General Terms and Conditions (GTC)

1. General

1.1 The following terms and conditions apply to all contracts concluded between the participant and tricos Bildung & Coaching regarding participation in a course, training, seminar, teaching event and/or measure (hereinafter all referred to as "course").

1.2 All conditions agreed between the participant and tricos Bildung & Coaching arise in particular from these terms and conditions, the examination regulations applicable to the chosen examination, the data protection declaration of tricos Bildung & Coaching, the registration by the participant and the acceptance declaration of tricos Bildung & Coaching.

1.3 For the sake of linguistic simplicity, the mention of both genders is omitted where a gender-neutral formulation was not possible. In these cases, the masculine terms used also include the feminine forms.

1.4 Information contained in brochures, advertisements and other promotional materials is non-binding unless tricos Bildung & Coaching has expressly designated the information contained therein as binding.

1.5 A course is the entirety of one or more modules (e.g., in language courses A1.a + A1.b + A2.a + … = one course). The modules do not have to be consecutive or dependent on each other.

1.6 A module is a coherent learning unit consisting of one or more sessions (e.g., module A1.a in language courses). A course must contain at least one module.

 

2. Registration and conclusion of contract

2.1 Registration for a course can be done at any time using our registration form in its currently valid version, either in person, by printout or online.

2.2 Upon receipt of the registration form by tricos (personal delivery, by post, by e-mail, fax or online e.g. via the website), the registration by the customer becomes binding and the customer accepts the terms and conditions of participation/general terms and conditions.

2.3 The confirmation of registration or information regarding participation in a course tricos Bildung & Coaching does not constitute acceptance of a course contract. The same applies if tricos Bildung & Coaching provides electronic access data for using the tricos Bildung & Coaching digital portal.

2.4 All documents required for course participation must be submitted with the registration. tricos Bildung & Coaching can only process a registration if it has received all the necessary documents for processing course participation.

2.5 tricos Bildung & Coaching will review the submitted documentation regarding course eligibility and, if necessary, will provide written or electronic feedback regarding any missing documentation. Notification of the review result does not constitute acceptance of the course registration by tricos Bildung & Coaching .

2.6 The agreement of a course contract only takes place with the written (or in text form) declaration of acceptance by tricos Bildung & Coaching (“contract acceptance”).

2.7 The participant will inform tricos Bildung & Coaching immediately of any changes to their contact details by using the functions provided in the digital portal, by email totricosor in person at the secretariat.

2.8 Any disadvantages arising from a failure to promptly inform the other party of a change in their contact details are the sole responsibility of the participant. tricos Bildung & Coaching cannot be held liable for such disadvantages.

2.9 Participants who register for a course already in progress after it has started are obligated to catch up on any content missed due to their late registration through self-study. Section 3.4 applies to course fees.

2.10 Non-participation without timely cancellation does not release the participant from the obligation to pay.

2.11 Electronic or oral registrations are legally valid even without the signature of the person registering.

2.12 Our teachers are not authorized to accept registrations, cancellations, withdrawals, or rebookings. Therefore, these processes are only possible via our digital portal or our office.

 

3. Fees

3.1 The participant is obliged to pay the fees. The fees are detailed on the invoice that the participant receives.

3.2 For participation in the course, the participant must pay the following fees to tricos Bildung & Coaching : course fee (fee for all modules of a course booked by the participant), registration fee (a one-time registration fee payable at the start of the course, if applicable for the respective course), processing fee (for changes, adjustments or additional services after registration).

3.3 Early withdrawal of a participant from a course does not entitle them to a reduction in the course fee. In this case, the course fees are due no later than the termination of the course contract.

3.4 If the participant registers only during the course and the course contract is therefore only concluded during the course, the course fees are still payable for the entire course.

3.5 A third party, e.g., a participant's employer, may declare during registration or by means of a separate form that they will assume joint and several liability for the participant's payment. If the third party revokes their declaration, the participant will again be solely liable for the fees from the date of revocation. In the event of an overpayment, the overpaid amount will be refunded to the party who actually paid.

3.6 Costs for textbooks are generally not included in the course fees.

3.7 Any bank fees incurred shall be borne by the participant.

 

4. Payment terms

4.1 The course fees are due immediately upon booking and must be paid in full in advance.

4.2 If agreed in writing or text form, course fees can also be paid in installments per module according to a SEPA direct debit mandate issued by the participant or by bank transfer. The direct debit will be processed after invoicing.

4.3 The registration fee is due as soon as the participant has received confirmation of the contract from tricos Bildung & Coaching .

4.4 The processing fee is due for every course booking or course change made by the participant.

4.5 Invoices will be issued in written form.

 

5. Implementation of courses, lectures and measures

5.1 tricos Bildung & Coaching may decide on the method of conducting courses, training events, and measures, offering in-person events, virtual sessions (e.g., webinars, online meetings), hybrid events, guided self-study, and digital learning materials. Examinations are administered by tricos Bildung & Coaching in person, online, or in a hybrid format (in-person and online).

5.1 tricos Bildung & Coaching determines the deployment of teaching staff. Participants have no right to courses with a specific instructor.

5.2 tricos Bildung & Coaching also determines the choice of training location. The participant has no right to the allocation of the training location.

5.3 As a rule, a minimum number of participants must be reached before the start of the course to allow a course to take place.

5.4 If the minimum number of participants is not reached, courses can still be held if the number of hours is reduced to a reasonable level or the course fee is increased, and the participant is willing to accept this adjustment. The decision regarding the possibility of reducing or increasing the fee rests with tricos Bildung & Coaching.

5.5 Furthermore, tricos Bildung & Coaching reserves the right to cancel or postpone courses, or to start them at a different, predetermined start date, or to reschedule individual modules to a different, predetermined start date, if there is insufficient participation. In such cases, course participants will be informed of any changes in a timely manner.

5.6 If tricos Bildung & Coachingcancels a course, the participant will be refunded the fee already paid, unless they agree to a postponement of the course. No further claims against tricos Bildung & Coachingexist.

5.7 Insofar as events that are unforeseeable, unavoidable, and beyond the control of tricos Bildung & Coaching (“force majeure”), such as, in particular, war, civil unrest, natural disasters, strikes, pandemics, epidemics, or official measures, necessitate an adjustment to the manner in which the course, training event, program, and/or examination is conducted, tricos Bildung & Coaching is entitled to adjust the course, training event, program, and/or examination. In such a case, virtual sessions (e.g., webinars, online appointments) may be held instead of in-person events, or the proportion of virtual sessions and guided self-study using provided digital learning materials may be increased. If and to the extent that, according to the contract, training events are to take place at specific times or on specific days, the agreed time slots or the specified days may be adjusted depending, for example, on requirements regarding maximum occupancy in rooms, minimum distances, or similar legal or official regulations. Examinations may be conducted more frequently or exclusively as online examinations during the duration of the events.

5.8 tricos Bildung & Coaching reserves the right to adapt the administration of examinations to technological advancements, such as the introduction of online examinations. For these applications, tricos Bildung & Coaching may implement technical measures to prevent cheating, such as accessing the device's camera.

 

6. Visa

6.1 Our courses entitle participants to apply for a visa in their respective country of origin.

6.2 If you intend to obtain a visa by attending our courses, you must first register for the course and pay the full course fee, including the processing fee.

6.3 The term "course" refers to the entire booking period selected during registration.

6.4 When registering, it must be clearly stated that there is an intention to apply for a visa for the duration of the course.

6.5 The participant waives their right of withdrawal and declares upon registration that they definitely wish to participate in the course. Consequently, the school will provide them with the official certificate required by the consulate for visa issuance, subject to the conditions specified in section 6.6.

6.6 After receipt of the full fee in the account of tricos Bildung & Coaching, tricos Bildung & Coaching will issue the participant a certificate for the consulate.

6.7 Cancellation or withdrawal from the course is therefore only possible in the event of visa refusal under the conditions specified in sections 6.8 - 6.11.

6.8 If the visa is refused, the participant will be reimbursed the fee under the conditions stated in sections 6.9 and 6.10.

6.9 A refund of the processing fee is not possible.

6.10 To receive a refund of the fee already paid, the participant is obligated to immediately send the rejection notice from the German consulate, as well as the visa issuance certificate, to tricos Bildung & Coaching . These documents must be received by tricos Bildung & Coaching at least 10 working days before the course begins, either by mail or email. Only then can a refund be issued.

6.11 For participants who have received a visa, withdrawal from the course is no longer possible. The course cannot be cancelled and a refund is therefore excluded.

6.12 If the participant has not received a response from the consulate up to 10 working days before the course begins, a one-time postponement of the course to the next available course start date is possible free of charge. To do so, the participant must inform tricos Bildung & Coaching in writing via email of the situation and request the postponement within 10 working days. If this does not occur, or if it is not done within the specified timeframe, the right to postpone the course expires.

6.13 The participant is responsible for ensuring that communication with the consulate, authorities, and language school is timely and that all required documents are submitted on time. The participant is responsible for any negative consequences resulting from failure to comply. Therefore, a visa refusal due to neglect of this obligation (e.g., because the application was submitted to the consulate too late, even though the school's certificate was already available) does not entitle the participant to a refund of the fee.

 

7. Transfer & Resignation

7.1 A change of course is possible once in individual cases up to 10 working days before the start of the course, and only if places are available in the target course. The only exception to this is described in section 7.2.

7.2 Changing courses after the start of the course is only possible once if the participant has attended at least one day of the course, places are available in the target course and the rebooking takes place no later than three working days after the first course date.

7.3 A change of course does not constitute a cancellation of the booked course, but merely a change of date. The full course fee is still due.

7.4 A processing fee of €30 is payable for a course change.

7.5 If the course participant withdraws from the course no later than 15 days after registration, the fee will be refunded less a processing fee of €30.

7.6 After this cancellation period has expired, or if the course has already started, cancellation is no longer possible and consequently a refund of the fee is excluded.

7.7 The resignation or change must be made in writing or in text form (email).

7.8 Simply not attending the course does not constitute a withdrawal or cancellation.

7.9 If a different cancellation policy is stated in the course announcement, this policy shall apply.

7.10 A declaration of resignation or change of teacher is ineffective.

 

8. Follow-up booking

8.1 Registration for a course and acceptance of the contract by tricos Bildung & Coaching does not automatically reserve a place in a subsequent course or module.

8.2 Participants have the option to book another course after completing their current one. This requires a new registration. Without this registration, participants are not entitled to a reserved place in the desired course or module.

8.3 The registration fee is waived for a follow-up booking within 2 months of the completed course.

 

9. Course interruption

9.1 Upon request, tricos Bildung & Coaching may grant the course participant an interruption, provided that this does not contradict the orderly course schedule.

9.2 During the interruption, tricos Bildung & Coaching will not offer any services to the participant. The participant is not entitled to participate in courses, events, and/or activities during the interruption and is not obligated to pay course fees for the period of the interruption.

9.3 If an interruption is granted, the contract concluded between tricos Bildung & Coaching and the participant shall be extended by the duration of the interruption.

9.4 tricos Bildung & Coaching is not obligated to offer the program after the interruption, and even if it does, not necessarily at the same times. Participants may therefore experience postponements and/or delays, which they are responsible for managing and bearing themselves. In some cases, this may mean that participants cannot attend their desired program for weeks or even months.

9.5 A course interruption must be requested in writing or electronically from tricos Bildung & Coaching at least three weeks before the start of the respective interruption. The date of receipt of the request by tricos Bildung & Coaching is decisive for timely submission.

9.6 A course interruption is only considered granted when tricos Bildung & Coaching declares in writing or in text form to the participant that it accepts the participant's request.

9.7 There is no legal entitlement to course breaks.

9.8 If the participant is in arrears with his payment obligations for previous courses at the beginning of a course interruption, he must settle these outstanding claims regardless of the course interruption.

 

10. BAMF

10.1 The course offerings of tricos Bildung & Coaching include courses and examinations that are funded by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (hereinafter referred to as BAMF) and conducted according to its specifications. In addition, there are participants who are funded by the BAMF and admitted to these courses.

10.2 For the courses and participants mentioned in section 10.1, the following applies: Should the BAMF's specifications or conditions deviate from or supplement the conditions applicable in this contract, these BAMF specifications or conditions shall take precedence.

10.3 The BAMF's requirements and conditions for courses or offers funded by the BAMF can be viewed on the BAMF website (www.bamf.bund.de).

 

11. Insurance

11.1 Registration for the course and/or payment of the course fees does not provide health or other insurance coverage for the participant. Participants are assumed to be responsible for their own insurance arrangements.

11.2 tricos Bildung & Coaching accepts no liability for lost property of participants as well as personal injury and property damage.

 

12. Alternative Dispute Resolution

12.1 The European Commission provides a platform for online dispute resolution (ODR), which you can find at ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr Consumers have the option of using this platform to resolve their disputes.

12.2 tricos Bildung & Coaching is neither obligated nor willing to participate in dispute resolution proceedings before a consumer arbitration board.

 

13. Copyright

13.1 Teaching materials, course materials, scripts, lecture recordings, exams, etc. are protected by copyright.

13.2 Use for personal study purposes is permitted. Any use not expressly permitted by copyright law requires the prior consent of tricos Bildung & Coaching. This applies in particular to reproductions, adaptations, translations, microfilming, and storage and processing in electronic systems, as well as distribution on the internet or social media channels. In the event of infringement tricos Bildung & Coaching reserves the right to take further action.

 

14. Data Privacy Statement

14.1 The data protection declaration of tricos Bildung & Coaching tricos Bildung & Coaching connection with the agreed contract between the participant and tricos Bildung & Coaching .

 

15. Written form

15.1 Only the provisions stipulated in writing in the contract and the General Terms and Conditions apply. Any amendments must be recorded in writing and signed by both parties for reasons of legal clarity and certainty.

 

16. Severability Clause

16.1 Should individual provisions of the contract or the general terms and conditions be invalid, this shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions of the contract or terms and conditions; their validity shall therefore remain unaffected.

 

17. Place of jurisdiction

17.1 The place of jurisdiction for all claims of the participant against tricos Bildung & Coaching is Stuttgart.

17.2 The law of the Federal Republic of Germany shall apply.

 

18. Revocation

18.1 For contracts with tricos Bildung & Coaching there is a right of withdrawal for service and purchase contracts concluded outside of business premises (e.g. private residence, pedestrian zone, events, etc.) and for distance contracts (contracts concluded via telephone, internet or letter).

18.2 Cancellation Policy