Participant Agreement

We at EDU Africa are committed to the health and safety of all participants who embark on our learning journeys in Africa. To ensure your own safety and the safety of others, we require all program participants to agree to the code of conduct outlined in the below participant agreement.

EDU Africa agrees to promote the protection of any personal information collected in relation to this form. We deem this information necessary for the legitimate interests pursued by EDU Africa and for protecting participants and the company from potential travel-related risks, and will only use it as such.

THIS IS A LEGAL DOCUMENT THAT INCLUDES A RELEASE OF LIABILITY.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING

In order to be permitted to participate in the EDU Africa program, I hereby understand, agree, and represent that:

1. I will adhere to the program timetable.
   Participants are expected to follow the prescribed program timetable and be in attendance as required in order to meet the requirements for successful completion. Details of compulsory and optional segments of the program are well highlighted within the information provided both before the program starts and on arrival.
2. I agree to observe my personal conduct and be culturally sensitive at all times. I will adhere to the guidance of my program facilitator regarding attitude, appearance, and dress code.
   All participants are expected to behave responsibly and in such a manner that their actions or words are respectful of other cultures and do not equate to hate speech or any form of prejudice. Students are required to be well-kept and dress appropriately for each day of their program. Some African communities, particularly those in peri-urban or rural areas, are very conservative. While many of these areas have exposure to Western culture and dress codes, participants are encouraged to be considerate of the traditionally conservative dress codes by covering shoulders and knees, and not wearing clothing that is revealing.
3. I will adhere to EDU Africa’s policy on alcohol, smoking, and illicit drugs.
    3.1 The consumption of alcohol is limited only to persons aged 18 and above, in accordance with the laws of our countries of operation. If the age limit is higher in the participant’s home country (e.g. age 21 in the USA), that higher restriction will be adhered to.
   • • Students are to stick to the legal age limit requirements and drink responsibly so as to conduct themselves in a manner that is not obstructive to the progress of the program.
     • The consumption of alcohol is prohibited on all modes of transport.
     • The consumption of alcohol is prohibited in public spaces where no liquor license is held.

   3.2. Smoking is limited only to persons aged 18 and above, in accordance with the laws of our countries of operation. EDU Africa implores those who smoke to adhere to the regulations pertaining to smoking in public areas. If the age limit is higher in the participant’s home country (e.g. age 21 in the USA), that higher restriction will be adhered to.

   • • Smoking is prohibited on all modes of transport and within accommodation facilities.
     • Smoking is only permitted in designated areas.

   3.3 Possession, use, and abuse of illicit drugs or any other banned substances are strictly forbidden irrespective of the age of the individual involved while they are participating in a program.

4. I will adhere to EDU Africa’s policies regarding sexual conduct, harassment, and assault.
   At EDU Africa, we firmly believe that sexual harassment or assault in any form, whether it be verbal, physical, cyber, or any other type of behavior, is unacceptable. This applies to all individuals and in any setting, including program designers, facilitators, lecturers, EDU Africa staff, and third-party providers. Romantic or sexual relationships between participants and EDU Africa staff are prohibited. Participants are advised against forming romantic relationships with each other during their programs as this may disrupt their capacity to engage well. Additionally, responsible behavior is encouraged to promote personal sexual health and manage risks such as increased susceptibility to abuse due to irresponsible use of alcohol and drugs, and engaging in sexual intimacy with strangers without taking precautions.
5. I agree to be flexible and willing to adapt to differences or changes made to the program itinerary. In line with this, I acknowledge that delays and alterations and their results (such as inconvenience, discomfort, or disappointment) are possible.
   While EDU Africa makes every effort to ensure that all facilities and program activities are available as specified in the program itinerary, participants need to bear in mind that some situations are beyond EDU Africa’s control and adjustments may need to be made to ensure the continued running of the program. Changes in itinerary may be caused by local political conditions, flight cancellations, mechanical breakdown, weather, border restrictions, sickness, or other circumstances, unforeseen or otherwise. No refunds will be given for services not utilized.
6. I agree to respect my surroundings and the property of others.
   Participants are expected to show respect for all persons and properties that they come into contact with on their program, including but not limited to persons and facilities at accommodations, site visits, institutions, restaurants, and transport services. Participants may not cause damage to public property or the property of other persons.
7. I agree to adhere to EDU Africa’s emergency communication policy.
   In the event of an incident or emergency, program participants should immediately contact the faculty member/group leader/program facilitator on the ground. If none of these are available, participants should use the local EDU Africa emergency number to contact the EDU Africa office for assistance. If ambulance, fire, or police emergency contact details are displayed/available, students may use these to call for the appropriate help. If that fails, they should contact the study abroad advisor/contact from their home institution, before contacting any other parties. Participants are advised not to use social media as a communication method in the event of an adverse incident relating to the program. If a participant wishes to leave the program of their own accord, this needs to be communicated to the group leader and the EDU Africa program facilitator in writing before the participant is permitted to leave.
8. I acknowledge that I have been advised to consult my medical practitioner before traveling to my destination.
   I confirm that I am aware of the required and/or recommended immunizations, inoculations, or medical preventative measures necessary to travel to my destination/s. I will ensure any medication I need to travel with is legal in the country I will be visiting. 
9. I acknowledge that views and laws on gender and sexual diversity vary by country.
   I understand that every culture within a country tends to have its own comprehension of sexuality. I, therefore, agree to take the responsibility to conduct the relevant research on the customs, norms, and laws around gender and sexual diversity in the country/countries that I am traveling to. Furthermore, I acknowledge the responsibility to not compromise my safety by violating cultural norms or the laws of the land.
10. I certify that I am medically able to participate in the program.
    I certify that I am medically fit to participate in the program, and my health will not pose a risk to others. I certify that I do not have any underlying medical conditions (such as diabetes, hypertension, immune system disorder, or kidney, heart, or lung disease) that may increase my risk of severe illness with Notifiable Medical Conditions. If I have any such, I agree to show documented proof from a registered medical practitioner that I have been cleared for travel and advised of the associated risks that I will incur of my own accord. I am aware of all my physical and mental health needs and I certify that I am capable and prepared to meet those needs to the best of my ability. I acknowledge my responsibility to inform my home institution and EDU Africa of any physical or mental health support needs before traveling.
11. I am aware that I am required to secure personal medical insurance while participating in the EDU Africa program.
    If I am injured or become ill, EDU Africa or its agents may secure hospitalization and/or medical treatment on my behalf and I shall be responsible for paying all expenses related thereto. EDU Africa is not obligated to pay for medical treatment or hospital care before, during, or after I participate in the program. Furthermore, EDU Africa is not responsible for the quality of treatment or care in cases where hospitalization and/or medical treatment need to be secured. I acknowledge responsibility for ensuring that my medical insurance also covers any illnesses related to Notifiable Medical Conditions. I acknowledge that if I choose not to take out relevant medical insurance, I must be prepared to directly cover any such expenses as stated above should they arise while I travel.
12. I acknowledge that there are inherent dangers and health risks associated with the program and travel activities that no amount of care, caution, instruction, or expertise can eliminate.
    Participants are advised to take precautions in unfamiliar areas and should not venture out on their own to participate in events that have not been endorsed as permissible in their program. EDU Africa is not responsible for any health risks, injuries, damages, or losses beyond its control.
13. I grant EDU Africa, its representatives, and employees the right to take photographs and/or video material of me and my property during the program.
    Any likeness or image of myself secured or taken on any of EDU Africa’s programs may be used by EDU Africa without charge in all media (whether now existing or in the future invented) for bonafide promotional or marketing purposes, including, without limitation, promotional materials of any kind; such as brochures, slides, video shows, and the internet. I understand that I may revoke this consent at any time by writing to info@edu-africa.com. However, I acknowledge that revocation will not affect any photographs and/or videos already in use or circulation at the time of revocation.
14. I authorize EDU Africa, its representatives, and employees to copyright, use, and publish images/videos shared by me with EDU Africa in print and/or electronically.
    I expressly waive any rights I may have now, or in the future, to any revenue made by EDU Africa due to the use of such images/videos.
15. I acknowledge that EDU Africa will accept liability for the willful negligence of its own employees or agents causing direct or physical injury to program participants only to the extent that it is obliged to do so under the relevant country’s law.
    EDU Africa cannot be held responsible for any other mishap, accident, or force majeure to participants or their property, and in particular for the consequences or effects of flight cancellations, strikes, wars, robbery, riots, sickness, quarantine, acts of civil disobedience, government intervention or other such happenings. Participants traveling on vehicles owned by EDU Africa are covered by passenger liability insurance and by participating in this program you acknowledge that EDU Africa has taken all responsible steps to safeguard its liability in this respect. Participants are strongly advised to obtain insurance against any other possible risk (including any disruptions related to the impact of Notifiable Medical Conditions) that may occur and in particular, to ensure that sufficient insurance provision has been obtained in respect of any dependents and/or relatives.
16. I acknowledge that EDU Africa shall not be liable for any damages caused by the total or partial failure to carry out the program if such failure is:
    16.1 Attributable to the passenger; or16.2 Unforeseeable or unavoidable and attributable to a 3rd party unconnected to the company; or16.3 A result of unusual or unforeseeable circumstances beyond the control of the company such as strikes, war, civil or political unrest, quarantine restrictions, acts of civil disobedience, government action, or what is usually known as “force majeure”; or16.4 A result of an event that the company and its agents, even with all due care, could not foresee or forestall.Where EDU Africa is found to be liable for damages in respect of its failure to carry out the program, the participant will be compensated accordingly. Any independent arrangements that a participant makes which are not part of the program are entirely at their own risk.
17. I agree to uphold standards of academic integrity during this program and understand that plagiarism is a punishable offense.
18. I agree to the terms of program termination.
    EDU Africa reserves the right to investigate the behavior of any participant and issue a formal warning before program termination if a participant has caused offense or damage to property, persons, animals, or the environment, as stated in this agreement. If the violation is considered severe and/or breaks the laws of the country, EDU Africa reserves the right to immediately terminate participation. In such a case, EDU Africa will not be liable for any refunds or costs incurred due to the premature termination of the program.
19. I acknowledge that all information that I have shared with EDU Africa is accurate.
    EDU Africa will not be held responsible for any inaccurate information provided or the consequences thereof.
20. I agree that EDU Africa may use the contact details I provided and pass them on to any third party connected with the operation of the specific program in which I am participating.
    Contact information will only be used for emergency purposes and will not be shared with any other parties.
21. I understand that I have the right to lodge a formal written complaint and/or to report an incident during or after the duration of my program.
    This can be done by contacting the program facilitator or emailing EDU Africa at safety@edu-africa.com.
22. I acknowledge that I have read EDU Africa’s Child Protection Policy extract and that I am willing to abide by the policy guidelines as stated therein. 
23. This agreement supersedes any previous or contemporaneous understandings that I have had with EDU Africa or its agents, either oral or written. 
24. I understand that I am also subject to my host institution’s (where applicable) policies, procedures, rules, standards, and instructions at all times during my participation in the program and its activities. 
25. I represent that my agreement to the provisions herein is wholly voluntary and further understand that, prior to accepting this agreement, I have the right to consult with the advisor, counselor, or attorney of my choice.
26. I represent that I am at least 18 years of age, or if not, that I have informed my parent/legal guardian/next of kin of this agreement and my participation in this program.