Study Abroad Policies and Procedures
Cancellations and Refunds
The $101 application fee is nonrefundable. Airfare is nonrefundable/nontransferable once purchased. For a fee, tickets can usually be used for other travel based on individual airline policy. Refunds for other programs fees will be on a case-by-case basis and are time sensitive. The likelihood of receiving a refund within 60 days of departure is unlikely. Course refunds are made according to Guilford Technical Community College regular policy. Each study abroad program will have a specific cancellation and refund policy. Individual trip refund policies will be shared with participants at the time of acceptance into the program, prior to making a deposit to secure a spot on the trip.
Participants should notify the trip coordinators and their trip leader for their program immediately if they decide to no longer participate in a trip for any reason; the trip leader will guide them through the policies of any third-party organizations involved in the organization of the trip. Please note that individual trips have their own policies on refunds, etc., but the nonrefundable initial deposit will not be returned, unless the entire trip is canceled by the college prior to purchase of plane tickets or requested prior to the third-party deposit date. Keep in mind that programs can be canceled at any time due to insufficient enrollment or other reasons that may make the trip unreasonable or hazardous. If enough participants do not enroll in a trip, the trip is not guaranteed to occur.Student/Participant Conduct and Expectations
All participants taking part in study abroad must sign the assumption of risk and release form regulations found in the study abroad trip application. Participants will not engage in risky or illegal behavior and are to remember that they represent Guilford Technical Community College, North Carolina and the United States. The Guilford Technical Community College Code of Conduct will be enforced.
The Code of Conduct is in the Student Handbook and will be reviewed prior to the trip. Misconduct by Guilford Technical Community College participants studying abroad can lead to removal from the study abroad program and may, in addition, result in a decision by Guilford Technical Community College to impose further sanctions, such as suspension or dismissal from Guilford Technical Community College. Students expelled from a Guilford Technical Community College study abroad program consent to being sent home at their own expense with no refund of fees.
Physical Demands
Participants need to be able to meet the physical demands of the study abroad program, which can be rigorous. By participating, participants agree that they are in reasonable physical health and shape. Many trips include a great deal of walking; participants frequent, and you will encounter some uneven surfaces, stairs, steps and significant slopes.
Participants need to be able to keep up with the group and always handle their own luggage. Guilford Technical Community College faculty are not permitted to physically assist study abroad participants. These trips are not recommended for people who have difficulty walking or who have heart conditions.
In addition, in some countries, air conditioning may not be accessible in all accommodations, so participants may need to be prepared for warmer temperatures indoors.
If you cannot fit in an airline seat with a seatbelt extender, many airlines will require you to buy a second seat. This is in addition to the advertised cost of the program.
Guilford Technical Community College complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodation for qualified students with disabilities. It is the responsibility of the student with a disability to initiate the request and/or discuss the options for accommodations or services.
If any accommodation or service is needed to participate in the trip application process, and/or to participate in the study abroad program, please contact DisAbility Access Services at das@gtcc.edu or 336-334-4822, ext. 50038. The DAS office is located in Medlin Campus Center, Room 3800.
Health and Safety
All participants are encouraged to take precautions necessary for health and safety. All participants must notify trip leaders of injuries or doctor visits that take place during the trip abroad; these incidents will be documented.
All participants are required to fill out an emergency contact sheet and notify trip leaders of any changes. The group will follow all guidelines for health and safety in each airport, train station, hotel, etc. for the duration of the study abroad program.
Additionally, Guilford Technical Community College recommends that all participants heed State Department travel warnings and not endanger either themselves or other trip participants.
Courses and Credit
All Guilford Technical Community College study abroad programs are academic programs. While community members may participate in most of our programs, anyone participating in a Guilford Technical Community College study abroad program must take the associated class, either for credit or through Continuing Education.
All participants are expected to participate in all of the program activities unless given permission by the program leader.
Liability
All participants in Guilford Technical Community College Study Abroad opportunities must agree to the Guilford Technical Community College study abroad liability policies as outlined in the assumption of risk and release form on the trip study abroad application. The College and its governing board, their members individually and their officers, agents and employees are not responsible for any personal injury, property damage or the consequences thereof.