Silence, discernment and leadership.

1. Agreement to Terms

By accessing and enrolling in programs offered by Ethica Christian Institute ("we," "our," "the Institute"), you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not enroll in our programs.

2. About Ethica Christian Institute

Ethica Christian Institute is a non-profit association (Verein) registered in Geneva, Switzerland. We provide executive formation programs in contemplative leadership rooted in Christian wisdom traditions.

3. Program Enrollment

3.1 Eligibility: Our programs are designed for professional leaders and executives. By enrolling, you confirm you are at least 18 years of age and enrolling in good faith for professional development purposes.

3.2 Enrollment Process: Enrollment is requested by email to info@ethicainstitute.org and is complete when we confirm your place in writing and receive the first payment. By completing enrollment, you agree to pay the full program fee and comply with all program requirements.

3.3 Program Capacity and Start Dates: Enrollment is limited to maintain program quality. We reserve the right to limit cohort size and decline enrollment applications. Scheduled cohorts start in January, March, June and September and run with a minimum of three participants. Groups of three or more may agree a different start date with us.

3.4 Individual Coaching: Individual coaching is offered separately. Its format, schedule and fee are agreed in writing with each client.

4. Payment Terms

4.1 Program Fees: The complete Certificate in Silence, Discernment & Leadership program is USD 10,000.00. All fees are stated in US dollars.

4.2 Payment Plan:

• First payment: USD $5,000 (due at enrollment, secures your place)
• Second payment: USD $5,000 (due 30 days after enrollment)

4.3 Payment Methods: Fees may be paid by bank transfer or by credit card. Both are processed through Wise. Payment instructions are sent with your enrollment confirmation.

4.4 Organizational Enrollment: Organizations enrolling multiple participants will receive invoicing and volume discounts as specified. Payment terms may be negotiated for organizational enrollment.

4.5 Payment Default: Default on the payment plan may result in loss of access to program materials.

5. Refund Policy

Refunds are governed by our Refund Policy, published on this page, which forms part of these terms.

6. Intellectual Property

6.1 Program Materials: All program materials, including recorded sessions, guided meditations, curricula, and readings, are the intellectual property of Ethica Christian Institute and are protected by copyright.

6.2 Personal Use: Program materials are licensed for your personal, non-commercial use only. You may not distribute, reproduce, or share program materials without written permission.

6.3 Lifetime Access: "Lifetime access" means access for the duration that the Institute maintains the learning platform. We commit to maintaining access for a minimum of 10 years from the date of your enrollment.

7. Program Completion and Certification

7.1 Completion Requirements: This is a 12-week intensive program. To receive your certificate, you must:

• Complete all 12 weekly modules
• Participate in live group sessions or watch the recorded live class videos (schedule provided upon enrollment)
• Submit required reflective exercises
• Maintain consistent engagement with the contemplative practices

7.2 Certificate: The Certificate of Completion represents participation in executive formation and does not constitute a professional credential, academic degree, or religious certification.

8. Code of Conduct

8.1 Professional Behaviour: Participants are expected to engage respectfully with instructors and fellow participants. We reserve the right to remove participants who engage in disruptive, disrespectful, or harmful behaviour without refund.

8.2 Confidentiality: Participants should respect the confidentiality of personal information shared by fellow participants during the program.

9. Technical Requirements

Participants must have:

• A stable internet connection for video streaming
• A device capable of accessing our learning platform
• Quiet space for contemplative practices and live sessions

10. Disclaimer of Warranties

10.1 Educational Purpose: This program is for educational and professional development purposes. It is not medical treatment, psychological therapy, or religious instruction.

10.2 No Guarantees: While we are committed to providing high-quality formation, we make no guarantees about specific outcomes or results from program participation.

10.3 Technical Issues: We strive to provide reliable platform access, but are not liable for technical issues beyond our control that may occasionally interrupt access.

11. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by Swiss law, Ethica Christian Institute's liability is limited to the amount paid for program enrollment. We are not liable for indirect, consequential, or incidental damages.

12. Changes to Programs

We reserve the right to make reasonable changes to program content, schedule, or format to maintain or improve program quality. Significant changes will be communicated to enrolled participants.

13. Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of Switzerland. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Geneva, Switzerland.

14. Contact

For questions about these terms, contact Ethica Christian Institute, Geneva, Switzerland: info@ethicainstitute.org.

By enrolling in our programs, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms & Conditions.

1. Introduction

Ethica Christian Institute ("we," "our," "the Institute") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information. As a Swiss non-profit organization, we comply with the Swiss Federal Data Protection Act (FADP) and, where applicable, the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide:

• Name, email address, phone number
• Professional information (role, organization, sector)
• Payment information (processed securely through our payment provider, Wise)
• Information shared during consultation calls and program enrollment
• Responses to program application questions

2.2 Automatically Collected Information:

• Technical information recorded by our hosting provider (IP address, browser type, device)
• Learning platform engagement (session attendance, material access)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Process program enrollment and payment
• Deliver program content and communications
• Schedule and conduct consultation calls
• Improve our programs and services
• Send program-related updates and announcements
• Respond to your inquiries
• Maintain records for our non-profit operations

4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

We process your personal data based on:

• Contract performance (delivering the program you enrolled in)
• Legitimate interests (improving our programs, communicating about our mission)
• Consent (for marketing communications, which you can withdraw anytime)

5. Information Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We share information only with:

5.1 Service Providers:

• Our learning platform provider
• Our website hosting provider
• Our payment provider, Wise (bank transfers and card payments)
• Email service providers

5.2 Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law or to protect our rights.

6. Data Storage and Security

6.1 Storage: Your data is stored on secure servers provided by our service providers. These providers comply with industry-standard security practices.

6.2 Security Measures: We use encryption, secure servers, and access controls to protect your information. We do not store credit card numbers.

6.3 Retention: We retain your information for the duration of your program enrollment plus 7 years for accounting and legal purposes, as required by Swiss law.

7. Your Rights

Under Swiss and EU data protection law, you have the right to:

• Access your personal data
• Correct inaccurate data
• Request deletion of your data (subject to legal retention requirements)
• Object to processing
• Request data portability
• Withdraw consent for marketing communications

To exercise these rights, contact info@ethicainstitute.org.

8. Cookies

This website sets no advertising or analytics cookies. It stores your language choice (English or Italian) in your own browser so the site opens in that language next time. You can clear this through your browser settings.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites.

10. Changes to Privacy Policy

We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page, accompanied by an updated "Last Updated" date.

11. International Data Transfers

As a Swiss organization, we primarily process data in Switzerland. Our service providers may process data in other jurisdictions. We ensure these providers maintain adequate data protection standards.

12. Children's Privacy

Our programs are designed for adults (18+). We do not knowingly collect information from children.

13. Contact

For privacy questions or to exercise your rights: Ethica Christian Institute, Geneva, Switzerland, info@ethicainstitute.org. For GDPR-related requests, please specify "GDPR Request" in your subject line.

1. Overview

Ethica Christian Institute is committed to participant satisfaction. This Refund Policy outlines the terms for program cancellations and refunds.

2. Try Before You Fully Commit

We're confident in the transformative power of this program. Attend the entire first week, experience the practices, and engage with the community. If you decide the program isn't right for you, simply notify us by the end of Week 1 to receive a full refund, as outlined in our policy below.

3. Refund Schedule

3.1 Before the Program Starts:

• Full 100% refund if you withdraw at least 48 hours before the program start date
• Full refund processed within 10 business days

3.2 During Week 1:

• Full refund of all payments made; you forfeit no deposit
• Cancellation must be requested by the end of Week 1 (Day 7)
• Full refund processed within 10 business days

3.3 After Week 1 (Days 8-30):

• Refund of second payment only ($5,000) if not yet charged
• First payment ($5,000) is non-refundable
• Refund processed within 10 business days

3.4 After Day 30:

• No refunds available once the second payment is processed
• Both payments are non-refundable

Rationale: After Week 1, the instructor's time has been committed, the cohort has been formed, and platform access has been provided. The first payment becomes non-refundable to reflect these commitments.

4. Payment Plan Structure

Our standard payment plan is:

• First payment: USD $5,000 (due at enrollment, secures your place)
• Second payment: USD $5,000 (due 30 days after enrollment)

5. Program Access After Cancellation

If you cancel and receive a full refund, you will not receive access to any program materials, recordings, or platform content beyond what was accessed during Week 1.

6. Cancellation by Ethica Christian Institute

6.1 Program Cancellation: If we must cancel a program before it begins, including where a cohort does not reach the minimum of three participants, you will receive a full refund or the option to transfer to a future cohort.

6.2 Participant Removal: If we must remove a participant due to violation of our Code of Conduct (disruptive behavior, harassment, etc.), no refund will be provided.

7. Payment Plan Defaults

If you are on the standard payment plan and default on the second payment:

• Your access to program materials may be suspended
• No refund will be provided for payments already made
• You will remain liable for outstanding payments

8. Organizational Enrollment

For organizational enrollment (multiple participants):

• Cancellations follow the same timeline as individual enrollment
• Organizations may substitute participants up to 48 hours before the program start
• Volume discounts apply only to participants who complete enrollment

9. Technical Issues

9.1 Platform Issues (Our Responsibility): If technical issues on our end prevent program delivery, we will provide make-up sessions or refund the affected portion.

9.2 Participant Technical Issues: We are not responsible for participant internet connectivity, device issues, or technical problems on the participant's end. All sessions are recorded for participants who experience technical difficulties.

10. Force Majeure

We are not liable for failure to deliver the program due to circumstances beyond our control (natural disasters, pandemics, government restrictions, etc.). In such cases, we will work with participants to reschedule or provide alternative delivery methods.

11. Refund Processing

11.1 Method: Refunds are processed to the original payment method.

11.2 Timeline: Refunds are processed within 10 business days of approved cancellation. Depending on your bank or payment provider, it may take additional time for funds to appear in your account.

11.3 Currency: Refunds are issued in the original currency of payment.

12. Non-Transferable

Program enrollment is non-transferable to other individuals (except in organizational enrollment as specified above).

13. How to Request a Cancellation

To cancel your enrollment and request a refund:

• Email: info@ethicainstitute.org
• Include: full name, program enrolled in, enrollment date, reason for cancellation
• Subject line: "Program Cancellation Request"

We will respond within 2 business days with confirmation and refund processing information.

14. Disputes

If you have concerns about a refund decision, please contact us at info@ethicainstitute.org. We are committed to fair resolution of any disputes.

15. Governing Law

This Refund Policy is governed by Swiss law.

16. Changes to Refund Policy

We reserve the right to modify this Refund Policy. Changes apply to enrollments made after the policy update date. Your enrollment is governed by the Refund Policy in effect at the time of your enrollment.

17. Contact

Questions about this Refund Policy? Ethica Christian Institute, Geneva, Switzerland: info@ethicainstitute.org.