Cancellation and Refund Policy

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Cancellation and Refund Policy

Program Payment Schedule

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

  • Secures your place in the program and initiates the placement process.

  • 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 request a refund within 14 days of rejecting the most recent internship proposal.

  • All other terms are detailed 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 are non-refundable, as services will have already been rendered.

  • These fees count toward your total program fee.

3. Final Program Balance

  • Remaining balance depends on program type:

    • Standard Program: USD 2,175

    • Gap Program: USD 2,675

  • Due 14 days before your scheduled arrival in Cape Town.

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

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

Cancellations and Refunds

If VACorps Cancels Your Placement Before Arrival

  • A suitable alternative internship will be offered.

  • If no alternative is available, all funds paid will be refunded.

  • No further claims (e.g., flight costs) may be made.

If You Cancel After Paying the Acceptance Fee

  • 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 refunded USD 2,175 USD 2,675
31–60 days before start date 50% of final balance refunded USD 1,087.50 USD 1,337.50
<30 days before start date No refund USD 0 USD 0

Note: The deposit (USD 350) and acceptance fee (USD 650) are always non-refundable.

If VACorps Suspends a Program Before Arrival

  • Refund: Full refund of the final balance (USD 2,175 or USD 2,675, depending on program tier), if already paid.

  • Lifetime Program Credit: USD 1,000 (non-refundable portion), which:

    • Can be applied to any future VACorps program.

    • Is transferable to family or friends.

    • Cannot be redeemed for cash.

  • VACorps is not responsible for additional expenses 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 (Standard Program)

    • USD 3,675 (Gap Program)

  • No partial refunds are given for early departures or unused services once the program has started.