This is a sample of the contract we will ask you to sign on acceptance of our offer of a placement. 

Volunteer Contract

I hereby agree to the following conditions as a participant in the Teaching English as a Foreign Language Program: 

1.      I understand that this volunteer assignment (see Appendix A) is for a period of XXXX commencing XXXXX, and concluding XXXXX.

2.      I understand that I am responsible for all expenses I may incur in preparing for and participating in this program.  The attached budget (see Appendix B) offers an estimate of expenses that I can expect to incur.  Any payments I make are considered to be non-refundable and not eligible for any tax credit.

3.    I agree to pay Muir’s Tours £XXX / $XXXX, in advance as a donation to be used in the projects in which I will be participating and to cover any costs for expenses as set out in Appendix C and associated documents such as a tour itinerary. 

4.        I understand that this placement is not an acredited course of any university.

5.       Unless otherwise agreed in the Volunteer Registration Form, I agree to make my own travel arrangements to the assignment, and shall bear any and all costs associated with the purchase of my air ticket and other means of travel.  Muir’s Tours shall not be responsible (unless otherwise agreed in writing) if I choose to extend my stay in the placement area after the in-country part of the program ends.  In the event that I need to interrupt or terminate my placement due to personal reasons, I agree that I will cover all related costs, including air travel or forfeit any fees already paid.

6.        I warrant that I am physically fit and able to undertake this placement and that I have consulted a physician in arriving at this opinion.

7.        I shall be responsible for being vaccinated as per World Health Organisation (WHO) regulations with respect to the country of my placement.  I shall also be responsible for deciding if I ought to take anti-malarial medication and, if so, the nature of the medication.  All medications I may require will be my own responsibility.  I understand that any information on medical issues given by Muir’s Tours is to be treated as general guidance only and I will consult a professional physician or specialist travel clinic to ensure I have taken appropriate steps to protect myself.

8.        I hereby state that I have comprehensive travel and medical insurance cover that will be maintained for the duration of my travel abroad.  The policy covers amongst other risks, cancellation, emergency medical expenses, search and rescue, repatriation to my home country for further medical care or treatment. I understand that Muir’s Tours does not undertake or assume any liability or responsibility for me in the case of injury, sickness, or death which may result from travel, work, or any other factor while I am a volunteer field worker, unless negligence can be proven in an English court.

9.        I understand that it is my responsibility to obtain travel insurance overage at my own expense.  I agree that there will be no claim from myself, my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and other legal representatives with respect to any such claim or any expenses incurred by myself in relation to health, stolen property (e.g. airline tickets or other personal property), travel, life or injury during or arising from my participation in the program.

10.     Accommodation during the overseas placement will be provided to me as agreed and detailed in the Program documents, issued by email or in writing.  If for some reason I deem such accommodation to be inadequate, I will agree to provide for alternative accommodations at my own expense.

11.     Purchasing traveller’s cheques and the related fees or any other similar arrangement will be my responsibility.

12.     I agree to participate in communication and development education activities related to the placement, as requested by Muir’s Tours, both overseas and in my own country.

13.     I understand that Muir’s Tours has the right to terminate my placement at its sole discretion at any time.

14.     I understand that I will be working under the general discipline of Muir’s Tours and its local representatives and that I will be expected to follow such instructions and comply with any conditions set by Muir’s Tours through its representatives in the field.  I also agree to respect the cultural/work environment in which I will be placed and, to the best of my ability, to abide by what is culturally acceptable (dress code, gender roles, relationships, etc.).

15.     I will submit brief monthly reports to Muir’s Tours.  The purpose of this is to a) keep Muir’s Tours informed as to my status and well-being, b) track the progress of my project and placement, and c) provide me with an opportunity to request assistance or make relevant suggestions.

16.     Accordingly, in consideration of being awarded a Muir’s Tours volunteer placement, I hereby release and discharge Muir’s Tours and its past, present, and future members, officers, directors and their employees, from all claims and demands whatsoever I, my heirs, executors, administrators, or assigns may now have or may hereafter have arising out of or in any way and howsoever caused, relating to my participation with Muir’s Tours volunteer programme and my travel, work, or any other activity including, without limiting the generality thereof, for injury, sickness, or death.

17.    I understand that this contract is subject to the laws of England & Wales.

18.    I also confirm that I have carefully read this contract and have taken any appropriate professional advice deemed necessary before signing this agreement.

Appendix A

3 Month Overseas Assignment

Job Description

Title:                             Teacher of English Language

Duration:                      3 months

Location:                      Peru

Remuneration:             Nil.  This is a voluntary posting.  All related expenses are the responsibility of the volunteer.

Description:

1.        To deliver by appropriate means English language to students to whom it will be regarded as a second language .

2.        To provide demonstration and share language skills with field personnel and communities in Peru.

3.        To submit a final report describing the experience from both a personal and a professional viewpoint, along with a recommendation on whether the volunteer experience should be renewed with a second cycle of volunteers.

Appendix B

 3 Month Overseas Assignment

Total Essential Budget in US Dollars

              International Airfare                               1150

Medical insurance                                      200

Vaccinations, med                                      200

Visas                                                           50

Transit costs (mostly internal airfare)           300

In-country travel                                         100

Food and Accommodation                        1100

 Total:                                                       3200

This is a generalisation and your own specific costs could be very different.  You will be given specific information about anything that Muir’s Tours expects you to be in need of.

Appendix C

 3 Month Overseas Assignment

Advance Payment Schedule in GB Pounds / US Dollars

  Sample Details                  Sample Details                 Sample Details

                                                                                    GB£                 US $

International Airfare    optional                          650                  1015

Transit costs (internal airfare r/t)   optional         109                    170

Contribution to Project Overheads                    150                    234

Food and accommodation (first 5 weeks only)   385                    600           

Excursion (Machu Picchu Hike + tours)             541                    846  

Total (airfares excluded):                                  1076                  1680

Total (all airfares included):                               1835                  2865