UMD Global Discovery Series - Finland: A Journey in the Land of Midnight Sun

Instructions

The application takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. You will not be able to save your progress and return to the application. Therefore, please be prepared to submit the entire application before beginning.

Applicant Information

What is your affiliation with the University of Minnesota: Duluth?

Please describe your affiliation:

What was your graduation year(s)?

What was your degree or program?

Preferred Name (what would you like to be called):

Legal First Name:

Legal Last Name:

Date of Birth:

Email Address:

Phone number:

Mailing Address:

Country

Street

City

Region

Postal Code

Travel Documentation

Do you currently have a valid passport?

Yes

No

Full legal name (as it appears on your passport):

Passport Expiration Date:

Passport Number:

What is your country of citizenship?

If you have any medical considerations relevant to travel, please describe them below:

Emergency Contact First Name:

Emergency Contact Last Name:

Emergency Contact Phone Number:

Emergency Contact Email Address:

Travel Preferences & Participation

Why are you interested in participating in this program?

What are you hoping to gain from this experience?

Have you traveled internationally before?

Yes

No

What level of physical activity are you comfortable with?

Activity level descriptions:

Level 1: Light Activity – 1–3 hours/day, mostly flat or even terrain, some stairs, relaxed pace with frequent breaks. Suitable for travelers who prefer shorter, easier days on their feet.
Level 2: Moderate Activity – 3–5 hours/day, includes hills, cobblestones, uneven terrain, and stairs without assistance. Days may involve extended time on your feet with longer walking periods and occasional elevation changes.
Level 3: Active – 5–7 hours/day, includes steep terrain, long walking days, and potentially challenging conditions such as heat, altitude, or uneven paths. Ideal for travelers comfortable with sustained physical activity.
Level 4: Highly Active / Challenging – Full days of physical activity, long-distance walking or trekking, significant elevation changes, rugged or uneven terrain, and demanding environments. For very active travelers ready for long, full days of touring in more challenging conditions.Tour Information

Are you in need of any accommodations?

Yes

No

While our team will make every effort to accommodate your request, we cannot guarantee that all accommodation needs can be met.

Please detail your accommodation requests:

Community Engagement

Are you interested in networking with fellow travelers and UMD representatives?

Yes

No

Would you be interested in future global alumni experiences?

Yes

No

Would you be open to participating in:

Alumni spotlights

Mentorship opportunities

Program storytelling / testimonials

None of the Above

Rooming & Logistics

Are you traveling alone or with someone?

I am travelling alone

I am travelling with someone

Participants traveling alone will be matched with a fellow program participant and share a double room with individual beds. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these arrangements, please contact us at globaldiscovery@d.umn.edu.

Travel Partner First Name:

Travel Partner Last Name:

What is your planned departure airport?
(participants will be asked to submit their detailed flight itineraries closer to departure)

Participant Release & Waiver

I wish to participate in a Global Discovery Series program for alumni offered through Regents of the University of Minnesota, on behalf of its Duluth Campus (the “University”). I understand and agree that:

1. Program and Financial Requirements

1.1 I am responsible for payment of all applicable program fees. Additional fees incurred during the program on my behalf will be billed to me after the program concludes.

1.2 I am responsible for obtaining, understanding, and following the applicable cancellation policies. I understand that if I desire to cancel my participation, I must notify the University in writing, and I am responsible for all portions of the program fees as calculated from the date my notification is received. I understand that this may be the full program cost, although the University will make an effort to obtain a refund of any recoverable costs, when possible. I understand that any fees paid directly to airlines, travel agents, or other external organizations are my responsibility.

1.3 I understand that I will be provided with mandatory University-approved international travel, health, and security insurance as part of the program fees that I pay to the University for the duration of the program. This coverage includes health insurance (including hospitalization, doctor’s visits, and prescriptions), medical evacuation and repatriation, and security evacuation. I understand that there are limits to this coverage and I agree to inform myself of what that coverage does and does not include. I am responsible for the cost of any additional insurance that I may elect to purchase as well as the cost of health care not covered by my insurance.

1.4 I am responsible for obtaining all required travel documents, including a passport with at least six months remaining validity and any required visas or travel authorizations for the countries I will visit, including any transit countries. Failure to secure appropriate travel documentation may result in being unable to participate in the program and may not qualify for a refund of costs paid.

1.5 I am responsible for purchasing any and all flights to and from my city of departure and the program location(s).

2. Health and Wellness

2.1 I am responsible for determining whether I am physically and medically able to participate in this program. I will inform the University of any medical needs that may affect my participation or safety, as well as any dietary requirements.

2.2 I am responsible for bringing my own medication and medical supplies with me overseas, and for obtaining any required immunizations before travel outside the U.S.

2.3 I am responsible for requesting reasonable accommodations related to a disability in a reasonable time frame prior to departure. I further understand that my requested accommodations may not be available at the overseas site but that every effort will be made to provide alternative accommodations whenever possible.

2.4 I have provided or will provide personal emergency contact(s) to the University. I understand that my emergency contact(s) will be contacted only in the event of an emergency while I am abroad. I understand that private or otherwise protected information may be shared with my emergency contact(s) to the extent necessary.

2.5 If in the course of the program, the University should determine in its good faith judgment that the health, safety, or welfare of myself or others, or the integrity of the program, is jeopardized by my continued participation, I agree to 1) withdraw or be subject to removal from the program and return to the U.S. and 2) that, in such cases, I may remain responsible for the full payment of all program fees.

3. Personal Behavior

3.1 I am participating in an international group experience that promotes cultural learning, educational engagement, and meaningful connection among alumni, friends, University representatives, and host community partners. I understand that I am expected to engage respectfully with fellow travelers, hosts, guides, and local communities; follow all program guidelines and instructions provided by program leaders; and conduct myself in a manner that reﬂects positively on the University and contributes positively to the group experience. I understand that the University reserves the right to remove me from the program if my behavior is determined to be disruptive, unsafe, unlawful, or detrimental to the experience of others at my own expense and without a refund.

3.2 I have reviewed, understand, and agree to comply with the University’s requirements for my participation, including, but not limited to, the cancellation policy relating to the program. I acknowledge and agree that I assume an important personal obligation to conduct myself in a manner compatible with 1) local laws and regulations and 2) all rules of conduct that are applicable to this activity. I will act responsibly, become informed of, and abide by all such laws, regulations, policies, and standards. I understand that if I violate any of these policies, I may be removed from the program and remain responsible for full payment of all fees. I further understand that if I should violate the laws and regulations of any country visited as part of the program, the University may not be held liable for such conduct.

3.3 I may not purchase, possess, and/or use any illegal or unauthorized drugs during the duration of the program, including free time. This ban covers drugs that are illegal in the United States and/or the country of participation. I understand that illegal drug purchase, possession, or use jeopardizes myself, others in the program, and the program itself. I understand that violation of this rule of conduct may result in immediate removal from the program. I further understand that I would remain responsible for the full payment of all program fees.

3.4 I understand that neither the University nor the U.S. Embassy can obtain my release from jail if I am jailed for any reason. I understand that if I should confront a legal problem while abroad, the University cannot and will not represent me or my legal interests in dealing with a foreign legal system, nor can the University assume any direct responsibility for the actions of a foreign government.

4. Travel Risks and Waiver

4.1 I understand that I am responsible for knowing and following all outbound and inbound travel restrictions imposed by my host country and my program. I understand that neither the University, nor its staff, agents, or representatives are responsible for any travel outside program requirements.

4.2 I understand that there are unavoidable risks in participating in travel abroad. I am aware of and understand the risks and dangers to my own health and personal safety posed by the use of public transportation to, from, and in my site country; domestic or international terrorism; civil unrest; political instability; crime; violence; disease; and public health conditions in my site country. The site country and other countries I will travel to may have health and safety standards substantially below those enjoyed in the U.S., and I recognize that I may be subjected to potential risks, illnesses, injuries, and even death. I will take every precaution to safeguard my health and safety. I hereby assume, knowingly and voluntarily, each of these risks and all of the other risks that could arise out of or occur during my travel to, from, in, or around my site country.

4.3 I have read and understood the U.S. Department of State’s International Travel Information, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention health advisory information, and any additional information from the World Health Organization, on travel to, in, and around my program site country.

4.4 I understand that political, social, and/or public health circumstances can change quickly in a country and that it may be necessary for the University to suspend a program abroad for health, safety, or other reasons before the program term either begins or ends. If the University suspends the program and/or requires my return to the U.S., I understand that I cannot remain abroad on University-purpose travel. While the University will make good faith efforts to mitigate expenses in such circumstances, I understand I may remain responsible for certain expenses, including possible unexpected travel or housing expenses.

4.5 I understand that the University does not represent or act as an agent for, and cannot control the acts or omissions of, any host family, employer, transportation carrier, hotel, tour organizer, or other provider of food, goods, or services involved in the program.

4.6 I understand that the University reserves the right to modify the program itinerary; substitute activities, accommodations, or transportation providers; and adjust schedules due to weather, safety concerns, local conditions, or unforeseen circumstances. The University will make reasonable efforts to communicate any changes in a timely manner.

4.7 Waiver. Knowing the risks above, I agree, individually, and on behalf of my heirs, successors, assigns, and personal representatives, to assume all risks and responsibilities surrounding my participation in the program. To the maximum extent permitted by law, I release, hold harmless and agree to indemnify the University, its staff, agents, and representatives, from any and all liability whatsoever, present or future, for damages, losses, or injuries (including death) that I may suffer to my person or property, or for which I may be liable to another person, arising out of, resulting from, or occurring during my participation in the program or any travel incident thereto, except to the extent such damage, loss or injury is the result of the grossly negligent conduct of the University, its staff, agents, or representatives. This release applies to any loss of property, injury, illness, or death due to theft or other crimes committed by persons other than the employee or agents of the University, political unrest, use of modes of transportation, and activities on the part of fellow participants, host family members, agencies, and organizations, persons, or groups with which the University contracts or recommends for the provision of services for the program. This release further applies to any independent travel or optional activities or sojourns that I may undertake during the program.

5. Medical Authorization

5.1 I authorize the University and its agents to arrange or facilitate the provision of medical treatment on my behalf in the event of a health emergency, as it may deem reasonably necessary and to the extent is feasible, and I accept financial responsibility for such medical treatment.

5.2 I also authorize the University and its agents to release medical information obtained from me to my program, insurance company, or a care provider in the event of a health emergency or as needed to provide reasonable accommodations.

5.3 I further authorize the University’s insurance partners, or duly authorized subcontractors, to release to the University’s Director of International Health, Safety, and Compliance, or his/her designee, medical or health information of any nature whatsoever, including medical records or information for mental/nervous disorders, HIV/AIDS, or any other physical or psychological condition. I understand that I may revoke this authorization in writing with the University.

6. Photographic Likeness

6.1 I authorize the University and its agents to record and/or use appropriately obtained photographs or other portraits or likenesses of me while participating on this program abroad on videotape, audiotape, film, photographs, or any other medium and use, reproduce, modify, distribute, and publicly exhibit such recordings, in whole or in part, without restrictions or limitation for promotional purposes. I further consent to the use of my name, voice, and biographical material in connection with such recordings. In accordance with Federal Privacy regulations personal data will not be disclosed without my express written permission, except as otherwise provided herein.

6.2 I release the University, its successors and assigns, agents, and all persons for whom it is acting from any liability by virtue of any blurring, distortion, alteration, optical illusion, or use in composite form, whether intentional or otherwise, that may occur or be produced in the recording process, or any unintentional misspellings or inaccuracies and waive any right that I may have to inspect or approve the finished recordings.

6.3 If due to private circumstances I cannot allow the use of my likeness, I can officially notify the University of such, in writing, and that request will override this release.

7. Acknowledgement & Signature

I CERTIFY THAT I AM AGE 18 OR OLDER AND HAVE READ THIS RELEASE AND WAIVER AGREEMENT AND ACCEPT EACH OF THE ABOVE RESPONSIBILITIES AND VOLUNTARILY SIGN THE RELEASE AND AUTHORIZATION FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT.

I understand and agree that no oral or written representations can or will alter the contents of this document. I agree that this agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Minnesota (excluding its conflict of laws principles), which shall be the forum for any lawsuits filed under or incident to this agreement or the program.

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