Terms and Conditions
Terms & Conditions of International Study Center admission
These Terms and Conditions should be read carefully and understood before submitting your application. By signing the application, these Terms and Conditions represent contractual obligations with Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center.
Participant responsibility
The price for the Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center invoiced program does not encompass additional ancillary expenses, including but not limited to:
- Personal spending money.
- Insurance for pre-existing medical conditions, i.e., ailments which exist prior to arrival in the U.S.
- Meal and housing costs during the few times the university is officially closed – usually limited to the Thanksgiving holiday in late November, the Christmas holiday (which normally lasts about four weeks) and Spring vacation (approximately 10 days).
- University textbooks and other necessary school supplies.
- Air fare to and from U.S. domestic airport closest to the university campus in the United States (a round trip ticket is required).
- Extra costs for ESL which may be required by a student whose English language proficiency is inadequate.
Rules
All participants in the Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center program are subject to the rules of the university in which they are enrolled. Students must assume full responsibility for compliance. Students must adhere to all housing regulations of the university, to include payment, withdrawal, and cancellation. Rules governing alcohol, tobacco, controlled drugs and other serious offenses will be strictly enforced. Applicants are reminded that international students in the United States must comply with both the letter and the spirit of the law in order to retain valid student visas. Violations of such laws will render the participant liable for immediate dismissal from the program and repatriation to the home country, if not legal prosecution for violation of the laws of the state or federal jurisdictions involved. No refund of fees will be made in the event of dismissal or withdrawal. Students seeking transfer between the date of initial arrival in the United States and the first day of classes may have their I-20 cancelled by the institution to which they were accepted, and no refunds will be granted. Admission is subject to eligibility and availability. Early application and payment is advised.
Payment Policy:
Students are required to pay a deposit directly to Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center before they receive an I-20 form from the partner institution. Deposit amounts vary. Payment for the Fall semester is due July 25. Payment for the Spring semester is due December 15. Payment for the Summer semester is due April 10. All students are required to pay the invoiced amount in full and in advance of the semester start date. Students accepted by an institution after the billing due date are required to pay their deposit immediately upon receipt of the student visa, and are required to pay their bill in full prior to their departure for the United States, or within thirty days of deposit, whichever comes first.. Students with outstanding balances will be immediately placed on hold by the host institution, and may be barred from attending classes until payment is made in full.
Pricing is subject to change.
Payments
Payment can be made to the International Study Center using a number of payment options via our PayOnline platform. Access to this platform can be found at: http://studygroup.com/isc/jmu/pay
Certain payment options will carry a processing fee of 2.5%. We reserve the right to alter this charge from time to time.
If you choose to pay in your local currency a foreign exchange rate will apply. The applicable exchange rate can be viewed online as at the time and date of the payment. Bank charges and commission for both the sending and receiving banks should be paid by the sender of funds or they will be applied to the student's account.
Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center Refund Policy and Guidelines for Students
General Refund Policy
All refunds will be sent to the account of the individual from whom Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center has received the original direct payment, either the student or the Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center representative to whom the fees were originally paid and in the form of payment originally received (if possible)
Cancellation
- Rejection of Applicant: If an applicant is rejected for admissions by Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center or its partners, or if a prospective international student has his/her visa application rejected, a full refund of all tuition or deposit monies paid will be made to the applicant.
- Program Cancellation: If Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center or a partner institution cancels a course subsequent to a student’s start date, Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center will refund all monies paid by the student.
- Cancellation Prior to the Start of Class or No Show: Except under the circumstance identified below in # 4, if an applicant accepted by Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center cancels prior to the start of scheduled classes or never attends class (no show), Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center will refund all monies paid, less any actual housing costs incurred by the International Study Center and a maximum total of $500 identified non-refundable charges noted in the enrollment agreement as being non-refundable.
- Cancellation Prior to the Start of Class or No Show: If an applicant accepted by Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center enters the United States on an I-20 issued by Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center’s partner and subsequently cancels prior to the start of scheduled classes or never attends class (no show), Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center may retain:
- For a program of less than 12 weeks (typically the summer session), all the tuition charges for up to four weeks of the first term/session, actual housing costs incurred by Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center, the International Study Center will refund all monies paid, less any actual housing costs incurred by Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center and a maximum total of $500 identified non-refundable charges noted in the enrolment agreement as being non-refundable.
- For a program of 12 weeks or more, all the tuition charges for up to six weeks of the first term/session, any actual housing costs incurred by Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center and, the International Study Center will refund all monies paid, less any actual housing costs incurred by Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center and a maximum total of $500 identified non-refundable charges noted in the enrolment agreement as being non-refundable.
Non-refundable charges
The following are the non-refundable charges referenced above:
- Registration fee: $350
- Courier fee: $150
Cancellation may occur when the student provides a written notice of cancellation by email, mail, hand delivery, or verbal notification to the Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center Admissions Center.
James Madison University:
naadmissions@studygroup.com
International Study Center Admissions,
396 South High Street, MSC 6926, Harrisonburg VA 22807, USA
Phone numbers are listed below:
Where do you live? Telephone
Africa (except north Africa and Nigeria) +44 1273 339 232
China +852 3069 6802
Latin America +52 55 33 00 59 47
Russia, Baltic & Central Asia +7 495-665-68-35
Thailand +66 2 6240809
Vietnam +84 8-38-277-666
Everywhere else +971 4454 8537
The written notice of cancellation is effective when date stamped by email, deposited in the mail properly addressed with proper postage, or date received by Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center.
The written notice of cancellation need not take any particular form and, however expressed, it is effective if it shows that the student no longer wishes to be bound by the Enrollment Agreement.
If the Enrollment Agreement is cancelled, Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center will refund the student any money he/she paid that is due to be returned within 45 days after the notice of cancellation is effective or the first day of scheduled class, whichever is earlier.
Withdrawal/Termination
For the purpose of determining a refund under this section, a student shall be deemed to have withdrawn (date of determination) from the course of instruction when any of the following occurs:
- The student notifies Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center of his/her withdrawal by providing in writing the intent to withdrawal to the Center Director of the International Study Center.
- Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center terminates the student's enrollment for failure to maintain satisfactory progress; failure to abide by the rules and regulations of Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center or its partner; absences in excess of maximum set forth by Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center or its partner; and/or failure to meet financial obligations to the International Study Center or its partner.
- Failure to return from a leave of absence.
The amount owed to Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center equals:
Semester: For students who withdraw at any point in the first four weeks, Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center may retain the charges applicable to the first four weeks. For students who withdraw after the first four weeks but before or at the mid-point of the semester, Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center may retain a prorated amount of tuition. For students who withdraw after the midpoint, Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center may retain all of the charges for that semester.
Prorated refunds will be calculated on a weekly basis. When determining the number of weeks, Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center will consider a partial week the same as if a whole week were completed, provided the student was present at least one day during the scheduled week.
Subsequent Semesters: For students who withdraw after completing the first semester but before or at the midpoint of any subsequent semester, Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center may retain a prorated amount of tuition up to the midpoint. For students who withdraw after the midpoint of any subsequent semester, Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center may retain all of the tuition for that semester.
Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center is not obligated to make refunds to students who are terminated due to violation of the International Study Center's written disciplinary and/or attendance policies or local, state, or federal law or those of its partners.
For payments beyond the current semester: For students who withdraw or are withdrawn prior to the next semester, all charges collected for the next semester will be refunded.
Charges Other Than Tuition: All extra costs, such as university fees, laboratory fees, rentals and any similar charges are not included in the tuition price and are non-refundable. These fees include university fees, lab fees and activity fees. These fees and their relevant charges are itemized on student invoices and statements.
Students are bound by the terms as defined in any student housing agreements.
Non-refundable charges. The following are the non-refundable charges referenced above:
- Registration fee: $350
- Courier fee: $150
Payments: Any amount of the refund in excess of the unpaid balance shall be paid within 45 days of the date of determination. If any portion of the tuition was paid from the proceeds of a third party, the refund shall be sent to the third party.
Study plan changes
- Upon arrival, students will be given a placement examination to assess their English language level. Many institutions also require an assessment in Math. As a result, the length of study may be longer than originally anticipated, incurring extra costs for which the student will be responsible.
- Students are required to complete their study plan by remaining on campus for consecutive Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.
Progression
Progression at the end of any given semester is dependent on successfully passing all courses in that semester and necessary progression requirements. Partner institutions may have additional requirements for progression. These additional requirements will be reviewed during orientation. On successful completion of the program/course and having achieved the progression requirements the student will be entitled to proceed directly to your degree program at the respective institution.
Undergraduate students are conditionally accepted to a university, not necessarily into a particular program of study. The university reserves the right to impose additional academic requirements post arrival (such as minimum grade point average) before a student is formally admitted into a particular program of study.
Insurance
All students are required to be properly insured. StudyCare or university-based insurance will be automatically added to your booking, unless proof of comparable insurance is provided upon application. Please note that StudyCare includes services beyond typical health insurance policies in the United States, e.g. cancellation, emergency repatriation, personal liability etc.
US-based health insurance is mandatory for all students. Insurance policies based in countries outside of the United States will not be accepted as reasonable substitutes. While Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center provides StudyCare Insurance, some Institutions will require students to have a student health insurance policy directly from the institution instead. Insurance coverage begins upon arrival and insurance cards are issued post arrival on campus.
Damage and Liability
Any reference in these terms to liability of students shall also infer liability on the parent or financial sponsor, and such liability is joint and several. Students are responsible for payment for any damage caused by them to Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center/institution property, including fixtures and fittings in university-approved accommodation. Occupants of shared accommodation are jointly and severally liable for the proper care of rooms, fixtures and fittings and the university reserves the right to recover costs for damage or exceptional cleaning.
Publicity
Students (and their parents or guardians, where applicable) agree that their images and sound, details and achievements may be used in any media for promotional purposes without written consent or notification. This includes permission to pass them on to third parties (agents, publications, etc.) at our discretion as long as the images are used to publicize Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center programs.
Data protection
Any information provided to Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center may be held on computer and shall be used in accordance with US law, including FERPA, HIPAA, and ADA. Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center is an Equal Opportunities provider. Information provided to Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center is held and processed for the purpose of administering your application, and may be carried forward to your official student record, which holds data in electronic and paper form on your personal details, academic and administrative history and on relevant financial transactions. After you leave, the parts of your student record which the college or university needs to retain will be archived. Some information will also be processed for the purpose of managing our relationship with you as an alumnus. Other information will be destroyed. Throughout, your personal data will be held in accordance with current US data protection law.
Variation
No variation to these conditions is valid unless agreed in writing by the Center Director and approved by the Managing Director, North America provided always that the Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center reserves the right to make any addition, amendment or alteration to these conditions upon giving one semester's written notice of such change to all affected students.
Communication
All students must supply Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center with personal e-mail addresses and mobile/cell numbers prior to arrival, in order that communication, to include transmission of student reports, may be maintained at all times. Please also advise of any changes as they occur.
Agreement and release
I apply to enroll the person named as a student of Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center. I agree to pay all fees incurred by the student as they become due, and either give the required notice of cancellation or to pay the required fees in lieu of notice. I agree to abide by the terms and conditions of Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center.
I give permission for the administration of first aid and appropriate non-prescription medication to my child, and give permission to Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center and designated representatives to seek medical, dental or optical treatment when required. I am the parent or legal guardian named. We do hereby authorize Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center and its assigned agents, and any designated program representative, as agents of the undersigned parents, to consent to any x-ray examinations, anesthetic, medical or surgical diagnosis or treatment, or hospital care which is deemed advisable by, and is rendered under, the general supervision of any licensed physician or surgeon, whether such treatment or diagnosis is rendered at the office of said physician or surgeon or at a hospital. It is understood that this authorization is not given in advance of any specific diagnosis, treatment or hospital care being required, but is given to provide authority and power on the part of aforesaid agents to give specific consent to any and all such diagnoses, treatments, or hospital care which the aforementioned physician or surgeon, in the exercise of her/his best judgment, may deem advisable.
We waive and release all claims against Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center and its agents for any injury, loss, damage, accident, delay or expense resulting from the applicant’s participation in the program. We also release Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center and its agents and agree to indemnify them with regard to any financial obligations or liabilities that the applicant may personally incur or any damage or injury to the person or property of others that the applicant may cause while participating in this program. We understand that the program begins with the outbound flight to the United States and terminates when the return flight lands. We realize that any airline’s liability for loss or damage to baggage or property, or for death or injury, is limited by the terms outlined by the airlines.
We also understand that it is our responsibility to obtain a passport and any required visa.
We understand that Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center is not responsible for any loss or injury suffered by the applicant at any time while participating in the program, including but not limited to losses or injury suffered during periods of independent travel or absence from the program. If the applicant becomes ill or incapacitated, Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center or its agents may take such action as it considers necessary, including securing medical treatment and transporting the applicant home at his/her own expense. We release Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center from all liability related to such actions.
We understand that the applicant’s participation in the program may be terminated at the discretion of Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center without any refund of fees and that the applicant may be sent home at his/her expense if he/she does not adhere to the U.S., State, and local laws and college/ university rules. We agree to accept full responsibility for personal expenses, books, any required additional language training and round trip air fare.
In the event that Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center or its agents advances or loans any funds to the applicant or incurs special expenses on his/her behalf, we agree to make immediate repayment to Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center. We understand that this Agreement cannot be modified except in writing signed by Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center.
Applying for a visa
Once a student has been accepted, s/he will be provided with an I-20 from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), issued by the participating college or university. This form will be sent upon receipt of deposit. An I-20 is required to start the process of obtaining a student visa to enter the United States. You will also be required to present financial documentation to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) consular office in your country. We advise you to have a letter from your parents/guardian, financial sponsor or other source of support stating their responsibility for your expenses throughout. A bank statement or letter verifying their financial ability to cover your expenses should also be provided. The bank statement cannot be a copy; it must be original (per immigration law). The bank statement must be notarized and no older than six months. Also, in addition to the bank statement, we require an affidavit of support, which is an original letter from the student’s sponsor (such as parent or guardian), claiming financial responsibility for the student. This affidavit must also be notarized. If the student is self-sponsored, no affidavit is required. In the case of government sponsored students, the Financial Guarantee servRes as both the bank statement and the affidavit. We recommend that all students apply for their visa as soon as possible, and notify Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center directly once your visa status is known. Please notify your academic enrolment advisor when you have made an appointment, and notify your counselor with the outcome of that appointment.
Study Group USA Higher Education LLC dba International Study Center
330 7th Avenue – 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10001
1 (212) 497-0050
These Terms and Conditions were last updated April 29, 2015