I wish to participate in international study/travel that will be: funded by Columbia Law School and/or Columbia University (collectively, the “University”), and/or may lead to academic credit by the University, and/or otherwise is directly or indirectly sponsored, arranged for, or organized in whole or in part by the University. I am entering into this Assumption of Risk, Waiver and Release (the “Form”) as a condition to my participation in international travel/study to the Travel Destination(s) listed above, during the dates listed above, in connection with the Columbia-related program or project listed above (the “Program”). For purposes of this Form, reference to the University includes any consortium or other affiliate organization in which Columbia is a member school and/or administering institution.

I confirm that my participation in the Program is wholly voluntary. It is my decision to travel to and participate in the Program. I am not required to travel to a country outside the United States as a condition of receiving my degree nor is my decision to travel and participate in the Program based on any direction or influence of the University.

This Form confirms my understanding of the following:

1. RISKS OF INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL:  I am aware that there are inherent risks in international travel, and that the political, cultural, law enforcement, and health and safety environments in the Program’s location may differ substantially from those in the United States and the Law School. I reviewed the U.S. Consular Information, U.S. Department of State’s Public Announcements, Travel Warnings and other information found at the U.S. Department of State’s website regarding international travel (http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings.html) and at ISOS, Global Assistance Program site (http://www.internationalsos.com/MasterPortal/default.aspx?membnum=11BSGC000064).

I also acknowledge that in working, living and/or traveling in cities abroad, I may experience problems associated with urban living, including increased crime, pollution, high population density or standards of living and health standards that are not equivalent to life in the United States. I will take every precaution to safeguard my health and to protect my personal belongings from damage or theft. I acknowledge that the University recommends that I never travel alone, particularly at night. 

I understand that information provided to me regarding the Program, the host school/program/project or organization and/or partner school/program/project or organization (as applicable) (hereafter referred to as “Host/Partner”), and conditions in the Program’s location is offered as one resource only, and that information does not purport to be complete or comprehensive. For that reason, I have conducted my own check into the Program’s location, any Host/Partner, and other relevant information.

Finally, given the global COVID-19 pandemic, I understand that the Program, conditions in the Program’s location and the prevalence of COVID-19 and any Host/Partner and the local/national response to COVID-19 may be substantially different than those in the United States and the Law School. I have conducted my own thorough check into such conditions including with respect to the global pandemic and understand that, even so, it is a rapidly changing situation.

2. TRAVEL REGISTRATION AND ADDITIONAL SAFETY CONCERNS:  I am aware that, during my participation in the Program, I must register my itinerary for the Program with a Travel Emergency Assistance company designated by the University. This company is currently ISOS, which registers itineraries thorough this website:  https://globaltravel.columbia.edu/content/isos-mytrips. ISOS provides 24-hour worldwide emergency medical and evacuation services for eligible individuals traveling internationally. Restrictions and limitations apply, and each traveler should carefully review the policies and guidance issued by ISOS in advance of travel. Travelers are also encouraged to consult ISOS directly and in advance of travel regarding security advice. I have reviewed the information about this Program location available at: https://www.internationalsos.com/MasterPortal/default.aspx?membnum=11BSGC000064. If during the Program I travel away from the location of the Program (if permitted), I will register this additional travel in the global travel portal. This includes activities I undertake which are not associated with the Program or sponsored or planned by the University, such as independent travel during free periods, periods of time prior to or extending beyond the Program, or other periods in which I am not participating in Program activities.

I understand that conditions in my destination(s) may change rapidly and I will stay informed of current events on a frequent basis. I have been advised that I may obtain updated security and health information from and enrolling in the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov/step/, which also accepts enrollments for non U.S. citizens. I understand that non U.S. citizens are also strongly encouraged, if possible, to register with one’s home country Embassy or Consulate. I also understand that consular and other services may be different or more limited than normal given the global pandemic.

3. HEALTH INSURANCE AND HEALTH CONCERNS:  I carry valid and current medical insurance, represent that I will remain covered throughout the Program by a policy of comprehensive health and accident insurance, and have a valid insurance identity card. This insurance is adequate to cover injuries or illnesses that I may sustain or experience in the course of traveling to or from, or while participating in the Program. I have no physical or mental health condition or dietary needs which would present a risk of injury to me through my participation in the Program.

I understand that there are required immunizations/vaccinations, including for COVID-19, and that I will need to follow the University’s and any Host/Partner’s health and safety policies. I am aware that I have sole responsibility for making arrangements regarding these immunizations/vaccinations and health and safety precautions.

In the event of a medical emergency or serious life safety issue, I grant the University, its employees, agents and partners full authority to act in an attempt to safeguard and preserve my health and safety during my participation in the Program, including authorizing medical care on my behalf and at my expense and returning me to my home country at my own expense. I authorize a University representative to be in contact with my designated emergency contact. It is my responsibility to ensure University program staff has my most up-to-date emergency contact information.

4. STUDENT CONDUCT AND EXPECTATIONS:  I recognize that I assume an important personal obligation to conduct myself in a manner compatible with local laws and regulations and with the policies, standards, and instructions for student conduct (including but not limited to those set forth as student policies and standards and in any Program-specific materials) for the University, the Law School and any Host/Partner. I agree to act responsibly and will become informed of, and will abide by, all such laws, regulations, policies, and standards, including those related to the global pandemic. If my conduct violates the standards of conduct described above, I understand that I may be required to leave the Program at my own expense, in the discretion of the University.

5. PROGRAM MODIFICATION AND CANCELLATION:  I understand that the University reserves the right to make changes to its participation in the Program (or to cancel or postpone the Program in part or in whole).

6. OTHER:  I understand that the University does not represent or act as an agent for, and cannot control the acts or omissions of, any transportation carrier, hotel, apartment building, dormitory, other accommodation, internship host or employer, tour organizer, any Host/Partner/Project coordinator or other provider of food, goods or services involved in the Program. I understand that the University is not responsible for matters that are beyond its control, and that it cannot warrant the safety or convenience of all circumstances under which I will be living, working and/or studying. I understand that I must follow the policies and guidance of the University and any Host/Partner on issues related to COVID-19 prevention, safety and treatment. I further understand that the University does not and cannot endorse, manage, supervise, or otherwise approve any Host/Partner’s plans or the local/national government’s plans for COVID-19 prevention, safety or treatment.

7. WAIVER, RELEASE AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK:  I hereby waive and release the University (including its trustees, faculty members, officers, employees, or students, whether in their professional or personal capacity or otherwise) from any actions, claims, liabilities, and damages arising from or relating to the trip, the Program, and all associated activities, including, without limitation, any damages for personal injury, illness, death, or property loss that I may sustain in connection with my travel to, from, during, and while on location for the Program. I hereby assume, knowingly and voluntarily, all risks of my participation, including, but not limited to, those related to the global pandemic. To the fullest extent allowable under law, this waiver, release, and assumption of risks will apply whether or not the University (including its trustees, faculty members, officers, employees, or students, whether in their professional or personal capacity or otherwise) is wholly or partially negligent or otherwise at fault.

I conclude that the risks of participation in the Program are acceptable and are outweighed by my desire to participate in the Program. I further understand and agree that the University is not responsible for any injury or damage that I sustain if I travel independently or am absent from Program-sponsored activities.