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General Policies

Academic Credit Transfer

As an WVA participant, you are responsible for speaking with the appropriate academic advisors at your home institution to determine how credits earned abroad will be transferred back to your school. Every academic institution has different guidelines and policies, so it is imperative that you speak with yours before applying. Note that the transfer of credits will be decided upon entirely by your home institution. Be familiar with how the courses you take abroad will transfer, rules regarding the transfer of actual grades, fulfilling major/minor requirements, etc., so there are no surprises upon your return. Students who have difficulty transferring academic credit will not be subject to any special refund, and the standard WVA Refund Policy will apply.

Foreign Language Placement Test

The WVA Language Program in Costa Rica requires students to take a foreign language placement exam upon arrival at the program site. Your performance on this exam may determine the classes for which you are eligible. Students who require tutorial before the exam should write to the WVA office at least one week before departure in order to receive tutorial and review grammar problems two days before the exam.

Compliance with the Laws outside the United States

Participants are strongly urged to comply with all laws of the host country. WVA discourages employment by participants during the program, unless proper legal documentation is obtained. Political activities or use of illegal drugs may subject you to significant civil or criminal penalties. If, however, you are determined to engage in such conduct while abroad, you do assume any and all risk and responsibility to attend to the matter at you own expense.

WVA Disciplinary Actions

In the event of a violation of any WVA policy, disciplinary actions may take a variety of forms and can be issued in any combination depending on the violation in question. WVA, at its sole discretion, will determine what action, if any, to take for violation of the policy. Participants will be notified in writing, as soon as practicable, of WVA’s decision. In case of serious misconduct or for the sake of safety, the WVA Resident Director has sole discretion and authority to immediately dismiss any participant from their residence and/or the program. You will not receive a refund or credit for missed activities or events as a result of any disciplinary action.

• WVA is not liable for changes caused by war, terrorism, strikes, inclement weather, or other conditions beyond its control. Classes will not be held on national holidays. No money will be awarded in case of illness, accident or injury.

• WVA does not accept liability for any loss of or damage to personal property at any time during a student's stay in the country, nor to and from the foreign country.

• WVA shall have the right to send home, without refund, at his/her own expense, and without escort, any participant who appears to have abused drugs or alcohol, or participated in any illegal or disruptive conduct.

Refund Policy

This refund policy applies to all requests of withdrawal. Your request to withdraw and receive a refund must be made in writing to WVA. Your refund may be reduced by any additional cost incurred by WVA on your behalf.

1. If you withdraw from the program on or before the original application due date you are eligible for a refund on any payment less $100.

2. If you withdraw from the program after the original application due date but prior to the original payment, you are eligible for a refund on any payment less $150.

3. If you withdraw 1-9 days after the original payment due date, you are eligible for a refund on any payment less $750.

4. If you withdraw 10-20 days after the original payment due date, you are eligible for a refund on any payments less $1250. Summer participants are eligible for a refund on any payments less $1000.

5. If you withdraw 21 or more days after the original payment due date but prior to the final deadline of withdrawal, you are eligible for a refund on any payments less $1750. Summer program participants are eligible for a refund on any payments less $1500.

6. The final deadline to withdraw from any WVA program is 15 days prior to the start date of the program. If you withdraw after this deadline, regardless of the reason for withdrawal, you are not eligible for any refund from WVA.

Signing and returning all documents in your acceptance package is your responsibility.

* By submitting the application forms and fees, you will be acknowledging the acceptance of all the terms and conditions.