By joining a CISaustralia program, the participant assumes certain obligations to CISaustralia, their home University, their home country and other program participants. If an On-Site Director determines a participant fails to meet the behavioural expectations or does not abide by the Code of Conduct set out in this document, that participant may be asked to leave the program. Participants asked to leave under such circumstances will not receive a refund.
CISaustralia is an equal opportunity organisation and does not discriminate on any basis – race, colour, creed, gender, ideology, religion, economic status, age or ethnic background.
In addition to other program responsibilities, as a program participant you are responsible for:
- Being in sufficient good health to undertake the program.
- Acting in an appropriate and respectful manner towards the local people, fellow travellers, program participants and staff in accordance with the customs, laws, regulations and ordinances of the destination country.
- Communicating effectively your interests, skills, limitations and needs to host university representatives, program providers, on-site staff and/or community members and program staff members.
- Understanding that all students who attend a CISaustralia program acknowledge, have read and will comply with the CISaustralia Child Protection Policy.
- Understanding that all students who attend a CISaustralia program acknowledge, have read and will comply with the CISaustralia Preventing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) Policy.
Following is the CISaustralia Code of Conduct, including Alcohol and Drug Use Policy, which all participants must agree to:
While abroad (including virtual programs), you are not only representing your home country, but CISaustralia and your home University as well. For this reason, CISaustralia expects all participants to behave in a legal manner that is respectful of other people, customs and property. Participants are responsible for researching and understanding issues that relate to a respective host country’s laws, as well as the safety, health, political and cultural conditions of the host country.
While participating in a CISaustralia or affiliated program, it is expected that participants will abide by the following Code of Conduct. Violation of this Code may include dismissal from the program.
Behaviour Policy
While in a foreign country, participants are subject to that country’s laws and regulations. That country may not afford the protections available under Australian law. Any student convicted of a crime abroad can expect imprisonment and/or fines. CISaustralia will not assist in legal matters caused by a participant’s use of alcohol or drugs.
Any of the following are considered a violation of the CISaustralia Code of Conduct:
- Violation of the Alcohol and Drug Use Policy (see below)
- Criminal behaviour or violation of local laws, including theft or vandalism
- Violation of rules or conditions in participant’s accommodation
- Violation of rules in effect at the host university/institution or program
- Repeated intoxication
- Discrimination of any kind, including against race, ethnicity, gender, ideology, religion or other
- Abusive language or behaviour towards CISaustralia staff, representatives, university faculty/staff, host family, program providers or other CISaustralia program participants
- Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment
- Disorderly, indecent or obscene conduct
- Violent behaviour
- Damage to CISaustralia facilities, accommodation, university, hotels or transportation vehicles
- Plagiarism and cheating
- Falsification of documents or personal records submitted to CISaustralia as part of the application or acceptance process
- Any inappropriate conduct, including but not limited to violation of any CISaustralia policies
Alcohol and Drug Use Policy
Participants who choose to drink alcohol are responsible for their actions at all times. Excessive drinking may be grounds for dismissal as it can affect the safety of the group, the community and/or the individual. Intoxicated students will not be allowed to participate on any CISaustralia excursion or activity, and participants will not receive a refund for the missed excursion or activity. The use, sale or possession of illegal drugs by CISaustralia participants is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the program with no refund applicable. Any violation of the Alcohol and Drug Policy will be taken seriously by CISaustralia and may be reported to authorities and/or the participant’s home University where applicable.
Corrective Action
Please note: If a student engages in violent behaviour (physical or verbal) towards any CISaustralia staff, representative, community member, host family, program provider, university faculty/staff or other CISaustralia participants, they may be immediately removed from the program.
Corrective action may include but is not limited to any of the following:
- Notification: CISaustralia may notify the participant’s home University of any violation of CISaustralia policies.
- Compensation: A participant may be required to pay for damages or theft.
- Loss of privileges: A participant may be denied permission to participate in CISaustralia activities, excursions, etc. permanently or for a designated time period. No refund will be given for missed activities.
- Accommodation termination: CISaustralia has the authority to remove any participant from his/her accommodation and/or the program in the case of inappropriate behaviour. If this occurs, the student must then find his/her own alternate accommodation at his/her own expense. No refunds for accommodation payments will be given.
- Dismissal: A participant may be permanently expelled from the CISaustralia program. The dismissed participant will not receive a refund of any kind.
Termination of participation does not diminish or otherwise affect the participant’s obligation to make any and all payments to CISaustralia. The dismissed participant will not receive any grades or transcript for applicable programs.
Age
Participants must be aged 18 years or over at the time of program departure, unless expressly agreed in advance by CISaustralia (in writing). Appropriate consent forms will also need to be signed by parents / guardians. A copy of the participant’s passport must be submitted prior to the commencement of the program to verify age. CISaustralia reserve the right to cancel an application or terminate a placement without refund if false proof is found to have been supplied.
Disclosure
All participants must disclose at time of application and/or acceptance any pre-existing or existing medical conditions (including depression, mental health and eating disorders) and disabilities. Any medical conditions arising after application and prior to departure must be disclosed to CISaustralia prior to departure (or the start of a virtual program) and subsequent program commencement. CISaustralia reserves the right to refuse an application based on these disclosures if deemed necessary and in the safety and best interests of the participant. CISaustralia reserves the right to cancel an application or terminate a placement without refund if false information or lack of disclosure is found to have been supplied. CISaustralia and associated partners are not held responsible for the administration or monitoring of any medication.
Based on our duty of care for every student, CISaustralia reserves the right to share the medical information provided by each student with their home university in Australia and the CISaustralia overseas partner organisation. CISaustralia policies in this area are established for inclusion and not exclusion. We want every student to have a positive and well supported experience. To do this, we need to know if students have any pre-existing medical conditions so we can, if needed, put in place an appropriate support plan in partnership with our Australian Universities, their expert support services and our overseas partner organisations. When medical information is disclosed by students, CISaustralia will consult with the student’s home university in Australia and as such, the home university may require the student to complete a medical management form and/or seek approval for being fit to travel by a qualified medical professional. The home university in Australia may also require the student to attend an interview to discuss their medical information. CISaustralia supports the requirements of the student’s home university to ensure the student is fit for travel (and fit for the program). Any costs associated with doctors’ fees is the independent expense of the student. CISaustralia will be not be held financially liable for any expenses occurred relating to medical services required by students when participating in a CISaustralia program. If a medical professional deems the student to be unfit for travel (or the program more broadly), and after consultation with the individual student and home university in Australia, CISaustralia reserves the right to cancel an application or terminate a placement with the safety and best interests of the participating student as the priority.
While CISaustralia makes every effort to establish safety conditions and undertake full risk assessments, participants are advised that the general standards of health, safety and hygiene in many countries visited may not be of comparable standards to Australia, and hence a risk of injury and illness is more probable while abroad and is inherent to any such venture.
Some CISaustralia programs may require a police check / criminal record check or Working with Children check. This check shall be carried out at the participant’s expense. Some programs may require proof that participants are clear of certain medical conditions, through the provision of a formal health check and/or certificate and/or wellness forms. A certified / signed health check, if necessary, shall be carried out at the applicant’s expense and then shared in full with CISaustralia prior to program commencement.
Complaints
If a participant wishes to lodge a complaint in relation to their program, they shall first bring the complaint to the attention of the CIS in-country representative or Site Director, who will make reasonable efforts to deal with and, where possible, resolve the complaint within a reasonable time. If the representative is unable to resolve any serious complaint, and the participant chooses to terminate their placement early and depart the project, they shall provide the representative with written notice prior to departure. Compensation cannot be provided for early departure from any program unless extreme circumstances are found, which will be determined at the sole discretion of CISaustralia. Participants agree that CISaustralia shall not be liable for damages or compensation relating to any claim regarding inconvenience, disappointment, discomfort or loss of enjoyment.
