Start Abroad Withdrawal Policy & Financial Commitments

All Start Abroad participants must confirm their participation by the deadline stated in their conditional acceptance letter. If you withdraw after committing to a Start Abroad program, or if your acceptance is rescinded, you may be responsible for University of Miami tuition and non-recoverable costs. You remain individually responsible for any financial obligations to the program provider or host institution, the Office of Study Abroad and the University of Miami.

Students initiating a voluntary withdrawal must submit official notice by completing the designated withdrawal form.

The submission must come from the student and include the full name of the Start Abroad program and reason for withdrawal.

Students will receive an automated confirmation from the Start Abroad team acknowledging receipt of the withdrawal. If the student is under 18 years of age at the time of submission, a follow-up email will be sent to the parent or guardian for confirmation.

The Start Abroad team will follow up with the student regarding any additional requirements and confirm any fees associated with the withdrawal within 5-7 business days. The date the withdrawal form is submitted will be recorded as the official date of withdrawal

Students subject to involuntary withdrawal will be notified via email sent to their official email address. The date the notification email is sent will be recorded as the official date of withdrawal.

Start Abroad partners reserve the right to deny admission or rescind acceptance. Students will be informed of an involuntary withdrawal either by the Start Abroad partner or by the Office of Study Abroad.

Housing Abroad

Independent Housing:

Students participating in any Start Abroad program are required to live in housing arranged by the program. Independent housing is not permitted. Program-coordinated accommodation is available provided students complete all housing requirements prior to arrival.

 

Removal from Housing Abroad

Students are required to comply with all housing policies and procedures set forth by the program provider or host institution. If a student is removed from program-provided housing for any reason, they will no longer be eligible to remain in the program. This will result in forfeiture of the semester abroad, and the student will be responsible for any financial penalties associated with dismissal. The University of Miami will not issue any reimbursements.

Code of Conduct

All Start Abroad participants and UM students must adhere to the policies and procedures outlined in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. This includes but is not limited to prohibitions against disorderly conduct, possession of drugs, and the consumption or possession of alcohol by individuals under the age of 21. These standards apply throughout the entirety of the student’s participation in the Start Abroad program.

If a violation abroad results in termination from the program, the student will receive no refund, will not earn academic credit, and will be responsible for all costs associated with returning home. Failure to comply with conduct policies may result in dismissal from the Start Abroad program and rescission of the offer of admission, potentially impacting the student’s University of Miami enrollment.

Fee Obligations & Time Table

The fee timetable below applies to all withdrawals regardless of whether the withdrawal is voluntary or involuntary

Non-recoverable costs are expenses paid on the student’s behalf for the Start Abroad program, including but not limited to health insurance, ground transportation, abroad tuition, housing and program or provider fees.

*Note: non-recoverable costs may be as high as $20,000, depending on the program location and the timing of withdrawal.

Any tuition charges or refunds will be processed through CaneLink, and payments or refunds will be issued accordingly. Scholarships and financial aid are not available for the Start Abroad program.

Tuition refunds, if applicable, will be issued in accordance with the University of Miami’s current refund schedule and policies, less any non-recoverable costs.

All additional expenses related to participation in the Start Abroad program – including airfare, meals, and personal expenses – remain the student’s responsibility.

Withdrawal Fees

*Non-recoverable costs could be up to $20,000 depending on the program and timeframe of withdrawal.

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