YSS Programs Abroad: Program Policies
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On a Yale Summer Session Program Abroad, admitted students are expected to comply with the Yale College Undergraduate Regulations, including while abroad, in addition to the regulations found in the Program Guidebook and the Yale Summer Session Student Handbook, both of which are included in students' Yale Compass accounts after admission to the program. Outlined below are more detailed policies related to Yale Summer Session Programs Abroad.
You are expected to familiarize yourself with these policies and should not expect to be reminded about them individually. If you have any questions, we encourage you to contact studyabroad@yale.edu.
TOC:
Program Citizenship
Study abroad will expose you to a variety of differences from your on-campus life, including diverse languages, cultures, customs, and values. As a participant in a Yale Summer Session Program Abroad, you are representing Yale University. Please respect the host country and its citizens as well as your fellow classmates, instructor(s), and on-site staff.
You will be part of a cohort of students on the program, and the experience of the group will be affected by the actions and attitudes of all. Participate fully, eagerly, and with an open mind. Your active and complete participation includes being on time and prepared for all required program class sessions, activities, and excursions. If every student adheres to these expectations, the program will be a more positive and productive experience for all.
Admissions
Admission to any program is based on individual qualifications and is not guaranteed. These programs, including the languages courses, have limited seats available and we often receive more applications than seats in the program. Admission is also contingent on the absence of individual student disciplinary matters. For more information about eligibility requirements, review the eligibility section.
Academics and Attendance
Yale Summer Session Programs Abroad are intensive in nature, with an entire semester or academic year of course material condensed into a limited number of weeks. To receive credit, students are expected to attend every class and participate fully in all aspects of the program, including scheduled trips and activities. Arriving late for the start of the session, or leaving early, is not permitted and will not be allowed under any circumstances. Any issues regarding attendance should be discussed with the Director of Study Abroad.
If a program has more than one course, participants are required to complete all program courses.
Students are expected to:
- Arrive punctually, both before class and after any breaks, and stay for the duration of the class.
- Come to class prepared, having done the readings or assignments.
- Contribute actively to class discussions, and/or show active listening and engagement.
- Follow classroom policies related to cell phone and laptop use, food consumption, and other expectations for respectful behavior.
Regarding:
- Illness. Your program instructor in consultation with the Director of Study abroad will determine the documentation necessary to excuse an illness-related absence.
- Religious observance. If you plan to observe religious holidays while abroad such that you would miss classes or activities, you must write to the Director of Study Abroad prior to the start of the program detailing what programs dates you intend to miss. Together with the Dean of Summer Session, the Director of Study Abroad will determine what reasonable accommodations might be possible.
- Extenuating circumstances. Should a serious event beyond your control arise that impacts your ability to participate in any aspect of the program, write to the Director of Study Abroad immediately. Rarely would a student be approved to miss more than a day or two of the program under any circumstances, but such cases will be considered on an individual basis.
Note: Given the rigorous schedule of Yale Summer Session Programs Abroad, students may not participate in any additional Yale-approved, credit-bearing courses or programs while the YSS Program Abroad is in session. This restriction extends to courses offered online. Participation in additional endeavors outside of the program, such as internships, research, or other independent activities, are highly discouraged and may only be undertaken with rare permission, requested by e-mail and with permission granted by the Director of Study Abroad four weeks or more prior to the start of the program.
There are no Dean's Excuses during the summer.
FAQ: Excused & Unexcused Absences
Excused Absences
Yale Summer Session programs do not allow for Dean’s Excuses, which are written forms signed by a residential college dean authorizing the postponement of written work or exams during term-time study in New Haven. Absences from a Yale Summer Session program class or activity, therefore, may be excused only under the following circumstances:
- Illness. Your program instructor will determine if documentation is necessary to excuse an illness-related absence.
- Religious observance. If you plan to observe religious holidays while abroad such that you would miss classes or activities, you must write to the Director of Study Abroad, Kelly McLaughlin, prior to the start of the program detailing what programs dates you intend to miss. Together with the Dean of International and Summer Programs, the Director of Study Abroad will determine what reasonable accommodations might be possible.
- Extenuating circumstances. Should a serious event beyond your control arise that impacts your ability to participate in any aspect of the program, write to the Director of Study Abroad immediately. Rarely would a student be approved to miss more than a day or two of the program under any circumstances, but such cases will be considered on an individual basis.
Unexcused Absences
Anything not covered in the above categories is considered an unexcused absence. Transportation or other disruptions due to strikes or weather, oversleeping, visits from friends or family (which are not allowed while the program is in session), and other similar examples all fall into the unexcused category. Students will receive a zero for participation on any missed assignments, quizzes, or presentations and are not permitted to reschedule or make up work that result from unexcused absences.
Participation
Attendance is a component of successfully participating in the program, but it is not the sole factor. Additionally, the participation grade reflects:
• Arriving punctually, both before class and after any breaks, and staying for the duration of the class.
• Coming to class prepared, having done the readings or assignments.
• Contributing actively to class discussions, and/or showing active listening and engagement.
• Following classroom policies related to cell phone and laptop use, food consumption, and other expectations for respectful behavior.
Group Dynamics
Yale Summer Session programs abroad rely on a positive group dynamic that is fostered most effectively by every student in the group engaging productively and respectfully with each other, with local hosts, and with the faculty leading the program both inside and outside of the classroom.
Car Rental/Driving Abroad
Students are not permitted to operate a motor vehicle (including cars, motorcycles, and scooters) for the duration of the program. Class location, housing, and other program activities have been coordinated so that the stduent may access these locations by walking, biking, or taking public transportation.
Accessing Emergency Funds / Insurance
It is important to have an emergency fund available in the form of a savings account or a credit card. Your instructor(s) will not be able to loan you money. You are strongly encouraged to purchase insurance for some of your more expensive personal items, such as your cell phone or laptop. Yale University does not assume responsibility for personal property belonging to students and usually cannot provide any funding for replacements. The University urges all students to obtain insurance in case your personal items are lost, damaged, or stolen.
Please also utilize ISOS services if needed.
Finances
For financial policies, including cost, payment information, funding, and refund policies, review the costs and funding page
Guests
Students are not allowed to host guests (family or friends) while the program is in session. Given the intensive nature of the program and the number of scheduled excursions and activities, students should schedule time with guests before or after the program dates.
Housing Abroad
Housing during the program is arranged for each participant on a YSS Program Abroad, and individually-arranged housing beyond what is provided by YSS is NOT an option. Once admitted, specific information about your program's particular housing arrangement is found in the pre-departure forms in your Yale Compass account. Students are expected to abide by all housing rules and regulations, which will be shared as part of your program orientation. Students who have concerns about their housing due to religious, dietary, or disability-related needs should be in contact with Yale Study Abroad well in advance of the start of the program.
Note: Program-provided housing is required for enrollment and participation in the program; students may not arrange for or stay in their own housing while abroad.
Any student in violation of these policies might face dismissal from the program.
Liability for Damaged or Lost Items
You are financially responsible for any items in program housing that you damage or lose (such as a house key, which might further require a change of locks, etc.). Liability also extends to any broken or lost items in any other lodgings (such as a hotel) utilized during the program.
Independent Travel
Unless otherwise indicated by the program's instructor, travel is not permitted outside of the program host country while the program is running.
During free weekends when no program activities are scheduled, and at all other times during the program, you are expected to remain in your host country to continue immersing fully in the location of the program. If you choose to travel independently to another location within your host country, you must complete the Independent Travel Registration Form at least 24 hours in advance, including:
- Travel Dates
- Transportation plans
- Accommodations
Again, you are not permitted to miss any required portion of the program due to independent travel, including unexpected delays in returning to the program site. See the Attendance Policy.
Programs that Begin in New Haven
If your program starts on Yale's New Haven campus, there are additional regulations that apply to your participation. You must review these specific policies, which are in the Yale Summer Session handbook. If you opted to be placed in Yale campus housing while your program is in New Haven, you should review all housing and meal information as well, found on the Yale Summer Session website.
Note: If you have opted for campus housing and no longer need it, you will receive a full refund of the New Haven Housing - Room & Board cost only if you opt out of campus housing by 4:00 p.m. EST the Friday before the start of the program by e-mailing studyabroad@yale.edu. You will receive a partial refund if you notify the Housing Manager in the Summer Housing Office, have your room inspected, return your room keys, and vacate the room before 4 pm (EST) Friday of the first week of classes. No refunds will be given after this time.
Credit/D/Fail for Yale College Students
A limited number of Yale Summer Session Programs Abroad have courses which are available for Yale College students to elect to receive a grade of Credit/D/Fail. Click here to learn more about the Credit/D/Fail policies.
Attending Political Gatherings (i.e. Protests and Demonstrations)
Do not attend protests or demonstrations of any kind while abroad, regardless of your passion for the cause. Even demonstrations that are intended to be peaceful can turn violent without warning. As a foreigner, your participation may also be illegal and can carry severe consequences, including arrest. If you hear about a protest or demonstration in advance, avoid the affected area. If you encounter a protest or demonstration, adjust your route and relocate to another area. Do not document the event.
Alcohol and Drug Use
Alcohol use abroad could detrimentally affect your health and safety in ways that could prove even more challenging than when at home. In all cases, be aware of the minimum legal drinking age in your location and drink responsibly should you decide (and are legally able) to do so. While you may consume alcohol if it is culturally appropriate and legal to do so, alcohol overuse and any related unruly behavior will serve as cause for dismissal from the program.
There is a zero-tolerance policy for recreational drug use even if such use is legal in the location abroad. If you are found using or possessing recreational drugs, you will be dismissed from the program, and no refunds will be given.
Dismissal from the Program
Any student who is dismissed from the program receives neither grade nor credit and is not qualified for any refund except as under the ordinary refund policy.