2009 Terms and Conditions (Effective November 17, 2008)

GENERAL
The Learning Traveller Inc. is an agent for language schools (referred to herein as partner schools) and offers advice and guidance on studying a foreign language abroad. The Learning Traveller books on your behalf, with your permission, programs and accommodation offered by the partner schools it represents. All bookings are subject to the terms and conditions detailed herein. Any questions about these terms and conditions should be directed to info@learningtraveller.com.

BOOKINGS & CONFIRMATIONS

Bookings are only considered valid after The Learning Traveller has issued a confirmation notice.  This confirmation notice will be issued once The Learning Traveller has received a completed booking form, program deposit and has confirmed space availability in your program of choice.

DEPOSITS & FINAL PAYMENTS

1. A non-refundable program deposit of $300 US/$300 CDN is required and due at the time of booking in order to reserve space in your requested program. 

2.  Full payment must be made 60 days prior to the date of departure.  If the full payment has not been made by the due date shown on your invoice/confirmation The Learning Traveller reserves the right to cancel your booking and impose cancellation charges as outlined below. 

3. For bookings less than 60 days prior to the course start date, full payment is due at that time of application and is payable by check, money order, wire transfer or credit card (Visa or MasterCard).

4. The Learning Traveller reserves the right to alter prices from time to time as required depending on currency exchange rates and partner school pricing changes.

5. Deposits may be made by check, money order or wire transfer.

6. Final payments may be made by check, money order, wire transfer or credit card (Visa or MasterCard).

7. The Learning Traveller reserves the right to levy a service charge for NSF cheques.

CANCELLATIONS
Cancellations prior to departure are subject to the following conditions:

• up to four weeks before the course start date all fees will be refunded less the non-refundable deposit as outlined above
• between two and four weeks before course start date all fees will be refunded less the non-refundable deposit as outlined above and an additional $ 200 US/$200 CDN cancellation fee
• there are no refunds from 2 weeks before the course start date or once the course has commenced

If you must your withdraw from your program after you have arrived due to a personal emergency or other unforeseeable cause, please notify The Learning Traveller in writing as soon as possible prior to withdrawing from the program.  The Learning Traveller will review your claim and, after consultation with the partner school, reserves the right to make the final decision on any refunds.

CHANGES
Changes, both prior to the start date and after commencement of your program, must be submitted to The Learning Traveller in writing and are subject to the following changes:

• Up to four weeks before the course start date, all changes are subject to a $25US/CDN change fee
• From four weeks until the course start date, all changes are subject to a $50US/CDN change fee
• Once the program has commenced, all changes are subject to a $25US/CDN change fee

The Learning Traveller reserves the right to not allow changes. Depending on the nature of the change, additional fees may be levied by the partner school.

Change fees will be added to your final invoice and must be paid prior to the start date. If the full payment, including any change fees, has not been made by the due date shown on your invoice/confirmation The Learning Traveller reserves the right to cancel your booking and impose cancellation changes as outlined above.  Changes made after the course start date are payable upon receipt of The Learning Traveller invoice.

LATE ARRIVALS AND ABSENCES
No refunds or course fee reductions will be granted if you arrive late to a program, depart early or are absent during the program.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Classes that are cancelled due to local or national public holidays will not be made up or refunded. Some programs offer special activities on public holidays. Where two holidays occur in the same week, some partner schools will make up one day. 

ACCOMMODATION AND TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
1. Unless otherwise noted in your confirmation letter, accommodation is available on the Sunday prior to the beginning of the program and up to the Saturday after the last day of the program. If you require accommodation outside of these days you must request this in writing to The Learning Traveller at least 3 weeks prior to the program start date. Every effort will be made to accommodate your request but The Learning Traveller cannot guarantee the availability or location of extra accommodation. There may also be extra costs involved, which you will be informed of in writing.

2. We strongly recommend that you wait to make travel arrangements until your program has been confirmed by our office and you have received a letter of confirmation. TLT is not be responsible for travel costs incurred before you receive the letter of confirmation.

3. If you have requested an airport/train station/bus station pick-up or one is included in your program, you must inform The Learning Traveller of your arrival information at least 2 weeks prior to your program start date.

ORGANIZED EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
The Learning Traveller partner schools offer organized extra curricular activities including sight seeing, social outings and sporting events in addition to those already included in the program. Depending on the activity offered, there may be a cost involved. You are under no obligation to purchase or participate in these extra-curricular activities. However, if you choose to do so, you will be governed by the partner school's terms and conditions.

PASSPORTS, PERMITS & VISAS
1. It is your responsibility to have a valid passport and, where required entry and travel visas. The Learning Traveller can advise you on passport, visa requirements, costs and time frames for application but it is your responsibility to verify this information with the appropriate consulate or embassy.

2. If you require an invitation letter from the partner school you wish to attend in order to apply for a visa, there may be a fee involved. The amount of this fee varies depending on the program and the advance notice of the request. If the original of an invitation letter is necessary, please allow 4 weeks for it to be sent by mail. All costs related to the sending of an invitation letter will be the responsibility of the student. Invitation letters will only be sent to you once full payment of your program fees has been received.

3. Should your visa be declined or be unavailable at the time of your program start date, the terms and conditions of the partner school will apply. These terms and conditions will be provided to you at the time of application.

INSURANCE
We advise all clients to have adequate medical as well as trip interruption and cancellation insurance. Many programs will not accept clients without proof of purchase of adequate medical insurance. For more information about insurance, please visit our insurance page . Please note: TLT is not responsible in any way for loss, theft or damage to your personal property.

BEHAVIOUR
You are expected to behave in a respectful manner while studying and travelling abroad as well as comply with the policies of the partner school , including third party tour operators and program coordinators. In the event of unacceptable behaviour or violation of the laws of the country in which the language program is taking place, The Learning Traveller reserves the right to cancel your participation in the program and send you home, without escort or refund from the partner school and accommodation. The return trip will be at your own expense.

UNDER 18
Participants under the age of 18, as well as their parents or legal guardians, may be asked to sign Student Conduct and Parental Permission forms.  These must accompany applications when requested in the Application Instructions. 

LIABILITY
1. While participating in any of our partner school programs you may be exposed to certain risks which may include, but are not limited to, accident and/or sickness without readily available medical facilities, the forces of nature, and acts of war. By signing The Learning Traveller terms and conditions you are acknowledging and assuming these risks.

2. You also waive any liability against The Learning Traveller, its directors, owners and employees, for any injury, loss, damage, accident, expense or delay caused by or related to means of transportation or accommodation (including host families). You understand that you are travelling under you own responsibility (if a minor, your parents or guardians assume this responsibility) and you release The Learning Traveller, its directors, owners and employees from any liability related to health and safety.

3. The Learning Traveller is responsible for providing comprehensive information about the programs and accommodations provided by its partner language schools. In the event that the programs and accommodations described cannot be provided due to causes beyond the control of The Learning Traveller, all reasonable efforts will be made to provide comparable programs and accommodations. If, due to insufficient enrolment, a program has to be cancelled, The Learning Traveller shall only be responsible for reimbursing you the amount paid for the program, excluding any transportation expenses, and will not be liable for any consequential damages.

GRIEVANCES
If you are unsatisfied with any aspect of your program you must inform The Learning Traveller in writing as soon as possible. The Learning Traveller will make every effort to resolve the problem but reserves the right to refuse a refund if you choose to not accept a reasonable solution offered to you by the partner school or The Learning Traveller. Any issues outside the control of The Learning Traveller or the partner school will not be considered for refund.

ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Your signature on this form signifies full acceptance of The Learning Traveller terms and conditions.

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Signature of Applicant*                    Print Name                      Date

*If the applicant is under 18, the signature or a parent or legal guardian is required

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Signature of Parent/Guardian**                  Print Name                      Date

**In the event of a joint/shared custody arrangements, both parents must sign