Northwood University (“Northwood”) has agreed to allow me, the undersigned, to participate in a study abroad program with Northwood (“Program”). This agreement (“Agreement”) is a waiver and release of liability required from all students who choose to participate in a Program with Northwood. In consideration of such opportunity, and for other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency and receipt of which is acknowledged, the parties agree to be legally bound by the following:

Please read carefully. Under this agreement, you waive all claims against Northwood, agree not to file a court action against Northwood, and assume responsibility and indemnify Northwood for your participation in the program.

1. I acknowledge that I am fully informed of the inherent risks associated with my participation in the Program, including serious personal injury, bodily harm, property damage, and death. I fully and completely assume these risks. I agree that my participation in any Program is entirely voluntary. I understand and agree that it is my sole responsibility to be familiar with and ensure that I am capable of handling the physical and mental demands associated with the Program, and I accept that responsibility.
2. I understand that while Northwood takes all reasonable precautions to avoid accidents, illnesses, criminal acts, and other unwanted events from happening to participants during the Program, Northwood cannot eliminate all risks associated with the Program. Therefore, I acknowledge and agree that I will not rely solely on Northwood for my safety or security. I understand that events such as airline or hotel cancellations, delays and other adverse travel or accommodation conditions or events may occur, and I will not hold Northwood financially liable in any way for such events. I understand and agree that Northwood can alter the Program at its discretion without prior notice, including but not limited to flight changes, change of itinerary, and changes of lodging. Northwood will cancel, postpone or alter an itinerary based on the State department designation of “defer non-essential travel” to our intended destination(s).
3. I acknowledge and agree that I have read and agree to abide by the Northwood Study Abroad Policies and the Standards of Behavior and Discipline Policy for Study Abroad Activities. I understand and agree that any Program professor or chaperone can refuse to retain me as a participant in the Program at his or her discretion after a discussion with Northwood head administrators if the staff believe, in their discretion, that I present a safety concern or medical risk, am disruptive, violate Northwood policies, or otherwise conduct myself in a manner detrimental to the Program. In such instance, I agree that the costs incurred to return to my origination point during any time of the Program shall be my responsibility.
4. I am aware that Northwood has obtained emergency medical and evacuation insurance through On Call International; however, I understand that this may not cover me for all overseas medical care and will not cover follow-up care back in the U.S. or other countries and that certain adventure activities and sports, hazardous activities and sports, or winter sports may not be covered by such insurance. I acknowledge and agree that I am responsible for determining any insurance exclusions that may apply to the Program, and I agree that I will privately obtain and maintain appropriate insurance coverage related to my participation in the Program. In addition, If I choose to transport other persons or students in my personal vehicle to or from any Program activities, I certify that I have adequate insurance and I agree that I shall indemnify Northwood against any claim brought against them by my passengers.
5. I consent to being photographed and recorded through audio, video, or other means in connection with my participation in the Program and hereby grant Northwood and its representatives, successors, and assigns the worldwide, perpetual right and permission to use at any time and in any media my name, likeness, voice, statements, feedback, and biographical information as recorded or otherwise provided by me (“Materials”) for any lawful purpose. I waive any right to inspect or approve such use of the Materials. Northwood may edit, reproduce, create derivative works from, publish, display, transmit, or otherwise make available to others the Materials or any portion of the Materials in any form. I waive any right, claim or interest I or any of my heirs, executors, personal representatives, assigns, or minor participants listed below may have in the Materials and release Northwood from any liability arising out of use of the Materials.
6. I hereby irrevocably and unconditionally release, acquit, and forever discharge Northwood, together with its officers, trustees, members, representatives, and employees (collectively “Northwood”), from any and all claims, demands, obligations and causes of action of any nature whatsoever, direct or indirect, or in a representative capacity, absolute or contingent, that I ever had, now have, or may have in the future, known or unknown, arising out of or in any way relating to the Program or my participation in the Program either for personal injury, property damage, death, or other claim. I further covenant that I will not bring any civil action against Northwood based upon any of the foregoing. I agree that I will be solely responsible for any loss or damage that I may sustain while participating in a Program and that by executing this Agreement, I am relieving Northwood of any and all liability for such loss, damage, or death.
7. This Agreement and the waiver of liability applies to any actions, inactions, omissions or activities, including any negligence to the fullest extent permitted by law, by any officers, trustees, employees, members or representatives of Northwood.
8. I expressly agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Northwood, together with all of its officers, directors, members, representatives and employees, from and against any liabilities, claims, demands, suits, judgments of any kind whatsoever, as well as any losses damages, costs, or fees (including attorneys’ fees) arising out of or relating to (a) my participation in the Program; or (b) participation in the Program by my guests, invitees, or passengers, including those who are minors. I agree that this section of the Agreement will also extend to any claims, demands, or lawsuits brought by my parents, guardians, executors, heirs, personal representatives, assigns, or minor participants listed below.
9. I affirm that I am over the age of 18 and have full authority to execute this Agreement. If I am under the age of 18, the parent/guardian/authorized representative listed below has authorized the execution of this Agreement on my behalf.
10. It is the intent of me and Northwood that this Agreement be as broad and inclusive as permitted by law and that if any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or otherwise unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected thereby. This is a fully integrated, complete agreement between the parties and no oral or different agreement exists which is not reflected in this written Agreement.
11. I have read this Agreement and have had an opportunity to ask questions and have them answered. I have had a chance to review this Agreement with an attorney of my choice. I understand the terms of the Agreement and I enter into it voluntarily. This Agreement binds me, as well as my authorized minors, heirs, executors, personal representatives and assignees.
12. This Agreement is governed by Michigan law and the venue for any proceedings will be Midland County, Michigan.