Studying Abroad .... Question?

Question

I recently went to europe to study abroad. I was suppose to stay for a full month but ended up returning to the states after ten days do to cultural shock. I traveled with AIFS (american institute for foreign studies) who now refuses to give me a partial refund. I paid roughly $8,000 for the trip. Does anyone know anyways that i can get this company to give me a partial refund. I've already spoken to an attorney who stated that i would lose the case if i proceeded to file a law suit, due to the fact that i signed a contract ( which of course i didn't take into consideration the refund policy when i signed it). all suggestions are appreciated.

Answer 1

honestly i think you'd have a tough time as the reason for contracts is specifically to avoid paying out refunds like this.  I don't know if you could argue that there was a lack of orientation and support given by the company which resulted in your anxiety etc.  Ethically I don't personally believe you are entitled to a refund although I'm sorry you had a bad experience and perhaps they could have helped in that regard.

Answer 2

You answered your own question - "you didn't take into consideration the refund policy when I signed it."

Contracts mean something.  So you did learn something from your trip abroad.

Answer 3

Why should a company refund you because you decided to come home early? Maybe you should stay at home, next time!

Answer 4

im sorry but your screwed. you should have found a way to deal w/ the cultural shock better than coming back home after a week and a half.  if the attoryney who looked over the contract said taht you would lose the case, then id take his advice. a contract is a contract.  im sorry that you lost your  money because of this, but you should have had someone talk some sense into you before you decided to come back.   just learn a lesson and take it in stride.

Answer 5

i'm sorry but you signed a contract. you're out the money. the lawyer even told you.

you're going to have to take this as a lesson learned. you're going to sign a lot of contracts in life (leases, licenses, mortgages) and they're binding.