Summer Springboard (SSB) programs can be physically and emotionally demanding; applicants should be in good physical and mental health as well as in compliance with COVID-19 protocols (i.e required vaccinations/boosters against COVID-19 as well as testing & distancing requirements if necessary. This will be determined by individual university policies at the time of the start of the programs).

SSB Refund Policy Details (Terms & Conditions): 

  • (1) All payments are subject to the conditions of our refund policy on the date payment is received.
  • (2) If a student chooses to withdraw for any reason prior to the program start date, SSB must be notified in writing.
  • (3) Certain portions of the program fees are refundable depending on the date of the written cancellation request. Refunds will be calculated according to the date in which SSB receives this notification.
  • (4) If for some reason SSB is not able to grant acceptance into the program, everything but the application fee is refundable.
  • (5) The application fee (typically $99) is always non-refundable & non transferable.
  • (6) We may, at any time, modify these Terms and Conditions, with or without notice. Any such modification will be effective immediately upon public posting.
    • Terra reserves the right to make changes, cancellations, postponements or substitutions as a result of changing conditions, safety considerations, the interests of the group, or emergency situations. 
    • In the event Terra decides not to operate a program for force majeure or safety considerations, Terra reserves the right to substitute such program with another program option of the same program theme.
    • In the case of COVID or similar force majeure events, should safe program delivery be possible with social distancing measures only, SSB may need to add a ‘social distancing’ or COVID-19 testing surcharge to cover additional costs associated with changes to program elements such as dorming, transportation or service projects. 
    • Once on a program, if a Student chooses to leave the SSB Program, for their own personal reasons, there will be no refund of the program fee. If the Student leaves the SSB Program prior to the end date due to parental request, personal reasons, behavioral issues, or mental health challenges, he/she/they will not be permitted to re-join the program and will not receive a refund. The Student’s removal is final. 
    • Students must treat their surroundings and materials with care. The Participant agrees to reimburse Terra for any property of SSB Program Staff or lodging facilities that is damaged, lost, or destroyed as a result of the Student’s actions.

**Exceptions CANNOT be granted to this refund policy. Travel insurance is recommended to help provide protection for your investment beyond our cancellation policy. 

Refund deadlines for summer programs: 

In-person Refund Policy

Tuition credit from previous years is not refundable. If a family cancels from a program, any tuition credits will be forfeited.

  • The following refund policy applies to all programs beginning in June, July and August.
  • Cancellation Date before March 1, 100% of tuition paid is refundable, except the $99 application fee
  • Between March 2  – April 1: All tuition is refundable (except deposit and application fee). Option to roll over 100% of monies paid as credit for a future year.
  • Between April 2 – May 1: 75% of tuition is refundable (except deposit and application fee). Option to roll over 100% of monies paid as credit for future year
  • After May 1: 25% of tuition is refundable (except deposit and application fee). Option to roll over 75% of monies paid as credit for future year. $300 fee to change programs.
  • After June 1: 0% refundable and 0% transferable to a future year. $500 fee to change your academic course (dates, location).

Online programs Refund Policy

  • More than 60 days prior program: 100% refund
  • More than 30 days prior program: 50% refund
  • Less than 30 days prior to the program start date: 0% refund

Force Majeure: Program cancellation, postponements or changes that occur due to an unexpected or uncontrollable event may be subject to Force Majeure. Such instances could be, but not limited to: acts of God, flood, drought, earthquake or other natural disaster, epidemic or pandemic, terrorist attack, civil war, civil commotion, or any law or any action taken by a government or public authority. If Force Majeure is enacted, Terra will aim to move the student to another program, if possible. If no alternative program is available, the family will be granted a credit for a future program. This credit will be transferable to any other sibling or friend. Where families demand a refund in spite of these circumstances, we will provide partial cash refunds only should our overall situation allow us to do so. The payout ratio will depend on the scale of the Force Majeure.

Required Signed Documentation

Enrollment & participation in the program is contingent on both the participant and one legal guardian signing and agreeing to: COVID-19 Informed Consent, Waiver, Code of Conduct, Medical Consent form and any other required documentation that may become required under Terra Education, Inc. discretion with the evolving COVID-19 situation. All Terms & Conditions outlined including the refund policy will be upheld regardless of signature of required documentation. Neither program enrollment nor program participation will be permitted unless all requested documents are signed and returned. Terra Education reserves the right to cancel any applicants or deny participation of any enrolled students and retain the deposit and any additional funds paid if the requested documentation is not signed and returned in a timely manner specified by Terra.

Required Documents 

For campus-based programs, it is Student’s sole responsibility to inquire about and obtain all necessary documents, such as medical forms, vaccination records, proof of health insurance, (and if applicable, passports and visas with appropriate expiration date). Failure to obtain the necessary documents, which may hinder participation in the Summer Springboard Program, does not constitute grounds for withdrawal with refund.                                                        

For all students who enroll before May 1st, pre-departure documents are due by May 1st.

For all students who enroll after May 1st, pre-departure documents are due within 7 days of acceptance into the program. A late fee of $50 will be assessed if all pre-departure documents are not submitted by the due date.

Tuition Payment Requirements

For programs starting during the non-summer months, final payments are due 60 days prior to the program start date.

For programs starting in June, July or August, payments are due according to this schedule.

If tuition was rolled over from a previous program, payment is due:

  • March 10: 100% of balance due

If an application is submitted any time before March 1, payments are due:

  • March 10: 33% of balance due
  • April 10: 33% of balance due
  • May 10: remaining balance

If an application is submitted any time after March 10, payments are due:

  • April 10: 50% of balance due
  • May 10: remaining balance

If an application is submitted any time after May 10, payments are due:

  • Immediately: full balance due within 48 hours

Late Payment Policy

Payments received after May 10th will incur a $150 late fee (not applicable to applications received after May 10th).

If full payment is not received by June 1st it may result in a cancellation of enrollment without refund

Insurance: 

SSB includes evacuation insurance during the program as part of your total program costs. However, purchasing a travel insurance policy is also recommended. See further insurance details below for guidance. 

  • We highly recommend purchasing a Travel Insurance policy to help protect your investment. We suggest battleface, a reputable provider with years of strong customer reviews and a reputation for great customer service.
  • Secondary medical insurance and evacuation insurance during the program is included for programs located outside of the US.
  • We CANNOT extend beyond our refund policy for personal injury, losses or acts of God or any other exceptions, however travel insurance may be able to provide additional coverage beyond our refund policy.
  • We are not responsible for any insurance premium, terms of use or otherwise for any insurance policy you choose to purchase. 

Items not covered by tuition, that you will need to pay for:

  • International or domestic airfare to and from the destination country and/or city.
  • Entry passport / visa to the country (if required)
  • Multi-Country Flight Connections (if applicable) 
  • Airport taxes (if required)
  • Health insurance

To Applicants & Prospective Program Participants:

At Summer Springboard, we welcome age-eligible teens and young adults who are excited about the opportunity to participate in our programs. However, SSB

programs are not designed as therapy programs. Therefore, applicants with a significant history of chronic illnesses, acute psychiatric conditions, or some kinds of physical disability, as well as behavioral issues, may be subject to additional supporting application questions to determine eligibility for participating on a SSB program. The following eligibility criteria are not intended to be exclusionary, but to honestly identify the fundamental elements of participation so that every participant may have a safe and life-enriching experience.

Essential Eligibility Criteria: 

In addition to abiding by the Code of Conduct, SSB Students are expected to meet the following Essential Eligibility Criteria. These criteria are not intended to be exclusionary, but to honestly identify the fundamental elements of participation so that every participant may have a safe and meaningful experience. Failure to meet Essential Eligibility Criteria, through non-disclosure or other, may also result in removal from the program. Please discuss with our team for any further clarification or concerns.

  • Independently manage daily personal care, including managing personal medications. 
  • Cope with various environmental challenges (heat, cold, change in diet, etc.).
  • Navigate and travel independently from home to the program location site (If applicable)
  • For participants to engage in most program activities it is recommended they are able to walk unassisted distances over 1 mile, be able to lift items weighing 40 lbs, and follow detailed instructions to avoid hazards. 
  • Effectively communicate to staff directly if they are under stress and needing assistance. 
  • Able to exercise sound judgment in the absence of direct supervision.
  • Exhibit self-management techniques in relation to mental health and selfcare while on program. Techniques include the ability to proactively seek help from SSB staff, acknowledgement of being away from regularly scheduled mental health counseling, and the ability to self-administer ongoing medical treatment while away from their home support system.
  • Recognize risks and hazards presented by SSB staff in English during the program and comply with recommended preventive measures, while also maintaining a reasonable level of situational awareness appropriate to circumstances.
  • Compliance with COVID-19 protocols (i.e required vaccinations/boosters against COVID-19 as well as testing & distancing requirements if necessary. This will be determined by individual university policies at the time of the start of the programs).

Each Student Must Be Able To: 

  • Maintain a positive attitude and exhibit a willingness to try new things in a new environment.
  • Show respect through speech and actions for the staff and other students while on-program.
  • Abide by the SSB code of conduct and obey all local, national, and international laws while on the program.