Cancellation and Refund Policy

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Cancellation and Refund Policy

VACorps offers two tiers of program fees, both governed by the same cancellation and refund terms:

  • Standard Program Fee: USD 3,175

  • Gap Program Fee: USD 3,675 (fixed-date gap program)

All participants make payments in three stages:

1. Program Deposit – USD 350

  • This deposit initiates your placement process.

  • It is refundable only if:

    • VACorps cannot secure an internship aligned with your professional preferences (as outlined in your Internship Questionnaire), and all reasonable alternatives have been explored.

    • The placement process exceeds 30 business days, and you formally request a refund within 14 days of rejecting the most recent internship proposal.

All other terms for this deposit are outlined in the Program Deposit Agreement.

2. Program Acceptance Fee – USD 650

  • Due within 14 days of accepting your internship placement.

  • Once paid, both the USD 350 deposit and the USD 650 acceptance fee become non-refundable, as services will have already been rendered.

These fees count toward your total program fee.

3. Final Program Balance

  • The remaining balance depends on your program type:

    • Standard Program: USD 2,175

    • Gap Program: USD 2,675

  • This payment is due 14 days before your scheduled arrival in Cape Town.

  • All fees must be paid in full prior to departure. Proof of payment is required to confirm your participation.

Failure to pay in full may result in removal from the program roster and forfeiture of all program services, including internship placement, accommodation, airport transfers, and in-country support.

Cancellations and Refunds

If the Agreed-Upon Internship Placement Is No Longer Available Prior to Arrival

  • We will offer a suitable alternative internship.

  • If no suitable placement is available, we will refund all funds paid, and you agree not to pursue further claims related to cancellation (e.g. flight costs).

If You Cancel After Paying the Acceptance Fee

  • Both the USD 350 deposit and USD 650 acceptance fee are non-refundable.

If You Cancel After Paying the Full Program Fee

 

Timing of Cancellation Refund Applies to Final Balance Only Standard Program Gap Program
61+ days before start date 100% of final balance USD 2,175 USD 2,675
31–60 days before start date 50% of final balance USD 1,087.50 USD 1,337.50
<30 days before start date No refund USD 0 USD 0

Note: The acceptance fee and deposit remain non-refundable regardless of cancellation timing.

If VACorps Suspends a Program Before Arrival

In the unlikely event that VACorps suspends a program due to circumstances beyond our control—such as public health emergencies or significant weather-related disruptions—you will be entitled to:

  • A full refund of the final program balance (USD 2,175 or USD 2,675, depending on your program tier), if already paid

  • A lifetime program credit for the non-refundable portion of the program fee (USD 1,000), which:

    • May be applied to any future VACorps program

    • Is transferable to a family member or friend

    • Is not redeemable for cash

Please note: VACorps is not responsible for additional expenses incurred due to program suspension, such as flights or accommodation.

Program Deferrals

  • You may defer your program in consultation with VACorps (subject to availability).

  • Payments already made will be applied to the deferred program. No refunds are issued for deferrals.

Early Departures / Unused Services

  • The total program fee is fixed:

    • USD 3,175 for the Standard Program

    • USD 3,675 for the Gap Program

  • No partial refunds are issued for early departures or unused services once your program has begun.