Terms and Conditions
Travel Alive Inc. Participant Agreement - Effective October 1, 2007
Definitions
You and your, refers to the participant who applies for and/or attends a Travel Alive Inc. program and/or the parent or guardian of a minor who applies for and/or attends. We, us, our, and Travel Alive refers to Travel Alive Inc., its employees, officers, directors, and agents. Program means the volunteer and language study program abroad. Partner(s), Organization(s), Program Organization(s) refers to the program coordinators and/or schools abroad, their employees, officers, directors, and agents. Program Coordinator(s) or Coordinator(s) refers to any person in the program organization who plans and implements program activities.
What We Provide
We provide the opportunity to study language in a community in need and to partner through volunteer work with community members and organizations pursuing community improvement.
What is provided for you during your program?
- Home-stay or other suitable accommodations
- Language study (included as part of the Nicaragua program and available in other programs)
- Volunteer opportunities
- Experiential opportunities to observe and learn about local culture
- Optional activities during free time and on weekends (some optional activities may have nominal or additional fees)
- In-country support from our partner organizations and schools
- Support from Travel Alive staff via email and phone; before, during, and after your program
- Travel medical and accident insurance is provided for the duration of your program. Supplemental insurance is available at your own expense if you would like to increase coverage or extend coverage before or after your program for independent travel
Because of the dynamic nature of international travel and volunteering we cannot guarantee that any particular extra-curricular activity will occur during a specific program; however, we try hard to represent the types of activities you will encounter while participating in one of our programs.
Travel Insurance
Exact details of travel insurance included with your program are available from us when you complete your application. You should check the coverage provided and insure that it is adequate and appropriate for your particular needs. If you desire additional insurance coverage we will provide information about how you can supplement this insurance through our provider.
Application and Payments
We require a non-refundable deposit of $250 to process each application. This deposit is applied to your program fee. We will refund your deposit up to 60 days prior to your program start date if we cannot place you in the program (start date) that you request in your original application, or in a program you later agree to as an acceptable alternative. You can complete your application online or download a copy of the application and mail it to us. We will email you a confirmation of your application and include a program orientation handbook and an invoice outlining your remaining balance and due date.
Final payment is due 60 days prior to your departure date or immediately upon receipt of invoice if you apply within 60 days of your program start date.
Program fees will be refunded according to the following schedule:
| 60 Days prior to program start date | 100% Less $250 Deposit |
| 30 to 59 Days prior to program start date | 50% Less $250 Deposit |
| 29 Days prior to program start date | 30% Less $250 Deposit |
| After program start date | No Refunds |
Program Flexibility
In-country details are coordinated and implemented by our in country partners. They provide programs, housing, and transportation that match (and often exceed) typical arrangements for people living in the region. It is important to remember that our program coordinators cannot exceed the local ability to accommodate special requests. Participants should be prepared to be flexible and study, live, play, eat, travel, and go about life in the same manner and conditions that local people do.
What You are Responsible For
You are expected to adhere to our volunteer code of conduct. This covers, but is not limited to, respecting other cultures and beliefs, working responsibly in your program, adhering to any dress code requirement, respecting the accommodations, and avoiding illegal substances and activities.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have followed appropriate medical advice from your doctor in respect to the country in which you will be living for your program, and that you have received all the appropriate inoculations and treatment in respect to that country and in the appropriate period before arrival. You should also take reasonable steps to keep yourself in good health by taking prescribed medications and not taking part in high-risk activities during your program that could compromise your health.
You represent and warrant that you are in sufficient physical and mental health to participate in the program and do not have any physical or mental conditions that could affect your ability to participate in the program.
Airfare and Travel to Program Site
Although your program fee does not include the cost of transportation to the program country or program site, we will provide travel information, including detailed information about in-country travel to your program location. In Nicaragua we will provide an airport greeter, upon request, for a nominal fee. The fee covers the greeter's transportation and time. In Ecuador an airport greeter is included in the program fees. Group transportation can be arranged at an additional charge. We cannot reimburse or otherwise be responsible for any flight, travel or other costs or expenses which are incurred as a result of circumstances outside our control such as travel or immigration issues, weather, civil unrest, government restrictions, war, or terrorism.
Expenses and Payment
We recommend that you bring extra money to purchase personal items and for travel before, during, and after your program. You are responsible for all of your personal expenses during your program. As a volunteer you should not request any payment from the organization responsible for your program. In the event that you are given any payment, you are responsible for paying any local taxes and making sure that you comply with relevant local laws and comply with the terms of your visa. We strongly recommend that you do not accept any payments and if you do so you do so entirely at your own risk.
Passport and Visas - IMPORTANT: Please Read This Section Carefully
You are required to have a valid passport to travel to our program location. In many countries your passport must be valid up to six months after your arrival date. As of October 1, 2007 there are no additional requirements for U.S. citizens traveling in Nicaragua or Ecuador, there may be visa requirements if you are from Canada, or a country other than the United States of America. You are entirely responsible for ensuring that you have obtained a visa that is appropriate for you and your circumstances.
The U.S. State Department and other governments provide information about travel in specific foreign countries. You should obtain and clarify State Department information in relation to the political and security situation in respect to your program country and to take any steps that you feel are appropriate
Termination of Agreement
We have the right to terminate this agreement if your behavior is considered to be causing danger or distress for anyone at your program location, if you have continually refused to carry out the reasonable requests of your program, if your actions are likely to bring Travel Alive or the in-country organization responsible for your program into disrepute, or if you are found to be involved with illegal substances or activities during your program.
With the exception of breaches of agreement listed above we will notify you of any breach of agreement in writing with sufficient direction and a reasonable amount of time to rectify the breach. If you do not comply with the request to rectify the breach you will be given a written notice from us terminating our agreement with you.
If our agreement is terminated as described above, or if you choose to terminate this agreement for personal reasons once your program has begun, you will not receive a refund of any payments you have made or receive any other compensation.
In-Country Problems and Complaints Procedure
You should first try to resolve any conflict or complaint at the level of the conflict or complaint. If you are unable to resolve it with the parties involved you should first contact the directors of the in-country program. If they are the issue, or they are unable to resolve your issue within a reasonable amount of time, then you can contact Travel Alive Inc., via email or phone. Travel Alive will try to resolve any issues in an expeditious manner.
Use of Photos, Comments, Personal Information
You agree that we may use any photos/images we or someone on our behalf take of you or any comments you make during or in connection with your program for our promotional/marketing purposes without obtaining further specific permission from you or making any payment to you. Such use may include mention of your name, age, town/city/area of residence.
Waiver and Release
You have been fully informed or are otherwise aware of risk to person and property associated with participation in our program and you hereby assume all risk including but not limited to, property damage and loss, bodily injuries, sickness, disease and death. You acknowledge that you are responsible for your safety and your own health care needs, and for the protection of your person and property. You agree to fully and forever RELEASE, WAIVE AND DISCHARGE, and AGREE NOT TO SUE us for any and all demands, claims, actions, damages, losses, liabilities, costs and expenses, from any cause whatsoever, directly or indirectly arising in connection with your participation in the program, whether or not foreseeable.
Governing Law
Illinois law applies to the performance of this Agreement. If any provision of this Agreement is unenforceable or too broad to be enforced to its full extent, then that provision and the remaining provisions will be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law.
You have read and understand this agreement and all of its terms, you have asked any questions and sought any advice you require before signing. You agree to this voluntarily and with full knowledge of its meaning and significance.