
Terms and Conditions
GLOBAL EXPERIENCES, INC., a Maryland corporation ("GE"), 168 West St, Annapolis, MD, 21401, and you, the applicant, hereby agree as follows:
(a) Application to Program. You hereby apply for acceptance into a Global Experiences 2010 Program ("Program"). You understand that the Program enables you to volunteer to perform work for a sponsoring company ("Sponsor"), pursuant to a separate arrangement between Global Experiences and Sponsor, and that you will not be paid for such work by GE. You further understand that (i) this Agreement is not binding on GE until you execute the Agreement electronically by clicking on the Terms and Conditions box on the GE Enrollment form webpage, and (ii) when you electronically click on that box, you are accepting and executing this Agreement, and this Agreement will be binding on both you and Global Experiences.
2. Relationship of You, GE, and Sponsor. You are a volunteer for GE, and the rights and obligations between you and GE are expressly limited to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Sponsor is providing the opportunity for you to gain valuable experience as an intern working for Sponsor; otherwise, Sponsor has no obligations to you under the Program, and you will not be an employee or independent contractor of Sponsor while in the Program (unless Sponsor offers you a paid internship position).3. Your Work Commitment. You agree to attend and participate in the Program for the entire length of the Program. You will work for Sponsor based on schedule as requested by Sponsor and, if applicable, any visa requirements. You may not ask Sponsor for time off without GE's prior written consent, and you may be released from your full work commitment under the Program only with GE's prior written consent.
4. Initial Deposit Payment and Refund Policies. Your initial deposit payment ("Initial Deposit") is $1000. The Initial Deposit is for the sole purpose of reserving your position in the Program and since financial commitment is made to the Company’s partners upon confirmation, this deposit is non-refundable. There will be no exceptions.
5. Payment Policy and Options. Upon acceptance into a program, participant must submit a $1,000 non-refundable enrollment deposit, which will be applied to the program price, to complete the application before moving forward with the process. GE offers two different payment options for the final balance due: Pay in 30 Days: The program fee balance will be due within 30 days of enrollment; or Installment Plan: Installment plan allows for students to pay the program fee balance due in equal monthly installment payments. The full program fee must be paid 30 days prior to departure. There is a 5.00% installment fee on installment payments. Consult the Global Experiences accounts department for more information. accounts@globalexperiences.com
You agree to pay the balance according to the payment terms selected by you at the time of enrollment from the GE Payment Options. GE reserves the right to collect any unpaid balances due to GE.
6. Late Payment Policy. Late payments on non-deposit payments will be charged a $50.00 late payment fee
7. Non-Cancelable Program Price. GE will reserve your position in the Program and will make certain financial commitments related to your participation in the Program. Therefore, you understand and agree that when you electronically execute this Agreement by clicking on the Terms and Conditions box on the GE Terms and Conditions webpage, your obligation to pay the entire Program Price is irrevocable and non-cancelable for any reason whatsoever, except as set forth in paragraph 9 of this Agreement.
(a) If you are unable to participate in or complete the Program due to outside factors beyond GE's reasonable control (e.g., if Sponsor ceases to do business or reconsiders its decision to participate in the Program, or if a country's visa granting agency refuses to grant necessary work permits or visas to all GE participants), GE will make reasonable efforts to resolve the problem, but cannot assure that it will be able to do so; and whether or not GE is successful in resolving all or any part of the problem, you will not be entitled to a refund of any portion of the Program Price. In such event, GE will reasonably attempt to recover payments made to third party contractors on your behalf and will refund to you any amounts so recovered; however, there is no assurance that any such sums will be recovered.
8. Refund Policy. Program Deposit and Final Fees: The Enrollment Deposit fee is 100% non-refundable for all programs. In most cases, this deposit is transferable up to 12 months to any of the Company’s programs at the sole discretion of an authorized representative of the Company. Once the Company finalizes the Program, it makes financial commitments on Participant's behalf and is obliged to secure and pay its partners for many aspects of the program, including accommodation, internship and other program placements, excursions and any other service or component that is included in the Program. In the event Participant has a conflict or complaint with his or her program and believes a refund is due, Participant must follow all grievance procedures. The Company reserves the right to withhold any refunds at its sole discretion. Again, any concerns or problems with any guaranteed component of the program must first be addressed through the grievance procedures as detailed below in Section and final decisions regarding any refund will be made by the Company, at its sole discretion.
9. Internship Protocol: (a) The Company and its partners work hard to locate internship placements in the first, second area of choice provided on the program application. After completing the interview process, the Participant is expected to accept the position upon receiving the offer by the host employer (provided that it matches one of the internship areas provided on Participant’s application). If, after the interview, the host employer is unable to offer an internship the Company will provide the Participant with another opportunity to interview with a different company. Again, the Company will offer second and third placement options only if circumstances with the first/second placement arise and the host employer is unable to accept Participant after the interview. All position offerings will be communicated in written form (typically by e-mail), and Participant is expected to accept or decline a position in written form as well. If Participant decides not to take a position that has been offered, Participant must state the specific reasons for not accepting the position. If the reasons for turning down an offer are unjustified, the Company is not responsible for finding another placement and refunds or any Program changes (including returning to language courses) are at the Participant's expense. (b) Participants MUST attend all interviews presented to (c) Participants who start their internships and decide they want to leave, must provide 2 weeks notice. (d) The Company and its partners will make every effort to provide the highest quality placements given a Participant’s experience and expectations. However, should a Participant refuse the third and final placement option offered, the Company and partners will not be bound to find any further alternatives.
10. Accommodations. According the terms of all programs provided by the Company, the program fees paid by Participant includes accommodation in either a shared apartment or homestay (depending on the program). Participant is responsible for any costs incurred for transportation between the accommodation and the program locations, including fare for buses, taxis, trains or any other transportation costs. The Company does not guarantee the location of accommodations nor does it guarantee any amenities that may or may not be included in the accommodations. Participant further understands and agrees that accommodation is for the Participant only and it is not possible to have friends, family or others stay with him or her unless Participant has received express written permission from the Company and the landlord of the accommodations. Further, in light of having roommates to consider, the fact that each landlord has its own rules for their premises, and the security risks associated, entertaining guests in the accommodations is also not permitted. Participant acknowledges and agrees to all terms, conditions, and other information regarding accommodations contained herein at www.globalexperiences.com.
11. Program Changes. In extreme circumstances, the Participant understands that the Company or its partners reserve the right to make changes, cancellations or substitutions to the Program for insufficient enrollment, emergency or changed conditions or based upon other circumstances which may affect a program. The Participant understands that any expenses incurred due to these changes, cancellations or substitutions are at Participant’s expense, including travel arrangements, change in accommodations, or otherwise. If the Participant chooses to leave the Program as a result of these changes, the Participant understands there will be no refund of program fees or of any expenses already paid. Once the Program is confirmed, should the Participant make changes to the Program that differ from the Program to which he or she was originally accepted and for which the Participant has paid, the Participant understands that there will be no refund of program fees or of any expenses already paid. Additionally, Participant understands that if the Program to which he or she seeks to change requires an additional fee, that the Participant is responsible for paying this fee in full and by the established payment due date.
12. Procurement of Travel Insurance. It is required of ALL program participants to procure all travel insurance necessary to cover participant for entire length of program. This coverage is provided by the Company’s program fees, but Participant MUST register for the insurance. The Company and its partners reserve the right to deny a Participant beginning a program if evidence of the necessary travel insurance is not provided accordingly. Participant is required to procure travel insurance because the Company, nor its partners, is responsible for unforeseen events out of its control, which includes any instance of theft, burglary, assault, injury, loss of property, medical emergencies or other medical needs, or any other circumstance which might arise as a result of participant traveling abroad. There are risks associated with international travel and it is important that participants are aware of the specific risks as they relate to the host country for their program. Participant acknowledges they have read and accepted the terms and conditions set forth in the Company’s Policies, which can be found at www.globalexperiences.com. Participant agrees that the Company is not responsible for any uninsured losses.
13. Local Customs and Laws. The Participant understands and acknowledges that (a) he or she may become sick or injured while participating in a Program; (b) he or she may be arrested or imprisoned if he or she does not conform to local laws; (c) there exists crime and that Participant may be a victim of crime; and (d) Participant may not agree with local customs and standards. The Participant understands that he or she is responsible for exercising caution and common sense at all times and agrees to release and not hold the Company responsible for any such problems the Participant encounters participating in a Program.
14. Travel Documentation. Participant understands that obtaining a passport and any other required travel documents is the sole responsibility of the Participant. Whether a U.S. citizen or not, Participant shall hold the Company harmless in the event Participant cannot obtain the necessary documents for participation in the Program. Participant further understands that the inability to obtain these visas and other documents does not constitute grounds for a refund or waiving of any program fees.
(a) If you are not a United States citizen and require a Visa to enter or stay in the United States for the duration of the Program, you will be responsible for working with a third party agency, and paying all visa-related expenses, to obtain the appropriate visa. GE offers the option to provide you with a third party agency chosen by GE to assist you in submitting all necessary paperwork to obtain a J1 Visa. If you select that option, and if, despite your full cooperation, you nevertheless are not granted a J1 Visa and/or are denied entry into the United States, GE will defer to the refund policy of our third party agency regarding any fees paid to that agency. If you instead decide to use a different third party agency to obtain a J1Visa, or to do it yourself, and if you fail to obtain a J1 Visa by the Commencement Date, you will not be entitled to a refund of your Initial Deposit or of any other Program payments made by you. Regardless of the visa sponsoring agency you choose to work with, you will be responsible for all visa-related fees. Candidates requiring a J1 visa should expect average visa-related expenses to cost $750 to $1,500.
(c) You represent that you are over the age of 18 years. You are responsible to have all documentation that may be required to permit you to work in the United States throughout the Program, including without limitation any green card, visa, birth certificate, passport, and valid driver's license or other picture identification.
(d) If you are required to obtain a visa, you are responsible for all visa-related expenses. Failure to obtain a visa, and/or to obtain a visa before your program start date, is not grounds for a refund of the GE program fee. If you are not approved for a visa, do not use your visa or GE fails to place you in an internship, GE is not liable for payment of, or reimbursement for, visa expenses. All visa-related matters, expenses and disputes are the responsibility of you and your visa provider.
15. Standards of Conduct. (a) GE reserves the right to establish and enforce reasonable rules and standards of conduct to facilitate the well-being and enjoyment of you and other Program participants. Failure to comply with such rules and standards may result in you being barred from participating in the Program. If necessary to enforce its rules and standards, GE may, in its discretion, have you removed from the Program, at your sole cost and expense, without subsequent refund to you of any portion of the Program Price. In the event of such removal, you will no longer be considered a part of the Program. You hereby release GE from all claims, demands, liabilities, obligations, damages, losses, costs (including attorney fees), and expenses (collectively, "Obligations") related in any manner to your said removal.
(b) You are expected to leave your housing facility in the same condition as when you arrived, and you are responsible for all damage done, and for the cost of any required repairs, to your room, any other rooms, and your housing facility building.
16. Release. (a) You understand that sporting activities (including, without limitation, swimming, snorkeling, parasailing, bungee jumping, boating, rafting, diving, skating, hiking, camping, surfing, jet skiing, water skiing, and wave running), motor vehicle rentals, night clubs, ground or other tours offered by local vendors, and any other activity in which you may participate during the Program, involve risk and possible injury and damage to you and others. Your participation in any activity is voluntary and is undertaken entirely at your own risk. You hereby release GE from all Obligations related in any manner to your participation in any activities during the
(b) If you choose to drive a motor vehicle or ride in a non-sponsored Program vehicle during the Program, whether for work or leisure, you do so at your own risk. The legal drinking age in the United States is 21, and any of your activities, or choices you make, that involve drinking alcohol or associating with persons who have been drinking alcohol or using drugs are engaged in at your own risk. GE does not condone consumption of alcohol or use of drugs, and warns you that driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law. You hereby release GE from any Obligations for any injury or damage to the person or property of you or any other person or entity related in any manner to any of your said activities or
GE will contract or otherwise arrange with outside companies for your accommodations, activities, and transportation during the Program, as stated above. Nevertheless, GE assumes no responsibility for, and you hereby release GE from, all Obligations for any injury or damage to the person or property of you or any other person or entity related in any manner to any act, omission, fault, neglect, breach, violation, or default (collectively, "Act or Omission") of any third party providing any services, accommodations, or facilities in connection with the Program, including without limitation any hotel, university, student housing provider, transportation company, and common carrier, and their respective agents and employees. GE is also not responsible for your lost or stolen baggage or other personal
You hereby release Sponsor from any claim for worker's compensation, health care, or any employment or unemployment benefits related in any manner to the Program, and you release GE from any Obligations related in any manner to any Act or Omission of Sponsor.
17. Indemnification. Except as otherwise set forth herein, the Participant hereby agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Company and its officers, directors, employees, stockholders, affiliates, agents and representatives, from and against any and all damages, losses, claims, liabilities, deficiencies, costs, fees (including reasonable attorneys' fees) and expenses, arising out of or resulting from participating in the Program or the performance of this Agreement.
18. Representations and Warranties. The Participant hereby represents and warrants that: (i) he or she has all requisite power and authority to enter into and perform his or her obligations under this Agreement; (ii) he or she will abide by all laws, rules and regulations and will endeavor to comply with all local customs; (iii) he will carry out his or her duties as an program participant to the best of his or her abilities; and (iv) all of the information provided herein is true and accurate. The Participant authorizes the Company to
19. Terms and Conditions. The Participant acknowledges that he or she has read and accepted the terms and conditions set forth in Company's Policies, which are available at www.globalexperiences.com. Most of these policies are incorporated herein by reference and hereby constitute part of this Application. This agreement is a legally binding contract upon formally applying for the Program, either online or via hard copy application.
20. Disclaimer of Warranty. Except as set forth herein, any materials and/or information provided as part of the Program are provided to the Participant on an "as is" basis. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE COMPANY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS, EITHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND/OR NON-INFRINGEMENT, WITH REGARD TO ANY MATERIALS AND/OR INFORMATION PROVIDED AS A PART OF THE PROGRAM.
21. Limitation of Liability. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COMPANY BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR ANY LOSS OF OPPORTUNITY OR OTHER PECUNIARY LOSS, EVEN IF THE COMPANY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR LOSSES, WHETHER SUCH LIABILITY IS BASED UPON CONTRACT, TORT, NEGLIGENCE OR OTHER LEGAL THEORY. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COMPANY'S TOTAL AGGREGATE LIABILITY TO THE PARTICIPANT UNDER CLAIMS ARISING UNDER THIS AGREEMENT EXCEED THE TOTAL AMOUNTS PAID BY THE PARTICIPANT TO THE COMPANY UNDER THIS AGREEMENT DURING THE TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD PRECEDING THE DATE OF THE INITIAL EVENT RESULTING IN SUCH CLAIMS.
22. Health Care Release. You represent to GE that you are in good physical and mental health and have no health condition or disability, or need for prescription medication, which would require special attention or would limit your participation or performance in the Program. However, if you become ill or injured during the Program, you agree that GE will have the right, but not the duty, as your agent, to take reasonable action to secure emergency health care for you and any transportation related thereto. In such event, you agree to pay for any expense incurred for such health care, transportation, or other related services, and to reimburse GE for any sums advanced or paid therefore. All health care expenses incurred by you are your sole responsibility. The Participant agrees to provide the name of an Emergency Contact whom the Company may contact should the Company find it necessary. If the Company incurs any expense on behalf of Participant that is not covered by Participant's insurance, Participant agrees to make immediate repayment upon Participant's return. Participant hereby acknowledges that this Application does not create any affirmative duty or responsibility for the Company to take any action should Participant become sick or injured while participating in a Program.
23. Recorded Media. GE often documents its programs by video, photographs, testimonials from participants, and other means (collectively, "Recorded Media"). You agree that GE may use any means to record or otherwise memorialize your participation in the Program, and authorize GE to utilize any Recorded Media of you in GE's promotional material and websites, or otherwise as GE may elect, at any time in the future, without compensation to you or any further permission or consent from you.
24. Forces Beyond Control. If forces beyond GE's reasonable control (e.g., blackouts, storms, road closures, health risk outbreaks, transportation strikes, international visa work permit delays, or acts of terrorism) cause the Program to be extended or delayed, you must pay all extra costs associated with such extension or delay (e.g., extra lodging, meals, fees to change scheduled flights, and other transportation costs), and must reimburse GE for any such increased expenditures made on your behalf. In the unlikely event the entire Program is canceled prior to the Commencement Date due to circumstances beyond GE's reasonable control, you will be entitled to a Full Refund. If forces beyond GE's reasonable control occur after the Commencement Date that cause interruption of the Program, you will not be entitled to a Full Refund. In such event, GE will reasonably attempt to recover payments made to third party contractors on your behalf and will refund to you any amounts so recovered; however, there is no assurance that any such sums will be recovered. For this reason, the Company suggests to all participants they procure the necessary travel insurance to cover all unforeseen circumstances and those out of Participant's control.
25. No Assignment; Binding Effect. You may not assign any of your rights or obligations under this Agreement without GE's prior written consent. Subject to such limitation, this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and bind you and GE, and our respective successors, assigns, and personal and legal representatives. Any release of liability of GE under this Agreement shall extend to GE's agents, staff, alumni, employees, officers, directors, and shareholders, and to all other persons and entities affiliated with GE.
26. Severability. If any portion of this Agreement is held by any court to be illegal, void, or otherwise unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement will nevertheless continue unimpaired and in full force. In such event, the court shall be authorized, upon the motion of either of us, to modify this Agreement to the minimum extent required to render it valid and enforceable and to carry out our purposes and intent as set forth in this Agreement.
27. Dispute Resolution Policies and Grievance Procedures. In the event where Participant has a complaint with any part of a program, the following grievance procedures must be followed for all program locations.
(a) Participant will address all such complaints, concerns, conflicts or related problems immediately and directly with the Company’s resident or the appropriate representative of the Company’s partner organization on the ground in the host location. At which time, the Company and/or its partner organization will attempt to rectify the problem by working directly with Participant and by offering proposed solution(s).
(b) If the Company or its partner organization are unable to devise a mutually-acceptable solution, Participant must complete an official grievance resolution form (which can be acquired from a Company representative or that of its partner) and submit directly to the host representative and the Program Coordinator with whom Participant enrolled for that specific program at the Company headquarters in a further attempt to rectify any conflict. The resolution form will then be reviewed by the Program Coordinator who will discuss the specifics with the appropriate representative in the host country and directly with the Participant. Further solutions to resolve the complaint will then be presented to the Participant, one of which must be accepted by Participant within reason.
(c) If all proposed solutions have not rectified the problem and the Participant still feels the situation, including all proposed solutions, is unreasonable, the Participant must notify the management at the Company’s head office in writing and explain the full details of the situation. At this stage a decision will be made by the Company, at its sole discretion, whether a refund of any amount is warranted. All decisions made by the Company, in its sole discretion, are final. If Participant leaves program host country before exhausting all internal grievance procedures, no refunds will be provided and no further recourse is available to Participant from that point.
(d) If after all options for resolution between the parties have been exhausted with no success, the parties agree to seek mediation and, if need be, binding arbitration via the Better Business Bureau of Metropolitan Washington to resolve such dispute. Any controversies arising out of the terms of this Agreement or its interpretation shall be settled in accordance with the BBB's dispute resolution process, including arbitration under the BBB Rules of Binding Arbitration, if necessary. If the Participant has no documented record through the grievance procedures of their complaint, there is no recourse in addressing any dispute. Participants are responsible for paying half of any eventual costs associated with engaging in mediation or arbitration via the Better Business Bureaus of Metropolitan Washington.
28. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed and construed in all respects by the laws of the State of Maryland in the United States of America, without regard to principles of conflicts of laws and international laws. Each party hereby submits to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts sitting in the State of Maryland for resolution of any dispute relating to this agreement.
29. Notices. Any notices required or permitted hereunder shall be given to the appropriate party at the address specified above or at such other address as the party shall specify in writing. Such notice shall be deemed given: upon personal delivery; if sent by telephone facsimile, upon confirmation of receipt; or if sent by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, three (3) days after the date of mailing.
30. Costs of Prevailing Party. If either party brings an action to enforce the terms of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover all costs and expenses, including attorneys' fees, from the other party within reason.
31. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement.
32. Entire Agreement; Waiver; Modification. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the parties with respect to its subject matter, and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous understandings and agreements, whether written or oral, with respect to such subject matter. No terms contained on any proposal, purchase order, acknowledgment or other document will be effective with respect to affecting the terms hereof. No delay or failure by either party to exercise or enforce at any time any right or provision hereof will be considered a waiver thereof of such party's rights thereafter to exercise or enforce each and every right and provision hereof. No single waiver will constitute a continuing or subsequent waiver. No waiver, modification or amendment of any provision hereof will be effective unless it is in a signed writing by the parties.
References in this agreement to "Global Experiences" and “GE” shall include Global Experiences, Inc, and its subsidiaries, and all of its officers, directors, employees, agents, interns, representatives, group leaders, overseas partners, affiliates or other organizations, institutions and groups linked to Global Experiences as it relates to its programs.
Participant has read the terms and conditions stated above and agrees to all of these terms and conditions.
Participant understands he or she is bound by these terms and conditions once Participant formally submits his or her application to the Company, either via online application or paper application.
This is a fully enforceable and legally binding agreement that is accepted by all program participants upon application to any Program. Once Participant submits an application, either online or via paper application, Participant acknowledges and agrees to all terms as set forth in these terms and conditions in addition to all other information provided in the Company’s policies as outlined on its website at www.globalexperiences.com.