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Cancellation and Withdrawal Policies


SPU Program Cancellation

Student safety is of critical importance. SPU Study Abroad regularly reviews safety-related information about the countries where study abroad programs occur, including information provided by the U.S. Department of State and announcements from the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC). While international travel inevitably involves risk, SPU strives to promote the security of all study abroad participants and to avoid locations that present a serious threat to student safety.

In rare cases, for safety-related or other reasons, SPU may determine that it is advisable to adjust or cancel a particular program. SPU reserves the right to change the itinerary of activities for a program or cancel a program entirely at any time. Participants will be notified promptly of any such changes. If SPU cancels the program, SPU will attempt to refund recoverable expenses to participants. However, there can be no guarantee that any refund will be available. The time of program cancellation may determine the amount of recoverable costs, and, the closer the program is to the start date the less likely that many costs will be recoverable. In no event will the $50 application fee or the $300 administrative fee be refundable.

Because full refunds are often not possible, SPU strongly encourages students to consider purchasing travel insurance for trip interruption or cancellation. Such travel insurance can be obtained through many travel agents or insurance companies. Policies vary on what triggers trip cancellation coverage, so students should check with travel insurance providers for more details. For more information, students may contact the SPU Study Abroad.

If SPU cancels a program after students have already arrived at the program location, SPU will attempt to help students complete the course or find an alternative way to obtain the academic credit. The degree to which this is possible depends largely on the circumstances of the particular program, including the length of time remaining in the program after the official cancellation date.

Student Withdrawals

Once you have been accepted to a study abroad program and make your initial deposit, we consider you to be committed to the program and will begin to make travel arrangements on your behalf. If you must withdraw from your study abroad program, please carefully read the information contained in the program-specific link below and complete the necessary steps for withdrawal. The withdrawal date is considered the date (business day) your withdrawal notification is received by SPU Study Abroad.

  • It's important to consider that withdrawing from a study abroad program may have financial consequences and that you will be held to the terms and conditions of all contracts and documents signed.
  • In all cases the $50 application fee and $300 deposit are non-refundable.
  • As withdrawal consequences are dependent on your particular program and withdrawal date, please carefully read the terms of participation & withdrawal policy for your particular type of study abroad option.

To read the full program withdrawal policies, please click on the links below:

Withdrawal Policy for SPU Programs

Withdrawal Policy for Partner and Non-Partner Programs

Petition for Emergency Withdrawal

If you cannot participate in a SPU faculty-led program due to physical and/or mental debilitation, death or serious illness in the immediate family, severe financial hardship or other extenuating circumstances beyond your control before or while participating on a SPU study abroad program you can submit a Petition for Emergency Withdrawal. If granted, the emergency withdrawal may allow for full or partial relief from your financial obligations to the program.

Emergency Withdrawal Petition Form.pdf