If you would like to see our terms and conditions and safeguarding policy, you can read each section below in full detail.

Application Process

1. Application

Students should send the signed application form to their Alpadia representative including a standard deposit policy of EUR€600/CHF600 (currency dependent on study destination in the payment currency) for Academic Year Abroad bookings and a minimum deposit of EUR€300/CHF300 (currency dependent on study destination) for all other courses, and the courier fee if applicable.

Contract Formation: 

All bookings received by Alpadia by post or e-mail and online registrations will be deemed to be valid. By signing and returning the hard copy application form or online application form, the student is agreeing to enter into a binding contract with Alpadia and declares that the information provided at the time of registration for a language course is true and accurate. Any inaccurate information or omission may lead to immediate cancellation or termination of the program. 

On Alpadia receiving the completed and signed application form and the deposit, if the student’s program and accommodation are available, Alpadia will produce a booking confirmation. Once this booking confirmation has been issued, a legally binding contract based on these terms and conditions will be formed between the student and Alpadia subject to the student meeting all applicable immigration requirements. Where the registered applicant is 18 or over and therefore an adult, that applicant will be the contracting party with Alpadia. Where the registered person is under 18, their parent/legal guardian will be the contracting party with Alpadia. In that event, the parent/ legal guardian must sign the contract and provide give correct address and contact details of the parent/ legal guardian. 

In the event of late registration (being two weeks or less before the commencement date of the relevant language course), students will be charged an extra fee of CHF 50 (for bookings in Switzerland) or € 40 (for bookings in France and Germany) for express processing of their booking.

Your privacy is important to us. It is important that you read our privacy policy which informs you about how we process your personal data. 

This can be found at: https://www.alpadia.com/en/privacy. 

As a member of the Kaplan group of companies, Alpadia is subject to laws imposed by various jurisdictions on conducting business with sanctioned parties and countries. It is our policy to fully comply with applicable sanction restrictions, including those imposed by the United States, United Kingdom, and the European Union. 

While we are not prohibited from transacting with individuals with a connection to a sanctioned country, we need to ensure that no part of the transaction will be in contravention of US, UK or EU sanctions laws under a series of prescribed compliance checks, 
including verification as to source of funding and persons providing such funding, before any monies or services can be transacted.

2. Payment deadline

All program fees must be paid in full (unless otherwise notified) no later than thirty (30) days before the program start date. If a booking is made less than thirty (30) days before the program start date, full program fees are immediately payable. If payment in full has not been received prior to the program start date, the student will not be allowed to start their program. A deposit is required (“Program Deposit”) for all destinations. The Program Deposit is refundable in the circumstances permitted by our refund policy. See “Refund Policy” below for more information.

3. Visa information

Visa requirements are subject to change, and it is the responsibility of the student to arrange all applicable travel permits or visas and to have a valid passport and leave to remain for the whole period of study. The student may be asked to make payment in full prior to the issuing of any of the visa documentation referred to below. For under 18 students, completed documentation from a parent or legal guardian will be required before a student visa can be issued. 

Under no circumstances will Alpadia be held liable for any notice of refusal to enter or stay in Switzerland/Germany/France given to a student. Information relating to the regulations governing security, health and obtaining a visa can be obtained from the Swiss/ German/French Embassy or Consulate in the student’s home country. No reimbursement will be made, either in full or in part, in the event that a student is refused permission to enter or stay in Switzerland/ Germany/France as a result of their own fault or conduct. Alpadia will provide a letter of invitation to the student to assist with the visa application following receipt of all the costs of the language course from the student. Students are responsible and need to make sure they have a passport on time in their possession before the start of their course.

4. Courier fees

A courier service is available on request at the rates below:

• Switzerland: CHF 130
• France/Germany: EUR 100

5. Travel and medical insurance

Travel and medical insurance is mandatory in all Alpadia school destinations for the duration of the student’s stay regardless of program length or program/visa type. Alpadia has worked in partnership with insurance providers to create a tailored travel and medical insurance plan. Details of what these covers are available from your Alpadia representative. The student is responsible for the belongings which they bring with them to Alpadia schools or accommodation and for taking out insurance for their own possessions. Students are required to show proof of medical insurance at the school when they arrive. Students will not be allowed to commence a program until they have obtained satisfactory medical insurance. 

6. Health declaration

Students must report on their application form any: i) mental or physical illness; ii) allergy; iii) disability; or iv) condition, that:

• may interfere with their ability to successfully complete their program;
• may impact the health and well-being of any other student, host or staff member;
• may require monitoring, treatment or emergency intervention of any kind during the student’s anticipated period of enrolment; or
• may require special accommodation.

Alpadia reserves the right to reject an applicant or terminate a student’s enrolment in the program if the student’s continued participation represents a risk to their health and safety or to the health and safety of other students or staff, or if, notwithstanding reasonable accommodations, in the opinion of Alpadia, the student’s physical or mental condition makes the student unable or unlikely to successfully complete their program. Refunds in such circumstances are at the discretion of Alpadia.

7. Tuition fees

Tuition fees include lessons, orientation meeting, use of computer room and internet at school, placement and progress testing and a Alpadia certificate on completion of the program. Alpadia reserves the right to withhold the granting of a certificate attained by a student if payment due remains outstanding, or other conditions notified to the student are not met.

8. Additional services

Any additional services (include but not limited to transfers, travel, laundry, telephone costs, excursions, medical costs, special diet, exam fees, change of accommodation, enrolment, amendments and materials fees) are not included in any tuition fees unless specifically stated on a valid invoice.

9. Twin accommodation

At Alpadia’s discretion, students may be required to book single room accommodation instead of twin room accommodation.

10. Under 18 year olds

The minimum age for participation in a Alpadia program is 16, unless a student is enrolled on a designated junior program or written authorization has been obtained by the relevant School Director. Alpadia delivers adult programs (except for programs advertised as being for juniors or young learners). Therefore, students aged 16 and 17 are advised that they will be attending classes with students aged 18 and over. Under 18 year olds may be required to live in Alpadia-approved accommodation, book Alpadia’s airport transfer service both ways, and purchase a medical insurance policy. All students under 18 must provide a signed Parental Consent form prior to arrival.

Terms and Conditions

1. Rules and regulations

Students’ arrangements with Alpadia are governed by the law of the country where the particular school attended is located.

2. Arrivals and departures

All accommodation is booked from the Sunday before the program start date until the Saturday morning after the program end date, unless otherwise advised. Academic Year Abroad students may arrive on Saturday before the program start date at no extra cost. A partial week may be counted as one (1) week’s accommodation. Check-in times and check-out times are included on the fact sheet for your chosen accommodation unless special arrangements have been made with the accommodation provider or an alternative check-in/check-out time is noted in your accommodation confirmation. Students arriving between 22:30 – 06:00 may be asked to book alternative accommodation in a hotel on their first night due to late/early arrival at accommodation, or be charged an extra night of accommodation. Students wishing to book an extra night on arrival  and/or on departure can do so subject to availability, at a rate that is 25% of the weekly accommodation rate for their chosen accommodation.

3. Late arrivals, vacations and absences

If the student begins their  enrollment late or is  absent during their  program, Alpadia  will endeavour to ensure the student is able to complete the full period of enrollment, but this cannot always be guaranteed and no refund will be made for the time missed. Periods of absence cannot be made up with a free extension of the program unless the leave of absence has been authorized by Alpadia. in advance. Session Break dates are pre-built into the Academic Year Abroad programs and students cannot make changes to these dates. Unapproved breaks taken at other times will be marked as periods of absence. For other programs, granting of any Session Breaks after the program has started will be at the discretion of individual schools, according to visa regulations, and may incur a change fee or be marked as a period of absence depending on location. 

4. Meals and classes missed

No refunds or substitutions will be made for meals or classes missed due to public holidays, exams, excursions, internships (if applicable), first day orientation or other obligations that fall outside the normal schedule.

5. Public holidays

Classes are normally not held and most school facilities are closed on public holidays. All published program start dates fall on a Monday. If the Monday is a public holiday, the start date will fall on a Tuesday. Compensation will not be made for classes not offered on public holidays. Find list of public holidays here.

6. Change fees

Any change to school location, accommodation, change in weeks booked or removal of additional services will be charged the below:

Switzerland - CHF 95 per change

France/Germany – EUR 80 per change

Alpadia is not obliged to fulfil any change request. Academic Year Abroad students cannot transfer to a different Alpadia school during term time. If changing to a location (or changing program) where fees are lower, the difference in fees will not be refunded. If changing to a more expensive location or program, the difference in fees will be charged. All changes are subject to Alpadia’s discretion and require approval of the School Director. Students will not be charged a change fee if they extend their program. It is the responsibility of the student to pay for any program or accommodation extensions. Any change of tuition resulting in a reduction in lessons will be treated as a termination of the existing booking and rebooking and will thus be subject to the standard terms & conditions governing terminations (see ‘Termination Policy’).

7. Duration of lessons

All language lessons are 45 minutes in duration unless otherwise stated. Courses run from Monday to Friday and lessons are scheduled in the morning or the afternoon. Alpadia cannot guarantee a specific timetable, and schedules are subject to change, unless students have purchased the AM Guarantee. The AM Guarantee is subject to availability.

All students are required to complete a mandatory placement test prior to arrival. Alpadia reserves the right to cancel or refuse a booking if the placement test is not completed. Alpadia does not guarantee appropriate class placement for any student who fails to complete the placement test at least two (2) weeks before the scheduled start date.

8. Substitution policy

If, after the placement test taken on arrival at the school, a student is found to be at a level which is not appropriate for their booked program, the school reserves the right to place the student in an appropriate level class, which may have fewer lessons and a different curriculum. Students who do not have the ability to follow any program on offer may be required to terminate their studies with Alpadia. We also reserve the right to cancel programs at short notice due to insufficient demand.

In the event that it is not possible to achieve the minimum number of students required for a language course (4 persons for a group course), Alpadia will notify the student at least one week prior to the commencement date of the course. If Alpadia is unable to provide an alternative course, Alpadia will undertake to reimburse all fees paid to date by the student. Under no circumstances will Alpadia pay compensation for any inconvenience or loss of time. In the event that none of the courses are appropriate for the student’s level of ability, Alpadia reserves the right to substitute the group course for private tuition and adapt the number of lessons accordingly. The number of hours of private tuition will depend on the amount paid by the student and the number of students.

9. Program changes

Alpadia has the right to change accommodation options, program dates, program curricula, instructors, locations, activities and programs at any time at its discretion. However, in cases where the program is rescheduled prior to the start date of the original program and the new dates are unacceptable to the student, all fees will be refunded.

10. Prices

Alpadia may change prices due to tax increases, governmental actions, or any other event or circumstance beyond Alpadia’s reasonable control or circumstances that may affect the operations of the business. Prices are valid for programs starting in 2026.

11. Books and learning materials

All books and learning materials will be made available to students during their program. Some specialized programs may require the purchase of books.

12. Residential housing deposit

A refundable housing deposit may be charged on arrival to students taking residential accommodation. Deposit fees vary by school location; students will be informed at the time of booking should additional fees apply (e.g. utilities, cleaning and linen). The deposit shall be non-refundable in the event of any damage or loss or extra cleaning caused by the student or a guest of the student. Where a booking is cancelled the deposit may be non-refundable, please refer to the Cancellation Policy below. 

Alpadia doesn’t require a deposit fee for homestay accommodation, however on occasion some families may ask for it directly from the student. 

13. Expulsion/suspension

A student who may be expelled or suspended where a student:

• commits a criminal or civil offence or is under criminal or civil investigation;
• violates the student code of conduct or school policy;
• has, in Alpadia’s opinion, a poor attendance record (e.g. less than 80%, whether or not such attendance is in breach of any visa attendance requirements);
• fails to pay an amount they are directly or indirectly liable to pay Alpadia in order to undertake the program.

In the event of a student’s expulsion or suspension, no refund will be given and the immigration authorities will be informed.

Student Code of Conduct:

Students agree to abide by the student conduct rules and other policies while attending Alpadia. As part of their commitment to the students’ success, Alpadia seeks to provide an optimal learning environment and expect students to conduct themselves in a manner that is considerate of those around them. Inappropriate conduct includes but is not limited to:

• disruptions to the learning environment (i.e. use of profanity, harassment, mobile phone use in classrooms, etc.);
• deliberate destruction, misuse, or theft of Alpadia property or the property of fellow classmates;
• serious or continuous breaches of any rules relating to the use of Alpadia accommodation;
• violence or threats of violence towards persons or property of students or Alpadia staff;
• improper use of email or Internet access;
• failure to comply with local copyright or criminal laws forbidding the misappropriation, copying or alteration of copyright-protected materials;
• failure to disclose medical/mental health pre-existing conditions.

14. Liability

To the extent permitted by law, the liability of Alpadia, its group companies, their directors, officers, employees, affiliates, agents and partners with respect to losses arising from negligence, breach of contract or otherwise will be limited in all circumstances to the full amount paid to Alpadia by the relevant student for the specific program attended by the student. Such companies and persons will in no circumstances have any liability for indirect or consequential losses or damages. Under no circumstances can be Alpadia held liable for any loss resulting from illness, accident or inconvenience caused by any agent appointed by Alpadia. Furthermore, Alpadia will not be responsible for the loss of any valuables, personal items, money, or other possessions unless such losses arise from the gross negligence.

15. Force majeure

Alpadia shall not be in breach of this agreement nor liable for delay in performing, or failure to perform, any of its obligations under this agreement if such delay or failure result from events, circumstances or causes beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to: act of God; natural disaster; acts of government; failure of suppliers or sub-contractors; labour disputes or civil unrest; criminal, terrorist or threatened terrorist activities of any kind; pandemics and other public health emergencies; any negligent or willful act or failure to act by any third party; or any other cause beyond the direct control of Alpadia (each a “Force Majeure Event”).

Where any program is cancelled by Alpadia as a result of a Force Majeure Event, it is acknowledged that:

• Alpadia has the right to retain a pro-rated amount of any fees paid where services have been partially provided. Any fees retained will be proportionate to the services provided;
• Alpadia shall be entitled to deduct any irrecoverable fees it suffers from the amount of any refund, for example cancellation fees, non-refundable accommodation fees, or similar;
• Alpadia shall have the right to provide a substitute program to the cancelled program, including online and virtual programs; and
• Any third party services procured by Alpadia on behalf of the student, including but not limited to accommodation, transfers or insurance shall remain subject to the terms of the respective provider’s terms and Alpadia shall not be liable for such third party services or any act or omission of such third party.

16. Image rights of the student

The participant (or their parent or guardian where applicable):

grants Alpadia S.A. permission to take photographs, video and audio recordings of their image, voice and any work (for example, artwork) (the “Material”) they do during their language course with Alpadia S.A.

agrees to the Material being copied, published and otherwise used for Alpadia S.A’s (or a third party agent of Alpadia S.A’s) worldwide promotional purposes (the “Permitted Purpose”). This shall include in its printed and online marketing materials and on any social media network.

agrees that Alpadia S.A. may store and/or transfer across international borders, copies of the Material.

agrees that Alpadia S.A. will store the Material and any copies for as long as necessary to fulfil the Permitted Purpose.

can request that where they or their child are used in published Material, any identifiable features are removed (for example, this may include them or their child being blurred inany images or videos or their voice being distorted in audio recordings) at any time by contacting Alpadia S.A. using any of the following methods:

• Telephone number: +41 21 621 88 88
• Email address: [email protected]; or Postal address: Grand-Rue 42, 1820 Montreux, Switzerland

can withdraw their consent for use of the Material at any time by contacting Alpadia S.A. using the methods above.:

Where the Material is already included in published physical material including but not limited to pamphlets, flyers and prospectuses the participant (or their parent or guardian) understands that it will not be possible to remove the Material.

Where the Material is included in published nonphysical material including but not limited to websites, training material and intranet sites Alpadia S.A will remove the Material as soon as is reasonably practical to do so.

For data protection purposes, Alpadia S.A. is the controller of (and responsible for) the personal data comprising the Material and any related personal data. Alpadia S.A. will ensure that it complies with the requirements of all legislation and regulatory requirements in force from time to time relating to the use of the Material and any related personal data; and process the Material and any related personal data in accordance with Alpadia S.A’s privacy notice.

17. Student visa

Student visa holders are required to provide Alpadia with a current residential address, mobile number (if any) and email address (if any), and advise Alpadia of any changes to those details within 7 days of the change. Regardless of immigration status, information collected by Alpadia which personally identifies a student and information regarding a student’s program progress may be shared with designated immigration authorities, a student's parents, Alpadia staff and third- party representatives (i.e. agents and/ or government sponsors) and law enforcement officials. This information may include personal and contact details, program enrolment details and changes, and circumstances of any suspected breach by the student of any visa condition.

18. Language of instruction

All language of instruction shall be in either French or German, dependent on the chosen language program.

19. Changes affecting prices, dates or services

Until such time as a participant receives the confirmation of registration, Alpadia may change the dates and prices of language courses published on the internet, brochure or any other  communication tools at any time. Following confirmation of registration between Alpadia and the participant, Alpadia may change its programme of services, provided that the changes are minor, unavoidable and do not in any way adversely impact the teaching services to be provided to the participant. In the event that the “key” services provided by Alpadia are affected by major changes, participants may withdraw or apply to join a different course of the same value, if Alpadia is in a position to provide this. Alpadia must notify participants of any changes immediately and participants must notify Alpadia as soon as possible after receipt of such notification of their intention to exercise their rights set out in this clause.

20. Safety and security

Alpadia is authorised to take reasonable action as required to ensure the well-being, safety and good health of the participants. Alpadia is also entitled to take necessary measures to provide a participant with any appropriate medical care in the event of necessity. Any costs arising from such medical attention will be borne by the participant, or their parent/guardian if they are a minor. A written release/authorisation signed by a participant’s parent or guardian will be required for minors.

21. Applicable law and jurisdiction

Swiss law will apply exclusively to the contractual relationship between Alpadia and the student, the parent/legal guardian (if the student is under 18) and/or the agent. Jurisdiction will lie with the courts of Montreux, Switzerland.

Refund Policy

1. Payment of refunds

The account from which payment was originally received.

To ensure compliance with all applicable laws relating to the prevention of financial crime, refunds will be only be made to:

a) The account from which payment was originally received.

b) The account from which payment was originally received.

2. Non-Refundable Fees

The following Service fees (related to tuition) are non-refundable in respect of any bookings:

• Application Fees;
• Courier Fees;
• Medical Insurance;
• Program Supplement Fees;
• Airport Transfer Fees;
• Program Deposit (except as noted below)
• Administration Fees
• Bank Fees
• AM Guarantee

3. Terms

In the event of Alpadia cancelling or terminating a program, a full refund of all unused fees will be made. Tuition fees are non-transferable to other students. No tuition fees are refundable on program extensions.

In all cases where astudent terminates their studies the relevant immigration authorities will be informed.

Refunds will be made within 45 working days of Alpadia's written notification of cancellation.

Professional Immersion Experience

The placement fee is refundable if Alpadia is unable to find a suitable volunteer placement for the student. The fee is non-refundable if the student refuses a suitable placement or withdraws voluntarily from the program after accepting a placement. 

Postponement Policy

(a) Postponements will only be made on receipt of a valid written customer request.

(b) Bookings may be postponed a maximum of two (2) times within one (1) year of the original booking date.

(c) Bookings may only be postponed by up to six (6) months at a time and up to one year in exceptional circumstances.

(d) The original fees paid by the student will be honored.

(e) Only one tuition promotion may be used at any time; any previously expired promotions will no longer be valid at the time of postponement; a current promotion, valid at the time of postponement, may be applied.

(f) Any additional incurred actual costs for accommodation postponements, regardless of notice provided, will also be charged.

(g) In all cases where a visa or visa support documentation has been issued, the relevant immigration authorities will be informed.

(h) Postponements made less than seven (7) days before the arrival date on the booking confirmation form, including failure to show up, will incur a fee of two week’s accommodation and one week’s tuition fee.

Cancellation Policy

‘Cancellation’ means the student cancelling a program before the start date of the first program the student is attending and for which attendance is required.

‘Service Fees’ for the purposes of this Cancellation Policy means any Application Fees, Courier Fees, Medical Insurance, Program Supplement Fees, Airport Transfer Fees, Administration fees, bank charges and any other service charges as applicable.

In all cases, regardless of the region in which the Alpadia school is based, the relevant immigration authorities will be informed where visa or visa support documentation has been issued.

STANDARD CANCELLATION POLICY

This Standard Cancellation Policy shall apply except where varied by the specific provisions below.

Cancellation Notice

Written cancellation notice provided twenty-two (22) days or more before the arrival date listed on the booking confirmation form

For Language Schools:

Students shall be refunded: 100% of the tuition and accommodation fee less the amounts set out below:

(a)   Application Fee

(b)   Any non-refundable Insurance Fee

(c)   Administration Fee (CHF 170 or € 40)

(d)   Courier Fee

(e)   Bank Charges (CHF 45 or € 40)

(f)    Transfer Fees

For University Pathway Programs (UPP):

Students shall be refunded: 100% of the tuition and accommodation fee less the amounts set out below:

(a)  Application Fee 

(b)  University Placement Fee 

(c)  Any non-refundable Insurance Fee

(d)  Administration Fee (CHF 170 or € 125)

(e)  Courier Fee

(f)   Bank Charges (CHF 45 or € 40)

(g)  Transfer Fees

Cancellation Notice

Written cancellation notice provided less than twenty-two (22) days before the arrival date listed on the booking confirmation form, including failure to show up.

For Language Schools:

Students shall be refunded: Tuition and accommodation fees less the amounts set out below:

(a)   one (1) week tuition fee

(b)   two (2) week accommodation fee

(c)   Application Fee 

(d)   Any non-refundable Insurance Fees

(e)   Administration Fee (CHF 170 or € 125)

(f)    Courier Fee 

(g)   Bank Charges (CHF/€ 45 or € 40)

(h)   Transfer Fees 

For University Pathway Programs (UPP):

Students shall be refunded: 100% of the tuition and accommodation fee

The following items shall not be refundable:

(a)  Application Fee 

(b)  University Placement Fee 

(c)  Any non-refundable Insurance Fee

(d)  Administration Fee (CHF 170 or € 125)

(e)  Courier Fee

(f)   Bank Charges (CHF 45 or € 40)

(g)  Transfer Fees

Cancellation notice

No refund will be issued by Alpadia without proof of visa refusal. 

For Language Schools:

In the event that a student is refused a visa and a copy of the original refusal document issued by the Swiss/German/ French Embassy (as applicable) is supplied, Alpadia undertakes to reimburse the whole amount paid, less the amounts set out below: 

(a)   Administration Fee of CHF 170 or € 125;

(b)   Bank Charges of CHF 45 or € 40; and

(c)   Courier Fee 

For University Pathway Programs (UPP):

In the event that a student is refused a visa and a copy of the original refusal document issued by the Swiss/German/ French Embassy (as applicable) is supplied, Alpadia undertakes to reimburse the whole amount paid, less:

(a) Application Fee 

Cancellation - Distance Selling Regulations

‘Distance Contract' means a distance contract or an off-premises contract as defined in the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 (as amended from time to time).

In the event of a Distance Contract, students who are EU citizens shall have the right to cancel the legally binding contract formed in accordance with paragraph 1 of these Terms and Conditions. If the student gives notice of cancellation to Alpadia within the fourteen (14) calendar day period beginning on the day on which the booking confirmation was issued by Alpadia.

• If a student exercises their right to cancel during this fourteen (14) day period, they will receive a full refund of all amounts already paid by the student less any fees charged for services already performed by Alpadia.
• If the student has already commenced studying with Alpadia during the fourteen (14) day period, they must pay a reasonable charge calculated by Alpadia for the period of study undertaken.  

To exercise the right to cancel under the EU distance contract terms, the student must inform Alpadia of the student's decision to cancel this agreement by email to 
[email protected].

TERMINATION POLICY

‘Termination’ means stopping or leaving all or part of the program or programs booked, or reduction in weekly lessons, including extensions, once the first program has started.

When determining the number of weeks completed, a partial week will be counted as a whole week, provided the student was present at least one (1) day during the scheduled week. Used weeks of discounted tuition and accommodation packages (e.g., Academic Year Abroad courses or promotions) will be re-calculated at the current weekly rate for courses with the same number of lessons when any refund is calculated.

In all cases additional service charges (e.g. airport transfers, courier fees, application fees, medical insurance, program supplement fee, etc.) are non-refundable and written notification of termination must be given to the School Director. Students who terminate their program may not be eligible to receive a Alpadia certificate and will not be allowed to stay in Alpadia accommodation.

1. Tuition

 Students wishing to terminate must give four (4) weeks' prior written notice to the School Director. No refunds will be made for tuition. Tuition fees are non-transferable to other students.

2. Accommodation

In order to terminate their accommodation contract, students must give at least four (4) weeks’ notice in writing to the School Director. The student acknowledges that some hostels and apartments require more notice and may charge a higher cancellation fee - where this is the case it will be notified to the student.

A refund will be made of the unused accommodation fee less the applicable notice period of four (4) weeks and the applicable change fee. Refunds will be calculated based on the total accommodation weeks booked, including periods of extension. Used weeks of discounted accommodation packages including Academic Year Abroad will be charged at the full brochure weekly rate when any refund is calculated.

Some residential options may have additional terms and conditions relating to reservation cancellation, including minimum notice period; these will be included in any refund calculation.

GROUPS

• A minimum of twenty-percent (20%) non-refundable deposit is payable within five (5) business days following confirmation and agreement of Alpadia services.
• All group bookings must be fully paid at least six (6) weeks prior to the program start date or in accordance with any additional contracted payment terms agreed between Alpadia and the group organiser (if applicable). Alpadia reserves the right to withhold services or cancel the group booking, if payment is not received six (6) weeks prior to the program start date.
• Individual cancellations within the group are treated as per standard Terms and Conditions.
• If the group booking must be cancelled or postponed for any reason, Alpadia must be notified immediately in writing. The group organiser may be liable for any costs incurred by Alpadia for any pre-booked social activities, accommodation or transportation costs that are later cancelled. The total fees costs payable shall be confirmed by Alpadia upon receipt of the cancellation or postponement request and shall be calculated in accordance with the Cancellation Policy in Alpadia’s standard terms and conditions.
• Where a student is refused a visa the deposit (and any non-refundable fees) will be retained by Alpadia. All other tuition fees will be returned upon receipt of the student’s visa refusal documentation.
• For any group or individual member of a group, who does not arrive, and Alpadia has not received approved any prior written confirmation of cancellation or postponement, Alpadia or Alpadia shall retain all fees paid for by the group and/or individual member of a group (as applicable).

• Any changes made within four (4) weeks prior to the group’s arrival, including, but not limited to classes, accommodation, transfers, activities and other services originally booked will incur the following fee per student, per change:

  Switzerland - CHF 65

  France/Germany – EUR 35

Alpadia Language Schools and Kaplan International Languages each have a Safeguarding Policy, available for all staff, hosts and parents that comprehensively details how we are committed to safeguarding students.

• Alpadia safeguarding policy. 
• Kaplan safeguarding policy