Health & Safety
The primary focus of KEI conduct policy is the health and safety of students while abroad. Above all, KEI students are expected to behave in a responsible manner and to exercise caution and common sense at all times to avoid injuries and harm to themselves and other participants in the program.
Furthermore, students are expected to obey the rules and laws of the host institution and host country, and be aware of differences in culture and norms of behavior. KEI participants are often seen as “student ambassadors” by their host institution and community, and should conduct themselves accordingly.
The information and advice provided by KEI Program Managers and KEI publications should serve as a guide in preparing students for their program abroad. However, KEI literature and staff should not be the only source of information.
It is the student’s responsibility to seek other sources of information, and to research and understand issues related to their host location, including safety, health, political, cultural and religious conditions.
While KEI provides on-site support and guidance, it is not possible to monitor student behavior at all times. Therefore, it is the student’s responsibility to behave in a sensible and cautious manner during the term of study.
Each KEI student must be an informed, aware and cautious participant when making everyday choices and decisions. Actions that jeopardize safety of the student and/or safety of other students will not be tolerated and will be addressed immediately.
Reckless behavior may result in probation and dismissal from the program, according to the terms outlined below.
Medical & Travel Insurance
Medical and travel insurance is mandatory for all KEI participants. KEI will arrange medical and travel insurance for the duration of the program. It is the student’s responsibility to familiarize him/herself with the medical and travel insurance policy arranged by KEI, including the limitations of this policy.
Students who want to purchase additional coverage should do so prior to departure for the program.
Students who do not want to participate in the insurance policy organized by KEI must inform KEI in writing (fax or mail) before the enrollment deadline and send proof of alternate medical and travel insurance during their program abroad.
KEI is not responsible for obtaining medical care for students, nor is KEI responsible for dealing with insurance claims after medical service has been provided. Students are expected to prepare for their trip and make necessary arrangements for medical care, services and treatment.
Drugs & Alcohol
Alcohol and drug consumption is subject to the laws of the host country. Students are required to accept responsibility for their own actions. If a student violates the laws of the host country, KEI cannot and will not intercede on the student’s behalf.
In most cases the US Consulate will also refrain from helping students that violate laws on illegal drug use and possession. In addition, KEI may place students on probation or dismiss students from the program for excessive consumption of alcohol and use or possession of illegal drugs, as determined by KEI staff.
Attendance
Students are expected to attend classes and participate in planned group meetings with the KEI On-Site Coordinator. In general, excessive unexcused absences, as determined by KEI staff and the host institution, may result in failing grades and/or dismissal from the program.
Each host institution establishes attendance policies, and it is the students’ responsibility to become familiar with and adhere to the attendance policy of the host institution.
Grade Disputes
All grade disputes are the sole responsibility of the student. KEI will assist students in contacting the host institution and faculty, but has no authority to change grades without written consent of the host institution. All grade disputes must be resolved before transcript documentation is issued by the host institution to avoid additional mail and transcript charges.
Housing
Students must conform to the housing rules and regulations. Failure to abide by the housing rules and/or inappropriate conduct may result in disciplinary action on the part of the host institution, family, landlord and/or KEI.
Students asked to leave the assigned housing by their host due to misconduct, but allowed to remain in the program at the discretion of KEI, will have to vacate the assigned housing and find other housing for the duration of the program. In such an event, the security deposit will not be refunded and the student will be responsible for any additional costs incurred by KEI as a result of the housing change.
Utility Usage KEI will cover all reasonable utility expenses during the program so that students do not have to deal with local utility companies. Reasonable expenses are based on the average utility usage of a local resident, rather than what American students may be accustomed to. However, students who incur utility charges above and beyond what is deemed reasonable by KEI will be responsible for paying the excess charges. These costs will be deducted from the students security deposit. If the deposit does not cover all charges, the student will be billed accordingly. KEI reserves the right to hold the security deposit until all utility bills have been reviewed and settled.
Meals
Meals are not included in most KEI programs to allow for flexibility in dining habits. KEI programs that are located in more remote regions and that have intensive travel components provide a partial meal plan. Meal plans typically include 3 meals per day; breakfast, lunch and dinner. Students who select the home-stay option (available with some KEI programs) are also provided with at least one meal per day, although most host families provide two meals per day. Refunds are not available for students who do not want to participate in the meal plan.
Students with special diets should inform KEI in writing before the enrollment process. KEI will use this information to provide advice on local cuisine, restaurants and shops so that students can better prepare for their trip. KEI is not responsible for providing specialty foods. Students with special diets are expected to make necessary arrangements on their own.