Terms & Conditions

1. Applications

Applications for participation in Starosy Foundation (SF) outreach programs are accepted on a rolling basis, subject to limited availability. International trips are held during spring breaks, and successful applicants will secure their spot in the program upon submission of a completed application. Any deposits made by unsuccessful applicants will be refunded in full. SF will notify all applicants of their acceptance status within 14 days of receiving a completed application.

Application Instructions: Individual volunteers are required to complete the volunteer application [here] and submit an initial deposit of $200 [here].

2. Deposits and Program Fees

(a) Deposits: Deposit deadlines vary depending on the specific SF program and location. Please contact SF for exact dates. It is recommended to purchase airfare at least two months before departure for the best rates. All registration and program fees must be paid in full no later than two (2) months prior to departure.

(b) Non-refundable Fees: The first $200 of the deposit, along with any funds already spent (e.g., airfare), is non-transferable and non-refundable. SF incurs substantial planning and administrative costs, typically requiring eight weeks (60 days) of preparation. Once in-country costs such as flights and ground transportation are arranged, no refunds will be issued.

(c) Program Fees: Airfare prices fluctuate depending on the season. SF’s high season includes January, July, August, and December. If a trip falls within these months, high season fees apply.

SF program fees include:

• Local transportation to and from the airport in the host community.
• Accommodation and meals in the host community.
• Collaboration with local partner organizations.
• International community service experience.
• Housing with SF staff and other volunteers.
• Orientation and training in the host community.
• 24/7 support during the program.
• Pre-departure assistance.

SF program fees DO NOT include:

• Passport and visa fees.
• Independent travel before, during, or after the program.
• Meals, lodging, and transportation during independent travel.
• Personal expenses.
• Airfare.

Note: Program fees may change without notice due to currency fluctuations and the variable nature of international travel.

3. Acknowledgment and Acceptance of Risk / Informed Consent

SF prioritizes the safety and well-being of its volunteers and participants, but participation in these programs is voluntary and involves inherent risks. By participating, volunteers acknowledge and accept that SF, its representatives, employees, directors, and partner organizations are not liable for any personal injury, loss of property, illness, or death that may occur during the program. Volunteers voluntarily assume all risks associated with travel, community service, and living abroad.

Volunteers are also responsible for reviewing U.S. State Department travel advisories and other relevant information and accepting any associated risks. They are encouraged to seek any additional information necessary to make an informed decision. Participation is voluntary, and volunteers bear full responsibility for any risks related to their decision to participate, including the need for further information.

4. Donations

Donations are used primarily to purchase essential medical supplies and medications for use in the host countries. SF encourages all volunteers to contribute. Please note that any donations made by or on behalf of volunteers are non-refundable.

5. Travel Documents and Insurance

Volunteers are solely responsible for ensuring they have adequate health and travel insurance coverage, which is a requirement for participation in SF programs. Volunteers are encouraged to review their coverage and secure any additional insurance as needed. A valid passport is required to join the SF program, and volunteers are responsible for all costs associated with obtaining passports, visas, entry fees, airport taxes, and other necessary travel documents, as well as any flight itinerary changes.

6. Program Changes and Cancellations

The volunteer understands and accedes that, albeit SF will endeavor to maintain the program as described in its publications and brochures, it reserves the right to alter the program, which includes the itinerary, travel accommodations or arrangements at any time and for any reason, with or without notice, and that neither SF, nor its representatives, agents, employees or directors shall be liable or accountable for any expenses or losses that they may sustain because of these changes. Furthermore, SF reserves the right to cancel any program if SF deems it unsafe for a volunteer to travel. SF is not responsible for other costs incurred by applicants preparing for the trip. Should a program be canceled by SF, then SF will refund all fees paid, less any fees associated with flight tickets. However, if a volunteer cancels for any reason other than the aforementioned, SF will not refund any fees.

7. Removal from Program

The volunteer understands and agrees that SF reserves the right to withdraw the volunteer from the program at any time, if they fail to follow SF’s policies or if their actions or behaviors, at the sole discretion of SF, or employees, directors, agents or officers, is determined to interfere or to hinder the progress of the program in any way.

8. Waiver, Release, and Hold Harmless

I understand and concur that there are ineluctably foreordained risks in travel involved in traveling abroad, albeit SF has made every plausible effort to guarantee my safety. I hereby perpetually and absolutely waive and relinquish any and all claims against SF, its representatives, employees, officers, directors, and any program organizer or operator employed by SF (collectively, the “Releases”), arising out of or relating to my participation in the program, including but not circumscribed to claims for any injury, loss, damage or contingency; delay or expense resulting from the utilization of any conveyance, any strikes, war, acts of terrorism, weather, sickness, quarantine, regime restrictions or regulations or arising from any act of omission of any steamship, airline, railroad, bus company, taxi accommodation, hotel, restaurant, school, university, or other firm, agency, company or individual or any other cognate matter. I also release the Releases and assent to indemnify and hold them innocuous, with reference to any financial obligations or liabilities that I may personally incur or any damage or harm to the person or property of others that I may cause while participating in the outreach program. Furthermore, I concur that the Releases are not in any way responsible or liable for any harm or damage that I sustain as a result of my own negligent acts.

9. Local Laws and Prohibition of Illegal Drugs

I understand and acknowledge that breaches of the local law of the host community or country will be referred to and handled by the law enforcement authorities. I further acknowledge that the utilization of illicit drugs in any form will not be borne and will be grounds for immediate removal from the program and total forfeiture of all program fees, regardless of the laws of any foreign country. I understand I will be subject to the laws of that country while I am a visitor in the foreign country.

10. Operation of Vehicles and Independent Travel

I understand that the Starosy Foundation (SF) strongly advises against volunteers operating vehicles while participating in its international programs. I acknowledge and agree that:

• Before the program begins,
• During any free time during the program,
• After the program concludes,
• I may choose to travel independently at my own expense. I agree to inform SF representatives of my travel plans and understand that I am solely responsible for my safety and actions during these periods. I recognize that driving in foreign countries presents significant risks due to poor road conditions, unfamiliar traffic laws, and differing insurance requirements. SF does not recommend driving under these circumstances, and if I choose to rent or operate a vehicle during the program, I do so at my own risk and against SF’s advice.

11. Health and Safety

I affirm that I have consulted, or will consult, with a physician about my medical needs before participating in the SF program. I confirm that I have no physical or mental health conditions, dietary restrictions, or other health-related issues that would prevent me from safely participating in the program.

In the event of an injury or illness during the program, I authorize SF representatives to arrange for necessary medical treatment at my expense, including but not limited to the administration of anesthesia, surgery, or prescribed medication. If my condition requires it, I understand that I may be returned to the United States for further treatment at my own cost. I accept all risks associated with medical treatment and waive any claims against SF, its employees, directors, agents, or representatives for securing or providing such treatment.

I acknowledge that medical care may be limited or far from my location during the program. I understand that the quality of care may not be equivalent to U.S. standards, and the remoteness of some travel locations may increase the risks of injury, illness, or complications. I also understand that any injuries sustained could become more severe due to delayed access to quality care, poor road conditions, or unreliable transportation.

(b) Immunizations and Travel Advisories

I confirm that I have carefully reviewed and fully understood the health guidelines and recommendations, including those for vaccinations and medications, for travel to and within the country I will be visiting, as provided by:

The U.S. Department of State, which issues Travel Warnings, Alerts, and Country-Specific Information at [website].

(c) I understand and hereby acknowledge that I have meticulously reviewed and totally understood the directives and recommendations, including recommendations concerning immunizations and medicines for peregrinate 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: https://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 (877-394-8747) or at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel.

12. Image Release Form

I consent and sanction STAROSY FOUNDATION (“SF”), its successors, assigns, and legal representatives the irrevocable and unrestricted right to utilize my denomination, photograph, image, audio recording, video recording, and/or the like (the “image”) in all forms and manner, including but not limited to photographs, videos, or other digital media of its publications, including Internet web-predicated publications, websites, promotional material, or for any other kindred purport, without payment or other consideration to me.

I hereby irrevocably sanction SF to edit, alter, copy, exhibit, publish, or distribute these images for any lawful purpose. I understand and concur that all images will become the property of the SF and will not be returned. I waive any right to inspect or approve the culminated product wherein the image appears. I relinquish and waive any claims or right to royalties or other compensation for ownership of such photograph(s), audio, or video recording(s) of me.

I hereby hold innocuous, relinquish, and forever discharge SF, and its owners, officers, directors, successors, assigns, and legal representatives from all demands, claims, and causes of action which I, my heirs, delegates, executors, administrators, or any other persons acting on my behalf or may have arising out of or in connection with this sanction.

13. Covenant Not to Sue

I agree not to initiate any legal action or file any claims against Starosy Foundation, its subsidiaries, officers, directors, agents, employees, affiliates, or insurers for any damages, claims, suits, costs, or causes of action, including those resulting from illness, injury, or death that may occur during my participation in SF programs. I further agree that this covenant not to sue may be used as a full defense in any such legal proceedings.

14. Severability

I acknowledge that if any provision of this agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

15. Governing Law

I agree that any dispute arising from or relating to my participation in SF programs or the terms of this agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of California.

16. Entire Agreement and Modification

This agreement constitutes the entire understanding between me and SF concerning my participation in its programs, superseding any prior oral or written agreements. This agreement cannot be modified except by a written document signed by both parties.

17. Binding Authority and Independent Review

I certify that I have read this agreement carefully and fully understand its contents. I have had the opportunity to consult with legal counsel if desired. I acknowledge that this agreement is binding upon me, my heirs, successors, and assigns. By signing, I voluntarily release SF from any liability, including liability for negligence, and agree to hold SF harmless.

18. Other Releases

This agreement does not override or affect any other release or agreement that I may have signed in connection with the Starosy Foundation outreach program.

19. Electronic Signature

I understand that electronic signatures are legally enforceable under federal law. This agreement may be signed electronically, and such an electronic signature will be treated as an original signature. I acknowledge and agree that my electronic signature, submitted with my application, is legally binding.

20. Consent

I confirm that I have read and fully understood this waiver of liability and participation agreement. I acknowledge that this agreement includes an assumption of risk, a waiver of liability, and an indemnity clause. I certify that I am over eighteen (18) years of age and legally competent to execute this waiver and release. I consent to all the terms and provisions stated above.