Conduct & Behavior

Lafayette students represent the College and are subject to all rules and regulations of their host institution while participating in an abroad program, and are also subject to the laws of the host country. All participants at all times must comply with Lafayette’s rules, standards, and instructions for student behavior defined in the College’s Code of Conduct (see the Student Handbook for specifics).

Lafayette reserves the right to enforce culturally appropriate standards of conduct in another country, and specifically reserves the right to terminate the participation of any student for failure to maintain these standards or for any actions of conduct which Lafayette considers to be incompatible with the interest, harmony, comfort, or welfare of other participants, or is disruptive to the program in general. In particular, either possession/consumption of controlled substances (by US definition, or that of any other country visited) or alcohol impairment/abuse may result in immediate termination from the program. Participation in high-risk activities is also prohibited.  Participants are expected to act responsibly at all times.

Students whose participation in a study abroad program is terminated either by the host institution or by Lafayette College for reasons of misconduct will receive neither credit nor refund. Suspended students must return immediately to the United States, and will bear all expenses related to the changes in itinerary.

Eligibility

Students on Disciplinary Probation Level 1 or Level 2 may not participate on off-campus study programs; additionally, students on DP2 may not apply to off-campus study programs, even if they will be off probation by the program’s start date. If you are placed on Disciplinary Probation Level 1 or Level 2 after applying but before the time of departure, permission to study abroad will be withdrawn and you will be responsible for any financial losses (such as deposits and other fees) incurred to date. Please refer to the Eligibility page for more information.

Nondiscrimination

Lafayette College complies with all applicable federal and state legislation and does not in any way discriminate in educational programs or in employment on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, physical ability, or sexual orientation.

Penalties & Fees for Late Withdrawal

Deposits are non-refundable; should a student withdraw from a program for any reason, the deposit will be lost. Note that paying the program deposit authorizes the provider (whether Lafayette or an affiliated program) to incur expenses on that student’s behalf; should a student withdraw from a program for any reason after paying the deposit, he or she will be responsible for any nonrecoverable expenses. These expenses can include (but are not limited to) airfare, housing fees, and partial or full tuition.

Suspension for Misconduct

Students whose participation in a study abroad program is terminated, either by the host institution or by Lafayette College for reasons of misconduct, will receive neither credit nor refund. Suspended students must return immediately to the United States and will bear all expenses related to the changes in itinerary.

Program Housing

Students are required to live in program-sponsored housing when available through the host institution/program. Students who would like an exception to this policy must submit a petition to the Office of International & Off-Campus Education before making any financial or legal commitments. Filing a petition does not guarantee that a student will be permitted to participate in independent housing.

Financial Policies

You can find the financial policies documents for specific programs below as well as in your study abroad application portal.

Academic Policies

You can find the academic policies document for semester programs below as well as in your study abroad application portal.

Interim Program Academic Policies

All courses taken on interim programs must be taken for a letter grade and are factored into the student’s Lafayette GPA.  Pass/fail grades are not permitted for interim program courses.  Students may not participate in interim courses as unregistered auditors.

The final date to withdraw from an interim program course without a grade is the day before the start of the program.  Students who withdraw from an interim course while the course is in progress will receive a letter grade for the course and must immediately leave the course facilities and return home at their own expense. W grades are not granted for interim program courses.

Where an interim program consists of more than one course, students are required to take both courses.

Students may not enroll in any other courses, including online courses, that are held during the duration of the interim program.

Disclaimer

Lafayette College reserves the right in its sole judgment to amend any policy or program described herein without prior notice to persons who might thereby be affected. At its sole option, the College may suspend or eliminate courses, academic departments, or degree programs; change curricular offerings, graduation requirements, and regulations on standing of students; alter its class schedule and academic calendar; or make changes of any nature whenever in its judgment such changes are desirable for any reason. The provisions of this publication are not to be regarded as an irrevocable contract between the College and the student. Payment of tuition or attendance at any classes shall constitute acceptance by the student of the College’s right as set forth above.