Terms | Abroad Escape

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Please read these Terms and Conditions carefully. By submitting an application and paying the Registration Fee, you enter into a binding agreement with Abroad Escape Ltd ("We", "Us", "Our") based on the terms outlined below.

1. Our Role as a Placement Agency

Abroad Escape Ltd (Company Number: 14937484) is registered in England and Wales. We act strictly as an intermediary placement agency. We provide an administrative service that connects volunteers ("You", "Your") with independent, local host organizations (the "Local Partners") in the destination country.

When you secure a placement through Abroad Escape, your contract for the administrative placement service is with us. However, your contract for the actual volunteer program, accommodation, in-country transport, and local support is strictly between you and the Local Partner (e.g., Green Lion). Abroad Escape does not own, operate, or control the Local Partners or the facilities they provide, and we are not a tour operator.

2. Severability of Services & Exemption from Package Travel Regulations

Abroad Escape provides educational, internship, and volunteer placements, which require active participation and work. We do not sell "holidays" or "package travel" as defined by the UK Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018.

The fees paid to Abroad Escape are strictly for the pre-departure placement and support services. Any accommodation provided by the Local Partner is intrinsic and strictly subsidiary to the volunteer and internship placement itself. You are responsible for arranging your own flights, visas, and independent travel.

3. Payment Structure and Fees

To secure your placement, you will make payments directly to Abroad Escape Ltd. However, these funds are legally split into two distinct categories reflecting our intermediary model:

The Registration Fee: This fee is retained entirely by Abroad Escape Ltd. It covers your pre-departure support, placement matching, promotion costs and administrative costs.
The Local Project Fee: This balance covers your in-country accommodation, meals, airport pickup, and local project support. Abroad Escape Ltd collects this fee strictly as an authorized agent on behalf of the Local Partner. We hold these funds temporarily solely for the purpose of remitting them directly to the Local Partner to secure your on-the-ground services.

4. Cancellations, Transfers, and Refunds

We understand that plans change, but as an intermediary, we are bound by strict financial commitments to our Local Partners. The following cancellation rules apply:

The Registration Fee: If you cancel your placement at any time, the Registration Fee is strictly non-refundable. However, this fee remains valid for one (1) year from the date of payment and can be transferred and applied to any other Abroad Escape program within that timeframe.
The Local Project Fee: If you cancel your placement 8 weeks or more before your scheduled departure date, the Local Project Fee may be refunded (subject to any non-recoverable costs already incurred by the Local Partner).
- If you cancel your placement less than 8 weeks before your scheduled departure date, the Local Project Fee is strictly non-refundable. At this stage, funds have been committed to the Local Partner for your housing and project logistics.

5. Mandatory Comprehensive Travel & Volunteer Insurance

It is a strict condition of booking that all participants must hold comprehensive travel, medical, and volunteer insurance before departure.

Your policy must include coverage for:

Medical expenses and emergency repatriation.
Personal liability arising from volunteer work.
Trip cancellation, curtailment, and supplier failure/insolvency.

Abroad Escape reserves the right to cancel your placement without refund if you fail to provide proof of adequate insurance prior to departure.

6. Limitation of Liability

Because Abroad Escape acts purely as an intermediary agent, we accept no liability for any acts, omissions, defaults, or negligence of the Local Partners, their employees, or any third-party suppliers.

We are not liable for any personal injury, illness, property damage, or financial loss incurred during your placement. Furthermore, Abroad Escape is not responsible for program cancellations, delays, or alterations caused by Force Majeure events, including but not limited to natural disasters, political instability, epidemics, or the insolvency of the Local Partner.

7. Your Responsibilities and Code of Conduct

Travel Documents: You are entirely responsible for ensuring you have a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity from the date of entry), the correct visa for volunteering, and any required vaccinations.
Code of Conduct: You agree to abide by the rules and regulations set by the Local Partner and the laws of the host country. The Local Partner reserves the right to terminate your placement without refund if your behavior is deemed disruptive, illegal, or detrimental to the project.

8. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms and Conditions, and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of England and Wales. The courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute.