Terms and Conditions of Service – Active Volunteers Abroad (AVA)
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Please read the following Terms and Conditions of Service for Active Volunteers Abroad (AVA) carefully before submitting your application. By submitting your application, you confirm your acceptance of, and agree to be bound by, these terms.
Definitions
- ‘AVA’ refers to Active Volunteers Abroad, its management, and representatives.
- ‘Volunteer’ refers to the individual who has applied to participate in a volunteer program with AVA.
- ‘Local Partner’ refers to the in-country organization or team that facilitates the volunteer program.
- All prices are quoted in US Dollars (USD) unless otherwise stated.
Application and Acceptance
AVA reserves the right to refuse any application at its sole discretion. The Volunteer certifies that all information provided in their application—regarding their background, skills, health, and experience—is accurate and complete. Failure to provide truthful information may result in dismissal from the program without refund.
Volunteer Eligibility and Conduct
Volunteers must confirm they are physically and psychologically capable of participating in their chosen program. All Volunteers are required to review and sign AVA’s Release of Liability, Code of Conduct, and Child Protection Policy prior to their program start date. The Local Partner may have additional forms requiring signature upon arrival.
AVA and its Local Partners reserve the right to dismiss a Volunteer from the program at any time, without refund or compensation, for violations of the Code of Conduct, providing false information, or for any behavior deemed detrimental to the program, host community, or other participants.
Travel and Insurance
The Volunteer is solely responsible for:
- Arranging and financing their travel to and from the program destination.
- Obtaining all necessary travel documents, including a valid passport and any required visas.
- Securing comprehensive travel insurance for the entire duration of their trip, including coverage for medical expenses, accident, injury, and liability. Proof of insurance must be provided before the program begins.
Fees and Payments
- Registration Fee: A non-refundable registration fee is required to secure your placement. This fee is not transferable to another person.
- Program Fee: The remaining Program Fee must be paid in full no later than 30 days before the program start date. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of your placement.
- All payments are subject to a 5% non-refundable transaction fee to cover bank charges.
- Program Fees cover the services outlined in the program description (e.g., accommodation, orientation, in-country support). No refunds or deductions are provided for unused services.
Refunds and Cancellations
- If AVA cancels a program before it begins, Volunteers will be offered a full credit for a future program or a refund of fees paid, minus the non-refundable transaction fees.
- If a Volunteer cancels their placement, the registration fee is non-refundable. Refunds for the Program Fee are subject to the following schedule:
- Cancellation more than 60 days before start date: 50% refund of Program Fee.
- Cancellation 30-60 days before start date: 25% refund of Program Fee.
- Cancellation less than 30 days before start date: No refund.
- No refunds will be issued for a Volunteer who begins a program but chooses to leave early.
Assumption of Risk
The Volunteer acknowledges that international travel and volunteer work involve inherent risks, including but not limited to personal injury, illness, loss of property, and exposure to unfamiliar hazards. The Volunteer voluntarily assumes all such risks and agrees that AVA and its Local Partners are not liable for any loss, damage, or injury arising from these risks.
Indemnity
The Volunteer agrees to indemnify and hold harmless AVA, its employees, and its Local Partners from any and all claims, losses, or liabilities arising from their participation in the program.
Drug and Alcohol Use
The volunteer must abide by the rules put in place by the Independent Local Team, volunteer placement institution, and the host family in regards to alcohol consumption. Drug use (unless prescribed by a doctor) is strictly prohibited and will result in instant dismissal from the program with no refund.
Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy
All volunteers must pass a background check prior to participation on any AVA program.
Volunteers must read and adhere to the AVA Child and Adult Policy and agree to follow all procedures contained within it. If at any time the volunteer fails to follow the guidelines set forth by the the AVA Child and Adult Policy, they understand that their volunteer program may be terminated by AVA or the Independent Local Team and further appropriate action will be taken, with no entitlement to any refund.
Media Release
By participating, the Volunteer grants AVA a perpetual, royalty-free license to use any photographs, videos, or written feedback provided for promotional and marketing purposes.
Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States.
Review Our Terms to Begin Your Volunteer Journey
This section invites prospective volunteers to carefully read, accept, and adhere to the Terms and Conditions required to participate in AVA programs, outlining important responsibilities and commitments.

if you have any questions, please contact us: contact@volunteerabroadava.org.
Active Volunteers Abroad · AVA
Terms and Conditions of Service
Definitions
“AVA” refers to Active Volunteers Abroad, its management, and representatives.
“Volunteer” refers to the individual who has applied to participate in a volunteer program with AVA.
“Local Partner” refers to the in-country organization or team that facilitates the volunteer program.
All prices are quoted in US Dollars (USD) unless otherwise stated.
Application and Acceptance
AVA reserves the right to refuse any application at its sole discretion. The Volunteer certifies that all information provided in their application — regarding their background, skills, health, and experience — is accurate and complete.
Failure to provide truthful information may result in dismissal from the program without refund.
Volunteer Eligibility and Conduct
Volunteers must confirm they are physically and psychologically capable of participating in their chosen program. All Volunteers are required to review and sign AVA’s Release of Liability, Code of Conduct, and Child Protection Policy prior to their program start date. The Local Partner may have additional forms requiring signature upon arrival.
AVA and its Local Partners reserve the right to dismiss a Volunteer from the program at any time, without refund or compensation, for violations of the Code of Conduct, providing false information, or for any behavior deemed detrimental to the program, host community, or other participants.
Travel and Insurance
The Volunteer is solely responsible for:
- Arranging and financing their travel to and from the program destination.
- Obtaining all necessary travel documents, including a valid passport and any required visas.
- Securing comprehensive travel insurance for the entire duration of their trip, including coverage for medical expenses, accident, injury, and liability. Proof of insurance must be provided before the program begins.
Fees and Payments
A non-refundable registration fee is required to secure your placement. This fee is not transferable to another person.
The remaining Program Fee must be paid in full no later than 30 days before the program start date. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of your placement.
All payments are subject to a 5% non-refundable transaction fee to cover bank charges.
Program Fees cover the services outlined in the program description (e.g., accommodation, orientation, in-country support). No refunds or deductions are provided for unused services.
Refunds and Cancellations
If AVA cancels a program before it begins, Volunteers will be offered a full credit for a future program or a refund of fees paid, minus the non-refundable transaction fees.
If a Volunteer cancels their placement, the registration fee is non-refundable. Refunds for the Program Fee are subject to the following schedule:
- More than 60 days before start date: 50% refund of Program Fee.
- 30–60 days before start date: 25% refund of Program Fee.
- Less than 30 days before start date: No refund.
No refunds will be issued for a Volunteer who begins a program but chooses to leave early.
Assumption of Risk
The Volunteer acknowledges that international travel and volunteer work involve inherent risks, including but not limited to personal injury, illness, loss of property, and exposure to unfamiliar hazards. The Volunteer voluntarily assumes all such risks and agrees that AVA and its Local Partners are not liable for any loss, damage, or injury arising from these risks.
Indemnity
The Volunteer agrees to indemnify and hold harmless AVA, its employees, and its Local Partners from any and all claims, losses, or liabilities arising from their participation in the program.
Drug and Alcohol Use
The Volunteer must abide by the rules put in place by the Independent Local Team, volunteer placement institution, and the host family in regards to alcohol consumption.
Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy
All Volunteers must pass a background check prior to participation on any AVA program.
Volunteers must read and adhere to the AVA Child and Adult Policy and agree to follow all procedures contained within it. If at any time the Volunteer fails to follow the guidelines set forth by the AVA Child and Adult Policy, they understand that their volunteer program may be terminated by AVA or the Independent Local Team and further appropriate action will be taken, with no entitlement to any refund.
Media Release
By participating, the Volunteer grants AVA a perpetual, royalty-free license to use any photographs, videos, or written feedback provided for promotional and marketing purposes.
Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States.
