You ("Participant") agree to the following terms and conditions for participation in the American Education Ambassador Programs (the "Program"), administered by the U.S. Chinese Culture Center ("USCCC").

1. Assumption of Risk and Liability Waiver

a. You acknowledge that participation in the Program involves certain inherent risks, including but not limited to travel-related risks, health and safety risks, and risks associated with living and working in a foreign country.

b. You agree to participate in the Program at your own risk. To the fullest extent permitted by law, you hereby release and hold harmless USCCC, its partner institutions, boards, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from ordinary negligence related to your participation in the Program.

2. Media Consent

You grant USCCC and its partner institutions permission to use your name, photographs, videos, emails, letters, TEFL essays, certificates, and comments for legitimate educational, promotional, and publicity purposes related to the Program.

3. Program Fees and Refunds

a. You understand that the Program fee does not include round-trip international airfare or personal living expenses. These costs are typically covered or subsidized by your local host institution according to your teaching or internship contract.

b. You acknowledge that the Program fee is non-refundable if USCCC has offered you a confirmed teaching position by the planned departure time frame—defined as the date mutually agreed upon by you and the assigned school, as communicated by USCCC.

c. You confirm that you have read and agree to the Refund Policy, available at chineseculturecenter.org/policy/refund, which is incorporated by reference into this Agreement.

4. Early Withdrawal

You understand that no refund will be issued if you voluntarily withdraw from the Program after enrollment, except as provided in the Refund Policy referenced above.

5. Personal Information and Data Sharing

You authorize USCCC to share your personal information solely for purposes related to your participation in the Program, including:

a. With host institutions and potential employers for teaching placement and employment arrangements.

b. With relevant authorities for TEFL certification, visa processing, and background verification.

USCCC will not disclose your personal information to unrelated third parties without your prior written consent.

6. Changes in Circumstances

If significant external factors (such as travel restrictions, political instability, or public health emergencies) impact the Program, USCCC will make reasonable efforts to coordinate with your host institution to provide alternative arrangements or schedule adjustments.

7. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of South Carolina, United States.

Any disputes arising under this Agreement shall first be submitted to mediation through the Better Business Bureau in Columbia, SC. If unresolved, disputes shall be handled by the Columbia City Magistrate Court. No jury trial shall be required or permitted.

8. Severability

If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

By checking the box below, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to the terms and conditions set forth in this Participant Agreement.