Creative Careers and Global Programs

Global Programs Policies

Withdrawal Prior to or During the Program

Non-Refundable Program Fee: If a student withdraws from a Global Program at any time after formally indicating Commitment in the Global Programs portal, the full Program Fee will be owed. The Program Fee becomes non-refundable at the time of program commitment.

Tuition: While the Program Fee is non-refundable, the student is eligible for a tuition refund for the course or full-term program withdrawal according to ArtCenter’s Tuition Forgiveness Policy below:

  • Prior to start of program 100%
  • Week 1—100% (with a $500 late withdrawal fee)
  • Week 2—80%
  • Week 3— 60%
  • Week 4— 40%
  • Week 5— 20%
  • Week 6— 0%

In a case of program withdrawal, the student must notify ArtCenter Global Programs immediately and in writing. ArtCenter is not responsible for any costs paid directly by the student, including, but not limited to, passport and visa fees, vaccinations, insurance, housing, and transportation costs.

It is the student’s responsibility to complete a Leave of Absence form (if all courses are being dropped) or a Course Drop form (if only the study away course(s) is being dropped) to submit to Enrollment Services as necessary for the term. The date of withdrawal shall be the date of receipt of the appropriate forms by Enrollment Services. The student is required to follow existing ArtCenter policies for Leave of Absence and Course Drop.

If any student stipends or travel scholarships were received, the check or full amounts must be returned to ArtCenter. If the check has already been deposited or cashed by the student, then the student’s account will be charged for the stipend amount.

Withdrawal Due to Medical Reasons: Medical and Psychological Leave Policy

Students who experience a medical emergency or unplanned health issues once the term or travel program has begun may request a Leave of Absence (LOA) Due to a Health Condition (see Leave of Absence Policy). Consultation at the time will occur with the Global Program faculty leader, the Director of Global Programs, and the Associate Provost for Student Affairs (or designee). Immediate arrangements will be made for care of the student with the assistance of the College’s international travel medical insurance program, as necessary. The terms of the College’s Medical and Psychological Leave Policy will apply. The Program Fee is non-refundable, and ArtCenter is not responsible for any costs paid directly by the student, including, but not limited to, passport and visa fees, vaccinations, insurance, housing, and transportation costs. Any refund of tuition will also be subject to the College’s Medical and Psychological Leave Policy.

Program Dismissal

A student who is suspended or dismissed from a Global Program, or who withdraws while under investigation for violation of the Student Code of Conduct will not have their tuition payments refunded. The student will also still owe the entire Program Fee, and ArtCenter will not be responsible for any costs paid directly by the student, including, but not limited to, passport and visa fees, vaccinations, insurance, housing, and transportation costs.

General Program Cancellation

Student safety is of critical importance. The College reserves the right to cancel any exchange or study away program in a location that becomes considered unsafe by Global Programs team and ArtCenter leadership. ArtCenter Global Programs regularly reviews information provided by the U.S. Department of State and monitors other sources, such as announcements from the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) for information about the locations where ArtCenter students are or will be studying.

Should a program cancellation become necessary for safety reasons, an emergency, pandemic, or for other reasons beyond the College’s control prior to student departure, every effort will be made to refund all recoverable costs to participants. The time of program cancellation will determine the actual recoverable costs. The Global Programs team will work to notify students of a potential program cancellation as soon as it is known, so that other academic options may be considered as a back-up.

Should a program cancellation become necessary for safety reasons, an emergency, pandemic, or for other reasons beyond the College’s control, after students have arrived overseas, every effort will be made to refund recoverable costs to the participants. Additionally, the Global Programs office and academic departments will make every effort to facilitate students’ completion of the academic work from the program and, depending on the circumstances, possibly earn the intended academic credit. Whether or not academic credit is possible depends largely on the particular program, the circumstances of the academic work of the program, and the length of time remaining in the program after the official cancellation date. The Financial Aid office will review program cancellations on a case-by-case basis for students who are receiving financial aid.

In the event of program cancellation, ArtCenter is not responsible for any costs paid directly by the student, including, but not limited to, passport and visa fees, vaccinations, insurance, housing, and airfare/transportation costs. In addition, payments made either by ArtCenter or the student directly to a partner institution or any third-party provider are often unrecoverable and cannot be refunded or reimbursed.

Because full refunds are often not possible, students should consider purchasing supplemental trip cancellation insurance. This is at an additional cost and is not a program inclusion. Travelers have the option to purchase additional "Cancel/Interrupt For Any Reason" (CFAR/IFAR) coverage through Cultural Insurance Services International’s (CISI) partner, Travel Insured International, to supplement the existing CISI coverage provided through ArtCenter. This coverage can help protect students’ financial investment under eligible circumstances. Students are encouraged to compare policies.