The contract is considered concluded once the Participant has signed and submitted the booking terms, including the general conditions, previously provided by IFA following direct online and telephone communication with IFA consultants.
The contract is also considered validly signed through the completion of the dedicated online form provided by an IFA consultant during the booking process.
Upon receiving this documentation and thus finalizing the contract, IFA will send the Participant a payment schedule as outlined in the booking terms.
For programs that allow direct booking through the website www.italianfoawhile.com, the booking is considered finalized when the Participant receives either the booking confirmation or the invoice summarizing the requested services from IFA. This, together with the general contract terms accepted during booking, constitutes the contract governing the relationship between the parties.
If IFA decides not to accept the booking request, it will refund the amount paid by the Participant, along with the booking fee, without interest.
The Participant is entitled only to the services specified in the printed and online materials, as well as any additional components and ancillary services requested at the time of booking.
IFA reserves the right to modify the services included in the program, including additional components and ancillary services, by replacing them with equivalent alternatives.
If a requested ancillary service cannot be provided, the Participant will only be entitled to a refund of the corresponding cost, if paid, unless the inability to provide the service results from force majeure and is therefore not attributable to IFA.
Payment can be made using the following methods:
● For online bookings (if applicable): by credit card, followingthe instructions providedon the website.
● For programspurchased by signingand submitting the booking terms: either online orvia bank transfer, following the instructions sent by email along with thepayment schedule and amounts due.
The prices of the servicesrequested by the Participant are periodically determined by IFA and published online on the website www.italianforawhile.com.
IFA reserves the right to increase these prices in response topossible cost increases related to courses, accommodations, transfers, and optional activities. Any price increase,regardless of its amount, will be communicated andjustified to the Participant, even after the contract has been concluded.
Price adjustments may apply to the following elements: Course Price,Accommodation, Transfers, and all optional activities at thedestination.
In the event of price changes, IFA will send written notification to the Participant at least 20 daysbefore departure. The Participant is required to pay the updated amounts beforethe start of the program if price adjustments occur.
If, due to a price revision, the increase exceeds the limit of 30%,the Participant is expressly granted the right to withdraw from the contract, with a refundof all amounts already paid,except for a fixed fee for administrative expenses,determined as follows:
● €150 for programs up to three weeks,
● €300 for programslasting from four weeks up to threemonths,
● €500 for programs lasting more than three months.
Additionally, any furtherexpenses incurred by IFA that are not reimbursed to it shallalso be excluded from the refund.
If the Participant chooses to withdraw,IFA reserves the right to offer, where available, a substitutepackage of equivalent or higher quality at no additional cost.
The Participant always has the right to withdraw from the contract before the program begins by sending an email. The withdrawal becomes effective upon receipt of this communication by IFA.
Failure to attend the first day of class without prior notice will be considered a withdrawal from the contract.
The Participant has the right to withdraw from the contract within 14 days of signing and/or agreeing to these contractual conditions, without penalties and without providing any reason, by notifying their withdrawal as indicated above.
For withdrawals made from the 15th day onward, the terms specified in Art. 6 shall apply.
In case of withdrawal after the 14th day from the date of subscription and/or acceptance of these contractual terms, the Participant will be charged the following amounts as administrative fees: €150 for programs up to three weeks, €300 for programs lasting from four weeks up to three months, and €500 for programs lasting more than three months.
If the Participant withdraws before departure, they are entitled to a refund as follows:
● If withdrawal occurs at least 120 days before departure, IFA will refund the full amount paid except for the applicable administrative fee, any accommodation supplements, and any ancillary services already purchased by IFA and non-refundable to IFA.
● If withdrawal occurs between 119 and 60 days before departure, IFA will refund the amount paid up to that point, except for 15% of the program price and accommodation supplements, excluding any ancillary services already purchased by IFA and non-refundable to IFA.
● If withdrawal occurs between 59 and 31 days before departure, IFA will refund the amount paid up to that point, except for 20% of the program price and accommodation supplements, excluding any ancillary services already purchased by IFA and non-refundable to IFA.
● withdrawal occurs less than 30 days before departure, IFA will retain the entire course price and accommodation supplements. However, upon agreement with IFA, it may be possible to receive a voucher to be used for a future program.
If a visa has been requested, no refund will be given for the visa-related costs if the Participant has already obtained the visa.
The percentages indicated above are to be understood net of the administrative fees, which will in any case be retained.
In the event of a visa refusal, a full refund will be issued only upon receipt of a written statement from the relevant consulate explaining the reasons for the refusal, except for €550, which will be retained as administrative fees.
Withdrawal after the program has started does not entitle the Participant to any refund, except for the possibility of rescheduling the remaining part of the program in agreement with IFA.
For the cancellation of an optional trip booked through IFA, penalties imposed by airlines or railway companies will apply.
If the Participant is unable to attend the program, they may transfer the contract to a third party, provided that the latter meets all conditions and requirements necessary to access the services included in the program. This excludes any airfare booked through IFA and is subject to any visa requirements for the new participant.
In such a case, the Participant must notify IFA in writing via email at least 45 days before departure, providing the third party’s personal details.
The Participant and the third party are jointly liable for the payment of the price and any additional costs arising from the transfer, which are set at €150 for programs up to three weeks, €300 for programs lasting from four weeks up to three months, and €500 for programs of longer duration.
If the payment deadlines set by IFA are not met, the contract will be considered automatically terminated due to the Participant’s fault. In this case, IFA has the right to retain all amounts received as a penalty and to legally demand, including through summary proceedings, the payment of the outstanding balance and any late payment interest as specified in Article 6.
Until the start of the program, IFA has the right to cancel it due to force majeure. In such a case, IFA will immediately notify the Participant and proceed with the refund of all amounts received within the following fourteen working days, excluding administrative fees as specified in Article 6, as well as costs for obtaining a visa and any deposits paid by IFA to third parties for the services described in the program, including additional components and ancillary services.
IFA cannot be held responsible for any losses, damages, inconveniences, delays, or failures that are not directly attributable to its own actions or within its direct control. This includes, but is not limited to:
● Natural events and disasters: fires, earthquakes, floods, storms, and natural calamities.
● Health emergencies: pandemics, epidemics, and government-imposed public health restrictions.
● Political and legal events: wars, terrorist acts, political instability, international sanctions, or restrictive government actions.
● Service disruptions by third parties: failures by suppliers, transport companies, accommodations, educational institutions, or other partners involved in service delivery.
● Illegal actions or negligence by third parties: theft, fraud, or criminal acts affecting the Student or others, not attributable to IFA.
However, this clause does not affect the Participant’s rights under applicable Consumer Protection laws.
At the time of booking, the Participant is required to provide their official residential address. Additionally, the Participant declares and guarantees that neither they nor any of their close family members are subject to economic sanctions, prohibitions, or other restrictions imposed by national or international bodies and that they are not involved in prohibited financial transactions or activities that could expose IFA to legal or economic sanctions.
If, at IFA’s sole discretion, fulfilling contractual obligations would result in a violation of applicable sanction laws, IFA reserves the right to:
● Suspend or immediately terminate the provision of services under the contract.
● Refrain from fulfilling its obligations if executing the contract would expose IFA to sanctions, bans, or legal restrictions.
● Immediately terminate the contract without liability for any direct or indirect damages suffered by the Participant.
IFA will not be obligated to refund any amounts already paid if the violation of sanction laws results from false statements or omissions by the Participant.
IFA is required to comply with all health measures established by the Authorities, particularly regarding repatriation, quarantine, management of infections, and close contacts. Additionally, IFA may implement specific conditions for the stay and take precautionary health measures. Both IFA and the student have the right to withdraw from the contract before the start of the program if the course or the students’ transfer to the destination is significantly affected by extraordinary or unavoidable events at the destination or in its immediate vicinity.
The Participant cannot withdraw from the program if these extraordinary or unavoidable events were already known at the time of signing the contract.
It is the Participant’s responsibility to ensure the accuracy of the personal data provided and to inform IFA of any health issues (allergies, etc.). The Participant must comply with the health regulations of the host country, undergoing any mandatory vaccinations or other required medical treatments.
Additionally, the Participant agrees that, in case of a medical emergency, IFA may take all necessary and appropriate measures.
Before departure and on the first day of the course, the Participant will be informed of the behavioral guidelines they must follow during their stay abroad.
Inappropriate behavior includes, but is not limited to, illegal activities or actions that deliberately disrupt learning or damage the property of IFA, the schools IFA collaborates with, other students, classmates, or third parties.
Failure to comply with these rules, as well as any local civil, criminal, or administrative laws, entitles IFA to immediately and indisputably terminate the contract based solely on an oral statement made by one of IFA’s local collaborators.
As a consequence, IFA has the right to repatriate the Participant immediately at their own expense if they are found responsible for such violations. Furthermore, the Participant must compensate and hold IFA harmless in case of damages caused to third parties who seek compensation from IFA.
Before departure, the Participant must possess valid travel documents as specified in the "Travel Documents" section of the Useful Information, in accordance with the regulations of both Italy and the destination country in effect at the time of this document’s publication (for updated information, visit www.viaggiaresicuri.it).
The accommodation service is exclusively reserved for students enrolled in IFA programs and actively attending Italian language and culture courses at IFA partner schools.
Accommodation is available from the Sunday before the start of the course until the Saturday following the end of the course. On departure day, the accommodation must be vacated by 10:00 AM. Students may request one extra night upon arrival and/or departure, subject to availability and additional cost.
Accommodation types may vary significantly, depending on the apartment or host family. Internet connection is guaranteed in all accommodations. Generally, guests are not allowed unless previously agreed upon with both the host and the school. If a student plans to stay out overnight, they are expected to inform the host family to avoid unnecessary concern.
IFA and its partner schools act solely as intermediaries and are not responsible for the contractual relationship between the student and the landlord or host family.
Some accommodations may require a security deposit, ranging from half to the full amount of the total accommodation fee.
All cancellation requests for accommodation must be submitted in writing via email to support@italianforawhile.com
● If the cancellation is received between 0 and 30 days before the course start date, IFA will retain the full cost of the accommodation, regardless of the booking duration.
● If the cancellation is received at least 31 days before the course start date, IFA will retain the cost of one week of accommodation, as well as any other non-refundable accommodation fees already incurred.
Any discrepancies related to this contract must be reported in writing and without delay to IFA’s representatives, allowing them the opportunity to promptly address the issue, in accordance with Article 42, paragraph 2 of the Tourism Code. Written complaints can be addressed to IFA srl, Via Marco Ulpio Traiano 17, Milan (Italy).
Requests for refunds due to the Participant’s absences from lessons or repatriation resulting from non-compliance with behavioral rules will not be considered valid complaints. If the Participant believes that the course or other purchased services are not being provided as stipulated in these Contractual Terms, they must immediately inform IFA.
IFA will assess the complaint within the following 7 days, gathering any necessary information.
If, upon evaluation, IFA deems the complaint to be valid, it will replace the disputed service or component with an equivalent alternative.
These General Terms and Conditions are deemed valid and applicable from the moment they are published on the website www.italianforawhile.com , including for bookings made prior to their publication date.
Essential Eligibility Criteria - 2025-2026
IFA provides experiential education programs for participants of all ages and welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds, including all races, religions, sexual orientations, political beliefs,socio-economic groups, and genders.
Successful students are engaged experiential learners who set personal growth goals to enhance their development and intercultural knowledge. They actively commit to progressing through cultural immersion and hands-on learning.
At IFA, the health, well-being, and personal growth of our students are our highest priorities. Our programs are immersive and dynamic, often requiring students to navigate new environments and unfamiliar experiences. While no specific level of physical endurance or mental resilience is required, participants should be willing to engage actively in program activities, take personal responsibility for their experience, and collaborate effectively within a group setting.
Please note that IFA is not a therapeutic or rehabilitation program (including for court-mandated adjudication). It may not be suitable for students who require ongoing professional medical or psychological support during their stay.
Successful program participants will be able to meet the Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC) for IFA programs. If you are unable to meet certain criteria, please contact us to discuss further.
Each IFA Program participant must be able to:
1. Choose to participate in the IFA program of their own volition, taking responsibility for their engagement and learning.
2. Demonstrate a respectful and polite attitude when interacting with peers, host families, and the local community.
3. Be aware of their own physical or health limitations and ensure that the IFA program aligns with their capabilities. Students can discuss any concerns with our team so we can provide guidance on possible accommodations.
4. Actively engage in decision-making, planning, and problem-solving, showing initiative in managing their experience.
5. Exhibit self-governance when necessary—taking decisions, making plans, and shaping their own experience within the program framework.
6. Manage personal medical and mental health care independently, including carrying necessary documentation, following medical guidance, and ensuring an adequate supply of prescription medication for the entire duration of the program.
7. Contribute to a positive learning environment, avoiding any form of verbal or physical abuse or inappropriate behavior.
8. Communicate effectively in both individual and group settings.
9. Adhere to IFA’s general rules and comply with all local, national, and international laws.
Failure to comply with these EEC may lead to disciplinary action, early dismissal or medical evacuation from the program or any combination of these. Associated costs will be borne by the program participant or their parents
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