Policies

A full description of SAI’s policies are contained in the document below. This includes application, payment, cancellation and withdrawal policies, code of conduct, on-site policies, and health and safety. Please note that all policies are subject to change. Upon submitting an application to SAI, you agree to SAI’s policies.

SAI Policies
(updated March 2024)

Below are SAI’s most referenced policies.

Please note that SAI cancellation policies may differ for students attending SAI programs from a home school that has a billing arrangement with SAI (in which student’s partial or full SAI payment is made to their home school instead of SAI).

Undergrad, Gap, High School & Career Programs

Check-in day is considered the start of the term. The application fee and confirmation deposit are not refundable at any time. Further program cost liability is based on the date on which SAI receives a cancellation request using the online SAI Cancellation & Deferment Request Form. If a cancellation request is received 76 or more days before check-in day, a full refund is provided (minus the non-refundable confirmation deposit and application fee). If a cancellation request is received 75 days or less before check-in day, students are liable for the following penalties:

  • 75 – 45 days before the start of term: 30% of the program cost
  • 44 – 8 days before the start of term: 50% of the program cost
  • 7 days or less before the start of term: 100% of the program cost

Program cost includes all costs associated with enrollment (including program add-ons and any optional or additional fees).

Please note that failure to meet any travel requirement, including obtaining a passport or visa, is not considered grounds for a refund of SAI program fees.

Enrollment Deferment
Students who have confirmed their enrollment with payment of program deposit/s may defer their enrollment to a future term that starts within one calendar year of the original term by submitting a non-refundable $150 deferment deposit, to be applied toward the future term’s tuition fee. To request a deferment, the online SAI Cancellation & Deferment Request Form must be received 76 days or more prior to the original program start date. Students who subsequently cancel their enrollment for the term to which they deferred are liable for the enrollment cancellation penalty of higher value (either the original or current term).

Housing-Only Cancellation
If a student chooses to cancel their Housing Request to seek independent housing, the following cancellation policy applies, based on the date that SAI receives the Independent Housing Request Form. Please note that by withdrawing from housing, students relinquish any access to SAI housing throughout the program.

  • 76 days or more before the start of term: student receives an 85% reduction in housing services cost.
  • 75 days or less before the start of term: student is liable for 100% of the housing services cost.

Program Cancellation
SAI does not determine course offerings abroad nor is SAI responsible for course or program cancellations made by host schools. The host schools reserve the right to cancel courses/programs up to four weeks prior to the start of the term should the minimum number of required students for a course or program not be met. If a course/program is canceled prior to program start, students will be offered an alternate course/program. In certain circumstances SAI may be able to offer a deferment on enrollment, allowing students to register for a future term. However neither SAI nor the host schools are responsible for any fees incurred due to program cancellation (including airfare charges). For this reason, SAI strongly recommends that students always select an alternate course/program and/or purchase travel and tuition insurance.

Should a program be canceled because of Acts of God, war, terrorism, strikes or other labor actions, acts of government authorities, acts by persons who are not employees of SAI Programs, pandemics, epidemics or other health threats after the program start date, no refund amount can be guaranteed, although SAI Programs will make reasonable efforts to seek refunds from third parties for costs not yet incurred.

Master’s & Postgrad Programs

Orientation day is considered the start of the term. The application fee and confirmation deposit are not refundable at any time. Further program cost liability is based on the date on which SAI receives a cancellation request using the online SAI Cancellation & Deferment Request Form. If a cancellation request is received 46 or more days before the start of the term, a full refund is provided (minus the non-refundable application fee and confirmation deposit). If a cancellation request is received 45 days or less before the start of the term, students are liable for the following penalties:

  • 45 – 30 days before the start of term: 10% of the program cost
  • 29 – 8 days before the start of term: 50% of the program cost
  • 7 days or less before the start of term: 100% of the program cost

If either the Consulate refuses a student visa (written proof required), the host school cancels a course, or if a student has applied for a loan and been denied (written proof required) $1,000 of the Confirmation Deposit will be refunded. $500 of the confirmation deposit is not refundable.

SAI does not determine course offerings abroad nor is SAI responsible for course or program cancellations made by host schools. The host schools reserve the right to cancel courses/programs should the minimum number of required students for a course or program not be met, up to:

  • Elisava: two weeks prior to the start of the term
  • All others: four weeks prior to the start of the term

In certain circumstances SAI may be able to offer a deferment on enrollment, allowing students to register for a future term. However neither SAI nor the host schools are responsible for any fees incurred due to program cancellation (including airfare charges). For this reason, SAI strongly recommends that students purchase travel and tuition insurance.

Should a program be canceled because of Acts of God, war, terrorism, strikes or other labor actions, acts of government authorities, acts by persons who are not employees of SAI Programs, pandemics, epidemics or other health threats after the program start date, no refund amount can be guaranteed, although SAI Programs will make reasonable efforts to seek refunds from third parties for costs not yet incurred.

Refunds for Enrollment Cancellation: Refunds are issued within 4 weeks of enrollment cancellation, in the same form the payment was made (check, credit card, or e-check). Refund checks are issued to the student (unless requested otherwise), while credit card and e-check refunds are issued to the card used for the payment.

Refunds for Security Deposits: Security deposits, less any charges, are refunded within 90 days of program completion. Students are invoiced for any charges that exceed the amount of the security deposit. Security deposit refunds are issued via a mailed check made out to the student. In the event that a refund check must be re-issued, a $30 re-issue fee is deducted from the replacement check.

Returned Payments: Payments made via check or e-check that are returned will be charged a $25 fee for processing.

As a student enrolled in a SAI program, you are expected to conduct yourself in a respectful manner that contributes to a positive experience for the entire community. As a representative of your home school, and of your native country, your conduct abroad plays a significant role in cross-cultural understanding. SAI encourages setting goals for yourself in order to achieve the best academic, cultural and personal study abroad experience possible.

A successful study abroad program includes:

  • Participating in cultural activities, field trips, excursions and workshops offered by SAI or host school;
  • Being prepared — familiarizing yourself with your surroundings, learning how to pronounce your address and how to use your apartment keys, etc.;
  • Getting involved in the local community by joining a local sports team or musical group, attending community service events, religious ceremonies, etc.;
  • Being respectful of the local culture and traditions, learning the language; and
  • Active and regular participation in courses and academic activities.

As a SAI student, you agree to the following conduct measures:

  • Attend any mandatory SAI or host school events and activities;
  • Abide by all local laws and public health protocols;
  • Maintain full time academic status (where applicable);
  • Adhere to all SAI and host school rules and regulations;
  • Inform SAI staff of any occurrences that may impact individual and group health, welfare and safety, and/or academics;
  • Complete the SAI Independent Travel Form whenever leaving host city overnight; and
  • Abide by the SAI 12:00am curfew imposed during the first 48 hours after program arrival day.

SAI reserves the right to place a student on probation and/or to dismiss a student from the program on the basis of conduct that causes concern for the student’s safety and well-being, or the safety and well-being of others. Information regarding conduct found to be disruptive to the SAI program may be released to your home institution’s study abroad office. The President of SAI has the authority to make the final decision on a participant’s dismissal from the program.

Concerning conduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • Violation of local laws;
  • Violation of host school or SAI housing rules and regulations;
  • Actions that, in the opinion of SAI, jeopardize your welfare or the welfare of others;
  • Damage to, or destruction of, school, residence, or student property;
  • Reckless or dangerous behavior;
  • The use of threats or physical violence;
  • Excessive alcohol consumption, substance abuse or use of illegal drugs (see Substance Abuse below);
  • Sexual misconduct and harassment; and
  • Excessive absence from classes and academic activities.

Substance Abuse
SAI has a zero-tolerance policy regarding excessive alcohol consumption, drug abuse and illegal drug use, both publicly and privately. If, by any means, SAI becomes aware that you have engaged in excessive consumption of alcohol or use of illegal drugs, you will be immediately subject to probation or expulsion from the program. SAI strongly encourages you to avoid situations in which excessive alcohol consumption and/or drug use is present.