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Terms and Conditions

VAW Global Health Alliances Program Agreement Terms and Conditions

All interns must agree to VAW Global Health Alliances’ Terms and Conditions prior to traveling abroad. Please contact us for more information.

Please read all provisions of this Release and Waiver of Liability and Participation Agreement (the “Agreement”) carefully before signing.

1. Acknowledgment and Acceptance of Risk/Informed Consent.

In arranging various outreach programs for interns, VAW Global Health Alliances (VAW Global), Inc., makes every effort to protect the welfare and safety of its interns and participants. Recognizing, however, that participation in these programs is voluntary and that there are certain inherent risks that interns and participants voluntarily assume, I understand and agree that neither VAW Global, or its officers, directors, employees, agents, representatives, nor any cooperating institution, assumes any responsibility for damages to or loss of my property, personal illness or injury, or death to me while I participate in the program. By voluntarily participating in this abroad outreach internship program, I freely assume any risk associated with or arising out of traveling, conducting research, engaging in community service, and living abroad. I further acknowledge that it is my responsibility to review U.S. State Department travel advisories, warnings, or other information available through the U.S. Department of State and freely assume any and all risks which may arise, concern, or relate to the conditions contained in any advisory statements, warnings or other information. I also acknowledge that I am free to seek out any additional information I may desire before I choose to travel and intern abroad. I agree that, as a condition of participating in any program outside of the U.S., my decision to travel and intern abroad is solely my choice and that I voluntarily assume any and all related risks concerning such activities, including the risk of needing additional information upon which to make an informed choice about whether to participate in such activities.

2. Applications.

(a)        Applications. Applications for participation in all VAW Global programs are accepted throughout the year and are subject to space limited availability. Individual interns will be placed on a team with an existing VAW Global location, at dates that are convenient to VAW Global. VAW Global maintains chapters that are run throughout the year at universities and in communities throughout the world. International trips take place during winter, spring and summer breaks. Upon receipt of the internship application and initial deposit (described below), we will secure the position in the program for successful applicants. Deposits will be refunded for all unsuccessful applicants. VAW Global will contact all applicants within two weeks of receipt of the application, and will inform the applicants whether they have been accepted into the program for which they initially applied.

(b)        Application Instructions. Individual interns and chapter team members: please fill out the internship application here and pay your initial deposit of $250 here. If you are interested in applying to become a team leader, there are Application instructions here.

3. Deposits and Program Fees.

(a)        Deposits. Deposit deadlines are different for every program in the various VAW Global locations. Please contact VAW Global or your team leader for more information. All registration and program fees required to participate in the VAW Global programs are due in full no later than 8 weeks, or 56 days, prior to trip departure.

(b)      No Refunds.Notwithstanding any “cancel for any reason” insurance purchased by any intern or individual, REFUNDS OF ANY AND ALL DEPOSITS OR RELATED FEES WILL NOT BE PROVIDED FOR ANY REASON TO ANY PERSON(S) WHO AGREE TO ENTER THE PROGRAM.

(c)        Program Fees. The following is a list of the program fees in the various countries:

**VAW Global Health Alliances’ high season is in the months of May and August, as well as from December 24-January 1. If any of a team’s trip days fall within that range, the high season program fee applies.

The program fees DO include the following: (1) Food and lodging* in the host community for up to two weeks; (2) In country transportation to and from scheduled work sites; (3) Transportation to and from the airport in the host community; (4) Working with local partner organizations; (5) Gaining valuable international experience; (6) Orientation in the host community; (7) Access to 24-hour support staff on-site in the host community; (8) Access to support staff prior to departure to the host community; (9) Participation in productive internship work; and (10) Living in communities with VAW Global staff and other interns. Interns should check with their local schools, as some provide college credit for VAW Global’s abroad program.

The program fees DO NOT include (1) Passport, entry, or visa fees; (2) Independent travel during, before or after the program; *(3) Food, lodging and transportation during independent travel; (4) Personal expenses; (5) airfare; or (6) faculty program fees or airfare if traveling with a faculty-led trip.

Program fees may change without notice due to currency exchanges and the unique nature of international travel. Current prices are available on VAW Global’s website.

(d)       Vouchers. Under certain conditions, interns may receive a voucher from VAW Global for funds they have paid toward a trip that is canceled or postponed by either VAW Global or the intern. The voucher can only be used by the original intern, it cannot be transferred to a different person, and the voucher must be used within 12 months. To qualify for a voucher, either: VAW Global was responsible for the cancellation or postponement of the trip, or the intern must cancel their trip more than 8 weeks (56 days) before the departure date. If the trip is canceled or postponed by the intern – there is a $250 fee for transferring the trip to a different date. If VAW Global cancels or postpones the trip, no fee will be assessed. If the intern cancels or transfers more than 6 months before their departure date, they will not be charged the $250 transfer fee. If the intern cancels or postpones their trip less than 8 weeks (56 days) before the departure date, no refunds or vouchers will be available.

(e)         Cancelations. If an intern chooses to cancel or postpone their trip, they must submit their intentions in writing by email to VAW Global’s Financial Team, VAW Global’s Operations Team, their Team Development Coordinator, and their Team Leader. Failure to notify any of the three parties listed may result in additional expenses, including but not limited to: loss of funds and loss of trip vouchers.

(f)         Inflation Adjustments. Program Fees are subject to an increase based on an inflation adjustment for up to three (3) business days prior to travel (“Price Lock Date”), due to currency exchanges, and increases in costs. Inflation adjustments shall be at the sole discretion of VAW Global, and will be calculated based upon the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (“CPI-U”). The time period shall be measured from the date a price was quoted until the Price Lock Date. I agree and understand that I will be required to pay additional fees related to an inflation adjustment prior to commencing travel, and failure to pay said fees could result in me forfeiting my right to participate in the Program. Further, pursuant to Section 3(b), I shall not be entitled to any refunds.

4. Donations.

VAW Global encourages interns and individuals to make donations to its various medical and dental supply funds. The donations will be used to purchase necessary medications and medical and dental supplies to be used in the international host countries. Any donations made by or on behalf of an intern to any medical supply fund or dental supply fund are non-refundable donations. Donations made to VAW Global are not tax deductible. However, interested parties may make donations through VAW Global’s fiscal sponsor for a tax-deduction. Please contact VAW Global Health Alliances directly for more information.

5. Insurance; Travel Documents.

I agree that it is my responsibility, and a condition of participation in VAW Global’s program, to ascertain whether I have adequate health and accident coverage and to procure adequate health and accident coverage, and any other insurance coverage as I may deem necessary. Furthermore, I understand that it is my sole responsibility to review such coverage and obtain any additional coverage that I deem appropriate. I understand that I must possess a valid passport for acceptance into VAW Global’s program. I also understand that I am responsible for any costs associated with passports, visas, entry fees, and obtaining the proper travel documents for the trip.

6. Program Changes and Cancellations.

I understand and agree that, although VAW Global will attempt to maintain the program as described in its publications and brochures, it reserves the right to change the program, including the itinerary, travel arrangements, or accommodations, at any time and for any reason, with or without notice, and that neither VAW Global, nor its officers, directors, employees, agents, or representatives shall be responsible or liable for any expenses or losses that I may sustain because of these changes.

Further, VAW Global reserves the right to cancel any program if there are insufficient registrants or if VAW Global determines it is in the best interest of the intern’s safety and quality of programming to cancel the program. VAW Global is not responsible for other costs incurred by applicants preparing for the trip. Additionally, should a program be canceled by VAW Global, or should a volunteer cancel, for any reason, VAW Global will not refund any fees paid.

7. Removal from Program.

I understand and agree that VAW Global reserves the right to decline to retain me in the program at any time if my actions or general behavior, in the sole discretion of VAW Global, or its officers, directors, employees, or agents, is determined to impede or to obstruct the progress of the program in any way or if I fail to follow VAW Global’s policies. In the event the terms and conditions are violated, in addition to being expelled from the program AND instructed to immediately leave the country, the intern will be financially responsible for all fees associated with changing their travel plans. Furthermore, if they refuse to leave the country, there will be a form affidavit and/or agreement that needs to be signed whereby they acknowledge their expulsion from the program and that they are no longer considered a volunteer or participant in the VAW Global program. I assume any and all liability for my actions after expulsion from a VAW Global program, and I hereby hold harmless and release, and agree to indemnify and defend VAW Global, its officers, directors, employees, contractors and agents from any and all third party claims brought against VAW Global directly or indirectly based on my actions before or after I have been released from a VAW program.

I understand and agree that VAW Global reserves the right to decline to retain me in the program at any time if I fail to create my Empowered Account within 3 weeks of signing up for the program, and/or fail to meet a deposit by 3 weeks or more without properly communicating the delay to the Financial Department (tammie@vawglobal.org), and/or fail to respond to any attempts of communication from the VAW Global Staff (Operations or Financial Department). In the event this happens, in addition to being expelled from the program, the intern will lose their $250 spot deposit and/or any other funds deposited in their account.

8. Waiver, Release, and Hold Harmless.

I understand and agree that there are unavoidable risks in travel overseas. I do hereby forever and absolutely waive and release any and all claims against VAW Global, its officers, directors, employees, agents, representatives, and any program organizer or operator employed by VAW Global (collectively, the “Releasees”), arising out of or relating to my participation in the program, including but not limited to, claims for any injury, loss, damage or accident, delay or expense resulting from the use of any vehicle, any strikes, war, acts of terrorism, weather, sickness, quarantine, government restrictions or regulations or arising from any act of omission of any steamship, airline, railroad, bus company, taxi service, hotel, restaurant, school, university, or other firm, agency, company or individual or any other related matter. I also release the Releasees and agree to indemnify and hold them harmless, with regard to any financial obligations or liabilities that I may personally incur or any damage or injury to the person or property of others that I may cause, while participating in the named program. I further agree that the Releasees are not in any way responsible for any injury or damage that I sustain as a result of my own negligent acts.

9. Local Laws and Prohibition of Illegal Drugs.

I understand and agree that breaches of the local law of the host community or country will be referred to and handled by the appropriate law enforcement authorities. Regardless of the laws of any foreign country, I further agree that the use of illegal drugs in any form, as governed by the laws of the United States of America, will not be tolerated and will be grounds for immediate removal from the program and total forfeiture of all program fees. I understand while I am a visitor in a foreign country, I will be subject to the laws of that country.

10. Independent Travel and Operation of Vehicles.

I understand and agree that (1) prior to the start of the program, (2) during free time within the period of the program, and (3) after the program ending date, I may elect to travel independently at my own expense. I agree to inform the program leader of my travel plans and understand that I shall be solely responsible for any such travel during any free time. I understand that VAW Global strongly discourages interns from renting or operating vehicles while participating in internship abroad programs. I understand that poor road conditions, different traffic laws and regulations, and varying insurance requirements can make driving motor vehicles in foreign countries extremely hazardous and is not recommended by VAW Global. If I rent or operate a vehicle, while participating in any education abroad program, I agree that such activity is totally voluntarily on my part and against VAW Global’s advice.

11. Health and Safety.

(a)         I represent and warrant I have consulted with a medical doctor or will consult with a medical doctor with regard to my personal medical needs prior to participation in VAW Global’s program. I represent and warrant that there are no physical or mental health-related reasons, problems or special dietary requirements or restrictions which would preclude or restrict me from safely participating in VAW Global’s program.

(b)         In the event I suffer any injury or illness while participating in VAW Global’s program, I hereby authorize the representative of VAW Global, at my expense, to secure necessary treatment, including, but not limited to, the administration of an anesthetic and surgery, and such medication as may be prescribed. It is further agreed that if my condition so requires, I may be returned to the United States at my expense. I further assume any and all risks associated with or arising from any such medical treatment and agree to waive any and all claims which I might assert against VAW Global, or its officers, directors, employees, agents, or representatives for such medical treatment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this consent to medical treatment does not constitute an obligation on the part of VAW Global to secure any such treatment on my behalf. I further acknowledge that at times during the program I may be many hours from the nearest medical care or treatment, that available medical treatment may not equate with the level of care available in many U.S. hospitals, and that these conditions and the remoteness of some of my travel may subject me to additional risks of injury, disease, death or damage to my personal property; and, that any injuries or damage I do sustain may grow more severe or lead to my premature death due to the remoteness of the location, the lack of quick access to quality medical care in some instances, and/or the poor quality of the roads or available transportation in some areas.

(c)         At its discretion, VAW Global reserves the right to inform the Intern’s contacts about any information VAW Global officers or employees deem necessary. This includes but is not limited to notifying parents, emergency contacts, university faculty members, VAW team members, VAW Global staff, and others about an intern’s behavior, breaking rules, illicit drug use, medical conditions, and more.

(d)        I understand and hereby acknowledge that I have carefully reviewed and fully understand the directives and recommendations, including recommendations concerning immunizations and medicines for travel to, in and around the country I am traveling to provided by:

(i) The United States State Department, which issues Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts and Country Specific Information at: http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en.html

(ii) The World Health Organization http://www.who.int/csr/alertresponse/en; and

(iii) The Centers for Disease Control, via the International Travelers Hotline at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel.

12. Peru.

I represent and warrant that in addition to the representations I have made in paragraph 11, if I am traveling with VAW Global to Peru, I understand the health and safety concerns when traveling to high altitude destinations, which health concerns are detailed below:

Individuals traveling to high-altitude Andean destinations, such as Cusco (11,000 feet), Machu Picchu (8,000 feet), or Lake Titicaca (13,000 feet) should discuss the trip with their personal physician prior to departing the United States. Travel to high altitudes could pose a serious risk of illness, hospitalization, and even death, particularly if the traveler has a medical condition that affects blood circulation or breathing. Instances of death have occurred in Peru from medical conditions exacerbated by altitude.

Tourists or visitors, particularly those who suffer from cardiac-related problems or high blood pressure, who wish to travel to high-altitude areas in Peru, should undergo a medical examination before traveling. New arrivals, even healthy and fit persons, will feel symptoms of hypoxia (lack of oxygen) at high-altitude, and most will need time to adjust to the altitude. Most people will have increased respiration and heart rate. Many will have headaches, difficulty sleeping, lack of appetite, minor gastric and intestinal upsets, and mood changes.

To help prevent these complications, consult your personal physician, avoid alcohol and smoking for at least one week after arrival at high altitudes, and limit physical activity for the first 36 to 48 hours after arrival at high altitudes.

*The above was taken from the U.S. Department of State Travel website. To read more about health and safety in Peru, please visit the U.S. Department of State Travel website, here: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/peru.html

13. Veterinary Student Intern Waiver.

I represent and warrant that in addition to the representations, acknowledgements and releases I have made herein, if I am a veterinary student intern, I understand that I will be in contact with both domestic and/or wild animals, which may include, but are not limited to, horses, elephants, monkeys, llamas, guinea pigs, alpaca, cats, dogs, condors, cougars, bears, parrots, other birds, and/or livestock. I acknowledge 6 the nature of the activities to be performed by me and recognize that in handling both domestic and/or wild animals, a risk of harm, injury, illness, death, or disease exists, including physical harm, illness, death, or disease caused by animals. I acknowledge and agree that all veterinary internship activities are to be performed by me at my own risk and I assume full responsibility therefore.

In consideration for permitting me to provide internship services to VAW Global, on behalf of myself, my heirs, personal representatives, and executors, and any others who claim through me, I agree not to hold or attempt to hold the Releasees liable for any death, injury, illness, disease, or damage sustained or incurred by me arising out of, or in any way, connected with my veterinary student internship activities for VAW Global and I do hereby forever and absolutely waive and release any and all claims against the Releasees, for any such injury, damage, accident, disease, quarantine, illness or any other related matter incurred or suffered by me as a veterinary student intern. I also release the Releasees and agree to indemnify and hold them harmless, with regard to any financial obligations or liabilities that I may personally incur or any damage or injury to the person or property of others that I may cause, while participating in the named program as a veterinary student intern.

14. Image Release Form.

I hereby grant VAW GLOBAL HEALTH ALLIANCES (VAW GLOBAL), INC., its successors, assigns, and legal representatives (“VAW Global”) the irrevocable right to use my name, written words, photograph, image, audio recording, video recording, and/or likeness (the “image”) in all forms and manner, including, but not limited to, photographs, videos, or other digital media in any and all of its publications, including Internet web-based publications, websites, promotional material, or for any other similar purpose, without payment or other consideration to me.

I understand and agree that all images will become the property of the VAW Global and will not be returned. I hereby irrevocably authorize VAW Global to edit, alter, copy, exhibit, publish, or distribute these images for any lawful purpose. I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished product wherein the image appears. Additionally, I waive any right to royalties or other compensation arising or related to the use of the image.

I hereby hold harmless, release, and forever discharge VAW Global, and its owners, officers, directors, successors, assigns, and legal representatives from all claims, demands, and causes of action which I, my heirs, representatives, executors, administrators, or any other persons acting on my behalf or on behalf of my estate have or may have arising out of or in connection with this authorization. This Image Release shall be governed by the laws of the state of South Carolina.

15. Covenant Not To Sue.

I promise and agree that I will not sue VAW Global, or any of its operators, or parent, subsidiary and related entities, or its or their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, and insurers for any damages, losses, claims, causes of action, suits, demands, costs, complaints, including those resulting from any illness, injury and/or death. I further agree that VAW Global may plead this Agreement as a full and complete defense to any suit brought in violation of this promise.

16. Severability.

I agree that, should any provision or aspect of this Agreement be found to be unenforceable, that all remaining provisions of the Agreement will remain in full force and effect.

17. Governing Law; Jurisdiction.

I agree that if there is any dispute concerning my participation in the program or the interpretation of this Agreement, any such disagreement shall be determined in accordance with the laws of the State of South Carolina. I further agree to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of South Carolina for any matter arising out of my participation in the program and/or any matter arising of this Agreement.

18. Entire Agreement and Modification.

The terms and conditions of this Agreement represent my complete understanding of the parties hereto with regard to my participation in the program and supersedes any previous or contemporaneous understandings I may have had with VAW Global on this subject, whether written or oral, and cannot be changed or amended in any way without the written concurrence of both VAW Global and me. I have read this Agreement and I acknowledge that I had an opportunity to have legal counsel review prior to execution. I understand that the normal rule of construction governing ambiguities, favoring the non-drafting party over the drafting party shall not apply to this Agreement.

19. Independent Analysis and Binding Authority.

I HAVE CAREFULLY READ THIS AGREEMENT AND FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS CONTENTS. I FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT I HAVE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO CONSULT WITH COUNSEL OF MY CHOICE PRIOR TO EXECUTING THIS AGREEMENT. I ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE BINDING UPON MY SURVIVORS, HEIRS, SUCCESSORS, AND ASSIGNS. I AM AWARE THAT THIS AGREEMENT IS A RELEASE OF LIABILITY, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LIABILITY FOR NEGLIGENCE, AND A HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT, AND I SIGN IT OF MY OWN FREE WILL.

20. Other Releases.

This Agreement is in addition to and does not revoke or modify any other agreement or release which I may execute in connection with the education abroad program.

21. Electronic Signature.

Electronic and digital signatures are enforceable under Federal Law. This Agreement may be executed by electronic transmission, and any such electronic signature will constitute an original signature for all purposes. You understand and agree that your eSignature executed in conjunction with the electronic submission of your application will be legally binding and such transaction will be considered authorized by you.

22. Assurances and Consent.

I HAVE READ ALL OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION AND CONSENT TO ALL OF THE FOREGOING PROVISIONS.

I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT AND FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS. I AM AWARE THAT THIS RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT INCLUDES A RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY, AN ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND AN AGREEMENT TO INDEMNIFY THE RELEASEES. I AM OVER THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN (18) YEARS AND AM COMPETENT TO EXECUTE THIS RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT.