AIES Student Waiver and Agreement – January 2026
This Waiver and Agreement (“Agreement”) sets forth the terms and conditions governing your participation in the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies (“AIES”). You are required to read this document carefully prior to signing. Both students and interns are referred to as “students” in this agreement.
- Liability and Responsibilities
AIES shall not be held liable for any injury, loss, or damage you may incur, except in cases where such injury, loss, or damage is the direct result of negligence by AIES or its employees. By signing this Agreement, you hereby release AIES, its officers, employees, and agents from all other claims and liabilities. - Activities Not Organized by AIES
Participation in any activity not formally organized or sanctioned by AIES—including, but not limited to, scuba diving, extreme sports, personal travel, or independent social engagements—is undertaken solely at your own risk. You accept full responsibility for any injury, loss, or damage arising from such activities. - Personal Property
AIES assumes no responsibility for the loss, theft, or damage of personal property at any time or in any location. - Activities at Kibbutz Ketura
AIES and/or Kibbutz Ketura bear no liability for injuries, losses, or damages resulting from swimming, hiking, and cycling, , whether these activities occur on or off the premises. You acknowledge that these activities are undertaken entirely at your own risk.
4.1 Swimming Pool Regulations
Use of the swimming pool is strictly limited to posted operating hours during which a certified lifeguard is present. Accessing or using the pool outside these designated hours is strictly prohibited and undertaken solely at your own risk. You waive any claims associated with improper or unauthorized pool use.
4.2 Bicycle Safety Requirements
You are required to always wear a protective bicycle helmet while cycling. Failure to comply constitutes acceptance of full responsibility for any resulting injury, loss, or damage, and waives any liability otherwise attributable to AIES. - Health Insurance Obligations
5.1 International and non-Israeli students
AIES provides a health insurance policy for non Israeli students; however, this policy does not extend to incidents occurring outside the State of Israel. You are required to obtain comprehensive medical and travel insurance to cover any circumstances not included in the AIES policy and to submit documentation prior to departure from your home country. Failure to do so constitutes acceptance of full liability for any uncovered expenses.
5.2 Israeli Students
AIES does not provide health insurance for Israeli students. You must maintain adequate, independent health insurance coverage and accept full responsibility for any costs, injuries, or damages incurred as a result of failing to do so. - Participation and Continuation Requirements
Should a medical or psychological condition prevent you from participating fully in the program, AIES may seek professional evaluation. Based on such evaluation and subject to applicable law, you may be required to discontinue the program. You waive any related claims against AIES.
6.1 Withdrawal and Refund Policy
Withdrawal must be submitted in writing to the Program Director. Refund eligibility is determined as follows:
– 70% refund if written notice is submitted within 14 days of the first day of orientation.
– 40% refund if submitted between 15 and 30 days after orientation begins.
– No refund shall be issued after 30 days. - Conduct and Disciplinary Measures
You are required to comply with all rules and regulations established by AIES and Kibbutz Ketura. AIES reserves the right to impose disciplinary measures—including written warnings, suspension, or expulsion—for violations such as inappropriate behavior, illegal drug use, acts of violence, or failure to meet academic standards. - Personal Information and Legal Declarations
You authorize AIES to share your personal information with Kibbutz Ketura for administrative purposes and consent to any required security background checks. You confirm that you have no criminal or security-related record and agree to comply with all applicable laws. You understand that failing to disclose any such record may result in the kibbutz requesting that the Arava Institute terminate your residency agreement, which would require you to leave the program. - Mental Health Provisions
AIES may require you to meet with the AIES counselor should concerns arise regarding your mental or emotional wellbeing. Continued counseling, if required, shall be at your own expense. AIES retains the right to dismiss any student whose mental health needs exceed the level of support the institution can reasonably provide. - Severability
If any provision of this Agreement is deemed invalid or unenforceable, all remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. The Agreement shall be interpreted to give maximum legal effect to the original intent. - Acknowledgment
By signing this waver you affirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to all terms and conditions contained herein.