The IUHPFL is not only an academic commitment, it is a significant financial commitment as well. Below you will find the answers to your questions regarding IUHPFL Program Fees:
I’m interested in applying to the IUHPFL. What are the first steps?
There are two initials steps in applying to the IUHPFL: applying to take the language test and applying for a passport.
Step 1: Application for the language test
The first step in the IUHPFL Application Process is to register for the testing that takes place in mid-October.
- The test registration fee is $15.00. This fee is to be paid by October 1, 2009 in advance of the regional language placement test in mid-October. This $15.00 fee must be paid on-line here via credit or debit card.
- The results of the placement test will be supplied to the IUHPFL High School Coordinator at your school, who will then relay that information to you.
- If you pass the placement test, you can proceed to apply to the Honors Program. We highly suggest taking our Self-Inventory before applying to the Honors Program to make sure it is the right study abroad program for you.
- Applicants are responsible for the costs involved in applying to the IUHPFL, which include paper to print off the application materials and postage to mail the application materials.
Step 2: Application for a passport
If you plan to apply for the IUHPFL, we encourage you to begin the process of applying for a passport.
- If you are accepted into the Honors Program, having a passport will be necessary to purchase an airline ticket and will greatly facilitate the submission of your acceptance materials.
- Even if you are not accepted into the Honors Program, your passport is a worthwhile investment, as it will be valid for ten years (provided you are at least 16 years of age at the time of passport application).
What are the Program Fees for the 2010 IUHPFL Program Cycle?
IUHPFL program fees for 2010 are as follows:
- Germany, France and Spain: $4,500 for Program Fees excluding airfare, personal expenses, and a few meals on overnight excursions.
- Mexico: $3,500 for Program Fees excluding airfare, personal expenses, and a few meals on overnight excursions.
What do the Program Fees include?
Program Fees include:
- Transportation within the host country
- Course manuals and instruction
- Lodging and meals with a host family stay
- Health insurance
- Program-directed field trips and activities
- Program-related memorabilia (i.e., Program t-shirt, etc.)
Program Fees do not include:
- The test application fee
- Travel costs to regional centers for testing and interviewing as part of the application process
- Printing and postage for application and acceptance materials
- Travel costs to Bloomington for IUHPFL Orientation
- Passport fees and photographs
- Physical exam prior to leaving
- Transportation to and from your hometown and the U.S. point of departure (typically Chicago or Indianapolis)
- Transportation from U.S. point of departure (typically Chicago or Indianapolis) to host country on required group flights
- Flights for 2009 were on average $1,200 for European Programs and $850 for Mexico Program. Cost of flights for 2010 have yet to be determined.
- Meals on certain overnight excursions (2 to 3 meals ranging from $10-$15 USD each)
- Personal expenses abroad such as souvenirs, gifts, postage, optional activities, etc., the estimated price range of which depends on individual needs or allowance provided
- Optional field trips and activities that are not part of the Honors Program curriculum
What is the payment schedule for Program Fees?
Payment of the Honors Program Fees is due in three installations:
- The first installation is made upon acceptance into the IUHPFL. At this point, students will incur two immediate expenses to secure their slot as a participant:
- A non-refundable initial payment of $500.
- This initial payment will contribute towards the upfront costs of deposits made for accommodations on-site.
- Purchase of round-trip airfare, which is to be paid via check directly to our travel agent.
- For reasons of safety and security, and also for the logistical smooth running of the Honors Program, we require that all students of the same program must fly together on the same group flights to and from the host country that we reserve.
- The second installation is due in early April and equals half of the Program Fees (minus the $500 initial payment).
- The third installation is due in early May and amounts to the remaining balance of Program Fees.
NOTE: If you are accepted into the IUHPFL and have not paid your balance in full by the last payment deadline, you will not be able to participate in the Program.
Is Financial Aid available to help defray the costs of the IUHPFL?
Financial Aid is available for the IUHPFL.
An on-line need-based assessment tool will be made available during the IUHPFL application process if students wish to submit a Financial Aid application. Students’ need for Financial Aid will have no bearing on students’ selection. Financial Aid distribution will be based on individual family need and is given in varying amounts that have ranged in the past from $600 to $1,200.
Many students solicit sponsorships to help offset the costs of the Honors Program, while other students fundraise on their own with bake sales, yard sales, etc., to cover the Program Fees. Still, other students pinch pennies and work extra hours to be able to pay for the Honors Program. We advise the following: if you plan to apply to the IUHPFL, begin saving money to cover the Program Fees now.
What is the IUHPFL withdrawal policy?
The IUHPFL withdrawal policies are as follows:
- Withdrawal before the Honors Program begins:
If you withdraw from the Honors Program after you have paid the fees but before the Program begins, the Honors Program will consider a refund of certain fees to be determined on a case-by-case basis. Fees that will NOT be refunded include:
- The $500 non-refundable initial payment
- Any fees that are non-recoverable at the time of withdrawal. Non-recoverable fees may include housing, meals, transportation and staff compensation that have already been committed or paid on your behalf.
*It may be possible to use your already purchased airline ticket towards another flight to the same destination, incurring charges to make adjustments to the date of your flight.
- Withdrawal after the Honors Program begins (i.e., while on-site):
If you withdraw from the Honors Program after it begins, you must send a formal statement to the Honors Program that explains in detail the reasons you feel you need to withdraw from the program.
We will consider a partial refund of fees only 1) if you become seriously ill or 2) if an emergency requires you to return to the U.S. In these cases, the amount of the refund will be determined individually on the basis of costs recoverable by the Honors Program at the time of withdrawal.
Please note that withdrawal after the Honors Program begins (i.e., while on-site) supposes that you will have to change the date of your return ticket home and such a change in airfare will result in additional costs. Also, please note that if you withdraw while on-site, the airlines will work with you as best they can to get you home in a timely manner, but availability to change return flights may be limited due to airline policies regarding group flights.
- Expulsion from the Honors Program:
If you are expelled from the Honors Program, no fees or costs will be refunded. You will also be expected to cover the additional expenses incurred related to the necessary arrangements to change your return flight home.
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