I enrolled and sent a 50% deposit (US$ 325.00) for a 2-week German language course in September 9, 2002. On August 23rd, I cancelled and gave the school a 16 day notice. Consequently, the school is refusing to refund my deposit.

When I cancelled my reservation / registration due to a family crisis, I sent them an email cancellation notice on Friday, August 23rd. When I had not heard from them, I sent them another email on Tuesday, August 27th. This time, the school responded stating that they cannot refund my deposit due to the short notice and that their policy requires a 14 days advance written notice before class starts. I explained to them that I sent an earlier email and have proof that I sent it on Aug. 23rd. They claimed that they did not receive this first email and cannot refund my deposit. It is very suspicious that they did not receive this most important email out of many emails I had sent them in the past. Since I have been emailing with the school for over 4 months (back and forth), this one was not received? I find their claim unbelievable and appalling.

Without further delay, I submitted proof without being asked to do so by the school. I faxed them copies of my sent confirmation (from my "sent" folder list) along with other email documents I sent on August 23rd from other accommodations/hotels, who have acknowledged and confirmed my cancellation the very next day (August 24th). Since all these other establishments acknowledged and refunded my deposit without any hassle, the school would not accept any proof that I may have given them to get my deposit back.

Next time, I’m choosing a more well established university or school.