Terms & Conditions for International Volunteering with Voluntario Global

1. Program Coordination. Voluntario Global coordinates volunteer placements and facilitates the connection between volunteers and partner organizations. However, Voluntario Global is not liable for actions, behaviors, or incidents arising from either the volunteers or the organizations with which they are placed.

2. Nature of Payment. Your payment is considered a donation to Voluntario Global, intended to support the network of community projects with which we work. Voluntario Global is not a service provider; therefore, the donation is not a fee for services rendered.

3. Liability. Voluntario Global is not responsible for any loss of property, personal injury, illness, accident, delay, or other expenses incurred by volunteers while participating in the program. 

4. Insurance Requirements. Volunteers are required to obtain adequate medical and travel insurance covering the duration of their placement. Proof of insurance must be provided to Voluntario Global before placement confirmation.

5. Health Requirements. Volunteers must be in sufficient physical and mental health to participate in the program. Volunteers should not have any conditions that could impact their ability to participate safely and effectively.

6. Insurance and Liability Disclaimer. Voluntario Global does not provide any insurance coverage for volunteers or their property. Volunteers acknowledge full responsibility for their personal safety, health care, and liability needs.

7. Transportation and Meals. Daily transportation costs and meals are the responsibility of the volunteer and are not included in the donation.

8. Compliance with Host Community Rules. Volunteers agree to abide by the laws of the host country, policies of the local community, and rules of the host family or accommodation provider. Non-compliance may result in immediate expulsion from the program without notice or refund.

9. Confirmation and Placement Changes. Placement confirmation begins upon receipt of the donation. Should volunteers wish to make changes to their placement after confirmation, Voluntario Global will make reasonable efforts to accommodate these requests, though additional charges may apply based on the nature of the change.

10. Refund Policy. No part of the donation fee is refundable once the program has commenced. Voluntario Global maintains a non-disclosure agreement with each project, so specific project information will be shared only once the volunteer’s contract in Argentina is signed.

11. Accommodation Options. Volunteers may arrange their own accommodations if preferred.

12. Program Fees and Validity. Program fees and donation amounts are published on our website and are valid from December 26, 2022, to December 26, 2023. These fees supersede any previous versions. Additional services (such as accommodation, transfers, or Spanish lessons) requested by the volunteer will incur extra costs.

13. Deposit Requirement. A 15% deposit of the total donation is required to secure the volunteer’s placement. We strongly advise reading these terms and conditions thoroughly before making the donation.

14. Cancellations. The full donation amount must be paid prior to arrival. No refunds are available once the program has started (beginning from the introductory meeting). In the event of program cancellation after the start, the donation will be allocated to the assigned project.

15. Application and Booking Refusals. Voluntario Global reserves the right to refuse or cancel an application at any time if the applicant (1) does not complete the application process within the required timeframe or (2) does not demonstrate, in Voluntario Global’s reasonable judgment, the necessary attributes for volunteering or for the specific placement chosen.

16. Travel Arrangements. Voluntario Global holds no responsibility for flights or accommodations booked independently by the volunteer.

By confirming your placement, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these terms and conditions.

Commitment to Safeguarding

Voluntario Global is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants, particularly vulnerable individuals, including children and young adults in our programs and partner projects. We expect all volunteers to uphold this commitment by adhering to the guidelines below.

Code of Conduct

Volunteers are required to:

- Treat all individuals with respect and dignity, maintaining professional boundaries.

- Avoid any behavior that could be perceived as abusive, exploitative, or inappropriate.

- Never engage in or condone any form of bullying, harassment, or discrimination.

Reporting Concerns

Volunteers must immediately report any concerns regarding the safety or well-being of any individual to Voluntario Global’s designated Safeguarding Officer at [contact information]. Reports will be handled confidentially and, where appropriate, referred to relevant authorities.

Background Checks

For placements involving work with children or vulnerable adults, volunteers may be required to provide background checks or references to ensure suitability for the role.

Compliance with Host Country Safeguarding Laws 

Volunteers must adhere to all safeguarding policies of the host country and organization where they are placed. Any breach of these policies may result in immediate removal from the program without notice or refund. Volunteers will be informed about these policies during the Introductory Talk.

Responsibility and Accountability

Volunteers acknowledge that safeguarding is a shared responsibility, and they agree to take proactive steps to ensure a safe environment for everyone involved in the program. Voluntario Global reserves the right to take disciplinary action, including program termination, in cases where a volunteer fails to uphold safeguarding standards.

Commitment to Data Privacy

Voluntario Global is dedicated to protecting the personal information of all volunteers and participants. We collect and process data in compliance with applicable data protection laws to ensure the security, confidentiality, and lawful use of your information.

Data Collection and Use

We collect only the necessary personal information to facilitate program placements, support communication, and ensure the safety and well-being of volunteers. This may include contact information, medical details, emergency contacts, and relevant background information.

Storage and Retention of Data

Personal data is securely stored and only accessible by authorized personnel. We retain your information for the minimum period required to meet operational, legal, or safeguarding needs, after which it is securely deleted or anonymized.

Data Sharing 

Voluntario Global does not share personal data with third parties without your explicit consent, except as necessary to fulfill program requirements (e.g., providing relevant information to partner organizations) or as required by law.

Volunteer Rights

Volunteers have the right to:
- Access the personal information we hold about them.
- Request corrections to inaccurate data.
- Withdraw consent for non-essential data processing.
- Request deletion of data where applicable by law.

Data Breach Protocol

In the event of a data breach, Voluntario Global has procedures to assess and address the situation promptly. If necessary, affected individuals and relevant authorities will be notified in compliance with legal requirements.

Contact for Data Protection

For questions regarding data privacy or to exercise your data rights, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

By participating in Voluntario Global’s programs, you acknowledge and consent to the collection, use, and handling of your data as outlined in this policy.

Commitment to Safety and Risk Management

Voluntario Global is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all volunteers. We proactively identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with our programs to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of all participants.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation

Prior to each program, Voluntario Global conducts a thorough risk assessment to identify potential hazards related to project activities, accommodations, and local environments. Where risks are identified, we take appropriate measures to reduce or eliminate them. This may include implementing specific safety protocols, providing volunteer training, and securing necessary resources.

Volunteer Responsibilities

Volunteers play a key role in managing risk and are expected to:
- Follow all safety guidelines provided by Voluntario Global and partner organizations.
- Participate in any required training or orientation sessions.
- Notify Voluntario Global staff immediately if they identify potential safety issues or risks.
- Exercise caution and good judgment in unfamiliar settings or high-risk situations.

Health and Emergency Preparedness

Volunteers are required to obtain comprehensive health insurance and are responsible for their personal medical needs while in the program. Voluntario Global’s staff and partners are trained to respond to emergencies, and protocols are in place to ensure that medical and emergency assistance can be accessed quickly if needed.

Incident Reporting and Response

In the event of an incident, accident, or near-miss, volunteers must report the situation promptly to Voluntario Global staff. All incidents will be reviewed to determine root causes, and where necessary, adjustments will be made to policies or practices to prevent recurrence.

Crisis Management

Voluntario Global maintains a crisis management plan, which includes clear procedures for managing large-scale incidents, such as natural disasters or civil unrest. Volunteers are briefed on crisis response protocols during orientation.

Periodic Review of Risks

Risk management practices are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain effective and responsive to any new or emerging risks. Voluntario Global reserves the right to modify its risk management protocols as required to maintain a safe program environment.

By participating in Voluntario Global’s programs, volunteers agree to adhere to the risk management guidelines and to take an active role in ensuring their own safety and the safety of those around them.