Students and a parent/guardian are asked to sign the application agreeing that this will comprise the agreement between SIG/AIFS and its students and their parents.

1. I, and my parents the undersigned, an applicant for the Summer Institute for the Gifted, a program of the American Institute For Foreign Study, Inc. (“SIG/AIFS”), acknowledge that I have read and accept the terms and conditions set forth in the Summer Institute for the Gifted catalog, which are incorporated in this agreement. This agreement is a legally binding contract.
   
   
2. I unconditionally release SIG/AIFS from any claims for damage, injury, loss, or expense of any nature resulting from events beyond its control, including without limitation acts of God, war, strikes, crime, terrorism, sickness or quarantine, government restrictions or regulations. This release also applies to any losses arising from the use of any vehicle or from the selection of, or from any act or omission by, any bus or car rental agency, steamship, airline, railroad, taxi or tour service, hotel service, hotel restaurant, school, university or other firm, agency, company or individual, unless the loss is caused by the gross negligence of SIG/AIFS.
   
   
3. I understand that I am responsible for exercising caution and common sense at all times to avoid injuries, and that SIG/AIFS cannot provide supervision or support during periods of independent travel.
   
   
4. I agree that if I become ill or incapacitated, SIG/AIFS may take such actions as it considers necessary under the circumstances, including securing medical treatment for me. I release SIG/AIFS from any liability relating to this medical care. I also authorize SIG/AIFS to take whatever action it deems to be necessary and in my best interest in the event of political unrest or any other unforeseen event or condition. If SIG/AIFS incurs any expense on my behalf that is not covered by insurance, I (and my parents) agree to make immediate repayment upon my return home.
   
   
5. I will comply with SIG/AIFS’s rules, standards and instructions, and understand that failure to do so may result in being sent home at my (or my parents’) expense, with no refund. I understand that my participation may be terminated if I am expelled from SIG or otherwise disciplined by SIG or civil authorities, or if SIG/AIFS, in its sole discretion, determines that my conduct is unacceptable and incompatible with the interests, harmony, comfort or welfare of other students. I (and my parents) agree to indemnify SIG/AIFS if I do anything that causes SIG/AIFS to sustain financial loss or liability.
   
   
6. Except for change of campus, I understand that SIG/AIFS reserves the right to make changes, cancellations, or substitutions in cases of emergency or changed conditions, or based upon the interest of the group. I understand that, if I leave the program, I will receive refunds on a prorated basis of the unused room and board fees if the host institution refunds these unused fees to the Summer Institute for the Gifted. The program fee portion of the total SIG cost is nonrefundable. If a serious illness prevents the student from attending or completing the session, refunds will be considered on a case by case basis. Requests must be made in writing and include a valid doctor’s note. Requests must be made within 30 days of withdrawing from the program.
   
   
7. If I am not a citizen of the United States, I understand and accept that it is my responsibility to obtain all visas and required documents as a result of my not being a United States citizen in order to enter all the countries on my itinerary and participate in the SIG/AIFS program. Further, (whether I am a U.S. citizen or not) I shall hold SIG/AIFS harmless in the event I cannot obtain the necessary documents for participation in the program.
   
   
8. This agreement will be effective when my application is accepted by SIG/AIFS and shall be governed by the laws of the State of Connecticut, without regard to Connecticut conflict of law rules.
   
   
9. This agreement cannot be modified except in writing by SIG/AIFS.
   
   
10. I agree that any dispute with SIG/AIFS that is not settled informally will be submitted to binding arbitration, to be conducted in substantial accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. The location of the arbitration and identity of the arbitrator will be decided by mutual agreement, with the costs to be shared equally between the parties, and the decision of the arbitrator shall be final. By signing this agreement, I understand that I am giving up my right to have any claim against SIG/AIFS decided in Court before a judge or jury.
    
    
11. References in this agreement to “SIG/AIFS” shall include the American Institute For Foreign Study, Inc., and all of its agents, employees, affiliated companies, campus directors, deans, chaperones, group leaders, teachers, host school and school officials. All references to “parents” of the applicant shall include the legal guardian or other adult who is responsible for the applicant.

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Agreement and Release (to be signed by all applicants)

*All applicants must mail a signed copy of the agreement and release to:

Summer Institute for the Gifted Admissions Office River Plaza, 9 West Broad Street Stamford, CT 06902-3788.