Study Abroad Student Agreement

Program: TESOL Costa Rica 2022

I have applied to participate in the TESOL Costa Rica 2022 (the Program) offered by ILISA Educational Experiences. I understand that my participation in the Program is voluntary. In consideration for being allowed to participate in the Program, I agree and represent as follows:

1. I understand that, as a participant in the Program (program described in Annex 2), I am subject to the rules and requirements of the Program, as well as to the rules and requirements of ILISA and of any cooperating university and/or institution associated with the Program. I agree to fulfill these requirements and comply with these rules in all respects and will be subject to immediate dismissal from the Program if I do not do so.
2. Program Policies. I am responsible for knowing and abiding by the regulations and policies of the Program as they are outlined by the Program.
3. Orientation. I will participate in all mandatory pre-departure and on-site orientations. I agree to attend, participate in, and review any materials provided in these orientation sessions. 
4. Contact Information. I will ensure that ILISA has access to my current contact information for the duration of the Program 
5. Insurance. I will individually purchase  travel insurance to cover all medical costs, emergency evacuation, Covid-related travel delay or need for hotel quarantine. Proof of insurance is mandatory for all participants (costs vary based on age). Instructions for insurance to be purchased will be required and proof of medical travel insurance will be required to enter the country. 
6. Disability Accommodation. At least 60 days prior to my scheduled departure, I will report in writing to the ILISA any physical or mental condition I have that may require special medical attention or accommodation during the Program.
7. Visa Requirements. I am solely responsible for determining if I require a visa to study/enter in Costa Rica. If a visa is needed, it is also my responsibility to obtain the visa. I understand that I am responsible for all fees associated with obtaining a visa. Failure to obtain a visa, if necessary for my Program, will result in my inability to participate on the Program.
   • For US citizens there is no visa requirement to enter Costa Rica, although it is necessary to have a valid passport valid for at least 6 months when entering the country. US citizens have a valid tourist visa for 90 days.
   • Visa requirements and application processes vary by destination and nationality. Non-U.S. citizens are advised to contact the appropriate consulate to learn the tourist visa procedures governing their nationality.
   • ILISA is not responsible for penalties associated with failure to obtain a visa in time for the start of the Program, including airline change fees.

• Health and Medical IssuesTravel abroad may expose me to certain conditions, diseases or illnesses. I have been advised to acquire all the immunizations recommended by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and all other inoculations necessary for safe travel in the areas I am visiting. In addition, I have been advised to consult with a medical doctor or comparable health care provider with regard to my personal medical status and needs. I agree to make reasonable efforts to acquaint myself with the health factors and issues endemic to these areas and to prepare myself accordingly for my study abroad travel and activities.

• I am required to secure health insurance to cover my travel and study abroad activities. ILISA is not obligated to pay for medical treatment or hospital care during my participation in the program. Further, ILISA is not responsible for the quality of such treatment or care.

• I certify that I am medically able and capable to participate in the program. I certify that I do not have a medical condition which would endanger the health of others associated with the program. I am aware of all my personal medical needs and I certify that I am capable of and prepared to deal with those needs to the best of my ability. ILISA is not obligated to attend to my medical or medication needs.

• I acknowledge that there are inherent dangers and health risks associated with the program and travel activities such that no amount of care, caution, instruction or expertise can eliminate. ILISA is not responsible for the health risks, injuries, damages or loss beyond its direct control.

• If I am injured or become ill, ILISA may secure hospitalization and/or medical treatment for me and I shall be responsible for paying all expenses related thereto. ILISA or its agents may release my medical and other personal information to other persons who may need this information to assist me or to assist others in the program.

8. Independent Travel. I understand and agree that: (1) prior to the start of the Program; (2) during free time within the period of the Program; and, (3) after the Program ending date, I may elect to travel independently at my own expense. I understand that I retain full responsibility for making any such arrangements and for all costs, transportation, lodging, food and any other expense that may be associated with non-Program activities.
9. Legal Issues. I am aware that the laws, rights and privileges of the United States may not apply to me while I am living or traveling overseas. I am subject to the laws of Costa Rica and those countries in which I will be living or traveling during my participation in the Program and I agree to abide by those laws. I further realize that I am subject to host country legal processes. 
10. Image Release and Waiver. I hereby grant permission to ILISA, employees and assigns, to copyright, publish, and use in all forms and media and all manners for advertising, trade, promotion, exhibition, or any other lawful purpose whatsoever, still, single, multiple or moving photographic portraits or pictures of me, or those whose intellectual property I rightfully own provided by me, in which I may be included in whole or in part, or composite or distorted in character, or form, in conjunction with my own or a fictitious name, or reproductions thereof in color or otherwise or other derivative works made through any medium. I hereby waive any and all rights that I may have to compensation, remuneration and/or profit for copyright, publication and use of the same. I further waive the right to inspect the finished product that may be used in connection therewith or the use to which it may be applied.
11. Waiver, Release and Indemnification. I, individually, and on behalf of my heirs, successors, assigns and personal representatives, hereby RELEASE, WAIVE, COVENANT NOT TO SUE AND FOREVER DISCHARGE ILISA and students, agents and employees, in their official and individual capacities (“Releasees”) from and for any and all responsibility and liability for any delays, delayed or changed departure or arrival times, fare changes, dishonors of hotel, airline or vehicle rental reservations, missed carrier connections, sickness, disease, injuries (including death), losses, damages, weather, strikes, acts of nature, circumstances beyond the control of ILISA, force majeure, war (declared or undeclared), quarantine, civil unrest, public health risks, criminal activity, terrorism, expense, accident, injuries, damage to property, bankruptcies of airlines or other carriers or service providers, inconveniences, cessation of operations, mechanical defects, any failure or negligence in connection with any accommodations, restaurant, transportation, or other service or for any substitution of hotels or of common carriers beyond ILISA’s control, with or without notice, or for any additional expense occasioned by any of these events. If due to weather, flight schedules, or other uncontrollable factors I am required to spend additional nights, ILISA will not be responsible for my hotel, transfers, meal costs, or other expenses. My baggage and personal property are transported at my risk entirely; I agree that ILISA shall not be responsible for loss or damage to my baggage or personal effects.

I, individually, and on behalf of my heirs, successors and assigns and personal representatives, hereby INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS Releasees from any loss, liability, damages or costs, including court costs and attorney fees which arise out of, occur during or are connected in any manner with my participation in the Program, any related or independent travel, any activities or any field trips, irrespective of whether they are sponsored, supervised or controlled by ILISA.

12. Governing Law. I agree that if there is a dispute concerning my participation in the Program or the interpretation of this Agreement, any such disagreement shall be determined in accordance with the laws of Costa Rica.

13. Entire Agreement and Modification. The terms and conditions of this Student Agreement represents my complete understanding of the parties hereto with regard to my participation in the Program and supersedes any previous or contemporaneous understandings I may have had with ILISA on this subject, whether written or oral, and cannot be changed or amended in any way without the written concurrence of both ILISA and me.

I AM OVER THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN (18) YEARS AND AM COMPETENT TO EXECUTE THIS AGREEMENT

Annex 1- ILISA Code of conduct

ILISA Student Code of Conduct

Our goal at the ILISA is to provide you with a quality educational experience. To make the most of your time here, we take every precaution to guarantee your health, safety and general well-being. ILISA works hard to ensure that its student groups are welcomed and supported by the local community.

At the same time, there is only so much the ILISA staff and your course leaders can do to make sure you get the most out of this experience: you play the biggest part in making it happen. Due to the intensive nature and unique environment of our courses, full participation, cooperation and teamwork are necessary requirements. Your individual actions and behavior can “make it or break it” not just for you but for the entire group. As international students, you are highly visible guests in this community and your actions are noticed and remembered. Be aware that while here you represent not only yourself, but also your home institution and ILISA. Your actions can jeopardize the future of your program and ILISA’s good standing in the community.

In the event that any individual’s behavior is creating difficulties for other individuals, the group, ILISA, the host family or the community, the person(s) involved will be asked to meet with the ILISA course coordinator, homestay coordinator (if involving homestay), and the course leader(s) to discuss the situation. Generally, a mutually agreed-upon resolution can be reached in this way.

If the misconduct is more serious in nature or if a formal complaint is received from another student, course leader, professor, the ILISA course coordinator, host family, or a community member, ILISA reserves the right to convene a Board of Discipline. The Board will be made up of the following persons:

1. ILISA Executive Director

2. A professor / teacher / leader of the home institution

3. ILISA course coordinator

4. Two students from the group (one female, one male) selected randomly

5. The ILISA homestay coordinator, if applicable.

The Board will review the complaint, discuss the situation, and verify whether there is misconduct. If

proven, the Board may take any of the following actions:

1. Warning

2. Suspension of the student’s participation in planned activities

3. Notification of family and return to home country at student’s own expense.

Should the resolution require removal from a homestay and placement with a different host family or alternative lodging, the student or home institution will be responsible for paying the remaining balance of homestay to the family, plus the additional cost of new accommodations.

Violations of any Costa Rican laws are automatically considered misconduct. In the specific example of illegal drug possession and/or use, including marijuana, ILISA wants you to know that drug laws and penalties are strict in Costa Rica. A single conviction could mean spending six to 12 years in a Costa Rican prison. ILISA cannot and will not protect you from being prosecuted. Anyone found using or in possession of illegal drugs will be sent home immediately at his or her own expense.

Please, constrain your individuality by respecting Costa Rican standards and norms. No matter what your personal feelings are about nudity and sex, Costa Ricans are apt to be somewhat more conservative. States of undress acceptable and inevitable in field stations and remote lodging dormitories can be offensive to a host family or in public. Nudity on beaches, no matter how apparently deserted, could jeopardize future use of the site by ILISA groups, and may offend personnel helping the course.

Finally, please note ILISA’s policy on vehicle use. For safety and liability reasons (and in some cases Costa Rican law) students are not allowed to drive or ride on a motorcycle or all-terrain vehicle, regardless of age. In addition, students may not drive a vehicle (car or truck) during the duration of a course. Naturally, if you are of legal driving age you may rent/drive before or after your ILISA course.

Misconduct

1. Consumption and/or possession of illegal drugs.
2. Smoking or alcohol consumption by persons under 18 years old.
3. Excessive drinking by students over age 18 in programs not involving minors. If the group is made up of minors and legal adults, drinking is prohibited. Excessive drinking is defined as having a negative impact on student academic performance, on group dynamics or on the community.
4. Driving a motorized vehicle if under 18 years old. (ILISA prohibits this for all students, regardless of age).
5. Riding or driving a motorcycle without a helmet. (ILISA prohibits motorcycle use for all students, regardless of age).
6. Use of all-terrain vehicles if under age 18 and/or without use of a helmet. (ILISA prohibits this for all students, regardless of age).
7. Willful obstruction or disruption of any ILISA course teaching, organized activity, study, research, examination, meeting, or ceremony.
8. Discrimination or harassment against any person based on their race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, marital status, age, sexual orientation, political conviction, religious belief,         disability, physical or medical condition.
9. Willful damage, misuse, or misappropriation of private and public property.
10. Abusive, threatening, lewd or obscene behavior.
11. Repeated tardiness to classes and activities.
12. Repeated late night return to homestay family.

ILISA is proud to say that we have never had to send a student home for misconduct. By being respectful, using good judgment, and being a thoughtful member of your group, your time here will be even more rewarding. We wish you an exciting, educational and safe experience!

Annex 2: Program description TESOL in Costa Rica 2022

Program Fee/Includes:

 (1) Airport pick up and drop off

(2) All transport to group activities and to school sites;

(3) Entrance fees to cultural activities

(4) Arrangements made for service learning activities at school sites

(5) Use of ILISA facilities for group sessions, classes, and special events

(6) 2 polo shirts per person to go to schools

(7) Fees for all provided activities: 1 dance class, 1 cooking class, 1 city tour, Gold museum and lunch in San José, guided field excursion to Cartago with teachers in public bus, Indigenous Chieton Moren market, Jade Museum, National Museum, Teatro Nacional, Trip to La Paz, Poas Volcano, and Coffee Plantation w/lunch, Tortuga Island Tour including boat ride, transportation, guide, breakfast, lunch and beach activities (banana boat and snorkle), 4 Guest Lectures, Farewell dinner at a local restaurant 

(8) Spanish Language Course

Homestay 

17 nights in a private room, including daily breakfasts, dinner, cleaning and weekly laundry.  Likely there will be 2 participants per household, each with a private room.