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PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT INCLUDING ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND RELEASE FROM LIABILITY
I, the undersigned, desire to participate in the ELI Associates program (the "Program") which places me as a volunteer/intern in a foreign country and, in consideration of being allowed to participate in the Program, I hereby acknowledge and agree as follows:
I shall be solely responsible and liable for paying all costs and expenses related to my participation in the Program. ELI Associates, a Colorado corporation ("ELI") (i) serves only in a capacity of assisting in making arrangements for services and products to be provided by others in connection with the Program, and (ii) in no way serves as an agent or representative for these other parties, or accepts any responsibility or liability for their services or products. Such services and products are subject only to the terms and conditions under which they are provided by such other parties.
I am fully informed or otherwise aware of, and fully assume, all risks to person and property in connection with my participation in the Program, including, but not limited to, property damage and loss, bodily injuries, sickness, disease and death. I am in sufficient physical and mental health to participate in the Program and do not have any physical or mental conditions which could affect my ability to participate in the Program. I have medical insurance coverage appropriate for my participation in the Program and have provided evidence of such insurance coverage to ELI. I understand that ELI does NOT provide any insurance coverage for my person or my property in connection with my participation in the Program. I acknowledge that I am responsible for my safety and my own health care needs, and for the protection of my person and property.
I shall comply with all applicable laws and all policies of ELI while participating in the Program. If my participation in the Program is at any time deemed detrimental to the Program or its other participants, as determined by ELI in its sole discretion, I understand that (i) I may be sent home from the Program without ELI incurring any liability, (ii) I may incur liability to ELI under this Agreement, and (iii) I may be subject to further action by ELI.
I fully and forever RELEASE, WAIVE AND DISCHARGE, and COVENANT NOT TO SUE, ELI (including, but not limited to, its members, agents, employees and representatives), from and for any and all demands, claims, actions, suits, damages, losses, liabilities, costs and expenses (including, but not limited to, court costs and attorneys' fees), from any cause whatsoever (including, but not limited to, travel delays, property damage and loss, bodily injuries, sickness, disease and death), directly or indirectly arising in connection with my participation in the Program, whether or not foreseeable or contributed to by the negligent acts or omission of ELI or others.
Payment and Refund Policy
The balance of the placement fee is due at least 30 days before the arrival date of your placement, or at the time your placement is confirmed if you apply less than 30 days of the proposed start date.
If you wish to make changes to your placement once it has been confirmed, we will use reasonable efforts to make the changes
Cancellation prior to departure
If you cancel your placement more than 30 days prior to the start date of your placement, ELI will refund your program fee, minus the application fee. The application fee covers our expenses in beginning to arrange your placement.
If you cancel between 30 days and 15 days prior to the start date of your placement, you will be entitled to a refund of 75% of your program fee.
If you cancel less than 15 days prior to the start date of your placement you will be entitled to a refund of 50% of your program fee.
Once the program begins, no refund will be given.
Complaint Procedure
In the event that a participant is dissatisfied with a placement, with accommodations or any other program issues, the participant must first communicate these to the in-country coordinator. When appropriate, the coordinator will attempt to rectify the situation. In the event that the participant does not obtain satisfaction from the coordinator, a formal written complaint must be addressed to the coordinator and to ELI immediately by email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) and/or U.S.-based fax (1-303-857-5445). ELI will do its best to resolve the problem as soon as possible. No complaint or request for refund will be considered unless the above procedure is followed. Complaints from parties other than the participant will not be considered.
This agreement constitutes the entire agreement between ELI and the undersigned, and supersedes any prior or contemporaneous agreements, understandings and negotiations, regarding this subject matter. This agreement (i) may not be amended, by course of conduct or otherwise, and (ii) may not be assigned, in whole or in part, except in writing duly executed by me and ELI. This agreement shall be interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado, without regard to any conflicts or choice of law principles, and shall be as broad and inclusive as permitted by such laws. If any provision of this agreement is held unenforceable by a court, such unenforceability shall not affect any other provision, and this agreement shall be construed as if such provision, to the extent of such unenforceability, had not been incorporated herein.
I (i) have read and fully understand this agreement, (ii) intend that this agreement be legally binding upon and enforceable against me and my family, estate, heirs and legal representatives, (iii) intend that this agreement benefit ELI, (iv) have read the attached code of conduct and agree to abide by the standards set in the code of conduct, and (v) confirm that I am at least eighteen years old, fully competent, and entering into this agreement voluntarily of my own judgment.
I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A LEGAL DOCUMENT. I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD THIS AGREEMENT AND ALL OF ITS TERMS. I EXECUTE THIS DOCUMENT VOLUNTARILY AND WILL FULL KNOWLEDGE OF ITS MEANING AND SIGNIFIANCE.
Experiential Learning International Code of Conduct
As a volunteer or intern visiting a foreign country, you have the responsibility of conforming to a higher standard of conduct than the casual traveler. ELI works hard to build trust, mutual respect, and long lasting relationships with the communities and organizations we work with. We expect our participants to adhere to the code of Conduct in order to ensure the successful continuation of the programs. Failure to adhere to these guidelines will lead to expulsion from the program.
Cultural Norms and Appropriate Behavior
You are expected to educate yourself on the basics of your destination and host culture before leaving for your program. The first step is to find a comprehensive guidebook that will provide you with general historical and cultural background. We also recommend deeper research through books, magazines, newsfeeds, websites, and people who have spent time in your destination. Our program specialists can be a valuable resource. You can always ask your assigned specialist for recommendations for further reading. You are also expected to read and understand all written materials provided by ELI.
Once in-country, conduct yourself in a responsible and mature manner at all times. If you are unsure about acceptable behavior, ask your in-country coordinator, host family, or project supervisor for advice.
Attendance
You are expected to arrive at your host organization at the agreed upon time, ready to work. Do not leave your placement without giving notice. If a placement does not seem to be working out for you, talk to your in-country coordinator about the issue and work with the coordinator to solve the problems. Unreliable volunteers and interns discourage organizations from accepting participants in the future.
House Rules
You must follow all house rules set by the in-country coordinator, host families, and landlords. The local house rules will be made known to you upon arrival. The general rules in all countries are:
-Respect and obey all curfews set by your host.
-Do not invite guests into your housing without the express permission of your host. Overnight guests are not acceptable, and guests are not allowed in bedrooms. Any guests need to stay in common areas.
-Do not consume alcohol or drugs
-Keep your room tidy. Remember you are a guest, and it is a sign of disrespect to have a messy room. Also, leaving cash or valuables out may be an invitation for theft.
-Keep your hosts informed of your whereabouts. Please inform them if you will be traveling or if you will be missing a meal.
-Remember that resources are limited and expensive in developing countries. Turn off any electrical appliances such as lights or fans if you leave your room. Also, unplug any chargers when they are not in use. Chargers draw an electrical current even when there is not a phone or camera plugged in. Heating water uses a lot of energy—please limit the length of your showers.
-All water, but especially hot water, should be used sparingly. Many of the countries we work in are experiencing serious water shortages.
-Remember you are a guest in the host culture. You are expected to abide by the cultural norms of the host culture.
Alcohol and Drugs
In many countries, alcoholic beverages are consumed socially with meals. Drinking to excess or placing yourself in a position where you are not in control of your situation is dangerous to your health and safety. Drinking to excess marks you as vulgar, and leaves you vulnerable to street crime, sexual assault, and injury. It also severely limits your acceptance by the host culture. Excessive drinking may lead to expulsion from the program.
Do not get involved with illegal drugs. Anyone who enters a foreign country becomes subject to the laws of the country. Possession, use, or sale of illegal drugs can result in severe penalties. ELI will not assist you if you run into legal difficulties.
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