By agreeing to your ISEP acceptance package, you are voluntarily participating in an ISEP program and understand and agree that: 

  • ISEP is not responsible for accidents, delays, incidents, injury, or additional expenses that arise due to the COVID-19 novel coronavirus. 

  • Additional expenses ISEP is not responsible for can include, but may not be limited to, visa application costs, return airfare due to program suspensions or interruptions, housing and meal expenses beyond last day of benefits end date, and costs due to quarantines that are a requirement of your host university (and/or host country).

  • You are making the decision to participate in your ISEP study abroad program following a review of current travel guidance and your own independent investigation and assessment of the potential risks of studying abroad (and, in particular, at the host institution you have been placed at) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • You expressly agree to review and follow any health and safety guidance and/or requirements provided by ISEP and/or your home and host school and/or your home or host country during your study abroad program.   

  • ISEP is not financially responsible for any disruption of travel caused by COVID-19 novel coronavirus or other unforeseen events beyond ISEP’s control.  

  • You understand that your course modality may change depending on the health and safety determination of your host institution.

  • Any travel within or out of your host country during your program dates that is not sponsored by your host institution is by nature independent and at your own risk and discretion. You agree to follow all guidance and policies provided by your host and home institution, as well as any applicable laws, rules and/or regulations, on regional and local travel.  

  • If you are not able to access your belongings due to travel restrictions, neither your host university nor ISEP is responsible for the coordination or cost of returning these items.

  • While abroad, public health and safety measures may be implemented by the country you are residing in, of which ISEP has no control.  

  • You are responsible for maintaining open communication with your home institution, host institution, and ISEP for the entirety of your pre-departure and program dates. Important information will be shared throughout, related to health and safety, particularly related to the COVID-19 novel coronavirus. If a response is requested, it is important for you to respond in a timely manner.  

  • While abroad, the government of your country of citizenship may not be able to assist you in an emergency.

  • You have thoroughly read and understand exactly what ISEP health and emergency insurance does and does not cover.  

  • ISEP assumes no responsibility for providing medical care during your study abroad program.

  • You have read and fully understand ISEP’s withdrawal policy.  

  • You understand that participation in any ISEP program is completely voluntary and involves risks inherent to traveling to another country.  

  • You have read and understand the information provided in ISEP’s Health and Safety guidance page on ISEP’s website.    

ASSUMPTION OF RISKS: I am voluntarily participating in the ISEP study abroad program. I understand that while ISEP and the home and host institutions have undertaken reasonable steps to lessen the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in connection with the study abroad program, ISEP and the home and host institutions are not responsible in any manner for any risks related to COVID-19 in connection with the study abroad program. I understand that the World Health Organization has classified the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic. I further understand that COVID-19 is a highly contagious and dangerous disease, and that contact with the virus that causes COVID-19 may result in significant personal injury or death. I am fully aware that participation in the ISEP study abroad program (including any related travel) carries with it certain inherent risks related to COVID-19 transmission (“Inherent Risks”) that cannot be eliminated regardless of the care taken to avoid such risks. Inherent Risks may include, but are not limited to, (1) the risk of coming into close contact with individuals or objects that may be carrying COVID-19; (2) the risk of transmitting or contracting COVID-19, directly or indirectly, to or from other individuals; and (3) injuries and complications ranging in severity from minor to catastrophic, including death, resulting directly or indirectly from COVID-19 or the treatment thereof. Further, I understand that the risks of COVID-19 are not fully understood, and that contact with, or transmission of, COVID-19 may result in risks including but not limited to loss, personal injury, sickness, death, damage, and expense, the exact nature of which are not currently ascertainable, and all of which are to be considered Inherent Risks. I hereby voluntarily accept and assume all risk of loss, personal injury, sickness, death, damage, and expense arising from such Inherent Risks.

WAIVER AND RELEASE: In consideration of my participation in the ISEP study abroad program, I (being 18 years of age or older) do hereby forever release, waive, discharge, covenant not to sue, and hold harmless ISEP, my home institution, and the host institution affiliated with the study abroad program and each and every one of their past, current and future officers, directors, employees, members, volunteers, contractors, representatives, parents, owners, affiliates, agents, successors and assigns (the “ISEP Releasees”), from any and all damages, injuries, losses, liability, claims, causes of action, litigation or demands, including, but not limited to, those for personal injury, illness, death, property damages, expenses or other consequences resulting directly or indirectly from or in any manner arising out of, related to, or in connection with COVID-19 and in connection with my participation in an ISEP program or any travel related thereto.  I further covenant not to sue ISEP and/or the home or host institutions in connection with any of the claims released herein.

This Agreement (and the waiver and release set forth herein) shall also be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, successors, and all other persons who may claim through me.  I expressly agree that this Agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by applicable laws, and that if any portion of this Agreement is found to be void or unenforceable, the remaining portions shall remain in full force and effect. This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter, and shall not be altered, modified, amended, waived or supplemented in any manner whatsoever except by a written agreement signed by both parties hereto or their duly authorized representatives. This Agreement may be executed, made and delivered electronically.

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, I (a) covenant and agree not to elect a trial by jury with respect to any issue arising out of or relating to this Agreement that is triable of right by a jury, and (b) waive any right to trial by jury with respect to such issue to the extent that any such right exists now or in the future. This waiver of right to trial by jury is given knowingly and voluntarily.

I have carefully read this Assumption of Risk, Waiver, and Release before agreeing to it and enter into it voluntarily in consideration of the opportunity to participate in the ISEP study abroad activity. I acknowledge that I am giving up legal rights and/or remedies which may be available to me.