BEYOND THE STATES SERVICE AGREEMENT
This Service Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into by and between YOU (the “Client”) and Beyond The States (“BTS”), headquartered in San Diego, CA. By purchasing any of our services or memberships (including College Admissions Packages, Premium Memberships, Explorer Memberships, or Specialty Best Fit Lists), you agree to the terms outlined below.
1. SCOPE OF SERVICES
1.1 BTS offers various services and membership types, including:
- College Admissions Packages (Silver, Gold, Platinum)
- Monthly Premium Memberships and Explorer Memberships (6- or 12-month)
- Specialty Best Fit Lists for Gap Year programs, Language Immersion, Internships, Teaching Abroad, and High School Summer Camps
All services include varying levels of access to advising, curated school or program lists, and/or access to the BTS database.
1.2 Immigration, visa, and residency support services are not included in any package or membership. BTS is not a legal or immigration advisory service. Clients are solely responsible for understanding and verifying their eligibility to reside and study in their chosen countries.
1.3 BTS does not guarantee admission to any specific institution, nor does it promise successful visa or residency outcomes. Our role is limited to research, admissions guidance, and program curation based on the data you provide. This exclusion does not apply to the Platinum Guaranteed Admissions provisions, which are governed separately under Section 3 and require all stated eligibility conditions to be met.
2. BEST FIT LIST – SERVICE DESCRIPTION
2.1 The Best Fit List is created using information submitted by the Client in intake forms and discussed in advising meetings. It includes academic or experiential programs that align with stated goals, budget, profile, and preferences.
2.2 The Best Fit List does not constitute legal advice, immigration advice, or a guarantee of admission.
2.3 Clients are encouraged to submit complete and accurate information to ensure optimal recommendations. If eligibility criteria change (e.g., visa ineligibility), BTS may, at its discretion, offer a one-time re-creation of the Best Fit List.
3. GUARANTEED ADMISSIONS (PLATINUM ONLY)
3.1 For Platinum Clients only, BTS offers a Guaranteed Admissions feature. BTS guarantees that the student will be eligible for admissions into at least one program or school from their Best Fit List, provided all of the following conditions are met:
- The university application deadline is four months or more from the date the Client submits their Best Fit List intake form.
- The Client applies to at least three programs from the Best Fit List.
- Applications are submitted within six months of the Best Fit List delivery date.
3.2 If these conditions are met and the Client is not eligible for admission to any of the programs listed, BTS will work with the Client to revise the Best Fit List until eligibility is established.
4. APPLICATION FEES & SUPPORT
4.1 Application support is available for schools marked “Apply Now” in the BTS database and must be submitted via BTS channels.
4.2 BTS will cover application fees in full for eligible programs based on the purchased package level.
4.3 Application fees will be covered only if the applications are submitted within six months of the Best Fit List delivery date.
5. LIFETIME ACCESS (PLATINUM ONLY)
5.1 Platinum Clients receive lifetime access to BTS advising forums, resources, and community benefits. “Lifetime” is defined as the operational lifetime of the BTS service or platform and is subject to reasonable usage limits.
5.2 BTS reserves the right to limit or revoke lifetime access in cases of platform discontinuation, abuse, or inactivity beyond three years.
6. PREMIUM MONTHLY & EXPLORER MEMBERSHIPS
6.1 Premium Monthly and Explorer Memberships provide ongoing access to the BTS program database, tools, and resources for the duration of the active subscription.
6.2 All content provided is proprietary to BTS and protected by intellectual property law. Clients agree not to scrape, copy, replicate, or extract BTS database content for commercial or competitive purposes, including the use of AI tools, bots, or crawlers.
6.3 BTS reserves the right to block or terminate access without refund in the case of suspected scraping, copying, competitor use, excessive logins, or other abusive activity.
6.4 Due to the digital nature of the service, all sales are final and non-refundable. Clients are responsible for managing their subscription settings and cancellations via their account dashboard.
7. COMMUNITY & FACEBOOK GROUP POLICY
7.1 Members of the BTS community and private Facebook group are expected to maintain respectful and constructive communication.
7.2 BTS reserves the right to remove any member from the community or group at any time without warning or refund for reasons including but not limited to:
- Bullying, harassment, or abusive behavior
- Spamming or self-promotion
- Posting of competitor content or solicitation
- Sharing private or internal BTS content outside of approved channels
8. CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES
8.1 The Client must provide complete and truthful information in all intake forms and advising interactions.
8.2 The Client is responsible for checking their own immigration and residency eligibility before applying to any school or program.
8.3 Any delays, rejections, or issues related to visas, documentation, or country entry are the responsibility of the Client.
9. REFUNDS, FEES & TERMINATION
9.1 All package and membership fees are non-refundable once access has begun.
9.2 BTS may terminate service if the Client engages in abusive or unethical behavior, provides false information, or otherwise breaches this Agreement. Access may also be revoked for account misuse or violation of community guidelines.
10. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
10.1 All materials, methodologies, and content provided by BTS remain the intellectual property of BTS.
10.2 Clients may use materials only for personal, non-commercial use related to their academic journey. Reproduction or distribution of BTS content without written permission is prohibited.
11. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
11.1 BTS shall not be held liable for indirect or consequential damages. Total liability is limited to the amount paid by the Client for the purchased package or subscription.
11.2 BTS is not responsible for changes in university policies, immigration laws, or third-party actions.
12. GOVERNING LAW
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict of law principles.
13. ADDITIONAL LEGAL TERMS & LIMITATIONS
13.1 Chargebacks and Payment Disputes
Clients agree to contact BTS to resolve any billing issues prior to initiating a chargeback or payment dispute with their financial institution. Filing false or unwarranted chargebacks may result in suspension of services and may be pursued through legal or collection channels.
13.2 Non-Transferability
Services, memberships, and login credentials are non-transferable. Clients may not share, resell, or transfer access to BTS programs, databases, or resources.
13.3 Right to Modify Terms
BTS reserves the right to update or modify this Agreement, product features, or access terms at any time. Continued use of BTS services after any such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.
13.4 Use of Feedback and Testimonials
Client grants BTS permission to use feedback, testimonials, or success stories for promotional purposes unless otherwise requested in writing.
13.5 Minors and Educational Data
If the user is under the age of 18, the parent or legal guardian must complete purchases and serve as the primary point of contact. BTS does not collect, store, or manage protected educational records under U.S. FERPA law.
13.6 Force Majeure
BTS shall not be liable for any delays or failure in performance resulting from events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, government actions, technical disruptions, or internet outages.
13.7 Scope of Support
BTS strives to respond to inquiries within 1–3 business days. Live advising and support are subject to advisor availability. Packages and memberships do not include real-time or 24/7 support unless explicitly stated.
13.8 Jurisdiction and Venue
Any disputes arising under this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, and shall be brought exclusively in the courts of San Diego, California. Both parties consent to this jurisdiction and venue.
14. SCOPE OF INCLUDED SERVICES FOR COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PACKAGES
14.1 CV Review Service
Each College Admissions Package includes access to our CV Review Service, which allows the Client to submit one CV for editing and improvement. Clients may request up to five (3) rounds of revisions per CV, to be completed within their package access period (see 14.4). Edits must be requested within the duration of service access. Additional rounds of editing beyond the included five (3) are available at an additional cost.
14.2 Motivation Letter Review Service Clients may submit one (1) motivation letter per school included in their Best Fit List for review and suggested edits. The total number of motivation letter reviews is therefore limited to the number of schools included in the Client’s Best Fit List. All edits must be requested within the Client’s active package access period. Additional reviews or revisions beyond the included amount may be offered as a paid add-on service.
14.3 One-on-One Consultations Each package includes a set number of one-on-one advising consultations with a BTS advisor, as detailed at the time of purchase. These sessions are to be used within the access period of the package. Sessions may not be transferred or extended beyond the validity window unless otherwise stated in writing. Unused sessions expire with the end of the package duration.
14.4 Duration of Services Per Package
The access period for services and benefits begins on the date of purchase and continues for the following durations:
Platinum Package:
- Lifetime access to the BTS program database and community resources.
- 2 years of access to redeem core services, including one-on-one advising consultations, courses, CV review, and motivation letter review.
- Clients may download a permanent copy of their Best Fit List at any time.
Gold Package:
- 2 years of access to all services and benefits, including Best Fit List creation, consultations, and document review services.
Silver Package:
- 1 year of access to all services and benefits, including Best Fit List creation, consultations, and document review services.
- All Other Packages and Memberships:
- 1 year of access to benefits unless otherwise stated at the time of purchase.
Clients are encouraged to utilize their included services during their active access period. Expired services are not eligible for refund, extension, or rollover to a new package.
14. SCOPE OF INCLUDED SERVICES FOR VISA & IMMIGRATION PACKAGES
Depending on the service purchased and the requirements of the Client’s destination, Visa & Relocation support may include assistance with:
Visa and Immigration Preparation
• Personalized visa timeline and country specific checklist
• Guidance regarding required visa documentation
• Review of documents before submission
• Assistance understanding legalization and apostille requirements
• Guidance regarding document translations
• Assistance with health insurance requirements
• Guidance regarding proof of financial resources or blocked accounts, where applicable
• Assistance with embassy or consulate appointment procedures
• Predeparture guidance and orientation
• General guidance regarding residence permits and postarrival immigration requirements
Housing and Accommodation Assistance
• Discussion of the Client’s housing needs, preferences, and budget
• Research and identification of potentially suitable accommodation options
• Curated housing recommendations where available
• Assistance communicating with housing providers, landlords, agents, or student residences where applicable
• Guidance regarding leases and housing documentation
• Review of housing arrangements for known visa or residency documentation requirements where applicable
• Remote or local assistance with securing accommodation, depending on destination and service availability
Relocation and Arrival Assistance
Depending on the destination, assistance may also include:
• Residence permit guidance
• Local registration guidance
• Bank account setup guidance
• SIM card and mobile service guidance
• Local transportation guidance
• General arrival and settling in assistance
• Connections with local mentors or support personnel where available
The precise services required will vary substantially by country, city, university, citizenship, visa type, and individual circumstances. Not every service listed above will be necessary or available in every destination.
15. Intellete and Third Party Service Providers
Beyond the States partners with Intellete to provide Visa & Relocation services.
Client acknowledges and agrees that certain services may be performed directly by Intellete, its employees, contractors, mentors, local representatives, or other third party providers.
Beyond the States will remain available to help coordinate the Client’s experience, but many relocation activities depend on third parties outside the direct control of Beyond the States, including government agencies, embassies, consulates, immigration authorities, universities, landlords, property managers, housing platforms, banks, insurance providers, transportation providers, translation services, and other local organizations.
Beyond the States does not control and cannot guarantee the performance, responsiveness, availability, pricing, decisions, or actions of these third parties.
16. Housing Assistance and Availability
Housing assistance does not constitute a guarantee that housing will be available or that housing meeting all of the Client’s preferred criteria can be secured.
Housing availability varies significantly by city, season, budget, move in date, length of stay, and local market conditions. Certain European university cities experience severe housing shortages and highly competitive rental markets.
Beyond the States and Intellete will make reasonable efforts to help the Client identify suitable housing options. However, neither Beyond the States nor Intellete owns, operates, controls, or reserves housing inventory unless expressly stated otherwise in writing.
The Client understands that successfully securing housing may require flexibility.
In competitive housing markets, the Client agrees to work reasonably and cooperatively with Beyond the States and Intellete regarding factors including:
• Monthly housing budget
• Neighborhood or location
• Distance from the university
• Commute time
• Housing type
• Private versus shared accommodation
• Room or apartment size
• Amenities
• Furnishing
• Lease duration
• Move in date
• Deposits and upfront payments
• Guarantor requirements
• Application documentation
• Response time when housing opportunities become available
If housing matching the Client’s initial preferences is unavailable, Beyond the States and Intellete may recommend alternatives involving a different neighborhood, increased commute, different housing type, increased budget, shared housing, temporary accommodation, or other reasonable compromises.
A Client’s unwillingness to consider reasonable alternatives does not constitute a failure by Beyond the States or Intellete to provide the contracted housing assistance.
Housing opportunities may disappear quickly. The Client is responsible for reviewing options and responding promptly when action is required.
Neither Beyond the States nor Intellete can guarantee:
• That housing will be secured by a particular date
• That housing will be available within a specific neighborhood
• That housing will be within a particular distance of the university
• That housing will remain within the Client’s original budget
• That a landlord or housing provider will approve the Client
• That a particular property will remain available
• That photographs, descriptions, or representations supplied by third party housing providers are completely accurate
• The condition, safety, quality, management, or suitability of a third party property
The final decision to enter into any lease, booking, or housing arrangement belongs to the Client.
17. Visa and Immigration Outcomes
Beyond the States and Intellete provide guidance and administrative support based on information available at the time services are provided.
Neither Beyond the States nor Intellete can guarantee the issuance or approval of any visa, residence permit, immigration status, embassy appointment, or other governmental authorization.
Visa and immigration decisions are made exclusively by the applicable government agencies, embassies, consulates, immigration authorities, or other governmental bodies.
Requirements and procedures may change without notice and may vary based on citizenship, residence, consular jurisdiction, university, destination, program duration, and individual circumstances.
Beyond the States and Intellete cannot guarantee:
• Visa approval
• Residence permit approval
• Embassy or consulate appointment availability
• Visa processing times
• Government processing times
• Acceptance of particular documentation
• A visa or residence permit being issued before the Client’s intended travel or university start date
• The outcome of any appeal, reconsideration, or resubmission
The Client remains responsible for reviewing and signing all applications and for ensuring that information submitted to government authorities is complete and accurate.
18. No Legal or Immigration Representation
Beyond the States and Intellete provide educational, administrative, and relocation assistance.
Unless expressly stated otherwise in writing, neither Beyond the States nor Intellete is acting as the Client’s attorney, immigration lawyer, regulated immigration representative, real estate broker, financial advisor, tax advisor, or insurance advisor.
Information provided through the service should not be considered legal, tax, financial, or other regulated professional advice.
Where professional legal or regulated advice is required, the Client may be advised to consult an appropriately licensed professional.
19. Client Responsibilities
Successful visa and relocation support requires active participation from the Client.
The Client agrees to:
• Provide complete, accurate, and truthful information
• Provide requested documentation promptly
• Inform Beyond the States and Intellete promptly of any change in circumstances
• Respond to communications within a reasonable period of time
• Attend scheduled appointments and meetings
• Carefully review documents before submission
• Meet deadlines communicated by government authorities, universities, landlords, and other third parties
• Maintain a valid passport and other required identification
• Maintain sufficient financial resources to satisfy visa, housing, and relocation requirements
• Make required payments directly to government agencies and third party providers when applicable
• Promptly review housing opportunities when presented
• Be reasonably flexible regarding housing preferences when market conditions require it
Beyond the States and Intellete are not responsible for negative outcomes caused or contributed to by delayed responses, missed deadlines, incomplete documentation, inaccurate information, insufficient funds, failure to attend appointments, or failure to follow reasonable instructions.
20. Timing and Starting the Process
Visa, housing, and relocation processes can take weeks or months.
Clients are strongly encouraged to begin as early as possible after receiving their university acceptance.
If the Client purchases the service close to an intended departure date, university start date, visa deadline, or other relevant deadline, Beyond the States and Intellete will make reasonable efforts to assist but cannot guarantee that all services can be completed within the remaining time.
Delays caused by government agencies, landlords, universities, document providers, or other third parties are outside the control of Beyond the States and Intellete.
21. Third Party Costs
Unless expressly included in the Client’s purchased package, service fees paid to Beyond the States do not include third party expenses.
These may include, without limitation:
• Government application or visa fees
• Residence permit fees
• Apostille fees
• Legalization fees
• Translation fees
• Notary fees
• Health insurance premiums
• Blocked account fees
• Banking fees
• Housing application fees
• Security deposits
• Rent
• Guarantor services
• Real estate or brokerage fees
• Temporary accommodation
• Transportation
• SIM cards or mobile plans
• Shipping or courier fees
• Legal or professional services
The Client is responsible for understanding and paying these expenses.
22. Housing Payments and Agreements
Unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing, Beyond the States and Intellete do not act as the landlord and are not parties to the Client’s lease or accommodation agreement.
Any deposit, rent, booking fee, guarantor fee, or other housing payment is generally made by the Client directly to the applicable landlord, property manager, residence, platform, or service provider.
The Client is responsible for reviewing the terms of any lease or housing agreement before signing it.
Beyond the States and Intellete may provide practical guidance regarding housing documentation but cannot guarantee the performance of any landlord, housing provider, property manager, booking platform, roommate, or other third party.
Any dispute arising from a housing agreement is between the Client and the applicable housing provider unless otherwise required by law.
23. Changes in Destination or Circumstances
The service is based on the Client’s intended university, city, country, visa type, and relocation circumstances at the time services begin.
If the Client changes universities, cities, countries, enrollment dates, visa categories, or other significant circumstances after work has begun, additional work may be required.
Beyond the States reserves the right to determine whether the change can reasonably be accommodated within the original service or requires an additional fee.
24. Communication
Visa and relocation matters are often time sensitive.
The Client agrees to regularly monitor the email address, phone number, messaging platform, or other contact method provided to Beyond the States and Intellete.
The Client is responsible for promptly notifying Beyond the States of changes to contact information.
Beyond the States and Intellete are not responsible for missed opportunities or deadlines resulting from the Client’s failure to monitor or respond to communications.
25. Refunds and Cancellation
Because Visa & Relocation services involve personalized planning, research, document review, housing research, coordination, and access to professional support, fees compensate Beyond the States and its service partners for both work performed and capacity reserved for the Client.
Once substantive work has begun, fees are generally nonrefundable except where otherwise required by law.
A visa denial, government delay, inability to obtain a preferred embassy appointment, inability to secure housing matching all of the Client’s preferred criteria, university decision, change in the Client’s personal plans, or decision not to relocate does not automatically entitle the Client to a refund.
If Beyond the States is unable to provide a material portion of the purchased service for reasons within its reasonable control, Beyond the States may, at its discretion and subject to applicable law, provide an appropriate partial refund, service credit, or alternative service.
26. No Guarantee of Outcomes
Beyond the States and Intellete commit to providing professional guidance, reasonable assistance, and support throughout the Client’s relocation process.
However, international relocation involves numerous decisions and organizations outside our control.
Accordingly, no guarantee is made regarding:
• Visa or immigration approval
• Visa or residence permit timing
• Embassy appointments
• Housing availability
• Housing approval
• Housing price
• Specific neighborhoods or properties
• University decisions
• Government processing
• Banking approval
• Insurance approval
• Third party services
• The Client’s ability to enter or remain in a particular country
The service is a professional assistance and guidance service, not a guaranteed outcome service.
27. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Beyond the States and its owners, employees, contractors, affiliates, and service partners, including Intellete, shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from or related to the Visa & Relocation Service.
This includes, without limitation, losses arising from visa denial or delay, missed travel, delayed university enrollment, housing unavailability, housing disputes, government actions, landlord actions, third party fraud or misconduct, changes in laws or regulations, or other circumstances outside the reasonable control of Beyond the States or Intellete.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, the aggregate liability of Beyond the States arising from the service shall not exceed the amount actually paid by the Client to Beyond the States for the Visa & Relocation Service giving rise to the claim.
Nothing in this Agreement excludes liability that cannot legally be excluded or limited.
28. Force Majeure and Circumstances Beyond Our Control
Beyond the States and Intellete are not responsible for delays or inability to perform caused by circumstances reasonably outside their control.
These may include government policy changes, embassy closures, appointment shortages, strikes, war, civil unrest, natural disasters, public health emergencies, transportation disruptions, technology outages, changes in immigration laws, housing shortages, landlord decisions, university changes, or similar events.
Where possible, reasonable efforts will be made to help the Client identify alternatives.
29. Relationship to College Admissions Services
This Agreement applies specifically to Visa & Relocation services.
Unless expressly included in the Client’s purchased package, Visa & Relocation services do not include college admissions consulting, university selection, application preparation, admissions guarantees, or other Beyond the States admissions services.
If the Client has separately purchased an admissions service from Beyond the States, the terms applicable to that service remain in effect independently of this Agreement.
30. Privacy and Information Sharing
The Client authorizes Beyond the States to share information reasonably necessary to provide the Visa & Relocation Service with Intellete and other service providers involved in the Client’s case.
This may include information regarding the Client’s destination, university, visa status, housing requirements, contact information, travel plans, and documentation necessary to perform requested services.
Sensitive personal documentation will only be requested or shared where reasonably necessary for the services being provided.
The Client understands that certain government agencies and third party providers may have their own privacy policies and data handling practices.
31. Termination of Services
Beyond the States may suspend or terminate services if the Client:
• Provides materially false or misleading information
• Requests assistance with unlawful activity
• Repeatedly fails to provide required information or documentation
• Repeatedly fails to respond to time sensitive communications
• Engages in abusive, threatening, or inappropriate conduct toward staff, partners, landlords, or other service providers
• Fails to make required payments
• Otherwise materially breaches this Agreement
Termination does not automatically create a right to a refund for services already performed or capacity already reserved.
32. Entire Agreement
This Agreement, together with the Client’s applicable order, invoice, checkout page, or written service description, constitutes the agreement relating to the Visa & Relocation Service.
If there is a conflict between general marketing language and this Agreement, this Agreement controls with respect to the limitations, responsibilities, and conditions of the service.
Any modification to this Agreement must be made in writing and agreed to by Beyond the States.
33. Acknowledgment
By purchasing or using the Visa & Relocation Service, the Client acknowledges that:
• Visa and immigration outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
• Housing availability cannot be guaranteed.
• Housing assistance is a search and support service, not a promise to secure a particular property.
• Competitive housing markets may require flexibility regarding budget, neighborhood, commute, housing type, amenities, and other preferences.
• Government agencies, landlords, embassies, and other third parties operate independently of Beyond the States and Intellete.
• The Client must participate actively, provide documents promptly, respond to communications, and meet applicable deadlines.
• Additional third party expenses are generally not included in the service fee.
• Beyond the States may use Intellete and other service providers to perform portions of the service.
By completing checkout and clicking “I agree,” you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and accepted this Service Agreement.
