Please read this document carefully.  These Terms and Conditions (“Terms and Conditions”) are provided not only for your protection, but also for the protection of your program coordinators and us.  It is important that you fully understand them.

The following sets forth the basis on which the Program, as defined below, will be arranged for you, and the promises and obligations of you, your Coordinator, as defined below, and of ArtBound Initiative LLC (“ABI”). By transacting with ABI by use of the Internet website www.artboundinitiative.com, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions, all as set forth below.  In order to participate in the Program, as defined below, you will be required to execute a separate Internship Program Agreement, the terms of which are incorporated herein.

 

In consideration of ABI’S accepting you into the ABI Internship Program (the “Program”), as well as other good and sufficient consideration, receipt of which is duly confirmed, you (or sometimes hereafter Intern) and ABI agree as follows:

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1. Acknowledgements Relating to the Program
 

1.1 Risks: You understand that international travel entails risks, including health issues, political conditions, and other uncertainties. You accept full responsibility for managing these risks. 1.2 Compliance: You must comply with all local laws, regulations, and customs during your internship. 1.3 Financial Responsibility: You will bear all travel, housing, and personal costs. In the event of termination from the Program, you consent to withdraw at your own expense with no refund. 1.4 Internship Type: You acknowledge that ABI cannot guarantee a paid internship placement, and you must be financially prepared to accept an unpaid position.

 

2. Internship Offer Guarantee
 

2.1 First Offer: ABI guarantees at least one internship offer that aligns with your designated location and field of interest. 2.2 Alternative Offer: If you decline the initial offer, a second opportunity may be offered at ABI’s discretion and subject to availability. ABI is not obligated to provide more than one offer. 2.3 Acceptance Finality: Acceptance of an internship offer is considered final, and no further placements will be made.

 

3. Payment & Program Fees

 

3.1 Program Fees: The total cost of the Program varies by type, location, and duration. 3.2 Payment Plans:

• Options include Pay in Full, Pay in 30, or Installment Plans.

• Payments must be made within the specified timelines according to the chosen plan. 3.3 Additional Costs: Fees related to visa processing, insurance, and housing are additional and vary by location. 3.4 Processing Fees: A 5.8% processing fee applies to installment payments. 3.5 Late Fees: Payments delayed by 7 days or more will incur a US$50 late fee. Payments delayed by 21 days may result in termination or removal of the internship guarantee, with no refund.

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4. Program Withdrawal & Refund Policy

 

4.1 Participant-Initiated Withdrawal:

• 100% Refund of Total Program Fee:

  • Applicable if the participant withdraws within 5 calendar days from the deposit payment date.

  • If ABI cannot secure an internship offer within 15 days after the intended internship start date, provided that the participant has not changed their internship strategies (industries, destinations, start date) from what was agreed upon during admissions, unless approved by ABI in writing.

• 50% Refund of Total Program Fee:

  • If the participant withdraws after 5 calendar days from the deposit payment date but before ABI schedules the first interview with a partner company.

• 25% Refund of Total Program Fee:

  • If the participant withdraws after at least one interview has been scheduled but before the participant accepts an internship offer in writing.

  • If a participant has been given five interview opportunities but fails to secure an offer due to lack of work ethic, unresponsiveness, or insufficient interview preparation, ABI reserves the right to discontinue the program and issue a 25% refund.

• No Refund:

  • If the participant accepts an internship offer in writing.

  • If the participant fails to adhere to the Code of Conduct or other program requirements. In such cases, a written warning will be issued for the first offense, with termination and no refund on the second offense.

  • If the participant is unable to secure necessary work authorization (e.g., CPT, OPT) or a visa, or if immigration authorities deny the visa application.

4.2 Refund Deductions:

• All refunds are subject to a US$150 administrative fee and a 4.2% transaction fee, deducted from the total program fee.

4.3 Refund Processing:​ ​​

• Refunds will be processed within 30 days of receipt of a written withdrawal notice from the participant.

 

5. Housing & Third-Party Services

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5.1 Housing Options: ABI may provide third-party housing options at an additional cost, depending on location and availability. 5.2 Participant Obligations: You are responsible for adhering to housing rules, reporting damages, and covering any additional costs for extended stays.

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6. Legal & Compliance Requirements

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6.1 Work Authorization: It is your responsibility to secure required work authorizations (e.g., CPT/OPT for U.S. students). 6.2 Confidentiality: You must maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information provided by ABI or partner companies. 6.3 Compliance: You must comply with all program-specific rules, host country laws, and ABI’s Code of Conduct.

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7. Code of Conduct & Curriculum Completion

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7.1 Curriculum Requirements: Completion of the program curriculum is mandatory, including live sessions, assignments, and obtaining final approvals for resumes and portfolios. 7.2 Attendance & Punctuality: You must attend all required sessions, with a maximum of one excused absence for non-mandatory sessions. Missing mandatory sessions or persistent lateness may lead to program warnings and potential termination. 7.3 Deadlines: You must meet all submission deadlines for documents, assignments, and materials. Failure to meet deadlines may result in warnings and affect your program participation.

 

8. Program Length, Extensions & Visa Fees

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8.1 Program Length: Once agreed upon, the program length cannot be shortened, and no refund will be issued for early termination. 8.2 Extensions:

• Internship extensions are subject to ABI approval and applicable visa requirements.

• Participants must notify ABI at least 30 days before the original end date if they wish to extend their internship.

• Extension Fees: Additional fees for visa extension and insurance apply.

  • Visa extension up to 3 months: US$550.

  • Visa extension beyond 3 months: US$845.

  • Health and travel insurance: US$50 per additional month.

• ABI reserves the right to deny extension requests based on visa requirements or other constraints.

 

9. Liability & Risks

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9.1 Liability Waiver: ABI is not liable for any third-party service failures, participant actions, or unforeseen circumstances that may affect your program participation. 9.2 General Risks: You assume all risks associated with international travel, internship conditions, and cultural differences.

 

10. Use of Photos, Videos, and Comments

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10.1 Permission: You grant ABI permission, on a royalty-free basis, to use photos, videos, or comments provided by you for promotional purposes, including but not limited to brochures, website content, and social media.

10.2 Identification: Such use may include your name, university, and city/country of residence.

 

11. Personal Information

 

11.1 Information Sharing: ABI may need to share personal information, such as medical information, with coordinators or partners to facilitate your program experience. By participating, you consent to such information sharing in accordance with applicable laws.

 

12. Dispute Resolution

 

12.1 Arbitration: Any disputes arising from these Terms will be resolved through private arbitration in New York City, following the rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) or JAMS, depending on the claim amount.

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13. Indemnification

 

13.1 You agree to indemnify ABI and its representatives from any claims, damages, or expenses resulting from your breach of these Terms or negligent actions during your program participation.

 

14. Severability

 

14.1 If any term or provision of these Terms is deemed invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of the Terms will continue to be valid and enforceable.

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PROGRAM CODE OF CONDUCT

ArtBound Initiative requires all Participants to conduct themselves according to the highest standards of work ethics, integrity, and behavior when undergoing our program and communicating with our company and third-party partners.

This Code of Conduct establishes the standards of behavior that all Participants must adhere to. If these standards are not met, appropriate action will be taken. In cases of misconduct, Participants will be notified. For a first and second offense, ArtBound Initiative will issue a written warning. For a third offense, the internship guarantee may be revoked. For more serious offenses, ArtBound Initiative reserves the right to terminate the Participant's involvement. In both cases of revoking the internship guarantee or termination, no refund will be granted.

1. Curriculum Completion, Attendance & Punctuality

1.1 Curriculum Session Scheduling: Participants are required to schedule all curriculum sessions through our online platform within the timeframe provided by ArtBound Initiative. If there are no suitable classes that work with your schedule, you are required to inform ABI in writing prior to the deadline
1.2 Curriculum Sessions: Participants are required to attend all live curriculum sessions. Attendance to the "Onboarding" and "interview Preparation" sessions are required and may not be missed. For all other live sessions, participants will be excused a maximum of one absence. Prior notice of at least 48 hours is required if unable to attend a session, communicated in writing via email.
1.3 Punctuality: Arriving more than 10 minutes late to any session will be considered an absence.
1.4 Curriculum Completion: Completion of the curriculum is mandatory, including obtaining final approval on both resume and portfolio (if applicable) reviews. Portfolios must pass with a minimum score of 60/100
1.5 Timeliness: Important documents, including the final resume, portfolio, and visa documents, must be submitted on time. Late submissions will result in a warning, with additional warnings issued every 7 days if the delay continues.
 

2. Communication & Professional Conduct

2.1 Responsiveness: Participants must respond to all communications from ABI and external company partners within 48 hours.
2.2 Respect and Etiquette: Participants must treat all individuals related to the program with respect, both in written and verbal communications. This includes interactions with other Participants, ABI employees, coaches, Partner Employers, and vendors.
2.3 Representation of ABI: Participants are expected to represent ABI professionally and respectfully to all Partner Employers at all times.
 

3. External Employer Communication & Conduct

3.1 Partner Employer Communications: All communications with Partner Employers must be professional, including the use of standard business email etiquette, timely responses within 48 hours, and maintaining a professional tone and respect in all interactions.
3.2 Liaison with Partner Employers: Any requests related to pay, working hours, or other employment terms before signing an offer must be handled by ABI, not the Participant. Participant can make such requests to ABI and ABI will communicate with Partner Employer.
3.3 Interview Attendance: Attendance at all scheduled interviews with Partner Employers is mandatory. A minimum of 24 hours' notice is required in emergency cases where rescheduling is necessary.
3.4 Additional Assignments: Any additional assignments given by potential Partner Employers in relation to the interview and screening process must be completed and completed on time, regardless of Participants' intention to undertake that internship opportunity.
 

4. Technology Requirements
 

4.1 Technical Standards: Participants must ensure they have access to a stable internet connection, appropriate software, and a computer with a functioning camera for online interviews and sessions. A professional setting must be maintained during all video communications.
 

5. Confidentiality
 

5.1 Information Security: Participants must maintain the confidentiality of any proprietary or sensitive information shared by ABI or Partner Employers throughout the program. Unauthorized disclosure of such information is strictly prohibited.
 

6. Compliance with Laws and Regulations
 

6.1 Legal Compliance: Participants are required to comply with all relevant laws, regulations, and program-specific rules throughout their participation in the program.
 

7. Program Withdrawal
 

7.1 Voluntary Withdrawal: If a Participant chooses to withdraw from the program, they must notify ABI in writing via email. Participants should be aware that withdrawing may have consequences regarding refunds or other obligations.