Terms and Conditions for Study Spanish in Panama

Courses

Special Programs

CTEFL

Destinations

Multimedia

Spanish Articles

View our

ARCHIVE

Email Marketing by Constant Contact®

D E S C R I P T I O N OF F E E S & G E N E R A L I N F O R M A T I O N

Accommodation placement fee

This charge covers the expense of finding a suitable host family for each student. It includes any necessary post-arrival counselling
and re-placement to a new home if the student is not satisfied with the original placement, provided proper 2-week notice is given.

Meal Plan

Half board includes breakfast and dinner only. Again the host family will prepare dinner each night; students may be required to
prepare their own breakfast.

Location

Our Homestays are located 10 to 30 minutes away from the Center.

Youth student Surcharge

As there is a greater degree of responsibility required in taking care of younger students, the above charge applies to any student 17
years old or younger. If a students turn 18 during their stay with us, the adult rate will apply from the first full session following their
18th birthday.

Private Bathroom

Students will have exclusive use of their own bathroom facilities, which will include a shower.

Guaranteed High-Speed Internet Access

Students will have non-dialup Internet access (i.e.cable or DSL). This service is only available for students bringing their own
laptop. Any additional charges required due to non-compatibility issues are strictly the student’s responsibility; however, if the
student cannot make the connection work, then the charge will be refunded or they will be re-placed to a different homestay.

Airport Pickup Service

Students will be met at the airport by a representative of the Airport pickup service (holding a sign with their name on it), who will
take them to their new home and introduce them to their homestay family.

Airport Return Service

Students will be picked up at their homestay and driven to the airport by our Airport Return Service. Typically, we plan for students
to be at the airport 3 hours prior to their departure for international flights.

Homestay Period

Students are welcome to arrive anytime on Friday evening; Saturday or Sunday before their program begins and depart anytime on
Friday evening, Saturday or Sunday after their program finishes. Early arrivals (before-Friday) and late departures (after Sunday)
will be subject to a rate of $18.00.

Payment of Homestay Fees

A minimum of the first 4 weeks of Homestay rent must be prepaid in advance, along with the Placement Fee and Airport Pickup Fee
(if requested). The remaining Homestay sessions’ rent may also be prepaid in advance, or they can be paid every session, directly to
the school, at least 2 weeks before the beginning of the next session.

Homestay Transfer & Cancellation Policies

1. The Accommodation Placement Fee is non-refundable.
2. If a student withdraws in writing from homestay at least one month prior or the Homestay commencement date, Homestay rent
will be refunded in full.
3. If a student withdraws in writing from homestay within one month of commencement, all Homestay fees except for the first
month rent will be refunded.
4. If a student withdraws from Homestay, in writing with less than two week’s notice or is dismissed from Homestay, Homestay
fees will be refunded except (A) fees for pro-rated used portion to date of withdrawal/dismissal; and (B) two weeks rent.
5. A student who violates Panama Law or EPA! Español en Panama Center Homestay rules and regulations will be dismissed
from EPA! Español en Panama homestay program.
6. Refunds will be issued within thirty days of written notice and presentation of original receipts.

Changing Homestay

1. During a students first month at the Center they may request to change to another homestay within the same location price range
with no waiting period and no penalty. If a student wishes to change to a homestay in another location price range, there will be
no waiting period, but there will be a US 50.00 Replacement Fee.

Leaving Homestay

If a student wishes to withdraw from the Homestay program, all unused fees will be refunded so long as full 2 weeks written notice
is provided to the school.

Financial & Health statement / information release

I certify that the information contained herein is accurate and correct to the best of my knowledge. I have read and hereby accept all EPA! Español en Panama terms and conditions listed in the brochure, enrolment contract form and in the General Information and Student Withdrawal Policies sections on the following pages.

I understand that my expenses (excluding personal miscellaneous expenses) per session while studying at EPA! Español en Panama will be as indicated on the chart above for the spanish courses selected. I agree to accept full responsibility for these expenses. In case of illness and/or injury, permission is granted to any appropriate medical center to examine or treat me and make necessary referrals to outside physicians as indicated. Permission is also granted to release information regarding my health to other designated individuals.

Enrollment

To enroll, complete the attached enrolment contract and send it by express mail, or
e-mail. EPA! Español en Panama requires the minimum pre-payment of tuition fees
as described in the chart below:

Length of Study Minimum Pre-Payment

1-2 Sessions 1 Sessions
3-5 Sessions 3 Sessions
6+ Sessions 6 Sessions
The Application fee, Accommodation Placement fee (if required), first
session’s Homestay Rent (if required) and Airport Pickup fee (if required) must
also be prepaid at the time of enrolment.
Please remember to specify if you would like to pre-pay more than the required
minimum. An invoice will be sent to you, detailing the amount you are required to
prepay and instructions for payment of fees.

Minimum Age

The minimum age to attend our regular programs is 16.

Registration and Payment of Fee

When you register at the Center, you will need to bring your passport, a receipt
showing pre-payment of tuition/homestay fees, proof of medical insurance
coverage, as well as two small (2cmx2cm) photographs. Visa, Master Card credit
cards are all accepted for payment of fees.

Medical Insurance

All students attending EPA! Español en Panama must be covered by a medical
insurance plan. Students who choose to purchase coverage in their own country
must be covered by a medical insurance plan. Students have to bring a copy of
their insurance policy with therm to the Center on the First Day; otherwise they
must purchase medical insurance at the Center on day one.

Placement Testing

All EPA! Español en Panama students will take a Placement Test to determine
their level in Spanish on their first study day. The test consists of a written part and
a face-to-face interview with one of the Center instructors. The orientation Day
will, also include welcome speeches by Center staff, a new student welcome lunch
and a walking tour of both the Center and the neighborhood. Students arriving on an irregular start date will still receive the
placement test, and are welcome to join the next orientation tour.

Personal Expense Money

For miscellaneous personal expenses, such as shopping, transportation,
entertainment and so forth, students can expect to spend approximately US $400.00
per month. We recommend that you bring this amount to Panama in travel checks
or cash.

Instructional Hours

EPA! Español en Panama Intensive Spanish Program consists of 20 lessons per week
scheduled from Monday through Friday. Semi-Intensive Course students meet for 15
lessons per week. Each lesson is 50 minutes. Within each 4-week session, a maximum of
10 hours may be devoted to non-instructional activities related to registration, placement
testing, orientation and student evaluation.
EPA! Español en Panama is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Attendance

Because EPA! Español en Panama would like you to derive the maximum benefit from
your course; you will be expected to attend classes full-time. If your total absences from
class in any session exceed four study days, you will fail the level and will not receive
a Certificate of Attendance unless you make up the work missed and are able to
demonstrate mastery of the material.

Visa Application Information

All students will enter with tourist status. If they want to stay more time,
visa paperwork will be dealt with in Panama.

Withdrawal Policy

1. The Application Fee is non-refundable.
2. All tuition, except an administration fee of 10% of funds due under contract, to
a maximum of $50 will be refunded to student if written notice of withdrawal
is received 2 weeks prior to commencement of studies.
3. All tuition, except a 10% administration fee to a maximum of $200, will be refunded
to a student who withdraws in writing from a course less than 2 weeks prior
to commencement studies.
4. Fifty percent (50%) of tuition will be refunded to a student who withdraws or
is dismissed from a course that is up to 10% completed by the date of notice
of withdrawal/dismissal.
5. Thirty percent (30%) of tuition will be refunded to a student when withdraws or
is dismissed from a course that is up to 30% completed by the date of notice
of withdrawal/dismissal.
6. No refund will be granted to a student who withdraws or is dismissed from a course
that is more than 30% completed by the date of notice of withdrawal /dismissal.
7. Deferrals, postponements and mid-course breaks (maximum 12 weeks) will be
granted provided EPA! Español en Panama receives a written request at least
30 days prior to commencement, and may be subject to a $50 administration fee.
8. A student who violates Panamanian Law or EPA! Español en Panama rules
and regulations will be dismissed from the program.

VISA APPLICATION INFORMATION