PROGRAM RELEASE
THIS IS A RELEASE — READ IT CAREFULLY. [1] Each person participating in any program of the International Sustainable Development Studies Institute (“ISDSI”), including but not limited to any ISDSI Study Abroad Program (including but not limited to ISDSI Programs in Thailand) and affiliated or cooperative programs in Chiang Mai, Thailand, or elsewhere (all such programs referred to herein as “ISDSI Programs”), must sign this document. The International Sustainable Development Studies Institute LLC, the Foundation for Experiential Learning, and their international partner organizations, vendors, and affiliates are collectively referred to herein as “ISDSI”. This ISDSI Program Release (“Release”) affects your legal rights as a participant. Read it carefully.
[2] Because of the special nature of any ISDSI Program, including ISDSI Programs based in Chiang Mai, Thailand, anyone planning to study on any ISDSI Program must realize that the details and/or advertised features of the Program are subject to change for reasons beyond the control of ISDSI. I understand that while ISDSI will make reasonable efforts to provide the Program as it has been described to me, unforeseen events may result in a last-minute cancellation of a Program, changes in scheduled activities, or disruption of a Program or activity once it has begun. I understand and agree that ISDSI, as the sponsor of any ISDSI Program, has sole and complete discretion with respect to all aspects of the Program.
[3] ISDSI Programs may include travel and vigorous outdoor activities that entail possible physical and personal risk to me as a participant or observer. Such activities include, by way of example and not as an exhaustive list, hiking, climbing, rappelling, canoeing, wilderness camping, sea kayaking, snorkeling, running, wilderness backpacking, swimming, travel in remote and rugged terrain, living and working in villages, and travel on boats, trains, and buses and other activities. The purpose of the Program is to provide participants challenging, experiential activities requiring problem solving, decision making, self and group awareness, trust, cooperation, care, and consideration of others as a part of its academic goals. The program is not recreational.
[4] I am aware in signing this Release that certain elements of the Program are physically and emotionally demanding, and that not all hazards and dangers associated with the activities of the Program can be foreseen or protected against. I understand that participation in the Program could expose me to any number of possible risks, dangers, and injuries, including fatality, inherent in or related to the activities themselves or due to, for example, acts of God, political unrest, inclement weather, transportation, slipping, falling, insect bites, equipment failure, food allergies, and any and all other circumstances that could possibly be related to an outdoor and/or developing country setting. I also agree it is impossible for ISDSI or the Thailand Program to guarantee the safety of Program participants and I do not expect or require that ISDSI do so.
[5] I understand and acknowledge that inherently there are health risks associated with living and studying in a less developed country, such as Thailand, and I agree that I am personally responsible for obtaining all health information, teaching, medical procedures, immunizations, and prophylactic medications appropriate to my participation in any ISDSI Program. I understand and voluntarily assume all risks, danger, and possibility of injury associated with participation in this Program.
[6] I agree to obey all of the Program’s safety regulations and the directions of the Program activity leaders. I voluntarily assume and accept responsibility for all risks, dangers, and injuries resulting from any failure to obey safety regulations and directions of activity leaders or from the exercise of judgment by such activity leaders made in good faith based on then-existing circumstances. Furthermore, I understand that ISDSI reserves the right to withdraw or dismiss me from the Program if, in their judgment, my personal conduct or academic standing warrants such a step.
[7] I also authorize the program to use photos and videos of me in digital, print, and other formats, as related to promoting, describing, and otherwise related to the program.
[8] I have read and understand this Release is also intended to bind my successors, heirs, representatives, administrators, and assigns. I understand and acknowledge that there are potential dangers in traveling to other countries in the region of the ISDSI Program and that ISDSI cannot and does not guarantee my safety if I choose to travel to other countries. I also understand and acknowledge that it is my responsibility to consult with the United States Consulate regarding the advisability of any travel to any other countries in the region.
[9] I have read and understood the above information and I agree to assume the responsibility for restricting any activities agreed upon and listed above. I assume full responsibility for my health and I certify that I am free of or will notify the Program director of any medical, physical, or emotional conditions which might create undue risk for myself or others. I will exercise good judgment in regard to my own health, safety, and well-being while participating in this Program. If for any reason, I question my ability to participate in any activity, I will tell the leader prior to participation.
[10] I am fully aware of the uncertainties and risks inherent in study in a foreign country, especially a country such as Thailand that is less developed than and without the resources (for example, medical, transportation, communication resources) of the United States. By signing this Release, I agree to accept any and all risks related to my participation in the ISDSI Program and I, on behalf of myself and my successors and assigns, release and hold harmless ISDSI, the International Sustainable Development Studies Institute LLC, the Foundation for Experiential Learning, and any cooperating or affiliated institutions or programs in Chiang Mai, Thailand, or elsewhere, and their officers, directors, owners, shareholders, managers, employees, successors and assigns, representatives, and agents from any and all claims, demands, costs, expenses, attorneys’ fees, and causes of action of any kind for any reason whatsoever, including but not limited to inconvenience, damage to or loss of property, medical or hospital care and expenses, personal illness, injury or death, in any way related to or arising out of my participation in the Program or any activities or travel I undertake during or in connection with the Program, and/or any claim, loss or damage related in any way to the cancellation or disruption of this study abroad program.
[11] Finally, I acknowledge that my withdrawal or departure from the Program prior to its formal completion in no way reduces the cost or relieves me of the obligation of paying the requisite charges for the program. In addition, I understand that no academic credit for the time abroad can be awarded to me if I fail to complete the program.
