Terms and Conditions

 

In order to apply to a program, you must fill out and submit the online application and pay a $30 non-refundable application fee after the first interview. By applying to the program, you acknowledge the authority of The Food Gap leaders during your program. You also must agree to the program rules, eligibility requirements, and terms and conditions when applying.

 

To reserve your spot on a program, we require you to pay a deposit of 50% of your program price, applying any promotions or discounts we may offer. You will also sign a release waiver and a medical disclosure form. Once your position is reserved, we’ll send you a list of information that we’ll need from you, including passport information, travel insurance, ETIAS Requirements, and proof of COVID Vaccination. Your documents are required 60 days before the first day of your program. If you sign up within 30-60 days of the program, your documentation will be required immediately. The full cost of the program is due within 30 days of the first day of your program, as is the last possible day to apply to a program. We can make exceptions on a case-by-case basis in the event that students are dropped from their original gap program or have a last minute change in plans.

 

If you book your own flights, we require your itinerary and flight information no later than 60 days before your arrival in the host country. We may help students arrange flights and even coordinate group flights if students feel uncomfortable traveling alone. The Food Gap never discriminates candidates for our gap programs based on race, gender, sexuality, religion, or ability. We aspire to accommodate all differences in ability to make programs accessible to all students.

 

If you decide to cancel your place in a program, certain fees and consequences will apply. If you cancel more than 90 days before the first day of your trip, your cost will be fully refunded despite a $1,000 non-refundable deposit and processing fee. If you cancel within 90 days of the program, 50% of your program cost will be refunded. If you cancel within 30 days of the first day of your program, you will not receive a refund. In any situation, we are happy to reserve your program payments for a future program if your schedule changes or unforeseen obstacles occur. If you do not arrive on time to your program (with the exception of reasonable delays of up to a week) or you do not show up for your program at all, you will lose 100% of the program cost and expected to return home. If a student is removed from the program for disciplinary reasons, they and their family will forfeit 100% of the program cost. If a student is sent home for medical or mental health reasons, they will forfeit 100% of the program cost and The Food Gap will work with the student or family to make arrangements for a place in a future program at a discounted rate, if desired. In the event of a medical emergency, The Food Gap leaders will seek out medical treatment, but we assume no liability regarding medical care. Applicants must have adequate travel insurance to prepare for sickness or injury. We reserve the right to dismiss any student based on the risk of their physical or mental health. 

 

We reserve the right to change our program itinerary and arrange alternate activities, housing, and classes to accommodate unforeseen challenges related to weather, natural disasters, terrorism, student health, or interest. We will notify students and families before the program if we change location, accommodation, or a signifiant portion of our itinerary. The Food Gap may cancel a program for any reason. If we don’t have the minimum amount of students enroll, a full refund will be given to any students who have signed up. Any costs related to preparing for the program are 100% the student or family’s responsibility.

 

Each student must sign an assumption of risk and medical disclosure form before the program. If a student is removed from the program for breaking rules, the student and their family will be 100% responsible for costs associated with traveling home. The Food Gap will help coordinate travel to and from the nearest airport, at which point the student is no longer our responsibility. We expect students to abide by local laws and customs and The Food Gap will not accept responsibility nor liability nor financial burden for any student who breaks the law or damages property in the host country. 

 

The Food Gap contracts companies and individuals to help execute our programs. To the best of our knowledge, third parties associated with The Food Gap are qualified and legally able to perform their duties. The Food Gap will not be held liable for any damage to property, injury, or delay that may result from the negligence of these third parties.

 

As a student on one of our programs, you acknowledge that traveling to foreign countries carries inherent risks, dangers, and differences in accommodation, weather, geography, etc. and you release The Food Gap from any liabilities connected to these risks to the maximum extent permitted by law. The terms and conditions of all agreements made with The Food Gap shall be subject to, and governed by, United States law. You agree The United States will be the forum for resolution of any dispute related to your participation in this program. You will agree to handle any disputes first with The Food Gap directly instead of seeking legal action. Mediation will be agreed upon by you and The Food Gap in the event that we can’t come to a mutual beneficial agreement or decision. If a mediator is not agreed or appointed, you and The Food Gap agree to participate in arbitration under the U.S. Federal Arbitration Act of 1926.

 

No employee, servant or agent of The Food Gap has authority to vary these terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are legally binding. If any term or condition is deemed legally unenforceable, all other parts shall remain in full force and effect. All mentions of the word "we" refer to The Food Gap, unless otherwise stated. The cookbook published or self-published by The Food Gap is property of The Food Gap and entitles The Food Gap to full intellectual property ownership and financial control of the profits of book sales. All student authors will be credited in the book for their work but assume no legal ownership of said book.