By participating in a study abroad program, students acknowledge the following risks. All applicants will be required to review and sign this form within their portal so they will be prepared for their time abroad:
I. Personal and Academic Conduct
I expressly acknowledge the right of Temple University (“Temple”) to require the immediate withdrawal, at any time, of my participation in programs or trips abroad approved by Temple (“the Program”) if I fail to meet Temple’s standard of scholarship and character, and/or if my actions or general behavior, in the sole discretion of Temple, are determined to interfere with or disrupt the conduct of classes or any other activity of the Program. I understand that I am subject to Temple University’s Student Conduct Code (http://policies.temple.edu/getdoc.asp?policy_no=03.70.12) while on the Program.
II. Academic Risk
I acknowledge that I am electing to participate in an international activity that may include academic risk and disruption due to COVID-19 or other factors, such as: my personal decision to independently withdraw; program cancellation; recall of students; inability to finish research; inability to complete an internship; and/or changes in academic content delivery. It is my responsibility to understand if my host organization/program is able to ensure academic continuity.
III. Notification of Withdrawal
I agree to notify Temple in writing should I choose to withdraw from the Program or Trip.
IV. University’s Right to Change Program and/or Rescind Travel Approval
If the Program is sponsored by Temple, I understand that although Temple will attempt to maintain the Program as described in its publications and brochures, it reserves the right to change or cancel the Program, including the itinerary, travel arrangements, or accommodations, at any time and for any reason, with or without notice, and that neither Temple, nor its trustees, employees, agents, subsidiaries or affiliates, shall be responsible or liable for any expenses or losses that I may sustain because of these changes.
V. Financial Responsibility
I understand and acknowledge that Temple will not be responsible for any costs I may incur, including airfare and any cancellation or change fees, in the event I am asked to leave the program, I choose to withdraw from the program or if the program is rescheduled, modified, or canceled by the provider/institution or by Temple.
VI. Travel Assistance, Emergency Evacuation Services, and Health Insurance
I understand that Temple has partnered with International SOS, a 24-hour global company that serves as a single contact point for all international medical, safety and security advice and assistance, including travel advisory and emergency evacuation services. Whenever possible, International SOS will provide direct payment for care and coordinate with local medical providers and Temple’s international travel medical insurance for any covered expenses. Coverage is provided to all participants in programs abroad approved by Temple University who register their program travel itinerary with International SOS. Students are required to visit Temple University’s membership page on the International SOS website (https://www.internationalsos.com/MasterPortal/default.aspx?membnum=11BSGC000017) to familiarize themselves with the services, sign up for advisory alerts, and learn how to activate coverage for medical guidance, scheduling medical services in country, and in the event of an emergency.
Temple’s international travel medical insurance eligibility is based on the dates of affiliated University international travel, as described at https://finance.temple.edu/international-travel. Coverage will begin three days prior to the start of University-affiliated international travel and conclude three days after University-affiliated international travel. I understand that I am automatically enrolled for the dates of University-affiliated international travel. I understand that I will need to enroll in and purchase an international personal health insurance program if I want coverage outside of the period of University-affiliated international travel.
Temple’s international travel medical insurance covers medically necessary care related to an illness or injury that occurs abroad. Medical expenses for treatment of COVID-19 are included in this coverage. I understand that Temple’s international travel medical insurance will not cover me for treatment in the U.S., and should I need to return home for any treatment, the international travel medical insurance will not cover me. International SOS will not provide evacuation or repatriation coverage for members who are traveling abroad in their home country of regular residence. Further, Temple’s international travel medical insurance does not cover treatment for injuries sustained during professional sports, high risk sporting activity, and services deemed not medically necessary. A full list of benefits and exclusions can be found at the below site: https://finance.temple.edu/international-travel/international-sos.
Please note: Temple’s international travel medical insurance will not pay security evacuation assistance benefits for expenses and fees for COVID-related issues. Additionally, Temple’s international travel medical insurance policy may not cover other associated expenses, including (but not limited to) the cost of quarantine accommodations, preventative COVID testing, testing to return to the United States, or additional travel expenses.
Temple University has no control over the healthcare environment/infrastructure within my host country. It is my responsibility to understand how to receive treatment and testing for COVID-19 related symptoms within my host country. I recognize that Temple is not obligated to satisfy any of my medical or medication needs and that I am solely responsible for the costs of any medical treatment not covered by Temple’s international travel medical insurance and/or International SOS. I assume all risk and responsibility for any and all medical care while abroad. If I require medical treatment or hospital care in a foreign country or in the United States during the Program, then I acknowledge and agree that Temple, its trustees, employees, agents, subsidiaries or affiliates, will not be responsible for the cost or quality of such treatment or care.
VII. Driving
I understand and acknowledge that students are not permitted to operate vehicles while participating in the Program. I acknowledge that neither Temple University nor its trustees, employees, agents, subsidiaries or affiliates, will be responsible or liable for any expenses, losses, or injuries that I may sustain as a result of operating a motor vehicle, and I agree to indemnify and hold harmless Temple University from any liabilities or claims related to or resulting from my operating a motor vehicle.
VIII. Independent Housing
I understand that Temple University encourages students to live in housing sponsored or approved by the host institution or Program (“Program Housing”) if offered and available. However, should I prefer to live with family members abroad or otherwise opt to make my own living arrangements, I acknowledge that there are possible dangers and certain risks associated with living in non-Program Housing. I assume any and all risks arising from my choice to live in housing that is not sponsored by the Program, including without limitation, the risks of bodily injury or property damage; the unavailability or quality of, or access to emergency medical care; hazardous or dangerous conditions and/or a lack of security; and the negligent or deliberate act of another person. I understand and acknowledge that students living independently will be responsible for all costs associated with independent housing accommodations, including transportation to and from their living arrangements. If my Program requires students to live in Program Housing, then I understand I am prohibited from arranging alternative housing.
I will consider various health factors when choosing housing. Factors related to COVID-19 include, but are not limited to, the ability to practice social distancing and to self-isolate at my residence if necessary, measures taken to protect the health of residents, and the facility’s communication with residents.
IX. Acknowledgment
I acknowledge and agree that all visa requirements related to any travel I may undertake outside of the Program are entirely my responsibility. I acknowledge that, if I fail to adhere to visa rules in countries I travel, I may be subject to serious legal ramifications, including fines and imprisonment. If my Program assists students in obtaining visas for the Program, I acknowledge and agree that my obtaining a visa is contingent upon my timely submission of all required materials. I understand that each country handles visa requirements differently and that I may be required to obtain a different type of visa in the event I extend my travel beyond the Program dates or travel to other countries.
I acknowledge and agree that I must obtain and familiarize myself with information about the country and/or region where the Program is located, including without limitation any U.S. State Department country specific information, Centers for Disease Control travel advisory, and Temple’s international emergency services provider guidance, issued to date, which might contain information about inherent dangers and difficulties specific to the country or region of the Program. I further understand that Temple University cannot guarantee a COVID-19-free environment on this international activity. I further acknowledge that I will abide by Temple University’s international travel policy and restrictions. I am responsible for keeping up to date with any changes and updates issued by the University.
I authorize Temple Health Services at any time prior to my planned departure, in accordance with HIPAA and/ or any other applicable privacy laws, to confirm that I am compliant with Temple University’s vaccine mandate and/or exemption and testing process.
I must follow my host country’s laws and requirements to enter. These include, but are not limited to, providing a negative PCR test upon arrival, having proof of vaccination, or having proof of recovery from COVID-19. Temple University has no control over the entry requirements of my host country, the enforcement of these requirements, nor the ramifications for failing to comply with these requirements. Furthermore, Temple University has no control over the entry requirements to return to the United States. I understand that it is my responsibility to know and comply with the United States entry requirements upon my return. I must follow domestic and international laws and regulations regarding quarantine, and plan in advance to arrive in the country in time to quarantine, if required, prior to the travel dates outlined by Temple and/or my host organization/institution. I may also be required to quarantine upon my return to the United States and/or to the University campus. I will review Temple’s COVID protocols prior to returning.
I understand and acknowledge that despite the most careful planning and supervision, serious injuries may occur during any travel and that during my travel, I may sustain mortal or serious personal injuries, property damage or severe economic or other loss as a consequence of not only my own actions, inactions or negligence, but the actions, inactions or negligence of others. I am aware of the possible dangers and difficulties of travel including, but not limited to, those dangers and difficulties caused by inclement weather conditions, conditions of equipment used, sanitation, disease, political unrest, crime, and differences in international laws. Furthermore, I am aware of the possible risks in receiving medical care and/or the lack of medical resources in a foreign country and that there may be other risks not known to me or not reasonably foreseeable at this time.
I understand and acknowledge that participating in any athletic, outdoor, or other physical activities during the Program poses certain risks, including but not limited to injury or illness resulting from falls, uneven or dangerous terrain, broken bones, concussions, head injuries, and other injuries caused by conditions of facilities and equipment, temperature, weather, my own physical condition, vehicular traffic, lack of hydration, and the actions of other people.
Independent travel during weekends or academic breaks carries additional risks as it is subject to rapidly changing conditions, including but not limited to changing quarantine regulations, flight delays/cancellations, or border closures. Independent travel during weekends or academic breaks may be discouraged and/or prohibited by my program/host institution depending on the COVID situation in the host location.
I further agree not to make any claim against Temple University with respect to any exposure I may have to COVID-19 as a result of my participation in international travel, and I agree that if any such claim is made, I will indemnify and defend Temple University with respect to any such claim.
X. Personal Information Waiver and Authorization to Release
I understand that while traveling and living abroad, certain laws of jurisdictions other than the United States may apply to me. In consideration of Temple’s approval of my participation in the Program, I hereby agree to waive my rights under such laws to the extent necessary to authorize, and I do hereby authorize Temple University, its employees, agents and representatives, and others who, in the sole discretion of Temple, have a need to know, to communicate with the Program staff, my home institution (if applicable), host institution (if
applicable), health care providers, parent or legal guardian, or designated emergency contact concerning any emergency, medical, financial, legal or health-related issue involving or related to me, and under any other circumstances where Temple deems necessary to ensure my health and safety.
In the event that I am hospitalized or receiving medical treatment, I further authorize my international health insurance carrier or its duly authorized subcontractors to release to Temple University or its designee, medical or health information of any nature whatsoever, including medical records, or information pertaining to mental health, HIV/AIDS, or any other physical or psychological condition. I understand that the confidentiality of this information will be maintained consistent with Temple’s need to provide services in the Program, as applicable.
XI. Acceptance of Risk and Release
In consideration for Temple’s approval of my participation in the Program, I agree, on behalf of myself and my family, heirs, and personal representative(s), to assume all the risks and responsibilities surrounding my application to or participation in the Program, including without limitation the risks of bodily injury, property damage, the unavailability of emergency medical care, or the negligent or deliberate act of a third party. I hereby release, waive, discharge and agree not to sue and indemnify Temple University - Of The Commonwealth System of Higher Education, its subsidiaries and affiliates, and their respective trustees, officers, employees, and agents (the “Indemnitees”) from and against any present or future claim, loss, or
liability for injury to person or property which I may suffer (including death), or for which I may be liable to any other person, which may arise as a result of my application to or participation in the Program, including periods in transit to or from any country where the Program is located, any field trips that occur in the Program, and any other optional activities or travel I may undertake during the Program, whether or not caused in whole or in part by Temple’s negligent acts.
I further release and indemnify the Indemnitees from any fines, penalties, claims or liabilities arising out of my failure to obtain or maintain the appropriate visa status.
By signing this Agreement, I acknowledge the contagious nature of COVID-19, the fact that it can be difficult to identify in another person, and the inherent risks of exposure during international travel to those who may be infected with COVID-19. I voluntarily assume the risk that I may be exposed to or infected by COVID-19 by participating in international travel, and that such exposure or infection may result in personal injury, illness, permanent disability, and/or even death.
XII. Other Legal Issues
I have carefully read this Assumption of Risk and Release Form before signing it. No representations, statements, or inducements, oral or written, apart from the foregoing written statement, have been made. This agreement represents my complete understanding with Temple concerning Temple’s responsibility and liability for my participation in the Program, supersedes any previous or contemporaneous understandings I may have had with Temple on this subject, whether written or oral, and cannot be changed or amended in any way without my and Temple’s written concurrence.
I understand and agree that Temple and the Program may share academic and student conduct related information regarding the Program among themselves and with my home school, as applicable.
I represent that my agreement to the provisions herein is wholly voluntary and further understand that, prior to signing this Assumption of Risk and Release Form, I may consult with the advisor, counselor, or attorney of my choice.
I agree that, should any provision or aspect of this agreement be found to be unenforceable, that all the remaining provisions of the agreement will remain in full force and effect.
I agree that, should there be any dispute concerning my participation in the Program that would require the adjudication of a court of law such adjudication will occur in the courts of, and will be determined by the laws of, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, without regard to its choice of law doctrine.