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Program Leave Form

As an EF student, you have agreed to abide by the Participation and Punctuality policy and you should plan to attend all scheduled excursions and events. Any personal/independent travel that takes place during the course of a program is only permitted during confirmed "free time.”  

If you plan to depart and rejoin the program for one or more overnights due to (1) independent travel during confirmed free time, or (2) because of an unexpected family reason, you must inform EF and review the Program Leave guidance below. Failure to submit this form and/or communicate your whereabouts if you spend a night or more away from the student residence, is a direct violation of the EF policies and may lead to disciplinary action.

The Program Leave process enables EF to communicate with you if unexpected events occur or conditions create circumstances that might pose health or safety risks.

  • Before finalizing any travel bookings, confirm with your local staff that your planned trip does not conflict with any mandatory excursions or events.  

  • Once your travel plans are finalized, submit this form (we encourage you to submit at least 7 days in advance).

  • However, if you have made a last-minute decision to travel:

    • Submit this form as soon as possible, and

    • Alert your local staff that you have submitted a program leave form.  

We understand that unexpected events occur, and students may need to urgently depart and re-join the program due to a family event or emergency. Your local staff can assist you in navigating travel plans due to these unforeseen travel reasons. Before finalizing any travel, alert your local staff so they can assist you with any travel logistics and support. You do not need to complete a form for unexpected/family travel.  

  • You are responsible for any missed assignments if enrolled in any credit-bearing coursework. 

  • You assume all personal responsibility and liability for independent travel.  

  • You will bear any costs and logistics associated with personal/independent travel including if there are costs associated with unexpected events or emergencies while away from EF-related support.

  • You are responsible for knowing and following all immigration requirements including any fees, visas, and passport validity lengths.  

  • You are responsible for any impact to your program as a result of travel disruptions associated with the independent travel.  

  • Safety in numbers: EF encourages students to plan travel with a buddy or group.

  • Students are discouraged from traveling to any high-risk destinations as outlined by the U.S. State Department

  • Register with the U.S. State Department's STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) to receive travel alerts based on any additional countries to be visited.