OPEN - Volunteering - Terms & Conditions

Terms and Conditions
While applying for our volunteer programme, you must accept the terms and condition applied by OPEN. By accepting our Terms and Conditions on the web site and/or signing the OPEN  Volunteering Programme Application Form, you agree to be bound by it's terms. If you are uncertain as to your rights under these conditions, or you would like an explanation of any part of them, please contact us. If you wish, you can also obtain your own legal advice on them. We honestly believe that all statements made in our documents or website is factual and correct. Every reasonable effort has been carried out to describe placement for our volunteering programme as known as OVP and to provide the services as described. Neither we can be held responsible for any changes that become known after the document was produced (up-to-date information can be found on the website), nor can we accept liability for happenings outside our reasonable control. We undertake to advise you of any material changes known to us prior to your departure.

Fee
Volunteering at OPEN  is free of cost. We do not charge any amount to our volunteer as a volunteering fee but any kind of donation/contribution to the organization will be highly appreciated. However, volunteers are required to cover up their each and every expense such as, visa, air ticket, accommodation, food, bus ticket and others. We could/will not provide any financial support to our volunteers.

Accommodation
Details of your accommodation will be provided as a part of our volunteering programme as soon as we receive your application. While you are in Kathmandu, we can suggest you a hotel as per your requirement. During your placement for OVP accommodation (your sleeping arrangements) may be private or shared, and in most cases you will be required to use a shared and common bathroom and/or toilet facilities. It is important for you to realise that the bathroom and toilet facilities as well as standards of hygiene will be in accordance with local standards, due to the villages where the placements are located in. These facilities and standards may sometimes be very basic. You must understand that sometime you may have to use your own sleeping bag, tents and use natural taps and toilets.

Food
Since we do not charge any amount as a volunteering fee, it is responsibility to cover your food expenses or pay the reasonable/suitable amount to your host family for your accommodation and food. We will suggest you the reasonable amount and you have to pay to your host family in a monthly basis in advance. Where meals are provided, you should receive at least two meals a day throughout the volunteering placement from your host family, which will be of a suitable quality or quantity by local standards. If you wish to supplement your diet with other foods the responsibility of these expenses are your own.

Collection from the Airport
Upon receipt of your flight details, if you required we can have our representative in the Kathmandu airport to pick you up from the airport and transfer to your accommodation in Kathmandu. We will try our very best to be on time but we can not be held accountable for problems such as vehicles breaking down, traffic jam and other circumstances beyond our control but we will do our best to meet you punctually. Also please note that we are not permitted to enter the arrivals hall of the airport so we will meet you just outside with a name plate. The area is not big and it should be easy to find each other.

Travel & Other Expenses
It is your responsibility to cover up your entire travel expenses including your air tickets, transportation from airport to hotel. We will only help you to arrange your carrier as per your requirements. While traveling in some areas you may need a guide, if so you will be responsible to cover up his/her travel expenses including accommodation and food.

Travel Insurance
You will take out your own insurance cover for the period of your placement. You are responsible for ensuring that the amount and type of cover is sufficient and appropriate for the nature and location of your placement. You must provide us with a copy of your certificate of insurance as soon as possible.

We advise you to have adequate travel insurance, however, if you choose not to do so, please remember that we accept no responsibility.

Problems during your Placement
You should be able to tackle any problems that may arise during your placement; however, in the event that you experience any difficulties, your coordinator will be available and will do his/her best to assist you. He/she may also be able to provide practical help should you need to return to your country of abode before completion of your volunteering period as a result of illness or other personal reasons.

It is important to remember that your coordinator will be available at limited times only and will be able to provide limited support. The nature of your placement is that you are required to show a high level of independence, flexibility and initiative in dealing with problems yourself as they arise. Your coordinator will take all reasonable steps to arrange a safe placement with a consistent level of work throughout, but as neither we nor your coordinator have any direct control over your placement we/your coordinator cannot guarantee your level of work. You are responsible for taking all common sense steps as an independent volunteer to protect your safety on a day to day basis.

Your Obligations
You must comply with any reasonable request by your placement coordinator. This may involve being transferred to a site in the locality provided, that would not place you in any danger, and that the travel to the appropriate site is reasonable, or that suitable accommodation is provided. (You are responsible for any reasonable travel costs incurred in doing this). You must not enter into any direct negotiations or controversial arrangement for employment during your placement.

You must take care of and be responsible for any materials provided for your use during your volunteer programme, you are responsible for any damage or loss you cause to such materials (directly or through neglect) and you must return them as it was after the completion of volunteering prgoramme. You are responsible for any damage to your accommodation caused by you or any guest(s) of yours at your accommodation (directly or through neglect). You must dress appropriately for interviews and work. You must behave appropriately in accordance with locally accepted behavior and custom during your placement. We/your Coordinator do not accept responsibility for failure to secure work or dismissal from such work due to inappropriate dress or behavior.

Cancellations
If you need to cancel your programme, you are highly requested to let us inform in advance so we can make necessary re-arrangement accordingly.

Program Dates
Dates of your program will be fixed as per your convenient as soon as you confirmed your arrival dates. When you required you may leave your placement early with agreement but your host family will not refund you any amount that you paid in advance. When your placement is over you must leave your host family's residence. You are requested to complete your task (course) before you leave your placement.

Disclaimer
OPEN  reserve the right to make any changes in this terms and condition at any time with/without prior notice.

Signature
I have read OPEN ’s General Terms and Conditions included with this application and agree to my participation on a OPEN   Volunteer Program (OVP).

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