Returns & Refunds policy

You are entitled to cancel your order within 30 days without giving any reason for doing so.

The deadline for canceling an order is 30 days from the date you received the goods or on which a third party you have appointed, who is not the carrier, takes possession of the product delivered.

In order to exercise your right of cancellation, you must inform us of your decision by means of a clear statement.

You can inform us of your decision by e-mail office@academyhk.org

We will reimburse you no later than 30 days from the day on which we receive the returned goods. We will use the same means of payment as you used for the order, and you will not incur any fees for such reimbursement.

Conditions for returns:

In order for the goods to be eligible for a return, please make sure that:

• The goods were purchased in the last 30 days

• The goods are in the original packaging

The following goods cannot be returned:

• The supply of goods made to your specifications or clearly personalized.

• The supply of goods which according to their nature are not suitable to be returned, for example goods which deteriorate rapidly or where the date of expiry is over.

• The supply of goods which are not suitable for return due to health protection or hygiene reasons and were unsealed after delivery.

• The supply of goods which are, after delivery, according to their nature, inseparably mixed with other items.

We reserve the right to refuse returns of any merchandise that does not meet the above return conditions at our sole discretion.

Returning Goods

You are responsible for the cost and risk of returning the goods to us. You should send the goods to the following address:

Suite 1404, Tung Wai Commercial Building, 109–111 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong SAR

We cannot be held responsible for goods damaged or lost in return shipment. Therefore, we recommend an insured and trackable mail service. We are unable to issue a refund without actual receipt of the goods or proof of received return delivery.

Gifts:

If the goods were marked as a gift when purchased and then shipped directly to you, you'll receive a gift credit for the value of your return. Once the returned product is received, a gift certificate will be mailed to you.

If the goods weren't marked as a gift when purchased, or the gift giver had the order shipped to themselves to give it to you later, We will send the refund to the gift giver.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about our Returns and Refunds Policy, please contact us by e-mail office@academyhk.org

Returns & Refunds Policy – Digital Products

You are entitled to cancel your order within 7 days without giving any reason for doing so, provided the digital product has not been accessed, downloaded, or otherwise used.

The deadline for canceling an order is 7 days from the date of purchase.

In order to exercise your right of cancellation, you must inform us of your decision by means of a clear statement.

You can inform us of your decision by e-mail: office@academyhk.org

We will reimburse you no later than 10 business days from the day on which we approve your refund request. We will use the same means of payment as you used for the order, and you will not incur any fees for such reimbursement.

Conditions for Refunds:

In order for the digital product to be eligible for a refund, please make sure that:

• The product was purchased in the last 7 days

• The product has not been accessed, downloaded, streamed, or used

• The product was not customized or made-to-order

The following digital products cannot be refunded:

• The supply of digital content made to your specifications or clearly personalized

• The supply of digital content that has been accessed, downloaded, or used

• The supply of digital services already commenced or fulfilled

• The supply of bundled content or services delivered as part of internship or course programs

• Any digital product purchased more than 7 days prior to the refund request

We reserve the right to refuse refunds for any digital content that does not meet the above refund conditions at our sole discretion.

Returning Digital Products

As digital products are not physically returned, you are not required to send any item back. However, you are responsible for ensuring that the product has not been used or accessed when making a refund request.

We are unable to issue a refund without verifying non-access of the product or service. If a product has been downloaded or used, it will be deemed delivered and non-refundable.

Gifts:

If the digital product was marked as a gift when purchased and delivered directly to you, you’ll receive a gift credit for the value of your refund, if approved. Once confirmed, a digital gift certificate will be e-mailed to you.

If the product wasn’t marked as a gift when purchased, or if the gift giver had the order delivered to themselves to give to you later, we will send the refund to the gift giver.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about our Returns and Refunds Policy, please contact us by e-mail: office@academyhk.org

Privacy Policy

Academyhk.org website is owned by INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH ACADEMY UNIC HK LIMITED, which is a data controller of your personal data.

We have adopted this Privacy Policy, which determines how we are processing the information collected by academyhk.org, which also provides the reasons why we must collect certain personal data about you. Therefore, you must read this Privacy Policy before using academyhk.org website.

We take care of your personal data and undertake to guarantee its confidentiality and security.

Personal information we collect:

When you visit the academyhk.org, we automatically collect certain information about your device, including information about your web browser, IP address, time zone, and some of the installed cookies on your device. Additionally, as you browse the Site, we collect information about the individual web pages or products you view, what websites or search terms referred you to the Site, and how you interact with the Site. We refer to this automatically-collected information as “Device Information.” Moreover, we might collect the personal data you provide to us (including but not limited to Name, Surname, Address, payment information, etc.) during registration to be able to fulfill the agreement.

Why do we process your data?

Our top priority is customer data security, and, as such, we may process only minimal user data, only as much as it is absolutely necessary to maintain the website. Information collected automatically is used only to identify potential cases of abuse and establish statistical information regarding website usage. This statistical information is not otherwise aggregated in such a way that it would identify any particular user of the system.

You can visit the website without telling us who you are or revealing any information, by which someone could identify you as a specific, identifiable individual. If, however, you wish to use some of the website’s features, or you wish to receive our newsletter or provide other details by filling a form, you may provide personal data to us, such as your email, first name, last name, city of residence, organization, telephone number. You can choose not to provide us with your personal data, but then you may not be able to take advantage of some of the website’s features. For example, you won’t be able to receive our Newsletter or contact us directly from the website. Users who are uncertain about what information is mandatory are welcome to contact us via office@academyhk.org.

Your rights:

If you are a European resident, you have the following rights related to your personal data:

• The right to be informed.

• The right of access.

• The right to rectification.

• The right to erasure.

• The right to restrict processing.

• The right to data portability.

• The right to object.

• Rights in relation to automated decision-making and profiling.

If you would like to exercise this right, please contact us through the contact information below.

Additionally, if you are a European resident, we note that we are processing your information in order to fulfill contracts we might have with you (for example, if you make an order through the Site), or otherwise to pursue our legitimate business interests listed above. Additionally, please note that your information might be transferred outside of Europe, including Canada and the United States.

Links to other websites:

Our website may contain links to other websites that are not owned or controlled by us. Please be aware that we are not responsible for such other websites or third parties' privacy practices. We encourage you to be aware when you leave our website and read the privacy statements of each website that may collect personal information.

Information security:

We secure information you provide on computer servers in a controlled, secure environment, protected from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. We keep reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect against unauthorized access, use, modification, and personal data disclosure in its control and custody. However, no data transmission over the Internet or wireless network can be guaranteed.

Legal disclosure:

We will disclose any information we collect, use or receive if required or permitted by law, such as to comply with a subpoena or similar legal process, and when we believe in good faith that disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, protect your safety or the safety of others, investigate fraud, or respond to a government request.

Contact information:

If you would like to contact us to understand more about this Policy or wish to contact us concerning any matter relating to individual rights and your Personal Information, you may send an email to office@academyhk.org.

Digital Internship Access & Participation Agreement
Issued by International Research Academy UNIC HK Limited

This Agreement sets forth the terms and conditions of participation in the IRAHK Internship Program, a remote digital experience organized and delivered by International Research Academy UNIC HK Limited (“IRAHK”), a company registered and operating under the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Hong Kong SAR).

Clause 1: Purpose of the Internship

This internship is a company-hosted, remote program built around real business and research case work. It is designed to develop practical capabilities in a professional setting through a combination of structured tasks, guided resources, and independent execution.

Key goals of the internship include:

• Building practical, transferable skills in business operations, analysis, and project execution

• Strengthening business English proficiency, both written and oral, for use in professional communications

• Improving readiness for real-world project delivery in English-speaking business environments

• Supporting self-paced progress toward recognized third-party certifications (e.g., via edX), aligned with each intern’s role and focus area

• Increasing confidence and fluency in English communication, including reporting, documentation, discussion, and presentations

• Providing a real-case framework that supports independent learning, critical thinking, and applied collaboration

This is not an academic program and does not offer university credit or formal accreditation. Certification from IRAHK is performance-based and depends on full participation and final project evaluation.

Clause 2: Participation Tracks

Participants may access the IRAHK Internship through one of the following two tracks, depending on eligibility and availability:

a) Merit-Based Access (Free)
Interns may be selected for free participation through a competitive, merit-based application process. Selection may involve assessments, application reviews, or demonstrated readiness for internship tasks. Availability is limited and determined solely by IRAHK.

b) Self-Paced Paid Access (Digital Product)
Participants may also enroll independently by purchasing access through IRAHK’s official website at academyhk.org. This option is open to all applicants and does not require prior screening.

Digital access includes:

• Structured business case scenario materials (provided as downloadable files)

• Scheduled access to meetings held via Zoom, WeChat, Telegram, or other secure platforms

• Delivery of internship materials, assignments, templates, and written guidance

• Participation in one internship cycle, as scheduled by IRAHK

Payment and Access:
Enrollment and payment are completed through academyhk.org. Access begins on the next available Monday following confirmation of payment.

Refund Policy:
Paid access is refundable only in accordance with IRAHK’s published refund policy. No refunds are available once login credentials or digital materials have been delivered.

Note: Both access tracks follow the same program structure, deliverables, and certification requirements. The method of entry does not impact the quality or content of the internship experience.

Clause 3: Internship Structure and Requirements

The internship is conducted remotely and delivered digitally by IRAHK. Program content is supported through communication platforms including WeChat, Zoom, Telegram, or equivalent services, selected based on availability and context. The internship includes both individual and collaborative assignments, structured to reflect real-world business and research scenarios. English is the sole working language throughout the program.

Participation Requirements:

• Time Commitment: Interns are expected to dedicate approximately 2 to 4 hours per day to complete assigned tasks and participate in project-based work for the duration of the internship cycle.

• Language of Instruction: All communications, task submissions, and presentations must be completed in English.

• Final Project: Completion of a final capstone project, based on practical case material, is required for certification eligibility.

• Assignment Submissions: Interns must submit weekly deliverables via the assigned digital channels and in accordance with provided guidelines and timelines.

• Group Activities: Optional team-based case discussions and collaborative projects may be offered. Participation is strongly encouraged to enhance peer learning.

• Live or In-Person Sessions: IRAHK may host live instructional or interactive sessions using platforms such as WeChat, Zoom, or Telegram. In-person meetings may be organized when available locally. While optional, these sessions are recommended for improving spoken English and teamwork experience.

Interns are expected to manage their schedules responsibly, participate fully in assigned work, and meet program standards in order to remain in good standing and to qualify for certification or participation recognition.

Clause 4: Nature of Digital Product and Payment Terms

The IRAHK Internship is delivered as a one-time digital product. No physical goods are provided. Access is granted to all program materials, communication channels, and participation tools solely in digital format.

Enrollment and Payment Process:

• Enrollment is completed through IRAHK’s official website at academyhk.org

• Payment confirms access to a single internship cycle, including structured case assignments, templates, guidance, and participation links

• The internship is not a subscription service and does not auto-renew

Refund Policy:

• Refunds are only available if requested before any access credentials, session links, or digital materials have been provided

• Once login access, file downloads, or live session invitations have been issued, the product is considered used and is no longer refundable

• Refund requests must be submitted through the official channels listed on academyhk.org and are subject to IRAHK’s published policy

Digital Access Acknowledgment:
By submitting payment, participants acknowledge they are purchasing a non-refundable, one-time digital product, and they agree to the terms of this Agreement

Clause 5: No Employment Relationship

Participation in the IRAHK Internship Program does not create an employment relationship between the intern and IRAHK or any of its affiliates.

Interns acknowledge and agree that:

• They are not employees, contractors, agents, or representatives of IRAHK;

• They will not receive wages, compensation, or employment-related benefits of any kind;

• Participation is voluntary and undertaken for the purpose of gaining practical experience and professional development;

• Completion of the internship does not guarantee future employment, hiring consideration, or job placement with IRAHK or any third party.

Nothing in this agreement shall be interpreted as an offer of employment or a commitment to hire. The internship is an experiential, non-remunerated program focused on learning and applied skills in a professional context.

Clause 5: Certification and Completion Criteria

Upon successful completion of the internship, eligible participants may receive a Certificate of Completion issued by IRAHK, recognizing their performance, project work, and engagement throughout the program.

To qualify for certification, participants must:

• Complete and submit all required weekly assignments and the final project;

• Maintain consistent participation and engagement throughout the internship cycle;

• Achieve a minimum performance threshold of 50% based on IRAHK’s internal tracking and evaluation system;

• Provide valid personal identification and complete all onboarding requirements;

• Independently complete a relevant third-party online certification course (e.g., via edX) during the internship period and provide proof of completion.

The certificate issued by IRAHK is based on practical achievement within the internship program. It does not represent academic credit, university affiliation, or accreditation by external institutions.

Participants who do not meet the above criteria may be eligible for a Record of Participation (see Clause 8)

Clause 7: Merit Award – Optional Sponsorship or Reimbursement of Certification

To recognize exceptional performance and initiative, IRAHK may, at its sole discretion, offer a Merit Award to selected interns. This award is intended to support high-performing participants in obtaining third-party certification aligned with the goals of the internship.

Merit Award recipients may be eligible for:

• A formal Certificate of Merit or Endorsement Letter issued by IRAHK

• Optional internal or public recognition (e.g., leaderboard placement, reference letter, or mention on official channels)

• Either:

  • Full reimbursement for a relevant third-party online certification course (e.g., via edX), or

  • Direct prepayment of such a course by IRAHK (subject to prior written approval)

Eligibility conditions:

• The third-party course must be completed during the internship cycle

• The intern must submit valid proof of payment and successful course completion (if seeking reimbursement)

• The intern must achieve a minimum of 50% on IRAHK’s internal evaluation

• Any prepayment must be formally approved by IRAHK in writing prior to enrollment

The Merit Award is not guaranteed, and selection is based on available resources and performance rankings. It does not establish any right to payment or employment. IRAHK makes no claims of partnership or affiliation with edX or other external platforms.

IRAHK makes no claim of affiliation with edX, Harvard, MIT, Berkeley, or other certification platforms. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Clause 7: Record of Participation and Non-Certification Outcomes

Participants who complete the internship period but do not meet the full criteria for certification may request a Record of Participation, issued by IRAHK.

This record may be provided under the following conditions:

• The participant has actively engaged in the internship and submitted a minimum portion of the required assignments

• The final project was submitted but did not meet the minimum evaluation threshold for certification

• The participant did not complete an external certification course required for the issuance of the full Certificate of Completion

The Record of Participation confirms the individual’s involvement in the internship but does not indicate performance level, endorsement, or certification status.

Participants who fail to complete the internship cycle, submit required tasks, or violate program policies may not be eligible for any form of documentation.

All decisions regarding participation records and certification outcomes are made solely by IRAHK and are final.

Clause 8: Record of Participation and Non-Certification Outcomes

Participants who complete the internship period but do not meet the full criteria for certification may request a Record of Participation, issued by IRAHK.

This record may be provided under the following conditions:

• The participant has actively engaged in the internship and submitted a minimum portion of the required assignments

• The final project was submitted but did not meet the minimum evaluation threshold for certification

• The participant did not complete an external certification course required for the issuance of the full Certificate of Completion

The Record of Participation confirms the individual’s involvement in the internship but does not indicate performance level, endorsement, or certification status.

Participants who fail to complete the internship cycle, submit required tasks, or violate program policies may not be eligible for any form of documentation.

All decisions regarding participation records and certification outcomes are made solely by IRAHK and are final.

Clause 9: Code of Conduct and Participation Rules

All interns are expected to conduct themselves professionally and adhere to IRAHK’s participation guidelines throughout the internship cycle.

By enrolling in the IRAHK Internship Program, participants agree to the following behavioral and participation standards:

Professional Responsibilities:

• Complete assignments independently and honestly, without plagiarism or misrepresentation

• Follow all deadlines, task instructions, and feedback provided by the IRAHK team

• Use English in all submissions, communications, and interactions

• Engage respectfully with peers, coordinators, and session hosts

• Maintain confidentiality of any internal case information, files, or session content

• Avoid any disruptive, unethical, or unprofessional behavior that could interfere with others' participation or the integrity of the program

Live Sessions and Group Activities:

• Live meetings may be hosted via Zoom, WeChat, Telegram, or other platforms

• Meeting links, schedules, and access credentials will be shared in advance

• Participation is recommended to enhance communication skills and group collaboration, but may be optional depending on access track

• All live sessions will be held in English; interns are expected to come prepared

Consequences of Misconduct or Policy Violation:
IRAHK reserves the right to:

• Revoke access to digital materials or sessions

• Disqualify participants from certification, awards, or recognition

• Deny any refund if misconduct occurs after access is granted

Interns are responsible for upholding program values, contributing positively, and ensuring the internship remains a productive, respectful experience for all participants.

Clause 10: Intellectual Property and Content Use

All materials provided by IRAHK during the internship—whether written, visual, digital, or verbal—are the intellectual property of IRAHK or its licensors. These materials are provided solely for personal, non-commercial use during the internship cycle.

Participants agree to the following terms:

• Internship content, including templates, presentations, case files, and guidance documents, may not be copied, redistributed, resold, or published without written permission from IRAHK

• All materials are intended strictly for completing assigned internship tasks and the final project

• Group session content and recordings (if applicable) are confidential and must not be shared externally

• Interns retain ownership of their original submissions and project work; however, IRAHK reserves the right to use anonymized versions of such work for educational, evaluative, or promotional purposes unless otherwise agreed in writing

Trademark Disclaimer:
IRAHK makes no claim of affiliation with third-party platforms such as edX, Harvard, MIT, or others referenced for certification. All trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners and are used for descriptive purposes only.

Clause 11: Data Collection and Privacy

To facilitate participation in the internship, IRAHK collects and processes certain personal data from each participant. By enrolling, interns consent to the collection, use, and secure storage of their information as described below.

Data Collected May Include:

• Full legal name, nationality, and date of birth

• Contact information (e.g., email address, phone number)

• Identification documents (e.g., passport copy or government-issued ID)

• Assignment submissions, project files, and participation logs

• Communication records within internship platforms or live sessions

Purpose of Data Use:

• To verify participant identity during onboarding

• To administer tasks, track performance, and issue certificates

• To schedule meetings and send session links or reminders

• For internal reporting, quality improvement, or merit award evaluation

Data Protection and Access:

• IRAHK will not sell, rent, or disclose personal data to third parties unless required by law or for essential service functions (e.g., hosting or email delivery)

• Participants may request access to their data or request its deletion, subject to legal and program requirements

• IRAHK is committed to secure data handling in accordance with applicable laws and best practices

A summary of participant rights and IRAHK’s full Privacy Policy is available at academyhk.org or upon request.

Clause 12: Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Hong Kong SAR).

By enrolling in the IRAHK Internship Program, participants agree that:

• Any disputes, claims, or controversies arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Hong Kong SAR

• The governing law clause applies regardless of the participant’s location, nationality, or method of access

This clause is intended to ensure legal clarity and consistency in the event of any disagreement or enforcement action.

Clause 13: Entire Agreement

This document constitutes the entire agreement between the participant and IRAHK regarding access to and participation in the IRAHK Internship Program.

By enrolling, participants acknowledge that:

• This Agreement supersedes any prior discussions, emails, promotional materials, or verbal commitments related to the internship

• No additional representations, warranties, or promises shall be binding unless expressly stated in this document or agreed to in writing by IRAHK

• Amendments to this Agreement must be made in writing and approved by IRAHK to be valid

Participants are encouraged to read the entire Agreement carefully before enrolling and to retain a copy for their records.