LA&PS Study Abroad Program Policies

Before travelling, it is important that all our students understand the program policies and that you are aware of how to stay safe while you are abroad. Please review this information carefully to understand what is expected of you while travelling and studying internationally.

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About Program Policies

All students participating in the LA&PS Summer Study Abroad Program are expected to adhere to York University’s Code of Student Rights & Responsibilities, and are also protected by the Code, while they are abroad. In addition, there are various program policies that students must comply with while they are participating in study abroad courses. Please review the policies below and familiarize yourself with them prior to applying to a study abroad course.

Admissions

Course admissions are based on students’ individual qualifications and are not guaranteed. There are limited places available in each course, and courses typically receive many more applications than there are places available. Admission decisions are at the discretion of the Course Director and/or department chairs, not the Study Abroad Coordinator. For questions about admissions to specific courses, please connect with the Course Director and ensure that you are familiar with the program eligibility requirements.

Academics and Attendance

LA&PS Summer Study Abroad courses are intensive, condensing either a semester (3.0 credits) or academic year’s (6.0 credits) worth of learning into a much shorter period of time. Students are expected to fully participate in their course and attend every class and excursion, both in Toronto and abroad. Unless they receive special permission from the Course Director, students are not permitted to arrive late or leave early from their study abroad course. Unless the Course Director has indicated that the classes in Toronto prior to departure will take place online, students are expected to attend each of these classes in person. Major issues regarding attendance may result in a student’s dismissal from the study abroad program.

Arrive to class on time and stay for the duration of the class.
Come to class prepared having done any required readings or assignments.
Follow York University’s policies on the use of cell phone and electronic devices in classrooms, food consumption in classrooms, and other expectations regarding respectful and appropriate behaviour.
Given the intensive nature of study abroad courses, students may not participate in more than one summer course at a time. Students are expected to be fully present and participatory in their study abroad course, and as such enrolling in other summer courses at the same time, even if they are remote, is not permitted. Similarly, participation in other activities such as remote work, internships, or research, is highly discouraged while students are participating in a study abroad course.

If a student cannot attend a class or excursion due to illness, they must inform the Course Director as soon as possible. If the illness is prolonged, a doctor’s note may be required.
If a student cannot attend a class or excursion due to a religious observance, they must inform the Course Director in advance about which days of the program they will miss. The Course Director and Study Abroad Coordinator will work together to find appropriate accommodations given the circumstances.
If a serious event beyond the student’s control arises that impacts their ability to participate fully in the program, they must inform the Study Abroad Coordinator and Course Director as soon as possible. Such situations will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and accommodations may be possible.

A multi-ethnic group of college age students are working on computers in the lab during a university class.

Student Behaviour

All students participating in the LA&PS Summer Study Abroad Program are expected to behave in a kind and respectful manner towards others at all times. Inappropriate and disrespectful behaviour towards fellow classmates, staff at accommodations and other partners abroad, course director, or LA&PS staff will not be tolerated and may result in the student’s dismissal from the program. Students are expected to communicate politely and constructively, and not create hostile environments amongst the group.

Any students with concerns about the behaviour they are receiving or witnessing from classmates should inform the Course Director and/or Study Abroad Coordinator immediately so that the situation can be dealt with.

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Student Responsibility

Students participating in the LA&PS Summer Study Abroad Program are expected to be responsible for their own pre-departure preparations, which will help them develop self-reliance and resilience abroad. As such, all communications regarding their program participation should be done by the students themselves and not by parents or guardians. In the event of an emergency or serious incident abroad, the student’s emergency contacts will be contacted as soon as possible and will be in regular communication with LA&PS staff.

two students looking at each other and smiling

Guests

Students are not allowed to host guests (family, friends, or partners) while they are participating in LA&PS Summer Study Abroad courses. Additionally, students are under no circumstances permitted to host overnight guests at their provided accommodations, especially if the accommodations are shared with other students. If students wish to have time with guests while they are abroad, this must be scheduled either before or after the course dates so that their full attention can be on the course.

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Accommodations Abroad

Accommodations abroad are provided for every student participating in a LA&PS Summer Study Abroad course, with the cost of accommodations being included in the Program Fee. Students are not permitted to stay in their own accommodations (Airbnb, hotel, hostel, etc.) while participating in a study abroad course, and are not permitted to host guests in their provided accommodations. Students are expected to adhere to all rules and policies outlined by their accommodations provider, and failure to do so may result in removal from the study abroad program.

All efforts are made to accommodate students according to their preferences. Any students with concerns about their accommodations due to dietary, allergy, religious, or disability-related reasons should connect with the Study Abroad Coordinator in advance of the start of their course so that any required accommodations can be made.

Students are financially responsible for any damage to their accommodations, or items within their accommodations such as furniture or cutlery, incurred during their time abroad. Similarly, students are financially responsible for the replacement of lost items such as apartment keys. As such, students should treat their accommodations and associated items with care as they would with their own homes.

Independent Travel

Students participating in LA&PS Summer Study Abroad courses are permitted to travel independently during their free time. If a course includes weekends or consecutive days off, students may travel to other cities or towns within their destination country, so long as they inform their Course Director and Study Abroad Coordinator ahead of time. Students are not advised to travel outside of their destination country in case of travel disruptions which may affect their course participation.

Students are required to participate in all classes and planned excursions, and skipping or missing these inclusions due to independent travel is not permitted.

Vehicle Rental and Driving Abroad

York University and the LA&PS Summer Study Abroad Program do not endorse or advise the rental and driving of any vehicles while abroad for the duration of a program. Vehicles include cars, camper vans, mopeds, motorcycles, and scooters. Accommodations have been arranged in locations that are conducive to walking and taking place transit to class and excursion locations.

Attending Political Gatherings

Students are not permitted to attend any political gatherings, such as protests or demonstrations, while they are participating in LA&PS Summer Study Abroad courses. Even gatherings that appear to be peaceful can quickly become violent or out of control. Depending on which country the course is taking place in, the participation of foreigners in political demonstrations may also be illegal or carry fines. If students learn of or see a protest, they should avoid the area until the demonstrators have moved on.

Alcohol and Drug Use

All students participating in the LA&PS Summer Study Abroad Program should be aware of the risks of consuming alcohol and drugs in their program country, including the legal implications. Drinks may be stronger in different countries, and students should be cognizant of this if they choose to order alcohol. Students may consume alcohol if they are of legal age and if it is culturally appropriate to do so but should do so responsibly and with their safety in mind. Inappropriate behaviour stemming from alcohol consumption may result in a student’s dismissal from their program.

Drug use is prohibited while students are participating in a study abroad course. The laws against recreational drug use may be much harsher in program countries than in Canada and could result in arrest or a large fine. Any student found to be in possession of recreational drugs while on a program will be immediately dismissed from their course with no refunds given.

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Dismissal from Program

Any student that is dismissed from their program for any of the reasons outlined above will not receive a refund of their program fee or course credit.

Questions?

Any questions about these policies can be directed to the Study Abroad Coordinator at studyabr@yorku.ca.