Welcome to the Terms and Conditions for Young Surgeons Travel (YST).

A. Responsibility

  • Participants must be at least 18 years old, except for high school volunteer groups.
  • Travel, medical, and indemnity insurance are not included in the program cost. It is the participant’s responsibility to secure adequate coverage for the duration of the program.
  • Volunteers are responsible for ensuring they are in good health and fit to travel and perform the required duties.
  • Young Surgeons Travel is not liable for any loss of property, personal injury, illness, accidents, delays, or extra expenses incurred during program participation.
  • Young Surgeons Travel and its agents are not responsible for any financial liabilities, property damage, or injury to others during the program.
  • Extra costs for activities such as sightseeing or expeditions are not covered by the program fee.
  • Possession of illegal substances is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate cancellation of the program.
  • Possession of drugs may lead to severe legal consequences in the host country.

B. Payment (i) - What Your Fee Covers

Healthcare Programs:

  • Individualized, structured, and supervised placements.
  • Detailed pre-departure support and local support network.
  • Hospital fees.
  • Airport pickup (within the program location only).
  • Local area orientation and Swahili lessons.
  • Safe and clean accommodation with housekeeping and meals.

Gap Year Volunteer Program:

  • Individual project work.
  • Pre-departure support and airport pickup/drop-off.
  • Orientation and basic Swahili lessons.
  • Shared accommodation and 24-hour on-ground support.

Summer School Teams:

  • Group project work.
  • Extensive pre-departure support and airport pickup/drop-off.
  • Local area orientation and basic Swahili lessons.
  • Shared accommodation and 24-hour on-ground support.

What Your Fees Do Not Cover:

  • Travel and insurance costs during the placement.
  • Visa costs and flight charges.

B. Payment (ii)

  • A reservation deposit is required upon acceptance of the application to secure placement. This deposit is non-refundable but can be applied to a future program within one year.
  • The full program fee must be paid 60 days prior to the start date. Any changes to payment plans or dates must be approved in writing.
  • For programs across multiple countries, the fee is due 4 months before the start date.
  • Non-payment by the agreed date will result in automatic cancellation of the program, and the reservation deposit will not be refunded.
  • Program fee prices may change without notice. Participants will be notified of any changes.
  • Fees are payable in US Dollars.
  • No refunds will be issued once the program has started, even for early departures due to illness or personal reasons.

C. Changes and Cancellations by Participants

  • Any changes or cancellations must be communicated via email to info@youngsurgeons-travel.org.
  • A change fee of US $50 plus additional costs will apply. If costs exceed US $75, participants will be notified in advance.
  • Failure to provide required documents by the deadline (2 months before the program) will incur a $25 fee for expedited processing.
  • Refunds are only available under specific conditions:
    • Cancellation after deposit but more than 60 days before the program start: deposit forfeited.
    • Cancellation 30-60 days before the start: 50% of the total fee.
    • No refund for cancellations less than 30 days before the program.
  • No refund once the program begins.
  • Cancellations for optional activities (e.g., safaris) are subject to a 25% cancellation fee.

D. Changes or Cancellations by Young Surgeons Travel

  • In rare cases, program details may change. Participants will be notified and may be offered alternative placements.
  • If a program is canceled by Young Surgeons Travel, participants will be notified at least 45 days in advance and refunded within 30 days.
  • If cancellations are due to circumstances beyond control (e.g., natural disasters), Young Surgeons Travel will work to arrange a similar program, with additional costs covered by the participant.
  • Changes to location or program due to strikes or other circumstances will be handled with additional costs borne by the participant.

E. General Rules

  • Follow local Project Coordinator rules and respect the host country’s culture.
  • Alcohol consumption is allowed in moderation; misbehavior will result in program termination.
  • Treat people with respect, particularly the elderly.
  • Dress according to local customs and weather.
  • Avoid political demonstrations and comply with local laws.
  • The program and accommodations are specific and cannot be changed without approval.
  • Advise Project Coordinators of any weekend travel plans.
  • Overnight guests are not allowed in Young Surgeons Travel accommodations.

F. Termination of Program

  • Young Surgeons Travel may terminate a participant’s program if:
    • They violate the terms and conditions.
    • They provide false information.
    • They fail to fulfill program obligations.
    • They exhibit gross misconduct.
  • If terminated, the participant is responsible for their return home, and no refunds will be given.

G. Release and Acceptance

By accepting to participate in the program, students and volunteers agree to these terms and indemnify Young Surgeons Travel from any loss, damage, or liability resulting from their actions during the program.