These are the terms and conditions set out by the Hutong Group Limited valid for all bookings made with the Hutong Group Limited ("we", "us", "the company") by you ("the client", "the course participant", “the student”). All enrollments are subject to these conditions, which become legally binding on confirmation of acceptance by the Hutong Group Limited. The Hutong Group Limited reserves the right to withhold confirmation of an enrollment, at its discretion, if such action is deemed necessary in the interests of the client or the Hutong Group Limited.

Your Contract

Before your arrival in Beijing, the Hutong Group Limited will send you a confirmation about the acceptance to our Internship Program or Intensive Chinese Program (‘enrollment form’), along with an official invitation letter issued by the company providing the internship or by Hutong School itself. The enrollment form, attached to these terms and conditions should be signed by the applicant and given to a Hutong School employee on the first day.

Fees

Fees must be paid as follows:

The fee for the whole stay has to be paid within 10 days after the start of the program (= arrival at Hutong School).

Fees can be paid in cash (EURO, USD or RMB) or by bank transfer.

Bank charges are the client's liability.

In the case of payment pursued by means of wire transfer, it is the date the order is given which is relevant, rather than the date The Hutong Group Limited receives the funds. The proof of the payment is at the client’s charge.

No compensation, fee reductions, refunds, credit, additional lessons or extension of the course can be given for:

• Services or facilities included in the fees and not used
• Late arrival, absence or early departure from a course (see also chapter Cancellation)
• Arrangements decided in the organisation of Chinese classes and cultural activities offered in cooperation with the Beijing Yanjing Professional Culture School (燕京文化专科学校)
• Days when the school is closed because of official holidays

Any refunds, if approved, can only be made by the Hutong Group Limited.

School Regulations

The Hutong Group Limited and its partner, the Beijing Yanjing Professional Culture School, publish regulations to ensure that the courses function smoothly. Acceptance of and compliance with these regulations, and with the laws of the PR China, are contractual obligations on the part of the client.

Other Services

The Hutong Group Limited does not take any responsibility for costs incurred by the client, e.g. for bus fares from the accommodation to the school, field trips etc. if not stated so in the booked package.
The Hutong Group Limited will not refund any money to a client who applies for a course requiring a specific level and is then found to be unable to join the course. In this case, the client will be offered a suitable alternative by the Beijing Yanjing Professional Culture School. In case where there are insufficient numbers to run a group class, a reduced number of individual classes will be offered.

Internship (only for Internship Program)

The internship position found for the student will only be confirmed after the student has given his/her consent. Upon completion of the program, the student can obtain a work certificate issued by the company. Any work-related issues between the student and the company are to be solved between the two parties only. The Hutong Group Ltd. will only act as a mediator if necessary.

In case that a student needs to change his internship position due to e.g. bankruptcy, a dispute between the employer and the intern etc. the Hutong Group Limited will try to reassign the student as quickly as possible.

If no reassignment was possible within 1 month, the intern has the right to leave the program and will be refunded 50% of the fees of the remaining months. When an intern was fired due to improper behaviour, violation of a contract with the employer or any violation of company rules or the laws of the PRC, no refunds can be made.

If the intern chooses to switch from the internship program to the intensive Chinese program an administration fee of 290 Euro is applicable.

Accommodation

All accommodation provided is fully furnished. The intern carries the responsibility for any material or physical damages that occur during his stay.

Any special requests in regard to accommodation must be made 21 days before commencement of the course at the latest. These requests may include all-male/female housing or requests to share an apartment with a particular person or group of persons. In case that a student wants to change accommodation for any reason, a request can be filed at the Hutong School office. However, success of the request cannot be guaranteed. Students who find an agreement with another student to change accommodation are free to do so, but must first inform the administration of the Hutong Group Limited by written notification.

Cancellation

If the full balance of the course fees is not paid by the due date shown on the initial confirmation / invoice issued by the Hutong Group Limited, the Hutong Group Limited reserves the right to cancel the client's booking and to impose the cancellation charges (see also chapter Cancellation) onto the client.

Cancellation - charges

The charges for cancellation are as follows:
If the student unilaterally cancels the program within 10 days after arrival in Beijing, he has to pay a management fee of 290 Euro.
If the student unilaterally cancels the program within 30 days after arrival in Beijing, he has to pay a fee of 820 Euro which is equivalent to the fee of 1 month internship, plus the management fee of 290 Euro.

Booking alterations

Alterations to a booking regarding course dates and accommodation can be made up to 21 days before course commencement.

Cancellation by the Hutong Group Limited

If a client does not comply with the terms and conditions set out by the Hutong Group Limited, the Hutong Group Limited reserves the right to cancel the contract with immediate effect (e.g. for racism, verbal abuse of staff or other course participants, drug abuse, violations of the laws of the PRC, etc.). The course fees will not be reimbursed. Possible surcharges, e.g. additional airport transfer charges, will be invoiced to the client.
Should you decide not to utilize services booked with the Hutong Group Limited after the commencement of your course, then there will be no reimbursement of fees.

Guarantee

Should you find fault with the services provided by the Hutong Group Limited you must declare your claim to our administration during your course period. Any claims made after the end of your course will not be recognized. In the event of a justified claim, our administration reserves the right to make adequate reimbursement.

Passport, Visa, Customs and Health Restrictions

It is each course participant's responsibility to comply with all regulations concerning passport validity, visa validity, customs and health regulations. Non-compliance with these regulations and any costs that might be incurred due to this are the participant's responsibility. Furthermore, it is the course participant's sole responsibility to obtain the required documents, such as visas. However, the Hutong Group Limited will assist participants to extend visa and is always available for inquiries about issues concerning Chinese visa.

Insurance

The Hutong Group Limited, its Representatives, staff, and any individual affiliated to its activity will not be liable for any loss, damage, illness or injury to persons or property however caused. It is the client's responsibility to have personal insurance against all such risks, including inability to attend or continue a course and insurance for the payment of medical expenses.

The Hutong Group Limited cannot be liable for any insurance claim whatsoever. Any lack of proper insurance is the sole responsibility of the intern.

Unavoidable Circumstances

It shall be a fundamental condition of the contract between the Hutong Group Limited and the client that neither shall we in any way be liable to the client in the event of any contracted service becoming impossible to supply by reason of force majeure, e. g. war, civil strife, industrial dispute or any other cause outside their control.