Terms of service

Effective Date: July 1, 2026 | Governing Law: State of Nevada, County of Washoe

1. Introduction and Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to the University Studies Abroad Consortium (“USAC”). USAC is a non-profit consortium of institutions dedicated to providing high-quality international education and study abroad programs. These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of USAC’s websites, services, Student Gateway, and study abroad programs (collectively, the “Services”).

By accessing our websites, creating a USAC account, submitting an application, or participating in a USAC program, you (“Student,” “you,” or “your”) acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms, as well as any additional agreements executed during the enrollment process, including the Program Agreement and Financial Agreement.

USAC acts as agent of the consortium’s affiliated institutions (home, host, and school of record). These Terms are intended to complement—and do not supersede—any agreements entered into between USAC and your home institution.

2. Eligibility and Admission

To participate in USAC programs, you must submit a complete and accurate application through your USAC Student Gateway account and meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
• Be enrolled full-time in a degree-seeking program at an accredited U.S. institution of higher education.
• Meet the program’s minimum academic eligibility requirements and any program-specific prerequisites.
• Be in good academic, disciplinary, and community standing and maintain good standing throughout the application process and program duration.

Exceptions to these requirements may be granted on an individual basis at USAC’s sole discretion. Students admitted by exception remain responsible for complying with all program requirements and standards of conduct. An exception is not a waiver of any program requirements and does not limit USAC’s ability to revoke acceptance or participation under these Terms.

Acceptance and Rejection: Acceptance to USAC Partnership Programs is subject to final approval by the host institution. USAC reserves the right to reject any application for any reason consistent with its non-discrimination policy. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Revocation: Acceptance to or participation in any USAC program may be rescinded if your eligibility status changes, if any information provided is discovered to be untrue or inaccurate, if you engage in conduct inconsistent with the USAC Code of Conduct, or if program fees are not paid as required. Any conduct violation at your home institution or arrest prior to the program start date may result in revocation of acceptance.

3. Non-Discrimination

USAC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender expression, age, creed, national origin, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation in any program or activity it operates.

Student Accommodations: Students with documented disabilities who anticipate requiring special accommodations or services abroad must submit documentation and a request for services to the USAC Central Office no less than 60 days prior to departure. Students are responsible for any additional fees incurred for special accommodations. While USAC will make reasonable efforts to facilitate accommodations, it cannot guarantee that all support services will be available abroad, as the Americans with Disabilities Act does not apply outside the United States.

4. Financial Terms and Payment

4.1 Program Fees

Program fees vary by program and term. For students enrolled through a home institution arrangement, program fees are established by and paid to your home institution. It is your responsibility to contact your home institution to understand your financial obligations and total cost.

For students paying USAC directly, payments may be made via your USAC Student Gateway account or by check made payable to USAC. USAC reserves the right to make adjustments to fees and/or fee schedules at any time.

4.2 Confirmation Deposit

A $500 enrollment confirmation deposit may be required during the admission process and cannot be deferred. Where a home institution arrangement waives this deposit, a $500 cancellation fee will be assessed if you cancel or withdraw after the Confirmation Deposit Refund Deadline.

4.3 Balance Due and Financial Aid

Your full balance is due by the Balance Due Deadline published in your Student Gateway account. Students using financial aid or scholarships must also submit a completed and signed Financial Aid Disbursement Form by the same deadline.
Financial Aid Recipients: Many institutions disburse financial aid directly to students. It is your responsibility to pay USAC your outstanding balance immediately upon receipt of those funds. If your financial aid or scholarship is not awarded for any reason, you remain responsible for paying your outstanding balance in full.

4.4 Late Payments and Collections

After the program ends, an interest rate of 4% APR will be charged on any outstanding balance until paid in full. If program fees or other charges remain unpaid, your account and debt information may be referred to an outside collection agency. You will be responsible for collection agency fees (which may be based on a percentage up to a maximum of 30% of the debt) and any other costs, including reasonable legal fees, incurred in collection efforts.

4.5 Optional Activities and Orientation Fee

Many programs include optional USAC-organized tours, field studies, or special courses with additional fees. If you participate in these activities, payment must be made in full by the balance due date or at the time of registration if past the balance due date.
On-site orientation is mandatory. A $200 fee will be charged to any student who fails to attend any part of orientation.

5. Cancellation, Withdrawal, and Refund Policy

The policies in this section are effective through Spring 2027. All cancellations and withdrawals must be submitted in writing to USAC. The date of your email or postmark will serve as the official cancellation date. You will receive email confirmation from USAC; retain this for your records. Refer to the Financial Agreement in your Student Gateway account for program-specific deadlines.

5.1 Cancellations (Prior to Program Start)

"Cancellations" occur prior to the Program Start date. If you wish to cancel, USAC must be notified in writing immediately. If you fail to notify USAC in writing, you will no longer be eligible to apply for any future USAC programs.
You remain responsible for paying any outstanding balance even after cancellation. If you are receiving financial aid or scholarships, you may be required to repay any funds awarded or disbursed upon cancellation.

5.2 Withdrawals (On or After Program Start)

"Withdrawals" occur on or after the Program Start date. Withdrawal from a USAC program constitutes withdrawal from the School of Record. Leaving the program without providing written notice to USAC does not release you from any program fees or costs incurred on your behalf, nor from any financial aid or scholarship repayment obligations.

5.3 Program Changes and Deferrals

You must notify your USAC Enrollment Specialist in writing of any change to your program participation, such as switching to a different program or term. Financial consequences may apply depending on timing of the written notification.

Deferral before Tuition Refund Deadline: USAC will transfer 100% of your payments (including nonrefundable deposits) to the new term, minus any unrecoverable expenses such as housing, tours, and courses with additional nonrefundable fees.

Deferral after Tuition Refund Deadline: You may transfer your Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) or Cancel for Specific Reasons (CFSR) refund amount plus the $500 confirmation deposit to the new term. For late program changes, USAC typically retains any non-recoverable fees, if applicable.

Program Extensions: Students wishing to extend their program must contact their USAC Enrollment Specialist. Home institution approval may be required. If granted, a new program agreement and $500 confirmation deposit for the second term will be required.

5.4 Enhanced Refund Policy (ERP) Summary

USAC offers an Enhanced Refund Policy (ERP) at no extra cost, covering Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR), Cancel for Specific Reasons (CFSR), and Program Interruption. The following table summarizes how refunds apply based on timing:

5.5 Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR)

CFAR applies to cancellations that do not qualify for a specific reason:

• On or before the Balance Due Deadline: 100% of the Program Fee and any billed housing, course fees, and tour fees.
• Between the Balance Due Deadline and the Tuition Refund Deadline: 100% of the Program Fee less the $500 confirmation deposit and any unrecoverable expenses such as housing, tours, and courses with nonrefundable fees.
• After the Tuition Refund Deadline and before the published Program Start date: 65% of the program fee and 65% of prepaid housing fees (paid to USAC), less the $500 confirmation deposit and optional fees. Written notification must be provided to USAC prior to the published Program Start date.

5.6 Cancel for Specific Reasons (CFSR)

USAC will refund 100% of all fees paid less the $500 confirmation deposit if you cancel prior to the published Program Start date for any of the following qualifying reasons:

• Serious illness, injury, or death of the student or an immediate family member. Written verification from a physician that the student cannot participate is required where applicable.
• Home institution rescinds program approval due to serious safety concerns, including pandemic, natural disaster, terrorism, civil unrest, or other force majeure incidents.
• Failure to receive a passport or student visa by the program departure date, provided the student submitted applications within the recommended timeframe and as directed by USAC. Supporting evidence is required.

5.7 Program Interruption Refunds

Program Interruption refunds apply on or after the Program Start date for qualifying health and safety reasons. Refunds are determined by the date of written withdrawal and are secondary to any other applicable insurance, credit card coverage, or institutional policies (including USAC’s CISI coverage).

Qualifying reasons: Withdrawal for serious illness, injury, or death of the student or an immediate family member (written physician verification required); or withdrawal resulting from home institution rescission of program approval due to serious health and safety concerns including pandemic, natural disaster, terrorism, or civil unrest.

Refund schedule (pro-rata from Program Start Date):

• 75% refund: withdrawal occurs within the first ~25% of program days
• 50% refund: withdrawal occurs within the first ~50% of program days
• 25% refund: withdrawal occurs within the first ~75% of program days
• 0% refund: less than 25% of the program remains at time of withdrawal

Example: A program running September 1 through December 15 (106 days total) qualifies for a 75% refund if withdrawal occurs on or before September 26, and a 50% refund if on or before October 23.

5.8 CISI Trip Delay Coverage

As part of your program fee, USAC provides trip delay coverage through your CISI student health insurance policy. If your trip is delayed more than 12 hours, you may be eligible for up to $357 per day for up to 14 days (subject to a $5,000 maximum benefit) for reasonable additional accommodations and travel expenses. Receipts are required, and the benefit is payable for only one delay per trip.

Covered causes of delay include: injury, sickness, or death of the insured; carrier delay; lost or stolen passport, travel documents, or money; natural disaster; traffic accident while en route to departure; hijacking; unpublished strike, civil disorder, or commotion; riot; inclement weather prohibiting carrier departure; carrier equipment failure; or theft of travel documents or tickets.

5.9 USAC-Initiated Program Cancellation

If USAC cancels a program prior to the Program Start date for any reason, 100% of all billed expenses will be refunded, including the $500 confirmation deposit, program fee, and all optional fees. Reimbursement will be issued to the party—student or institution—that paid the fees.

5.10 Force Majeure

The performance of USAC programs is subject to force majeure, including but not limited to: acts of God, fire, flood, natural disaster, war or threat of war, acts or threats of terrorism, civil disorder, unauthorized strikes, governmental regulation or advisory, recognized health threats as determined by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), or local government or health authorities (including COVID-19, H1N1, or similar infectious diseases), curtailment of transportation facilities, or other occurrences beyond the reasonable control of USAC.

Where such circumstances prevent, make illegal, impossible, inadvisable, or impracticable the continuation of a program already in progress, USAC may, in its sole discretion, modify the program format (including transition to online instruction). No refunds will be issued under such circumstances. If continuing a program in any format is not feasible, USAC may terminate the program, and a refund will be provided in an amount to be determined by USAC.

USAC reserves the right to cancel any program, change program dates, adjust fees or payment schedules, adjust housing type or availability, and/or substitute or cancel courses as deemed necessary. Changes will be communicated via the email on file in your application and reflected in your Student Gateway account.

6. Student Obligations and Code of Conduct

6.1 Primary Contact

You are the primary contact with USAC. You are expected to complete all pre-departure materials, actively participate in advising sessions, and serve as the primary communicator with USAC advisors and staff.

6.2 Conduct Standards

As a guest in a foreign country, you are expected to maintain standards of conduct consistent with the reputation of both your host institution and USAC, and to comply with all applicable rules, regulations, and laws. Misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

• Physical or verbal violence, harassment, sexual harassment, or stalking
• Theft or possession of weapons
• Violation of host country laws or host institution regulations
• Unauthorized absences from program classes or activities
• Actions that interrupt, delay, or prevent activities or interfere with others’ ability to fully participate in the program
• Use of social media or other platforms to bully, harass, isolate, or intimidate any person associated with the program

USAC may dismiss a student from the program if, in its sole and exclusive discretion, it determines that the student’s conduct or academic performance is detrimental to the student’s own interests or those of USAC. Dismissal is final, terminates your status as a program participant, requires immediate vacating of USAC or host institution housing, and results in withdrawal from the School of Record with forfeiture of all academic credit. Dismissal does not release you from any financial obligations to USAC or the host institution.

6.3 Academic Responsibilities

You are responsible for determining the transferability and degree applicability of academic credits earned in consultation with your home institution. USAC does not guarantee the transferability of academic credit. Course offerings are subject to meeting minimum enrollments to run.

6.4 Health and Safety

USAC cannot guarantee your health and safety while abroad, protect you from physical or emotional harm, or eliminate all risk. You are responsible for acting prudently and exercising caution and common sense at all times. USAC is not responsible for any personal injury or illness incurred while participating in the program or during independent travel.

Health Insurance: USAC will purchase health insurance on your behalf for the duration of the program. You are responsible for reading and understanding your coverage. You agree to accept financial responsibility for all medical services not covered under the policy.

6.5 Housing

Homestay families, apartment roommates, residence hall staff, and landlords are not employees of USAC. USAC is not responsible for the actions of others in your housing or for theft, assaults, or other incidents arising from or in connection with housing. You must abide by all applicable housing guides, forms, and agreements.

6.6 Passport, Visa, and Travel

USAC has no control over passport or visa requirements, processing times, or entry requirements. You are responsible for researching all immigration and entry requirements and obtaining necessary documentation. USAC does not recommend travel prior to the program start date, as early travel could jeopardize your visa eligibility.

Travel arrangements before, during, and after the program are your sole responsibility. USAC is not responsible for travel delays, changes, or cancellations due to weather, mechanical issues, labor strikes, or other circumstances beyond its control.

6.7 Motor Vehicles

USAC strongly discourages renting or operating motor vehicles, motorbikes, or scooters abroad. If you choose to do so, you must obtain an international driving permit and appropriate auto insurance and comply with all local driving laws. USAC is not responsible for any injury, accident, or fine arising from your operation of a motor vehicle.

6.8 Alcohol and Drugs

USAC prohibits the use of alcohol in any of its activities, excursions, or events. If you choose to consume alcohol independently, you remain responsible for your actions at all times. The use or possession of illegal drugs in any form is not tolerated and is grounds for immediate dismissal from the program.

6.9 Loss or Theft

USAC is not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of any personal property or money, whether from your person, housing, the host institution, or elsewhere. USAC recommends that you obtain insurance for your valuables before departure.

6.10 Sanctions for Policy Violations

Sanctions for violations of the Code of Conduct or other USAC policies vary depending on the circumstances and may include:

• Formal warning
• Suspension from program-related activities
• Removal from program housing
• Dismissal from the program
• Denial of eligibility for future USAC programs

USAC reserves the right to report any incident or conduct to the student’s home institution at its sole discretion.

7. USAC Obligations

USAC agrees to provide the following to enrolled program participants:

• A university-level course of study with grades and credits reported to the student’s home institution in accordance with applicable agreements.
• A mandatory on-site orientation during the student’s first term.
• Assistance in arranging program housing from available options for the duration of the program (subject to program-specific requirements).
• Health insurance coverage designed for students abroad, valid outside the student’s home country for the duration of the program.

8. Privacy, Data, and Consent

8.1 Information Sharing

By enrolling in a USAC program, you understand and agree that USAC may disclose your personal information to third parties, such as your home institution, host institution abroad, and emergency contacts, to the extent necessary to perform its obligations. This may include disclosing relevant administrative, financial, academic, health, and safety information (e.g., securing student placement in host universities, obtaining student housing, arranging field trips and other travel, providing medical information to health care providers in an emergency, and other circumstances) in which USAC determines the disclosure of personal information to the extent necessary is appropriate.

USAC and its representatives may also disclose personal information to outside agencies as required.

To opt out of this information sharing, you must notify USAC in writing at enrollment@usac.edu.

8.2 Student Information Release

You may authorize USAC to include your name, email address, and home institution on a group roster shared with fellow program participants, and/or on past participant lists issued in response to program inquiries from prospective students. Consent for these uses is obtained separately during the enrollment process.

8.3 Marketing and Media

By participating in a USAC program, you consent to USAC and its agents taking and using your quotes, photographs, videos, and recordings of your voice, image, or likeness in all media for any lawful purpose without compensation. Your name and identity may be revealed in connection with such use, and you waive any right, claim, or interest in controlling such use.

If you wish to opt out, submit a written request to studyabroad@usac.edu.

8.4 Scholarship Information

You acknowledge that USAC may release your name, program site and term, home institution, scholarship amount, and related quotes, photos, and videos in connection with scholarship awards.

8.5 Health Information Authorization

To support your health and safety while abroad, you authorize USAC, your health insurance provider, authorized subcontractors, and your host institution abroad to share medical or health information during the program period with USAC, your home institution, and/or your emergency contacts as necessary.

You may revoke this consent at any time before the information has been released by submitting a written request to health@usac.edu.

9. Limitation of Liability and Hold Harmless

By participating in a USAC program, you agree to indemnify, hold harmless, release, and forever discharge USAC as an entity, and all its agents, professors, officers, directors, assistants, and employees (in their individual capacities or by reason of their relationship to USAC), and their successors, from any and all claims and demands—including those of your heirs, representatives, executors, administrators, or any other persons acting on your behalf—arising from any accident, illness, loss of property, injury, or other consequence arising directly or indirectly from your participation in the program, including any travel (whether program-related or not).

Students who participate in optional tours, field trips, internships, or volunteer work do so at their own risk.

10. Travel Insurance

USAC strongly recommends that students purchase independent travel insurance to mitigate financial risk in the event of trip cancellation or interruption. Trip cancellation and interruption benefits can provide reimbursement for pre-paid, non-refundable expenses arising from unforeseen covered events.

Note that CISI trip delay and interruption coverage are already included in your program fee (see Section 5.8). Additional optional travel insurance is available through InsureMyTrip.com, which offers various price points and coverage options. The plan that best coincides with CISI insurance is the Academic Explorer Cancellation and Interruption plan. Travel insurance must be purchased before your departure date; USAC recommends exploring options within two weeks of acceptance. Visit www.insuremytrip.com/education or call 877-266-0741 for more information.

11. Returning Student Discounts

Students who complete a USAC Specialty Program abroad are eligible for a discount on a future Specialty Program abroad. Discounts are based on the term of the completed program:

Terms and conditions for returning student discounts:

• Discounts are based on the student’s term of participation in the initial program.
• Only one discount may be applied at a time; discounts cannot be combined.
• Discounts cannot be applied to the same term in which they are earned.
• Discounts are applied to the first term of a multi-term program (e.g., summer or yearlong).
• Where a student is eligible for both discounts, the larger of the two will be applied first.
• Discounts cannot be applied to Partnership Programs.

12. Educational Deductions and the IRS

Under current regulations, you may be able to deduct some educational expenses from your federal or state tax return under certain conditions. USAC does not provide tax advice. Contact the appropriate tax agency (state or federal) or a qualified tax professional for details specific to your situation.

13. SMS / Text Messaging Terms

USAC may send text (SMS) messages to students and prospective students who have explicitly opted in to receive them. These messages may include program updates, enrollment reminders, deadline notifications, health and safety alerts, and responses to support inquiries. By providing your mobile phone number and opting in to receive text messages from USAC, you agree to the following:

13.1 Consent and Opt-In

By checking the opt-in box, completing a registration or inquiry form that includes SMS consent, or otherwise explicitly consenting to receive text messages, you authorize USAC to send text messages to the mobile number you provided. Consent to receive text messages is not a condition of program admission or participation.

13.2 Message Frequency

Message frequency varies based on your stage in the enrollment process and your interactions with USAC. You may receive messages related to application status, pre-departure deadlines, program reminders, or responses to support inquiries. Message frequency may increase during key enrollment periods.

13.3 Carrier Charges

Message and data rates may apply to any messages sent or received. Please contact your mobile carrier for details on your text messaging plan. USAC is not responsible for any charges incurred through your mobile carrier.

13.4 How to Opt Out

You may opt out of SMS communications at any time by replying STOP. Your opt-out may apply only to the specific number, messaging program, service, area, or department associated with that message. If you have opted in to other USAC SMS communications, you may continue receiving those unless you opt out separately. USAC will send a final confirmation message, and you may re-enroll at any time.

13.5 How to Get Help

If you are experiencing issues with USAC’s messaging program, reply HELP to any message for assistance, or contact USAC directly at studyabroad@usac.edu.

13.6 Carrier Liability

Mobile carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. USAC is not responsible for messages that are delayed or undelivered due to factors outside its control, including carrier issues, network outages, or device compatibility.

13.7 SMS Data Privacy

Your SMS opt-in data, consent records, and mobile number will not be shared with any third-party affiliates, partners, or marketers for commercial or promotional purposes. SMS data is used solely to facilitate communications related to your USAC program or inquiry, consistent with USAC’s Privacy Policy.

14. Modifications to These Terms

USAC reserves the right to update or modify these Terms of Service at any time. Material changes will be communicated via the email address on file in your application and reflected in your Student Gateway account. Continued participation in a USAC program following such notice constitutes your acceptance of the revised terms.

15. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms of Service, together with the Program Agreement, Financial Agreement, Housing Guide, Housing Form, Housing Agreements, Health & Safety Guidelines, Health and Safety Forms, and Visa Guide and Consulate Selection Form (where applicable), constitute the entire agreement between you and USAC. No other understandings or representations, oral or written, shall be deemed to exist or bind the parties.

These Terms shall be construed in accordance with, and governed by, the laws of the State of Nevada. The courts of the State of Nevada, County of Washoe shall have exclusive jurisdiction to adjudicate any dispute arising under or in connection with these Terms or any related agreements.

16. Contact Information

For questions regarding these Terms of Service, please contact USAC at:

University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC)
General Inquiries: studyabroad@usac.edu
Enrollment questions: enrollment@usac.edu
Health & Safety: health@usac.edu

Acknowledgement

By accessing USAC’s websites, submitting an application, or participating in a USAC program, you certify that you have read, understand, and agree to these Terms of Service and all related agreements. You acknowledge that you are of legal age and that this agreement is entered into voluntarily.

These Terms of Service are effective as of July 1, 2026.