Study Abroad Opportuntity in Alcoy
Policies
By applying to a SAOA program, you agree to SAOA policies. Please note, all policies are subject to change. It is the responsibility of each applicant to visit the SAOA website for the most current information at www.studyabroadopportunity.com/policies.php
Application Policies
Applications can be accepted up to one year prior to the program(s) start date:
Fall /Year – September 1
Winter/Spring – January 1
Summer – June 1
Required Application Materials
Applications will be considered complete and will be reviewed once the following are submitted:
SAOA Application Form (online or paper)
€75 non-refundable online application fee or non-refundable paper application fee
Summer/Short Term Applicants Only: 250€ non-refundable confirmation deposit due with application
Unofficial copy of your most recent transcript (Official transcripts are required for certain programs. Full name, social security number or student ID number and cumulative GPA must appear on the transcript
Please note:
Additional application materials are required for some program offerings.
SAOA may require additional materials to confirm eligibility during the review process Contact SAOA for details at info@studyabroadopportunity.com, calling at 011 34 689 96 3217 or visit www.studyabroadopportunity.com for program specific requirements. Submit completed applications and required materials to: SAOA 37, Hispanidad Avenida, 03804, Alcoy, Alicante, Spain.
Application Closure Dates
For specific closure dates, refer to the Dates and Prices page at www.studyabroadopportunity.com/dates-fees.php SAOA reserves the right to close a program prior to its published closure date without notice due to enrolled capacity. Places in SAOA program offerings are limited. All application materials must be received by the application closure date to participate on a SAOA program. The application closure date is also the last day pre-departure documents and confirmation deposits will be accepted, regardless of student application status at that time (please see Late Applicants section). Please note: SAOA closure dates are not set according to student visa deadlines. Some programs may require a student visa. Each applicant is responsible for researching and meeting these requirements independent of SAOA’s application requirements.
Late Applicants
Applications may be accepted after the application closure date based upon availability. Applicants who apply after the application closure date must submit all required documents and fees at the time of application. Students who apply after the program withdrawal date must also submit final payment at the time of application. Late applicants must also contact SAOA prior to submitting an application. The final payment due date for late applicants will be no later than the program withdrawal date (See Withdrawal Dates section). Students who apply prior to the application closure date but whose application remains pending will be required to submit all required documents and fees by the application closure date to continue with the application process.
Incomplete Applications
Incomplete applications (i.e. fees are not paid, a valid session has not been chosen, application itself has incomplete sections, required application documents are missing etc.) will be considered pending and held up to 30 days for completion. Pending applications cannot be held after the application closure date or the date by which the program reaches enrolled capacity. Applications that can no longer be held will expire and require a 50€ Reactivation Fee and updated application information. Reactivation is only applicable to the same program term and subject to availability. Reactivated applications will be subject to current pricing at the date of reactivation. Any terms or pricing connected with the original application may be forfeited. Students whose applications are incomplete and submitted with a confirmation deposit are not eligible for any refunds.
Eligibility
Some programs may allow students who do not meet one or more of the eligibility requirements to be accepted on a conditional basis. It is the student's responsibility to prove that they have satisfied all of the eligibility requirements for their program prior to departure. If the conditions are not met, SAOA and/or the partner institution reserve the right to withdraw the student's acceptance. In addition, SAOA reserves the right to reject applicants who fall below one or more of the eligibility requirements after initial acceptance to a program. Applicants who fall below or fail to meet any of the stipulated eligibility requirements after having initially been accepted to a program will be subject to SAOA's payment policies (see Payment Obligations section). Additional documentation may be required after initial or conditional acceptance
Promotional/Exclusive Pricing
SAOA reserves the right to offer promotional or exclusive program pricing and/or discounts for a limited time. Only those applicants who: 1) submit the required application materials; and 2) meet the stated requirements of the promotion during the specified promotional timeframe will be entitled to the promotion or discount. Applicants who complete an application prior to or after the timeframe of the promotion, will not be granted any price adjustment or refund. If SAOA is offering more than one promotion at one time, only the greater amount of the two promotions/discounts will apply. Students participating in exclusively priced programs, such as group or custom arrangements are not eligible for additional discounts of any kind.
Pre-departure Requirements
All applicants are required to submit additional information as part of the pre-departure process. This may include both documents and online forms. Requirements are based on the student's specific program and are due within 30 days of your acceptance date or by the application closure date, whichever comes first. Upon receipt of application, you will be provided with additional resources and information via email. This information includes, but is not limited to, a list of items, documents and/or payments still needing to be sent or submitted to SAOA and associated due dates. If your pre-departure documents are not received on time, you may delay or forfeit your housing placement, university registration and participation due to late documentation.
Payment Policies
Program costs
To participate, each applicant is required to pay the following:
Non-refundable application fee
Non-refundable confirmation deposit (deducted from the total program cost)
Refundable security deposit
Program price of selected program
Group/Custom Programs: Students participating in a group or custom program with a professor or advisor from their home institution may be subject to different application and payment dates. Please contact your group leader for details.
Application Fee
All applications must be submitted with a 75€ wire transfer application fee or a 75€ paper application fee (both non-refundable). Your application will not be processed without the application fee.
Confirmation Deposit
All applicants are required to pay a confirmation deposit. This deposit is non-refundable. This deposit is deducted from the total cost of the program. Your place in the program will not be held until your non-refundable confirmation deposit is paid. If your program offering reaches enrolled capacity before you have paid your non-refundable confirmation deposit you may be required to forfeit your original offering selection or choose another offering. The non-refundable Confirmation deposits will be due no later than the application closure date.
Semester, Trimester and Year Programs: Once admitted to a SAOA program offering, your 375€ confirmation deposit will be due immediately. Your application will become automatically inactive if your deposit is not received within 30 days of your acceptance date. SAOA cannot guarantee your place on the program offering until the confirmation deposit is received. Further, if a program offering reaches enrolled capacity prior to the published closure date or prior to submitting your required non-refundable confirmation deposit due to enrolled capacity being reached, your space will be automatically forfeited.
Summer and Short Term Programs: Summer and Short Term applicants are required to submit a 250€ non-refundable confirmation deposit with their application. Summer and Short Term applications will not be processed without this deposit. Applications will become automatically inactive according to the following conditions:
More than 30 days have passed since the acceptance date (excludes summer programs; see above)
Program has reached enrolled capacity
Application closure date has passed
SAOA will reactivate applications on a case-by-case basis depending on availability. An additional 50€ reactivation fee may apply.
Security Deposit
All applicants are required to pay a €250 refundable security deposit. The deposit is used to pay for any charges that may be incurred during the program, including but not limited to, broken furniture, floor damage, lost keys, overdue library books, excessive cleaning, etc. Should the cost of damages or charges incurred during the program exceed the security deposit, students will be invoiced for any additional costs. SAOA reserves the right to hold a student's security deposit and transcript until all utility bills and any outstanding vendor costs have been reviewed and assessed. Any unused portion of the security deposit is eligible to be refunded when:
All onsite costs have been verified (housing repairs are complete, utility bills have been paid, etc.). Verification of costs can take up to 12 weeks.
The SAOA staff have verified there are no other outstanding damages or payment issues.
Student has paid all outstanding balances. To receive the unused portion of the security deposit, students must:
Fully complete and submit the SAOA Re-Entry Evaluation within 30 days of the program end date. (The evaluation is web based and will be sent via email).
Verify their current US mailing address. (Students may designate someone other than self as the payee using a US mailing address).
Please note:
Security deposit refunds will not be mailed or wired overseas.
If the Re-Entry Evaluation is not completed within the specified time frame, the security deposit refund will be forfeited.
Multiple Offerings Program Deposits: Students participating in multiple offerings are required to pay a security deposit for each offering. To be eligible for refund of either deposit, students must complete and submit the required SAOA Re-Entry Evaluation(s). As offering program end at different times, the evaluations and refunds will be sent to separately.
SAOA Insurance for Study Abroad
Every participant must be covered for the duration of the program; there are no exceptions. SAOA requires that all participants will be responsible to contract their own health and accident insurance policy for the duration of their stay abroad as a participant in any of the SAOA offerings program. In addition, students will contract an insurance with coverage for all of the places they might travel during their time abroad, and for periods of time they may be outside of their normal coverage area prior to the beginning of the program or after it ends.
Program Price/Final Payment
SAOA reserves the right to change program prices. For current pricing, refer to the SAOA website at www.studyabroadopportunity.com/dates-fees.php Applicants will be subject to the price listed on the SAOA website at the time a student's application is received. You must abide by all SAOA application and confirmation policies/deadlines to keep your application active. Students who miss a SAOA deadline may be subject to a higher price. Applicants who request to change their program are subject to the current prices listed on the SAOA website at the time the student's program change request is approved. All applicants will be sent a Student Account Statement with a Final Payment due date. This statement will detail the program price, refundable security deposit and any other costs (minus the confirmation deposit). Final Payment due dates will be set no later than the program’s Withdrawal Date. Students must be paid in full and/or submit the required Financial Aid Forms (Financial Aid Disbursement Form and Student Financial Aid Agreement) to SAOA by their Final Payment due date. If a student fails to make payment and/or submit the required Financial Aid forms by their Final Payment due date, they will be subject to a 250€ Late Fee and may be withdrawn from their program (Please see Outstanding Balances section for more information).
Special Situations
Academic Year Programs: The Student Account Statement will reflect two amounts due and two separate due dates for the cost of an Academic Year Program: o The first amount due will reflect 60% of the program price, and security deposit (minus the confirmation deposit).
The second amount due will reflect the remaining 40% of the program price.
Payment obligations
Withdrawal Dates
A Withdrawal Date is the last day a student can withdraw from an offering and not be held responsible for full payment or be eligible for a refund (See Refund Policies section for more information). All Final Payment due dates will be set no later than the Withdrawal Date. All students must be paid-in-full and/or have submitted the required Financial Aid forms by the Withdrawal Date. Any student wishing to withdraw from their program must express their intent to withdraw in writing prior to the Withdrawal Date. All withdrawal notifications must be received via fax, mail or e-mail. Verbal notification will not be accepted. Once a withdrawal notification has been received, SAOA will acknowledge receipt of notification by sending a Withdrawal Confirmation e-mail to the student. Any student that has not submitted payment and/or valid Financial Aid Forms by their Program Withdrawal Date may be withdrawn from their program for non-payment (Please See Outstanding Balances section for more information).
Refund Policies
Refund inquiries must be addressed to the SAOA Headquarters located in Alcoy. All refund decisions will be made by the SAOA Alcoy staff. Application fees and confirmation deposits are always non-refundable. Students who withdraw in writing on, or prior to, their program Withdrawal Date are not responsible for final payment and may be entitled to a refund of payments already made to SAOA, minus the application fee and confirmation deposit. No refunds will be given to students who withdraw from their program after the Withdrawal Date or to students who are withdrawn by SAOA for non-payment. Likewise, students who withdraw after the program Withdrawal Date are still 100% responsible for final payment, regardless of participation. Any student that leaves a SAOA program early after arriving onsite will not be granted a refund. Students using Financial Aid or loans are responsible for their entire program cost if their Financial Aid or loans are rescinded after their program Withdrawal Date or if they choose to withdraw after their program Withdrawal Date (Please see the Financial Aid and Outstanding Balances sections).
Special Situations:
Academic Year Programs: Academic Year students who wish to withdraw at the end of the fall semester/trimester are still subject to SAOA’s academic year pricing structure (see Program Price/Final Payment section). Academic Year students should be aware of the withdrawal date for the winter and/or spring portion of their selected program. Notification in writing must be sent to the SAOA Headquarters in Alcoy, in addition to your SAOA director (See Change of Program section). Students that have paid their AY program in full will receive a refund of the remaining 40% of the program price (spring portion) providing that their withdrawal notification is received prior to the spring semester withdrawal date. Any discount given will be forfeited.
Program Changes
Students are allowed to change their selected program(s) (session), one time prior to submitting their confirmation deposit. If a student would like to change a second time, he/she is required to submit a 30€ Program Change Fee. Notification of a program change must be received prior to the selected program's application closure date and the change will not be processed until any and all applicable fees are paid in full. Academic Year students who are already onsite and wish to make a change to the winter/spring portion of their year program must notify SAOA in writing prior to the application closure date of the winter/spring session. It is your responsibility to submit all program change requests to the SAOA Headquarters in Alcoy. All program change requests must be received via fax, mail or e-mail. Verbal notification will not be accepted. If you are already abroad, you must also notify your SAOA director. The SAOA Alcoy staff and your director will work together to facilitate approved changes, and notify campus administration and parents, if needed. If your change request is approved, SAOA will acknowledge the program change by sending a Program Change Confirmation e-mail to the student.
Program Cancellation
SAOA reserves the right to cancel or suspend a program as deemed necessary. In such a case, accepted applicants are given the choice of the following:
Switching to a future program session
A full refund of all fees paid less the application fee
Please note:
If a student chooses to switch to a future session, he/she is considered enrolled in that particular program and is subject to any policies and/or new payment obligations that apply.
Change in Program Structure
SAOA makes every effort to ensure that programs operate as described in the published material. However, circumstances occasionally dictate that changes are necessary or advisable that may include but are not limited to staffing, excursions, immersion activities, academic options and/or housing options. SAOA cannot guarantee any course selections made by students. Course availability may be changed by the host institution at any time. No refund or reduction of fees will be made as long as the altered arrangements are similar to the original arrangements as deemed by SAOA. Determinations of similarity will be made at SAOA’s sole discretion.
Payment Methods
All payments must be submitted to the SAOA Headquarters in Spanish currency. SAOA will not accept payments of any foreign currency or payments drawn on a foreign financial institution. Payments to SAOA can be made via wire transfer. Cash payments will not be accepted.
Financial Aid
Students wishing to use federal financial aid must apply through their campus Financial Aid Office at their home university. It is the student’s home university that will determine if aid will be transferable to the SAOA program. All Federal Aid requires students to fill out the FAFSA form available at www.fafsa.ed.gov. SAOA will offer assistance to students, study abroad and financial aid advisors to aid in the transfer of funds. However, SAOA is not responsible for the awarding, processing or disbursing of Financial Aid funds
Financial Aid Disbursement Form: All students who will be using Financial Aid to finance their SAOA program must submit the “Financial Aid Disbursement Form” to their campus Financial Aid Office for completion and return it to SAOA prior to their Final Payment Due Date. If the financial aid will be processed by a private lending institution then the Financial Aid Disbursement Form must be submitted to the private lender who will be processing the aid. This form indicates the amount of aid the student expects to receive, the approximate disbursement dates and to whom the check will be made payable. The Final Payment Due Date of the portion Financial Aid will cover will be deferred until the student’s verified disbursement date. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements for payment of financial aid funds to SAOA within two weeks of the disbursement date indicated on the Financial Aid Disbursement Form. Students that do not submit the required Financial Aid forms to SAOA prior to their final payment due date will be subject to a 250€ late fee (see Outstanding Balances section).
Student Financial Aid Agreement Form: All students who will be using Financial Aid to finance their SAOA program must also submit the “Financial Aid Agreement Form” to SAOA prior to their Final Payment Due Date. In signing this form the student acknowledges responsibility for payment of the total program cost. In the event that financial aid funds are not received or disbursed, students assume full responsibility for payment of all program costs to SAOA. The student must indicate on this form what arrangements have been made to facilitate payment of Financial Aid funds to SAOA. If payment of financial aid funds is not received by SAOA within 14 days of the disbursement date indicated on the Financial Aid Disbursement Form a 250€ Late Fee will be assessed. If payment is not received within 30 days the student may be removed from the program, without refund of fees paid, and liable for any outstanding balance. In addition, transcripts will be held until the balance is paid in full. If any portion of the student’s program cost is not covered by Financial Aid then that portion is due by the student’s original Final Payment Due Date; it will not be deferred. The Financial Aid Disbursement Form and the Student Financial Aid Agreement must be submitted to SAOA by the Final Payment Due Date with payment of any program cost not covered by Financial Aid funds. Any student failing to submit these forms along with payment will be subject to a 250€ Late Fee. The confirmation deposit cannot be deferred. Students are required to pay the confirmation deposit by the assigned due date. Students should be aware that payment of program fees not covered by financial aid or not paid due to the financial aid being rescinded by the home institution is the responsibility of the individual student and must be paid-in-full by the assigned payment due dates. Participants who begin their program on a financial aid deferment plan and withdraw after their program’s specified Withdrawal Date, but before their financial aid is disbursed, are responsible for payment of the full program cost to SAOA as specified in the Payment Obligations section.
Outstanding Balances
Students who have not paid in full and/or submitted the required Financial Aid forms by the assigned due dates will be subject to a 250€ late fee. Any student that has not submitted Payment and/or valid Financial Aid Forms by their Program Withdrawal Date may be withdrawn from their program for non-payment. The student may be held responsible for any program costs already incurred by SAOA on their behalf. Students who have made payment arrangements with SAOA, including financial aid deferment arrangements, and fail to pay per the terms of the agreement will also be subject to a 250€ late fee and withdrawal from their program, even if the student is already abroad. Students who are withdrawn for non-payment will be removed from all university classes and housing abroad. The withdrawn student will also forfeit all refundable deposits. In addition, any transcripts will be withheld from the student until any outstanding balance is paid in full. SAOA reserves the right to transfer any outstanding balance to a collections agency authorized for collection by SAOA, which will affect the credit rating of the student and will cause additional collections fees to be assessed.
Onsite Policies
Arrival Guidelines
SAOA offers airport pickup and arrival services for students meeting the following requirements:
The SAOA ALCOY Office must be notified of flight arrival information no later than 10 days prior to the program arrival date.
Students must arrive at the arrival airport specified for this destination.
Students must arrive on the specified program arrival date and before the specified cut-off time.
There are no exceptions to the above stated requirements. SAOA is not responsible for high airfares or difficulty in finding a flight because of the specified arrival date. Airport pickup services may vary for some Short Term sessions. Please check specific program for details. Note, airport pickup and arrival services are limited to SAOA participants only. Eligible SAOA students will be met at the designated arrival airport by a SAOA representative or pre-arranged shuttle service on the program arrival date and will be transported to temporary accommodations and/or their assigned housing. Students will be provided with bus or train transportation to their selected program destination. Students who choose independent living will be provided transportation to the SAOA office or city center and from there are responsible for transportation to their housing. Students who are not eligible for airport pickup are responsible for their own transportation to their assigned housing. These students are also responsible for making contact with the resident staff in order to meet up with the group and gain access to their housing. Students will have access to their housing between the hours of 8 AM and 8 PM as of the program start date. Students arriving after 8 PM will be responsible for their own lodging until the following day. Note, students arriving prior to the program arrival date are responsible for securing and paying for their own accommodation until the program arrival date. Eligible students whose scheduled flight has been delayed must contact the resident staff. Eligible students who arrive after the cut-off time due to flight delays, but who have contacted the resident staff, will be picked up at the airport and/or will be reimbursed for transportation to temporary accommodations and/or their assigned housing with a valid receipt. SAOA will not be responsible for picking up a student whose flight schedule changed but who failed to contact the resident staff directly. There are no rebates or refunds for missed transportation or lodging under any circumstances.
Return Transportation
Transportation at the conclusion of the program is not included in the SAOA program price. Students are responsible for their own transportation to their departure airport. When making travel arrangements, students should keep in mind that an early morning flight may require arriving in the departure city the night before in order to be on time for their flight. Students must budget additional funds for these types of circumstances.
Arrival Airports
See below for the specified arrival airport and cut-off time for each program destination. The cut-off time refers to the flight’s original arrival time as stated on the purchased airline ticket.
Alcoy
Alicante Airport (ALC) - Alicante
5 pm
Housing Policies
Preferences
which students confirm their participation and submit their housing application. Note: housing placement is contingent upon the receipt of both the confirmation deposit and the housing application. Housing preferences are not guaranteed and SAOA is not responsible for additional costs that may be incurred as a result of a student not being placed in his/her preferred housing.
Changes
Once housing is assigned by SAOA, there will be no changes except in the event of limited or special circumstances. Such changes will be made at SAOA’s discretion and will require a minimum payment of 250€ (Change of Housing Fee). (Any such fee will be charged at the discretion of SAOA and may include additional costs incurred as a result of the change.) Once the housing application has been submitted, requests for changes to housing preferences must be made in writing no later than the withdrawal date for the selected program. For year students, changes to housing arrangements for the second semester should be made before the end of the first semester and must be made no later than the withdrawal date of the second semester program. SAOA reserves the right to fill any empty housing space with other SAOA students at any time.
Vacation and Condition of the Premises
SAOA housing is available from the specified program start date or housing transfer date, as indicated on the program calendar. All housing must be vacated on the specified program end date by the time of day specified in the local rules for that student’s housing. Specifics of move-out procedures will be provided to students while onsite. Students who do not vacate on time will be assessed a daily housing fee. (Note: Year students are entitled to housing during the break between sessions.) Students must adhere to the proper check-out procedures when vacating SAOA housing, which include turning in keys, removing personal items, waste and debris, and leaving the housing unit in substantially the same condition it was in when the student moved in. In addition, SAOA staff may check housing any time it deems necessary throughout the semester without prior notice to students.
Damages
Upon moving in to housing, the student may be required to complete and sign an Inventory Checklist, which will be an accurate and complete record of the contents and conditions of the student’s room and any shared or common areas. At the end of the program, the student must check out of SAOA housing with the SAOA resident staff. The Inventory Checklist and housing inspection will serve as the basis for billing or refunds as appropriate. All damage, even unintentional, will be billed to the student responsible. If responsibility cannot be determined, the cost will be split equally among all residents. Please note, if excessive cleaning and/or trash removal is required at the end of the program, students will be responsible for all additional costs incurred. SAOA, without liability and at student’s expense, will dispose of any personal items left in SAOA housing at the end of this contract term. The SAOA Resident Staff will make every effort to inform students of any fees or charges that will be withheld from the program deposit prior to departure; however, SAOA reserves the right to inspect housing and assess charges after students’ departure. If the program damage deposit does not cover all fees and charges, the student will be billed accordingly. SAOA reserves the right to withhold academic transcripts for any outstanding balance on student accounts.
Rules and Regulations
Students will receive and must conform to the local rules and regulations of their housing assignment during the program. The following are general terms and conditions that apply to all students in SAOA housing:
Peaceable and Quiet Enjoyment: Students understand that they are guests in their host country and that rules of etiquette and common courtesy may be different than in their home country. Students agree to be respectful of their neighbors and their hosts, to refrain from excessive noise and commotion, to abide by any local curfews or noise ordinances, and to be discreet and quiet in their buildings and the surrounding neighborhoods. Students acknowledge that in many countries, it is a violation of law to make excessive noise or cause a disturbance after 10:00PM. Students understand that they are representatives of SAOA, their home university, and their home country during their studies abroad, and they agree to conduct themselves accordingly.
Cooperation, Respect, and Cleanliness: Students agree to be respectful to roommates and their personal property and to be polite and tolerant of personal differences. Students agree to maintain a clean and neat living environment and to cooperate with their roommates in this regard.
Conflicts: Students agree to make SAOA staff aware of any conflicts or significant disagreements regarding issues with roommates. SAOA staff has the authority to intervene and take appropriate action regarding such disputes which may include, without limitation, a change of housing assignments, and students agree to cooperate with SAOA staff. Students will be responsible for any costs associated with resolution.
Illegal Substances: SAOA has a zero-tolerance policy regarding the use and/or abuse of illegal substances.
No Smoking: No smoking is allowed in any SAOA Housing or other facilities unless specifically provided.
No Pets: Pets are not allowed in SAOA Housing.
Guests: Students are responsible for the conduct of their guests, including any damages caused by guests or any violation of these or local rules or regulations by their guests. Overnight guests are not permitted under any circumstances.
Keys and Security: Each student will be issued keys to their housing upon check-in. Under no circumstances may students make a copy of their keys. In the event that keys are lost or damaged during the program, students will be responsible for the cost of replacement and/or the cost of replacing all associated locks. In addition, students are required to follow any additional security procedures as dictated by their specific housing assignment/facility. Many housing units have a security code (digicode) that must be entered on a keypad in order to access their building. This code is NOT to be shared with anyone who does not live in the building. Students must physically escort any visitors to and from entryways and housing units.
Additional Terms
In addition to the terms set forth here, each SAOA student will be subject to specific terms and local rules and regulations including but not limited to such issues as behavior, guests, curfew, security, utilities, phone usage, internet access, meals, utensils, linens and other amenities. The student may also receive additional rules, regulations and requirements upon arrival. By agreeing to participate in the program and becoming a SAOA student, a student agrees to abide by these General Terms, the Local Rules and Regulations specific to the student’s location and type of housing option, and any additional terms provided to the student.
Misconduct
If the student is asked to leave the housing assignment due to a violation of any housing terms or rules or for their misconduct (as determined by the host family, landlord, dormitory director or SAOA; see the SAOA Code of Conduct for further details), and is allowed to remain on the program (at the discretion of SAOA), the student will forfeit his or her 250€ security deposit. The student will not be issued a new SAOA housing assignment, and no refunds will be available. In addition, SAOA staff is not allowed to assist such students in finding new independent housing. Please note misconduct may result in immediate expulsion from SAOA housing and/or the SAOA program.
Terms Applicable to Specific Types of Housing
SAOA Apartments: For students living in SAOA apartments, SAOA will cover all reasonable utility expenses. Students who incur utility charges above and beyond what is deemed customary and reasonable by SAOA will be responsible for paying the
Passports & Visas
Program applicants must have a valid passport and applicable visa documents in their possession prior to departure and must keep them in their possession while traveling. It is the student's responsibility to secure any required visa documents. SAOA will provide general instructions, however students are responsible for researching specific requirements for their selected destination. Non-US citizens must contact the consulate nearest to their place of residence to determine whether any special documents are required. SAOA cannot and will not intercede for those who choose not to obtain the appropriate documentation and/or are denied a visa. Failure to obtain appropriate immigration documentation is not grounds for any refund.
Organized Excursions
SAOA includes organized excursions for all year, semester, trimester and summer programs. Excursion itineraries are based upon availability and are subject to change. While flexibility is employed in relating excursions to the students' backgrounds and studies, there are absolutely no substitutions made for the trips selected for each session. Since students may be responsible for meals on excursions, they should budget additional funds. Students may also want to budget additional funds for activities not included in the itinerary of the SAOA sponsored excursions. No refunds or substitutions will be given to students who are unable to participate for any reason or students who deviate from the scheduled itinerary.
SAOA Sponsored Activities
SAOA plans social and cultural immersion activities for students on all programs. Activities are planned to introduce students to the local community and to explore cultural, historic and social elements of the host culture. While SAOA tries to plan activities around academic calendars and student schedules, it is impossible to avoid all scheduling conflicts. No refunds or substitutions will be given to students who are unable to participate for any reason.
Student Agreement – SAOA Rules and Regulations
SAOA students are expected to uphold SAOA standards, in addition to the standards of the host country and host institution. As such, students are expected to act and abide by the policies outlined in this document. Please note, students may also be subject to the rules and regulations set forth by their home campus.
Responsibility
Students are responsible for researching and understanding issues that relate to the safety, health, political, cultural and religious conditions in their host country. In addition, SAOA students are responsible for their actions and behavior while abroad. While a participant on a SAOA program, students are expected to respect their fellow program participants, housing partners, academic and housing providers, SAOA personnel, and local authorities.
Safety
The most important factor in a safe study abroad experience is the sensible and cautious behavior of the participants themselves. Each student is responsible for deciding what it takes to keep safe in the host country when making daily decisions. Actions that jeopardize one's own welfare and/or the welfare of fellow students will not be tolerated and will be addressed immediately. It is important that each student is an active participant in his/her own health and safety. For further tips on general safety, students should consult the SAOA onsite staff.
Drugs and Alcohol
SAOA understands that the consumption of alcoholic beverages by students of legal age is a personal choice. Participants of legal age in their host country who choose to consume alcohol agree to do so responsibly. However, SAOA has a zero tolerance policy in regards to alcohol abuse. SAOA has identified several incidents which could be a result of alcohol abuse and are therefore subject to disciplinary action. These incidents include, but are not limited to, the following:
Behavior that could result in harm to either yourself or others;
Damage to property;
Complaints regarding associated inappropriate behavior; and
Disturbances resulting in intervention by local authorities./p>
SAOA does not tolerate the possession, use, manufacture, production, sale, exchange or distribution of drugs or substances considered illegal in the host country. While abroad, SAOA students will be subject to the laws of their host country with regards to alcohol consumption, illegal drugs and other substances. If a student violates the laws of the host country, neither SAOA nor the Embassy/Consulate may be able to intercede on the student's behalf. Students dismissed from a SAOA program due to drug or alcohol related reasons will forfeit academic transcripts and will not receive a refund of any kind. SAOA strongly encourages any student who feels that he or she may have a problem with the use or abuse of alcohol, drugs, or any other substance to seek professional help as soon as possible. SAOA will assist the student in identifying local resources available.
Academics
In addition to being a SAOA program participant, students are enrolled at their host institutions. Students must remain academically eligible at the host institution in order to continue participating in the SAOA program. Factors determining eligibility include, but are not limited to: preserving full time status, maintaining satisfactory academic progress (i.e. passing grades), and complying with attendance policies. Students are encouraged to be familiar with and understand the policies of their host institution; paying particular attention to the attendance policies as they may differ dramatically from those of their home institution. Students who become ineligible may not receive a transcript or academic credit according to the host institution's policies. SAOA supports, and will enforce, the policies of the host institution. SAOA students agree not to engage in cheating, plagiarism or the unauthorized use of materials. The use of unauthorized materials may include, but is not limited to, calculators, computers and language translating software. Students may be dismissed from SAOA programs for engaging in the above mentioned behaviors and/or lack of academic attendance or deficient performance as deemed by SAOA. In addition, dismissal from the host institution will result in dismissal from the SAOA program itself. Students dismissed from a SAOA program for academic reasons will forfeit academic transcripts and will not receive a refund of any kind.
Discipline
SAOA may take disciplinary action in the event that a student engages in activities that 1) violate the SAOA Student Agreement, SAOA policies, or the policies of their host institution; 2) violate the laws of their host country; 3) are deemed by SAOA as harmful to themselves or others; or 4) could be viewed as disrespectful to a person(s) or culture. Disciplinary actions include the following and may be used alone or in combination, depending on the nature of the violation:
Restitution: Fees incurred due to damages, theft, or other financial loss.
Loss of Housing: Student may be removed from SAOA housing for the remainder of their program. Student will be responsible for any costs incurred as a result of the move and will be responsible for providing their own housing for the remainder of the program.
Loss of Privileges: Student will be prohibited from using SAOA facilities or participating in SAOA sponsored activities for a specified period of time, or the remainder of their program. No refunds will be granted for missed events or costs incurred as a result.
Disciplinary Probation: Written notification via email or incident report to the student outlining terms of probation. Any further disciplinary action required after written notification has been issued will include immediate dismissal from the program.
Dismissal: Student will be permanently removed from the program. Students dismissed from a program are responsible for any costs or fees incurred by the host institution, personal financial obligations, and any financial aid that may be due to the student’s home institution. In addition, students dismissed from a program forfeit academic transcripts and will not receive a refund of any kind. Students will be notified of the violation in question verbally or in writing via email or a report. If disciplinary action is taken, the incident and subsequent disciplinary action will be documented by the resident staff in a written incident report. The student will also have the option of providing a statement on the incident report. In addition, SAOA reserves the right to notify the student’s home institution and/or their parents of any violation and/or disciplinary action.
Academic Integrity
SAOA is an academic community based on the principles of honesty, trust, fairness, respect and responsibility. Academic integrity is a core value which ensures respect for the academic reputation of SAOA, its students, faculty and staff. SAOA expects that students will learn in an environment where they work independently in the pursuit of knowledge, conduct themselves in an honest and ethical manner and respect the intellectual work of others. Students, faculty and staff have a responsibility to be familiar with the definitions contained in, and adhere to, the SAOA Academic Integrity Policy.
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