF’s Standard Cancellation Policy will apply, and students will be solely responsible for any incurred expenses.
LOST BELONGINGS
EF is not responsible for loss of passports, visas, airline tickets, vaccination cards, or other documents, or for loss of or damage to luggage or any other belongings. The participant is solely responsible for all logistical and financial requirements necessary to replace lost belongings and personal documents.
HEALTH AND CAPABILITIES
The pacing and physical requirements of EF Programs vary by itinerary. You are responsible for selecting a program that is suitable for your physical capabilities. Certain programs require considerable physical exertion. For example, many historic sites are only accessible on foot and involve stairs, rough trails, or inclines. Service-learning may involve lifting or other manual labor and have little or no access to some amenities. Internship host organizations, overseas accommodations, and modes of transportation are not bound by the same accessibility laws that apply in the United States, and therefore may not be up to the same standard of accessibility. Please work with your EF Advisor to understand the essential program requirements and travel expectations of your planned itinerary.
All EF Programs require participants to manage new and at times stressful or challenging situations which are inherent to international travel. You are responsible for understanding and evaluating whether you are equipped to participate in your selected EF Program.
Any disabilities or limitations must be disclosed prior to completing enrollment on your EF Program so your EF Advisor can help determine the appropriateness of the selected itinerary. EF Advisors are available to discuss any specific accommodations you might require and whether such requests can be reasonably arranged. EF reserves the right to decline any participant whose condition, in our opinion, or in the opinion of a third-party providing services on the EF Program, may affect the health, safety, or program experience of other travelers.
Prior to departure, every student must give their emergency contact a signed medical history form. Students must also carry a medical history form with them at all times, in case the information needs to be presented to a medical practitioner in the event of an emergency. The possession and intake of any prescription medication is solely the responsibility of the student.
DIETARY RESTRICTIONS
EF recognizes that some participants may have dietary restrictions or severe food allergies. It is the participant’s sole responsibility to manage known allergy and dietary restrictions and, if needed, to carry two epinephrine pens, as well as clear instructions for their use, at all times. Please make your EF Advisor aware of your needs when you are registering for the EF Program, and EF will make a reasonable effort to ensure that suppliers are informed of your dietary requirements. EF cannot guarantee that all requests will be accommodated. Participants with dietary restrictions are responsible for making their own arrangements for all in-flight meals.
PROGRAM INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
All EF participants are required to maintain adequate insurance throughout the term of their EF Program.
Required minimum coverage:
Accident and Sickness – $100,000
Accidental Death & Dismemberment – $50,000
Medical Evacuation and Repatriation – $150,000
Non-Medical Evacuation – $10,000
Highly recommended optional coverage:
Cancellation for Valid Reason – 100% of the non-refundable insured trip cost
Trip Interruption – 100% of the non-refundable insured trip cost
Travel Delay – $2,500
Global Travel Protection Plan
EF offers a specially designed Global Travel Protection plan for EF Program participants that meets all of the requirements and recommendations outlined above.
Coverage for programs up to 26 weeks: $900
Coverage for programs 10 weeks or less: $500
The Global Travel Protection plan includes insured components that are underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company and non-insurance assistance services provided by Falck Global Assistance. You can find further details of the policy, coverage limits, and exclusions here. The Global Travel Protection plan becomes non-refundable after any of the following occur: when you depart on your EF Program, when you file a claim, or 10 days after payment.
If you choose not to purchase EF’s Global Travel Protection plan, you will need to provide proof of adequate insurance coverage prior to departure. Please be advised that many insurance companies do not offer sufficient international coverage for individuals. Be sure to check with your provider about the types of coverage they can offer and at what price. EF suggests that you compare their rates against those offered for the Global Travel Protection plan.
CANCELLATIONS & MODIFICATIONS
The cancellation terms outlined in this section and the payment terms detailed below apply only to travelers who pay directly to EF for their enrollment in an EF semester program. Travelers paying their university instead of EF should contact their university for information regarding payment timelines and cancellation fees.
EF’s Standard Cancellation Policy
EF’s Standard Cancellation Policy outlined below takes into consideration the costs EF incurs long before an EF Program begins. Notice of cancellation will only be accepted from the participant (or their parent/guardian, if the participant is a minor at time of cancellation). The date of cancellation will be determined by the date on which EF receives notice.
120 days or more prior to departure
Full refund less all non-refundable fees
119 to 95 days prior to departure
Full refund less the deposit and all non-refundable fees
94 to 60 days prior to departure
Full refund less 50% of the program price and all non-refundable fees.
59 days or fewer prior to departure
No refund will be issued
In the event that you have to cancel your EF Program on the day of departure, you must notify EF prior to checking in to your first flight. Any costs for supplemental services/guarantees (including, but not limited to, flights or hotels) resulting from cancellations made at your request will be your responsibility, and all service fees are non-refundable. Substitution of participants is not permitted.
Participants must have agreed to these Booking Conditions and their account must be up to date on all payments to be eligible for a refund.
Participants cancelling from a rebooked EF Program will be refunded based on the date that the original program was rebooked or the date of cancellation from the new program, whichever refund is lower. EF reserves the right to cancel a participant’s program if any payment is past due by 30 days or the account is not paid in full by 120 days before departure. In such a case, the Standard Cancellation Policy will apply, and the date of cancellation will be set as the same day of removal from the EF Program.
Non-Refundable Fees
Non-refundable Fees include but are not limited to: Global Travel Protection Plan (after the 10-day review period), name change fees, declined credit/debit card fees, late payment fees, returned check fees, college credit fees and stop-payment fees.
Program Itinerary Modifications
If improvements can be made to your EF Program itinerary or unforeseen circumstances necessitate changes, EF reserves the right to amend your itinerary prior to your departure and while on the EF Program. Reasons that may necessitate an itinerary change prior to departure may include but are not limited to: a program reaching maximum capacity, a program not attracting sufficient interest to be practicable to operate, or the discontinuation of a program in a destination due to health, safety, or other unexpected reasons. Reasons that may necessitate an itinerary change while on the program may include but are not limited to: local or national holidays, special events, severe weather, or other unexpected conditions. EF will make every effort to minimize inconvenience for our participants; however, such circumstances may require adjustments such as changing the destination countries or cities on your EF Program itinerary, altering your length of stay in a city or country, or using an alternate airport. Other possible changes include departure, arrival or return dates. On certain days, especially holidays and special events, some program inclusions—such as (but not limited to) historical sites, museums, castles, churches, and shops—may be closed or allow limited access. If EF is unable to adjust the itinerary to accommodate for local access restrictions to attractions, EF will substitute different inclusions. On such occasions, and whenever possible, itinerary adjustments will be made by EF to minimize participant inconvenience. The Standard Cancellation Policy will apply should you choose not to travel on a modified program.
Refund Process
When applicable, refunds will be issued only upon request and after the most recent payment has been in the participant’s account for 21 days. Refunds will be issued back to the original form of payment unless that is no longer valid, in which case a refund check will be issued in the name that appears on the participant’s account. All refunds (electronic or paper) are issued 4-6 weeks after the request has been processed. There will be a non-refundable $35 stop-payment fee for lost refund checks.
PAYMENT PLAN TERMS & CONDITIONS
Payment Policy
Should you choose the Monthly Payment Plan, 3 Installment Plan, or Pay in Full, the following Terms & Conditions apply.
Monthly Payment Plan
Participants who choose the Monthly Payment Plan must pay a minimum required deposit as detailed in the Enrollment Conditions section. The remaining balance will be divided equally among the remaining months between enrollment and departure dates.
Participants who choose the Monthly Payment Plan will be enrolled in Automatic Payments.
Participants who choose the Monthly Payment Plan will have their payments automatically processed on the 1st of every month, per the Automatic Payment terms detailed below.
Should the participant opt to withdraw from the Monthly Payment Plan or is withdrawn by EF, they will be enrolled in the 3 Installment Plan.
3 Installment Plan
Participants who choose the 3 Installment Plan must pay a minimum required deposit as detailed in the Enrollment Conditions section.
The remaining balance will be divided equally among 3 installments on due dates per the charts below.
Participants who choose the 3 Installment Plan have the option to pay via Automatic or Manual Payments, per the terms detailed below.
Due date for Fall Semesters and for Year Program
1st installment: May 1
2nd installment: June 1
3rd installment: July 1
Due date for Spring Semesters
1st installment: October 1
2nd installment: November 1
3rd installment: December 1
Payment in Full Upon Enrollment
Full payment can be made by check, ATM/debit card (card must display the Visa or MasterCard logo) or credit cards (Visa or MasterCard) at time of enrollment. Should any additional items be added to the cost of program, those payments are due in full at time of purchase.
PAYMENT TYPES
Automatic Payment
Participant is enrolled in the Automatic Payment Plan unless they choose to opt out.
Participant must select a payment option of either credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or an ATM/debit card (card must display the Visa or MasterCard logo).
To proceed with the payment plan, the participant must provide an electronic signature confirming that they are the authorized user of the credit/debit card provided.
Due to weekends and holidays, EF reserves the right to debit the participant’s account up to three days after the scheduled payment date.
If the participant makes adjustments to their program that result in changes to cost of program, the addition or reduction in charges will be redistributed over the remaining payment schedule.
After the final installment payment is made, should any additional items be added to the cost of program, those payments are due in full at the time of purchase (e.g., an added international phone plan purchased through EF). Such payments will no longer be automatically deducted.
A non-refundable $35 fee will be assessed each time a payment is returned or declined. In these cases, the plan will be recalculated to have the missed payment redistributed across the remaining schedule. EF reserves the right to withdraw travelers from the plan for returns or declines over two consecutive payments. Should the final payment be returned or declined, travelers will automatically be withdrawn from the plan.
If the participant opts to withdraw from the Automatic Payment Plan or is withdrawn by EF, they will be enrolled in the Manual Payment Plan, and will be subject to the $95 late fee if payment is not made on schedule.
Manual Payment
Payment can be made by check, ATM/debit cards (displaying the Visa or MasterCard logo) or credit cards with the Visa or MasterCard logo.
A non-refundable late fee of $95 will be assessed for any missed payment.
A non-refundable $35 fee will be assessed each time a payment is returned or declined.
Participants are responsible for making on-time payments per the schedule above. Failure to make payments on time may result in program cancellation.
All payment due dates refer to the dates by which each payment must be received by EF.
EF reserves the right to cancel the participant’s reservation if any payment is past due in which case the Standard Cancellation Policy will apply.
A customized payment schedule may be available. For more information, please call 1-800-726-9746 and speak with an EF Consultant.
PERSONAL DATA
EF will process your personal data in compliance with applicable data protection legislation for the purposes of completing your enrollment, customer service, the purchase of an offered Global Travel Protection Plan, and providing you with the products and services related to your program. This may entail sharing your personal data with corporate affiliates, claims handlers, insurance providers, and other business partners both within and outside the U.S., including to and within the EEA/Switzerland. EF has put appropriate safeguards in place for such transfers of your personal data, including the standard data protection clauses adopted by the European Commission. EF may also use your personal data, combined with data from third parties to market products and services based on your interests, including by email and SMS/text. You may contact EF at any time to unsubscribe from any direct marketing purposes.
EF will only keep your personal data for as long as it is necessary for the purposes for which it has been collected or in accordance with time limits stipulated by law and good market practice unless further retention is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation or for the establishment, exercise or defense of legal claims. EF will keep your personal data for marketing purposes until you withdraw your consent.
If you have questions or requests related to the processing or use of your personal data, would like to have a copy of the information EF holds about you, or have inaccurate personal data corrected or erased, please contact EF by phone at 1 800-726-9746 or by email at info@efgapyear.com or at info@efstudyabroad.com.
OTHER TERMS AND PROVISIONS
The terms and provisions of these Booking Conditions supersede any other warranties, representations, terms, or conditions unless they are expressly stated within a Booking Conditions Addendum or in a letter signed by an EF officer. EF makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of its publications, but it cannot be held responsible for typographical or printing errors, including, but not limited to, prices. EF Programs are not for resale, and participants must enroll directly with EF.
By enrolling on an EF Program, you acknowledge that EF may change the Booking Condition terms from time to time, and those changes become effective immediately. Notice will be provided to you in the event of a material change. A participant’s continued use of EF’s services following such notice constitutes acceptance and agreement to be bound by such changes. Students agree that the current version of the Booking Conditions in effect at the time of travel or cancellation applies to their program.
The tour operator for your trip is EF Education First International, Ltd., Selnaustrasse 30, CH-8001, Zurich, Switzerland, organization number CHE109.874.655, VAT number CHE- 116.325.678 MWST. EF Institute for Cultural Exchange, Inc. is an affiliate of EF Education First International, Ltd. and acts only as a marketing services provider for that company. EF Institute for Cultural Exchange Inc. is not an agent of EF Education First International, Ltd. and does not provide any goods or services for your trip. The services provided are tax-exempt with credit in accordance with Swiss Federal Law with regard to VAT Article #23.
THE UNITED STATES TOUR OPERATORS’ ASSOCIATION $1 MILLION TRAVELERS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
EF Gap Year and EF Study Abroad share the coverage available under the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program with affiliates of EF Institute for Cultural Exchange, Inc. who, as an Active Member of USTOA, is required to post $1 million with USTOA to be used to reimburse, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the USTOA $1 million Travelers Assistance Program, the advance payments of EF customers in the unlikely event of EF bankruptcy, insolvency, or cessation of business. Further, you should understand that the $1 million posted by EF Institute for Cultural Exchange, Inc. and shared among its affiliates may be sufficient to provide only a partial recovery of the advance payments received by EF. More details of the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program may be obtained by writing to USTOA at 345 Seventh Avenue, Suite 1801, New York, New York 10001, or by email to information@ustoa.com or by visiting USTOA.com.
MEMBERSHIPS
EF is a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Eastern Massachusetts.
EF is a registered as a “Seller of Travel” as defined by travel regulations in the following states: Florida (Reg. No. ST36778); California (Reg. No. 2015641-20); Washington (Reg. No. 603084928).
RELEASE OF LIABILITY & AGREEMENT
I (or parent or guardian if enrollee is under the age of 18 or a minor under any other applicable law) have read, understand, and agree to be bound by the following terms in exchange for enrollment on an EF Program.
I am or will be 18 years or older by the time of my EF Program’s Departure Date.
I acknowledge and understand that my EF Program is operated outside of the U.S. by EF Education First International, Ltd., Switzerland, and that EF Institute for Cultural Exchange, Inc. acts only as a marketing service provider for that company.
With the exception of the EF Language Schools and Hult Ashridge campus (if applicable), EF Institute for Cultural Exchange, Inc., EF Education First International, Ltd., and their affiliated companies, related foundations and charitable organizations, partners, and any companies acting on their behalf, along with their officers, directors, employees, independent contractors, agents, and authorized representatives (collectively referred herein as “EF Entities”) do not own, operate, or control any entity that is to or does provide goods or services for my EF Program, including but not limited to: hotels; houses, homestays, apartments, dormitories or other lodging facilities; Field Directors; airline, vessel, bus or other transportation companies; local ground operators; visa or passport processing services; providers or organizers of additional excursions; or food service or entertainment providers. I acknowledge that all such persons and entities are independent contractors and not employees of or employed by EF Entities, including specifically the Field Director assigned to a program, any organization providing service-learning or volunteering opportunities, and internship providers and associated employers. As a result, EF is not responsible or liable for any injury, loss or damage to person or property, death, disease, sickness, delay or inconvenience in connection with the provision of any goods or services or arising from any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity or of any third party.
To the fullest extent permissible by law, the EF Entities are not responsible or liable for any delay, cancellation, modification, or interruption affecting all or part of an EF Program or for any resulting injury, loss or damage to person or property, or death that results from any event, cause, or circumstance beyond the reasonable, direct control of EF (a “Force Majeure Event”). For avoidance of doubt, a Force Majeure Event includes but is not limited to: (i) so called “acts of God”; (ii) actual or threatened epidemics, pandemics, plagues, outbreaks of infection diseases, mass-illness or other public health issues, emergencies, or associated quarantine or isolation requirements; (iii) acts of any governmental or ruling authority or governmental shut-down; (iv) acts of war (whether declared or undeclared) or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt; (v) strikes or other labor activities; (vi) criminal, terrorist or threatened terrorist activities of any kind; (vii) travel restrictions, warnings or advisories issued by any local, municipal, county, state or federal governmental body, agency, or organization; (viii) overbooking or downgrading of accommodations by third-parties; (ix) limitations imposed on or cancellations of group bookings for entrances or activities by third-party suppliers or vendors; (x) structural or other defective conditions in houses, apartments or other lodging facilities (or in any heating, plumbing, electrical or structural problem therein); (xi) mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation, or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart timely or safely (including flight delays, interruptions, or cancellations); (xii) severe or unexpected weather or other environmental events (including storms, fire, floods, and volcanic ash clouds); (xiii) financial failure or other defaults by suppliers; or (xiv) any unavailability or interruption of any service provider that is relied upon by EF to operate the EF Program or otherwise fulfill an obligation to its travelers.
To the fullest extent permissible by law, I agree to release and hold harmless EF Education First International, Ltd.; EF Institute for Cultural Exchange, Inc.; EF Language Schools, Inc.; EF Education First, AG; Hult International Business School Inc.; the Ashridge (Bonar Law Memorial) Trust, and all parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, related foundations, and charitable organizations, along with each of their directors, shareholders, officers, employees, insurers, volunteers, sponsors, contractors, agents, independent Tour and Field Directors and authorized representatives (the “Released Parties”) from, and covenant not to sue the Released Parties for, any and all claims, of any nature related in any manner to my participation in an EF Program, including but not limited to, claims for negligence; breach of contract; breach of express or implied warranties; negligent or wrongful death; or any statutorily based claim. I hereby unconditionally and unequivocally waive any and all claims and demands for all damages, losses, costs and expenses of any nature whatsoever (including attorneys’ fees) on account of or arising out of any and all personal injury, death, bodily injury, mental anguish, emotional distress, property or other damage that I may suffer from any cause whatsoever related in any way to my participation in any EF Program.
I agree that this Release of Liability applies to and binds myself and my minor child enrolling on the EF Program (if applicable), along with my personal representatives, executors, heirs, and family.
I acknowledge and agree that the following activities are not offered as part of my EF Program and that this releases the EF Entities from any liability that arises from activities undertaken with non-EF sanctioned vendors and/or not offered by EF during my EF Program including, but not limited to, parasailing, paragliding, parachuting, skydiving, scuba, and the use of motorbikes, mopeds, scooters, quads, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).
I understand that travel and living conditions in other nations is different from that within the United States. Programs outside the United States can involve inconvenience and risk, including, but not limited to, forces of nature; geographic and climatic conditions; different hygienic standards; infrastructure problems (including road maintenance, transportation delays and accommodation condition); civil unrest; vandalism; crime; political instability; and terrorism. Medical services or facilities may not be readily available or available at all during all or part of an EF Program and, if available, may not be equal to standards in my home country. I specifically understand that service-learning activities and other volunteering opportunities are a physically demanding excursions in a developing country, and I knowingly assume the risks of such excursions. I further understand that different parts of the work present unique health, disease, and safety concerns, and I agree to review any specific risks related to my destinations by visiting the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Traveler’s Health website at cdc.gov/travel and the State Department’s International Travel website at travel.state.gov. I also agree to discuss any such risks with my physician and to obtain any needed immunizations or vaccinations related to all locations of my EF Program.
I acknowledge that international travel and living include certain inherent risks that include but are not limited to: (i) injuries caused by other travelers or third parties; (ii) traffic-related accidents; (iii) dangers associated with water-based activities; (iv) dangers associated with or bites from animals, insects, or pests; (v) dangers associated with participating in sporting events; (vi) sanitation problems; (vii) food poisoning; (viii) lack of access to or inadequate quality of medical care; (ix) difficulty in evacuation in case of a medical or other emergency; (x) or any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any third party or for any other cause beyond the direct control of EF. I assume all risk of bodily injury, death, emotional trauma, property damage, inconvenience, and/or loss resulting from negligence or any other acts of any and all persons or entities, however caused, including, but not limited to, those risks mentioned above. It is my intention fully to assume all of the risks of travel and participation in the EF Program and to release the Released Parties from any and all liabilities to the maximum extent permitted by law.
I further agree to release the Released Parties from any and all decisions to cancel, modify or delay the EF Program as a result of unforeseeable events that are beyond the reasonable control of EF, that make the EF Program impossible or impracticable to conduct, or which become necessary or advisable for my safety or for the quality of the EF Program experience.
EF shall have no liability or responsibility for me whatsoever when I am absent from EF-arranged activities or for non-EF arranged activities, which includes all free time, visits to friends or relatives, independent travel, any time where I am at any self-arranged accommodations, or any optional periods or activities.
My EF Program begins with takeoff from the departure airport (if on a flight booked by EF) or arrival at the EF Program orientation and ends upon the final day of the EF Program or completion of the flight back to the origination (or other arrival) airport. If I elect for a Stay Ahead, my EF Program begins when I join my EF Program cohort at the first international location, and if I elect for a Stay Behind, my EF Program ends with the culmination of EF planned programming and prior to the flight back to the origination (or other arrival) airport.
The air carrier’s liability for loss of or damage to baggage or property, or for death or injury to person, is subject to and limited by the airlines’ contract of carriage, its tariff, the Montreal Convention or Warsaw Convention and their amendments or both.
I have read and agree to follow the EF’s Essential Eligibility Criteria and Student Conduct Policy, which are incorporated herein. I understand that EF reserves the right to refuse or revoke my enrollment in the EF Program for failure to meet or abide by these standards, for any inaccuracies or omissions on my enrollment application, or for any other reason where my participation may pose a safety issue for myself or interfere with the experience of other participants. In such events, the Standard Cancellation Policy will apply.
I agree to abide by EF’s regulations and the directions of any EF staff, Field Director, or other provider during my EF Program. These regulations include but are not limited to prohibitions on the possession and/or usage of illegal drugs, overindulgent alcohol consumption, disruptive actions to the others associated with the EF Program, damage to property, engaging in any criminal act, use or possession of any weapon or firearm, bullying, sexual harassment, or causing or threatening to cause physical harm to myself or another person. I understand and agree that EF may dismiss me from the EF Program at any time and at my sole expense for the failure to follow such rules or directions or for any other reason that EF deems in its sole discretion threatens my or another’s person’s health, safety, or EF Program experience. I understand that in the event I am dismissed from the EF Program for any reason, I waive the right to a refund of any part of my EF Program cost, and that EF may then send me home at my own expense and is not responsible for arranging my transport home.
I agree to abide by all local laws, regulations, and governmental advisories for all locations of my EF Program while abroad, including those concerning drugs and alcohol. I understand that if I abuse or disobey such laws, even unintentionally, I waive my right to a refund of any part of the EF Program cost, and EF may send me home at my own expense. I also understand that should local authorities be involved; I will be subject to the laws of the country I am visiting. Actions resulting in incarceration will result in immediate termination from the EF Program, and I agree to waive the right to a refund of any portion of my EF Program cost. EF is not responsible for any legal fees or arrangements for legal counsel.
If I become ill, incapacitated, or medically compromised while on the EF Program, EF, its employees, and any other representatives, contractors, or suppliers, including Field Directors and a healthcare provider or health consultant, may take any action they deem necessary for my safety and well-being, including securing medical treatment or assessment and transporting me home at my own expense. EF retains the right, in its sole discretion, to contact the Emergency Contact listed on my enrollment form with regard to health issues or any matter whatsoever that relates to my EF Program. These rights transcend any and all privacy regulations that may apply. In the event of a medical emergency or any situation requiring medical intervention or consultation, EF will attempt to cause appropriate treatment to be administered, and I authorize EF to do so. EF, however, makes no warranty that it will be able to cause effective (or any) emergency treatment to be administered or to be timely administered, and EF will not be responsible for monitoring any health care that I may need. EF may offer to connect me with external mental or physical healthcare resources, including mental health assessments, and I authorize the use of these services.
I represent that I do not have any physical or mental health condition(s) that will create a danger or hazard for myself, other participants, or any other person or organization related to the EF Program. I acknowledge it is my responsibility to and represent that I have informed EF of any disability that may require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the EF Program. I acknowledge and agree that access, accommodations, and protection that may be available during the EF Program will be governed by the local laws applicable to that location and not those of the United States.
I understand and acknowledge that EF reserves the right in their sole discretion to reject my application/enrollment or to dismiss me from the EF Program if, after acceptance/enrollment on the EF Program, EF learns of any undisclosed condition (personal, medical, academic, or psychological) that in the sole opinion of EF may endanger myself or others, or puts me at risk while traveling to or participating in the EF Program, or creates burdens or costs not required in order to support other participants in the EF Program.
EF may, in its sole discretion, approve or disapprove of any participant's change in housing arrangements or accommodations, including but not limited to opting out of EF-arranged housing or accommodations. If EF agrees to allow me to choose and/or arrange my own housing arrangements or accommodations, I agree that EF is not responsible for, and that I agree to release and hold EF harmless from, any loss, claims, costs, liabilities, disruptions, or other issues that result.
I understand and agree to abide by the EF Program schedule. Failure to be on time for a scheduled departure may result in the group departing without me, and I will have to make my own arrangements at my own expense to reconvene with the group. EF is not responsible for arranging such transportation.
EF has the right to make changes in the EF Program itineraries and departure dates, changes to the order of events or activities, and to modify transportation or housing arrangements, including the use of substitute airlines or accommodations. In the event of such changes, refunds will be given only in accordance with the provisions of the Booking Conditions.
EF is not responsible for loss of passports, airline tickets, or other documents, or for loss of or damage to luggage or any other passenger belongings. In the case of a lost paper airline ticket or missing an EF booked flight, I acknowledge that I am solely responsible for meeting the airline’s requirements (both logistical and financial) for ticket replacement.
I will be required to pay for any phone calls or incidental personal expenses that I incur at hotels or other accommodations, as well as for any damage I cause to hotel rooms, buses, or other property.
I understand and acknowledge that this EF Program has been designed for persons aged 18 to 22, as reflected in the pacing, content, accommodations, and other aspects of the EF Program. By participating in the EF Program, I represent that I am in the requisite physical and mental condition to participate. I further understand that this EF Program is not a therapeutic or rehabilitation program (including for court-mandated adjudication).
These Booking Conditions, which includes the Release of Liability & Agreement, constitute the entire agreement between EF and me with reference to the subject matter herein, and I do not rely upon any promises, inducements or agreements not herein, including but not limited to any oral statements made to me by any agents or employees of EF and any marketing materials. This agreement may be amended or modified only in writing signed by EF. The waiver by EF of any provision of this agreement shall in no way affect the remaining provisions of this agreement, and this agreement shall be interpreted as if such clause or provision were not contained herein.
This agreement and performance hereunder shall be governed in all respects, by the substantive laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In the event of any claim, dispute or proceeding arising out of my relationship with EF, or any claim which arises between the Parties, whether or not related to this agreement or the literature for the trip or the trip itself, it shall be resolved exclusively in courts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and/or the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts.
EF or its representatives, affiliates, agents, contractors or consultants may use any photographic, film, digital, or video likeness taken of me; any of my comments while on an EF program; any of my photographic, film, digital, or video content shared by me with EF through any format; and use my contact information for future publicity or marketing without compensation to me.
I have read and agreed to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy outlined at efgapyear.com/privacy-policy and efstudyabroad.com/legal/privacy-policy and I consent to EF’s processing of my personal data.