Explore Programs & Apply

The OIP – Study Abroad understands that privacy is an important issue, and we take our role in protecting your privacy seriously. The following outlines what we collect, what it’s used for, and how we protect your privacy when you interact with our website, program information, application and matching software, submit information through our forms, and/or participate in our programs.

Valparaiso University maintains full privacy and information security policies, to which the OIP – Study Abroad adheres. These include:

https://www.valpo.edu/general-counsel/files/2015/12/gramm-leach-bliley.pdf

The information below is intended to refer to specific information and data collection/use by the OIP – Study Abroad.

What information do we collect?

We generally collect information in the following ways.

For Valparaiso University community members with university log-in credentials, by logging in and setting up a profile, some information will automatically be collected from information you already have on file within the campus information system(s). This information may include:

• Name
• ID number
• Valpo e-mail address
• Date of Birth
• Sex
• Academic information such as major/minor, year in school, academic advisor, cumulative GPA

Additionally, there will be self-entry fields for users to input information themselves. For non-Valpo users, the information above will also be collected by self-entry in addition to the information listed below. This information may include:

• Contact information
• Passport information
• Transcripts and other academic records
• Self-disclosure form submissions

Why do we collect this information?

The information collected is used for the sole purpose of preparing and supporting travelers. By logging in and setting up a profile and providing your information to us, you consent to receive information and updates from the OIP – Study Abroad. If you do not wish to provide us with your personal information, you are not required to do so; however, while you may still access the website, certain services may not be available to you.

None of the information we gather is sold, rented, traded, modified, or shared with any third parties who are not directly involved in the delivery of your program. This information is only used internally by the OIP – Study Abroad and Valparaiso University administrators or partners in the locations of our programs so that they may better understand your needs and provide a better service.

Occasionally, we may include or offer third party products or services. For example, if you choose to complete an application for a program, to submit the application fee online you may be transferred to a website operated by a third-party processor and be required to provide financial and other personal information to that third party processor for the purpose of submitting payment.

As another example, you may decide to connect with us through social media tools such as Instagram or Facebook, which are provided by third parties. Any collection, processing, or use of information by such third party is subject to that third party’s terms of use and privacy policy. Please consult their privacy statements for more information on their specific policies on collection and use of personal information.

Sharing your Information

We abide by Valparaiso University, FERPA and GDPR requirements. Only as needed, and within specified limited purposes consistent with the consent provided, we may share your personal information with:

• Our internal Office of International Programs – Study Abroad staff
• Our Valparaiso University faculty and staff
• Host or home universities and institutions or partner program providers/affiliates
• Transit or travel authorities
• Hotels, homestay partners, student housing partners
• Medical professionals
• Legal authorities

Personal information may be disclosed where an individual has consented to the disclosure, or when the disclosure is done in the best interest of the individual, such as in the case of a medical emergency, a serious and imminent threat to a person’s life, health or safety, a requirement under law or authorized by law, or a requirement for an enforcement body.

Valparaiso University establishes contracts with all third-party organizations and host institutions affirming they will abide by the same regulations and principles. In alignment with US and GDPR, Valparaiso University and the OIP – Study Abroad takes all reasonable and appropriate measures to protect your data from unauthorized access, disclosure, loss, use, modification, or other misuse. The OIP – Study Abroad also consistently securely destroys hard copies of personal information that is no longer required.