Please read this document carefully as these Conditions are provided for your protection, as well as your Coordinators and ours. These Conditions outline the basis on which a Program will be arranged for you and the mutual obligations of you, your Coordinator and Connect-123. By transacting with us via the website www.connect-123.com, you agree to be bound by these terms. If you are uncertain as to your rights and obligations under this agreement, you are encouraged to obtain your own legal advice.

1.    Interpretation

In this document, the following words shall have the following meanings:

1.1.    ‘You‘ and ‘your‘ means the participant who applies for a Program through us.

1.2.    ‘We‘, ‘us‘, ‘our‘ and `Connect-123’ means Connect-123 LLC, located at 11000 S Bay Ln, Austin TX 78739.

1.3.    ‘Program’ means the In-Person or Virtual internship, practicum, volunteer or study abroad program to which you have applied.

1.4.    ‘Organization’ means the specific Organization where you do your internship, practicum, volunteer or study abroad program and includes the directors, managers, employees, representatives, faculty and all other people within their control at the Organization.

1.5.    ‘Coordinator(s)’ means the person(s), including the Program Director(s), or agency who, in the host country, organizes and oversees Programs.

1.6.    ‘Program Fee’ means the fee paid by you to us for providing service.

1.7.    ‘Emergency Contact(s)’ means the person(s) whose details you have provided to us to contact in case of medical emergency.

1.8.    ‘Conditions’ means these terms and conditions.

2.    Scope

This agreement applies to all applications made by you with us for a Program.

  1. The Services We Provide

3.1.   Depending on the type of Program you select, the services (the “Services”) that we provide to you are: 1) for volunteer and internship Programs, an introduction and advisory service where, prior to your arrival, we use our reasonable efforts to match your requirements for a project with an Organization or 2) for study Programs, liaising with your home university advisors regarding transfer of credit, pre-registration for classes at the host institution, and providing academic and non-academic advice.

3.2.   For internship and volunteer Programs, please bear in mind that we do not have any control over which placements are actually available, what the requirements of you at the Organizations may be, and whether they will wish to accept your application. Given the lead times involved from the time you apply to the time you arrive at your host Organization, projects and staff may change. While rare, an organization may withdraw an offer at last minute, meaning that we’ll find another opportunity for you. We accept no responsibility for the accuracy of information provided to us by host Organizations and forwarded by us to you or for changes regarding projects, responsibilities or Organizations.

3.3.   The Program Fee specifically covers the Services set out in 3.1. You shall be solely responsible and liable for paying any and all other costs and expenses related to your participation in a Program. Our Services and responsibilities are limited to those set out in 3.1.

  1. Application Process / Payments:  In-Person Programs [APPLIES TO IN-PERSON APPLICANTS ONLY]

4.1. In order to process your application for an In-Person Program, you will be required to submit your application form, your resume, and to pay a deposit (a portion of your Program Fee). You and your doctor may also be asked to provide additional information on your health. We may also carry out a background check. If in our opinion, or that of your Coordinator, the reference, health information or criminal check or any other information provided renders you unsuitable for our Program, we or your Coordinator are entitled to refuse to proceed further with your application.

4.2. Each year, the Program Fee is valid until September 30. Therefore, if you have enquired about Programs any time prior to September 30, to lock in the current Program Fee, you must pay the deposit on or prior to September 30.  If you pay the deposit after September 30, check the website for the current Program Fee.  You will be invoiced for the current Program Fee as of the date that you pay your deposit.

4.3. Upon confirmation, we will send you a welcome information pack, which will include confirmation of your placement and important local information.

4.4. You must pay the Program Fee Balance (the Program Fee less the deposit) within 7 (seven) days of the time that you approve your Program.  If your arrival is within one month of your invoice date, then payment is due upon receipt.  For the Program Fee Balance, we accept payment only via bank transfer, Zelle or Wise and will send payment instructions together with your invoice.

4.5. Payment for accommodation booked through us is due in advance, at the time that you reserve the accommodation.  Accommodation is not confirmed until full payment has been received.

4.6. If you wish to make any changes to your placement once it has been confirmed, we will use our reasonable efforts to make the changes, provided we receive your request in writing and there is sufficient time to do so.

4.7. We reserve the right to postpone the start date of your Program or cancel your participation, if you do not complete all of your required forms or if you fail to pay your full Program Fee by the deadline as set out on your invoice. The final deadline for receipt of all required forms is 30 (thirty) days before the start date of your Program.

4.8. If you are participating via your university’s global internship program with Connect-123 and you are paying your university directly, then check with your university for payment terms.

  1. Cancellation Policy:  In-Person Programs  [APPLIES TO IN-PERSON PROGRAM APPLICANTS ONLY]

5.1. Cancellation only takes effect when we receive written notice from you. In case you need to cancel your trip, we recommend purchasing “cancel for any reason” insurance. Please note that trip cancelation insurance often needs to be purchased within 21 days of paying the Program Fee deposit.

5.2. Provided that you do not receive an offer in your first or second choice field, your program fee deposit is 100% refundable. Your first or second choice field is defined as the first and second choice career field areas listed on your application form or otherwise subsequently revised in writing by mutual agreement. Should you withdraw your application or otherwise not reply to communication from us, your deposit is not refundable for any reason. Note: it is your responsibility to ensure that you receive emails from us; please check all email addresses supplied by you to us regularly (including junk mail folders) during the application process. Further note: if you apply within 45 days of your initial arrival date or if you are located in the destination country to which you are applying, the deposit is not refundable for any reason.

5.3. If, after you have approved your Program, you cancel your Program more than 60 (sixty) days prior to the start date of your Program, you will be entitled to a refund of 50% of your Program Fee, 100% of your housing deposit, and 100% of your accommodation fees, excluding the first month’s rent.

5.4. If you cancel less than 60 (sixty) days prior to the start date of your Program or after your start date, you will not be entitled to any refund of your Program Fee and accommodation fees. If you are sharing accommodation with other program participants, you will receive a 100% refund of your housing deposit, provided you have caused no damage to your accommodation and provided that you have not violated any of the Conditions of this Agreement. If you are sharing with locals (arranged through us), you will not receive a refund of your housing deposit.

5.5. Should you cancel your Internship or Volunteer Program after changing the start date, cancellation fees will be calculated with reference to the original start date of your Program.

5.6. Should you pay in a foreign currency and later receive a refund, currency exchange rates may fluctuate from the time of your initial payment, meaning that your refund amount will be greater than or less than your original payment. You agree not to hold us responsible for exchange rate fluctuations and / or bank fees related to refunds

5.7. We are entitled to cancel your application at any time in the event that you:

5.7.1. fail to complete the application process by the prescribed deadlines; or

5.7.2. fail, in our opinion, to demonstrate sufficient interest in or have the necessary attributes to succeed in your chosen Program;

5.7.3. have a criminal conviction for a serious offense.

5.8. If you are participating via your university’s global internship program with Connect-123 and you are paying your university directly, then check with your university for cancellation terms.

6.    Application Process / Payments: Virtual Programs [APPLIES TO VIRTUAL PROGRAM APPLICANTS ONLY]

6.1.    In order to process your application for a Virtual Program, you will be required to submit your application form, your resume, and to pay the Program Fee).

6.2.    Each year, the Program Fee is valid until September 30. Therefore, if you have enquired about Programs any time prior to September 30, to lock in the current Program Fee, you must pay the Program Fee on or prior to September 30.

6.3.    If you wish to make any changes to your placement once it has been confirmed, we will use our reasonable efforts to make the changes, provided we receive your request in writing and there is sufficient time to do so.

7.    Cancellation Policy: Virtual Programs [APPLIES TO VIRTUAL PROGRAM APPLICANTS ONLY]

7.1.    Provided that you do not receive an offer in your first or second choice field, your Program Fee is 100% refundable. Your first or second choice field is defined as the first and second choice career field areas listed on your application form or otherwise subsequently revised in writing by mutual agreement. Should you withdraw your application or otherwise not reply to communication from us, your Program Fee is not refundable for any reason. Note: it is your responsibility to ensure that you receive emails from us; please check all email addresses supplied by you to us regularly (including junk mail folders) during the application process. The Program Fee is not refundable for any other reason.

7.2.    Should you pay in a foreign currency and later receive a refund, currency exchange rates may fluctuate from the time of your initial payment, meaning that your refund amount will be greater than or less than your original payment. You agree not to hold us responsible for exchange rate fluctuations and / or bank fees related to refunds.

7.3.    We are entitled to cancel your application at any time in the event that you:

7.3.1. fail to complete the application process by the prescribed deadlines; or

7.3.2. fail, in our opinion, to demonstrate sufficient interest in or have the necessary attributes to succeed in your chosen Program;

7.3.3. have a criminal conviction for a serious offense.

8.    Accommodation

8.1. Depending on program location, you may book your accommodation through us and we will endeavor to find the type of accommodation you selected on your application form. After your arrival, your Coordinator will assist you with any issues related to your accommodation that may arise. For applicants who enroll via their university’s program with Connect-123, your university may have selected for you the housing option that best fits the program. If you’re unsure, please check with us or with your university advisor.

8.2. You must report any damage to your accommodation (whether caused by you or otherwise) to your Coordinator at the time the damage occurs.  Failure to report damage could mean the loss of part or all of your housing deposit. If the cost of the damage exceeds the amount of your housing deposit, you are liable to pay the difference.

8.3. Should you break the conduct rules of the building where you reside, you will be asked to vacate your accommodation immediately and your remaining rent and housing deposit will not be refunded.  If you are not familiar with the conduct rules of your building, it is your responsibility to obtain a copy from your Coordinator.

8.4. Subletting is not permitted in any accommodation supplied by us.

8.5. Smoking is not permitted in any accommodation supplied by us.  If you or your guests smoke in your accommodation, you will be asked to vacate your accommodation immediately and your remaining rent and housing deposit will not be refunded.

8.6. Unless otherwise indicated, for your safety and for the safety of other participants, you are not permitted to have overnight guests without prior permission from your Coordinator and from your flatmates or housemates. Should you violate this rule, you will be asked to vacate your accommodation immediately and your remaining rent and housing deposit will not be refunded. If having overnight guests is important to you, check the housing rules specific to your chosen accommodation prior to confirming housing.

8.7. Unless otherwise indicated, all accommodation arranged by us is co-ed, meaning that male and female participants may share the same apartment or house. Shared bedrooms within houses and apartments are same gender. While sharing with other participants is common, we cannot guarantee sharing since other participants might cancel, change dates, or opt for single rooms.

8.8. For your safety, comfort and to maintain accommodation managed by us, we may need to enter your accommodation from time to time. While we will endeavor to notify you in advance, such notification may not always be possible. By agreeing to reside in accommodation provided by us, you agree to provide such access.

8.9. You may wish to insure personal belongings, such as laptop computers and other valuable items, prior to your departure. You agree not to hold us liable for any loss you may incur for any reason.

8.10. Your Coordinator may have additional rules related to accommodation.  It is your responsibility to obtain these rules from your Coordinator and to abide by them.

9.    Airfare

9.1.    You are responsible for arranging and paying for your own travel (including your airfare) to the airport closest to your Program site, and for your return journey at the end of your Program.

9.2.    We or your Coordinator cannot meet, reimburse or otherwise be responsible for any flight, travel or other costs or expenses of any nature (including, for example, any charges made by airlines etc for canceling, changing or transferring flights or other arrangements) which are incurred or arise as a result of your Program not proceeding or being cancelled, curtailed, withdrawn or changed due to any circumstances whatsoever.

10.    Expenses / Payment

10.1.   You are responsible for all of your personal expenses for the duration of your Program, including but not limited to, the cost of transport from your accommodation to the Organization on a daily basis. Note that the cost of group activities is not included in the Program Fee.  In addition to the services we provide, from time to time, we sponsor events, covering some or all costs. Should you not attend a sponsored event, the cost of the event will not be paid to you.

10.2.    You agree that you will not request any payment from the Organization, unless your visa type permits payment. In the event that you are given any payment, you are responsible for paying any local taxes and ensure that you comply with any relevant local laws and comply with the terms of your visa. If you breach the terms of your visa by receiving payment for your Program, which is not permitted, your Program may be terminated and you may be deported from the country in which you are placed or even risk a fine or imprisonment. Accepting such payments may also affect your insurance coverage. For these reasons we recommend strongly against accepting any such payments unless you are sure that your visa covers you. If you do decide to accept payment from the Organization, you do so entirely at your own risk.

11.    Airport Pick-up

Provided that there are no changes to your arrival time within 24 hours of arrival, all Programs include the service of an airport pick up.  For changes within 24 hours of your arrival time, we will make best efforts to notify our local partners regarding your new arrival time.  To receive the airport pick up service, any changes to your arrival time must be received by us in writing more than 24 hours prior to your original arrival time.

12.    Health Insurance

12.1.    Prior to your arrival, you must ensure that you have health insurance coverage for the period of your trip and provide proof of coverage to us.

12.2.    Whether you purchase insurance directly or via our partner or whether insurance is provided by us, you are responsible for checking the coverage provided (including the terms and conditions) and for ensuring it is adequate and appropriate for your particular needs. If it is not in any respect, you are responsible for arranging and paying for suitable additional insurance. Please make sure you take the policy details with you while at your Program site.

13.    Visas

13.1.    We will make best efforts to provide you with information to assist you in obtaining a visa to allow you entry into the country of your Program.  However, as rules change frequently and can vary from consulate to consulate, you are entirely responsible for ensuring that you have obtained a visa that is appropriate for you in the circumstances and for the costs of obtaining and/or extending such a visa.

13.2.   You will not be entitled to any refund of any payments you have made to us in the event that your Program has to be cancelled or significantly curtailed should you not receive a visa or due to the immigration authorities not accepting your visa.

14.    Your Obligations to Us

14.1.    You must comply with any reasonable request by the Organization or Coordinator / Program Director.

14.2.    You will take care of and be responsible for any materials provided to you for your use by the Organization. You are responsible for any damage to or loss of such materials.

14.3.    You are responsible for any damage caused by you or any of your guests at the premises of your accommodation.

14.4.    You are expected to adhere to our Program code of conduct. This covers, but is not limited to:

14.4.1. respecting the culture and beliefs of others and working responsibly at the Organization;

14.4.2. adhering to the dress code requirements of the Organization;

14.4.3. following our Health and Safety protocols, especially related to COVID-19

14.4.4. respecting the accommodation; and

14.4.5. not consuming drugs and participating in illegal activities.

15.    Travel Documentation

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have a full and valid passport which is acceptable to the immigration authorities of the country of your Program and which will be valid for the duration of and for a period of at least 6 months after your Program.

16.    Inoculations, Medical Advice

16.1.    It is your responsibility to consult a medical doctor and / or the consulate of the Program country to receive information about the necessary inoculations and treatments in respect of the Program country within the prescribed period prior to your arrival. For example, depending on your itinerary, some countries require proof of a Yellow Fever vaccination prior to entry.

16.2.    In addition, you must bring with you any necessary/recommended medication or medical equipment (such as syringes, water sterilization tablets, mosquito netting and malaria tablets).

16.3.    You should also take reasonable steps to keep yourself in good health by taking any such medication and not participating in any high-risk activities that may compromise your health for the duration of your Program.

17.    Physical and Mental Health

You represent and warrant that you are in sufficient physical and mental health to participate in the Program and do not have any physical or mental conditions that could affect your ability to participate in the Program.

18.    Force Majeure (Events beyond our control)

We, or your Coordinator / Program Director, or the Organization shall not be in breach of our obligations under this agreement or be responsible for any delay in the carrying out of such obligations, and will not make refunds or will not be responsible for any costs or expenses you incur, if such breach is as a consequence of war or threat of war, terrorist activity or threat of such activity, riots or civil strife, industrial action, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, adverse weather conditions, health risks and epidemics and other circumstances beyond our control.

19.    Termination of Agreement

19.1.    We and your Coordinator / Program Director have the unilateral right to terminate, without prior warning, this Agreement by written notice (“Unilateral Termination”) if:

19.1.1.    you have violated any of the Conditions of this Agreement; or

19.1.2.    we have not received payment within 14 (fourteen) days of stated deadlines; or

19.1.3.    you have acted in any way to damage our reputation; or

19.1.4.    the Organization and/or your Coordinator / Program Director finds that you are not fulfilling your obligations; or

19.1.5. your behavior in our reasonable opinion, or that of the Organization, or that of your Coordinator / Program Director, is considered to be causing danger, distress or significant difficulties for anyone at the Organization or for your Coordinator / Program Director or fellow participants; or

19.1.6. you have continually refused to carry out the reasonable requests given by the Organization, or by your Coordinator / Program Director; or

19.1.7. you abandon your placement by failing to give the Organization sufficient notice; or

19.1.8.    it is discovered that you have made a false statement or omitted a material fact in any correspondence with us or your Coordinator / Program Director (which includes your Application Form) or have acted in such a way that your actions are likely to bring us or your Coordinator / Program Director or the Organization into disrepute or to otherwise cause any other significant difficulties; or

19.1.9.    it is found that you are consuming illegal substances or are found to be convicted of any criminal offense during the period of your Program or are discovered to have been convicted of any offense prior to starting your Program which you have not notified us of.

19.2.    In the event of Unilateral Termination:

19.2.1.    you will be required to leave your Organization immediately; and

19.2.2.    if you are staying in accommodation supplied by us, you will be required to leave your accommodation immediately.  In this case, you will not receive any refunds, including your housing deposit.

19.3.    We and the Coordinator / Program Director accept no responsibility for any costs, expenses or losses suffered as a result of Unilateral Termination. You will not receive a refund of any payments you have made or receive any other compensation.

19.4.    We or your Coordinator / Program Director accept no responsibility for any costs, expenses or losses suffered as a result of termination by you for personal reasons once you have started your Program. You will not receive a refund of any payments you have made or receive any other compensation.

20.    Security and Government Advice

It is your responsibility to obtain and, if necessary, clarify information in relation to the political and security situation in respect of the country of your Program, and to take any reasonable action that may be required.

21.    Personal Information

21.1  In order to facilitate your Program, it may be necessary for us to release your personal information, including but not limited to, medical information, details of previous employment, and details of any convictions, to Coordinators and Organizations. By signing this Agreement, you grant us permission to release or transfer your personal information.

21.2.  By signing this agreement, in case of emergency (as defined by us), you hereby give us permission to contact your Emergency Contacts as well as our contacts at your university. Examples of emergencies include but are not limited to: 1) a student tells us or a third party of an intention to end their life; 2) a student is exhibiting behavior that may pose a risk to their safety and well-being or to others; 3) a student has been admitted to a hospital or suffered a serious injury; 4) a student is considered missing; 5) a student has been the victim of a serious crime; 6) a third party has reported significant and credible concerns about a student.

22.    Use of Photos and Comments

You hereby grant us permission on a royalty free basis to use photos or images or comments made by you for promotional/marketing purposes, including photos submitted to us by you when entering photo competitions, without obtaining your further specific permission or making any payment to you.  Such use may include mention of your name, age, university, town/city/area of residence. Marketing purposes may include but are not limited to brochures, our website, and social media.

23.    Waiver and Release

23.1.  For the purposes of this Agreement, the term “Released Parties” means and refers individually and collectively to the Organization, us, our members, our employees, our representatives, and the Coordinators / Program Directors and our international agents.

23.2.  You hereby indemnify the Released Parties against any and all liability, loss, costs or damages (including consequential damages and pure economic loss) that may be incurred by the Released Parties as a result of claims or charges made against the Released Parties, whether at the instance of a third party or yourself, related to any injury, illness, loss, damage, harm or death of a third party or yourself may suffer arising out of your participation on the Program and/or arising out of your participation in any Program-related or non-Program-related activity.

24.    Governing Law

This agreement and the rights and obligations of the parties are governed by the laws of the State of Texas.

25.    General

25.1.    In the event that any provision of this agreement or the application thereof to any party or circumstance shall be finally determined by the court of proper jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable to any extent, the remainder of this agreement and the application of such provision to parties or circumstances other than those to which it is held invalid or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby, and each provision of this agreement shall be valid and enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law to the extent consistent with the Parties’ intent as expressed in this agreement.

25.2.    We may assign this agreement or any of its rights or delegate our obligations to any third party without your express written consent. You may not assign this agreement or any of its rights or delegate its obligations without the prior written consent of us. This agreement is binding upon and enforceable by each party’s permitted successors and assignees.

25.3.    The waiver of a breach of any term or condition of this agreement will not constitute the waiver of any other breach of the same or any other term. To be enforceable, a waiver must be in writing signed by a duly authorized representative of the waiving party.

25.4.    This agreement and any form referenced herein constitutes the entire agreement between us and you with respect to the subject matter contained and supersedes all inquiries, proposals, agreements, negotiations and commitments, whether written or oral prior to the effective date. This agreement may not be amended or modified except by written document signed by both parties.

25.5.    You hereby confirm that you have read and fully understand this agreement, intend that this agreement be legally binding upon and enforceable against you and your family, estate, heirs and legal representatives, intend that this agreement benefit us, and confirm that you are at least eighteen (18) years old, or a parent or legal guardian of an applicant under 18, fully competent, and entering into this agreement voluntarily of your own judgment.

YOU UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A LEGAL DOCUMENT. YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD THIS AGREEMENT AND ALL OF ITS TERMS. YOU EXECUTE THIS AGREEMENT VOLUNTARILY AND WITH FULL KNOWLEDGE OF ITS MEANING AND SIGNIFICANCE.

V20201130

 

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