Volunteers Around the World Program Agreement Terms and Conditions
Dates and Deadlines
Applications are accepted throughout the year and are subject to limited space availability. Payment of your deposit secures your position in the VAW Programs .
Application Instructions
Apply online: volunteersaroundtheworld.org
Pay your deposit online: volunteersaroundtheworld.org
Fee Payments
Upon receipt of the application and deposit, we will secure the position in the Program for successful applicants. Deposits will be refunded for all unsuccessful applicants. Volunteers Around the World will contact all applicants within 2 weeks of receipt of the application. Applications will not be considered without a program deposit.
Program Fees
| Weeks | 2 | 3 | 4 | Extra |
| US Dollars | $1,300 | $1,600 | $1,900 | $300 |
| Euros | €881 | €1084 | €1287 | €203 |
Program Fees Include
- Daily project support and contact
- 4 to 16 week program
- Orientation
- Food and lodging with a local family
- Volunteers live in communities with a VAW office and other volunteers
- Spanish classes
- Individual or small group development projects
- Weekly adventure and cultural experiences
- Transportation to and from the Guatemala City airport
- 24-hour support staff
- Funding for your projects
- Productive volunteer work
- *** Also Check with your school, many give college credit for this program.
The Balance of Program fees must be paid to Volunteers Around the World at least 30 days in advance of participants program start date.
Refund Policy
The program deposit of $250 / £170 will be applied towards the total program fee. The program deposit is non-refundable for individuals who have been accepted into the program. The program deposit will be fully refunded to non-successful applicants. If an individual cancels for any reason, that individual must notify Volunteers Around the World in writing. The cancellation will be effective upon receipt of the writing by Volunteers Around the World. Careful planning goes into developing study abroad and volunteer programs. As a result, Volunteers Around the World incurs substantial administrative and planning costs prior to the start of each program. Individuals who cancel or shorten their program more than 14 days prior to the program start date will receive a refund on the program fee paid, less the deposit. Individuals who cancel or shorten their program less than 2 weeks prior to the program start date or during the program will not receive a refund.
Trip Cancellations
Volunteers Around the World reserves the right to cancel any program if there are insufficient registrants or if Volunteers Around the World determines it is in the best interest of the applicant's safety and quality of programming to cancel the program. Volunteers Around the World is not responsible for other costs incurred by applicants preparing for the trip. Should a program be cancelled, Volunteers Around the World will refund all fees paid.
Program Flexibility and Safety
VAW programs are different from travel or adventure programs. Each development project and internship is unique and often cannot be implemented exactly as planned for a variety of reasons. There are numerous factors, though closely monitored, that are beyond our control. Applicants are advised that these variables may require changes before or during a program. Part of the challenge and growth opportunity is in adapting to changing conditions and overcoming the obstacles they may present.
Release of Liability and Assumption of All Risks
In this document, Volunteers Around the World and VAW refer to the same entity. In organizing and managing internship, volunteer and group programs, VAW, its agents, employees, and staff give notice that they act solely on behalf of and for the benefit of the participants, on the express agreement that Volunteers Around the World shall not be liable, financially or otherwise, for non-performance or unsatisfactory service; for the injury to persons including death, for loss of or damage to property, for accident or delay, and/or for expenses arising from strikes, weather, quarantine, sickness, government regulation, civil unrest or war, or from any act or omission of VAW agents or employees, and/or airline, mail services, railroad, bus company, automobile rental entity, hotel, restaurant, or other supplier of service. By signing this application form the participant assumes all of these risks and agrees to indemnify Volunteers Around the World, its officers, directors, and employees for any and all liability that may arise in connection with participation in the VAW Programs. Volunteers Around the World is incorporated in New Albany, Indiana. All matters related to or arising out of or involving the participant's relationship with Volunteers Around the World shall be governed by New Albany, Indiana law and any legal dispute shall be determined by a New Albany, Indiana court. Volunteers Around the World reserves the right to refuse any applicant admission to any program if he or she is deemed ill suited for the program. Important program information will be sent to the email address provided on the application. Photographs, videotapes, and/or statements of participants may be used in promoting Volunteers Around the World. Volunteers Around the World publishes program and project photos on a monthly basis on the Volunteers Around the World website. These photos and videos are available for students, parents, and interested individuals to download, email, or print.
Travel Documents and Insurance
All participants must possess a valid passport for their VAW trip. Participants are responsible for any costs associated with visas, airport taxes, obtaining the proper travel documents for their trip, and changes to flight itineraries. All participants must also have valid health insurance during the time of their program.
Behavioral Expectations
By joining a VAW Program, the participant assumes certain obligations to Volunteers Around the World, its community, and other program participants. If on-site program directors determine a participant fails to meet the behavioral expectations set out in this contract, that participant will be asked to leave the program. Participants asked to leave under these circumstances will not receive a refund. In addition to other program responsibilities, as a program participant you are responsible for:
- Being in sufficient good health to undertake the program.
- Acting in an appropriate and respectful manner towards the local people, fellow travelers, program participants, and staff in accordance with the customs, laws, regulations, and ordinances of Guatemala.
- Communicating effectively your interests, skills, limitations, and needs to home community members and program staff members.