Program inclusions are packaged and cannot be split into sub-components in any circumstance, including for the purposes of itemized invoices. The program fee is subject to change until paid in full. If a participant does not attend an on-site excursion or activity, no refund will be provided.

TGS accepts no responsibility for difficulties encountered, or loss or expenses incurred, as a result of negligent or irresponsible behavior on the part of the participant.

No refunds are given in the case of a participant abandoning a program for any reason.

TGS reserves the right to vary program fees in the event of changes in exchange rates or price rises made by partners or other suppliers. If the cost of any service increases due to exchange rate fluctuations, price increases, tax changes or any other reason, participants are required to pay the increase when notified, or may cancel a program which may result in cancellation fees, per the TGS Refund Policy.

TGS reserves the right to cancel (or modify) any program if there are insufficient registrants (in the rare case that minimum numbers may apply) or if TGS and/or the partner university determines it is in the best interest of the applicant’s safety and quality of programming to cancel the program. Should a program be cancelled for any reason, applicants will, where possible, be offered the option of positions in other programs or destinations, or a full refund on all fees paid.

In the event of circumstances beyond the control of TGS Students, including the outbreak of war, acts of terror, civil unrest, natural disasters and situations where a participant’s safety is compromised due to different customs, standards, health regulations, laws and risks, TGS reserves the right to modify, suspend or terminate either the participants involvement in the program or the program itself. Students agree to abide by the directions given by TGS in accordance with the TGS Risk Management policy, and their home University.

TGS its partners, agents, employees and staff give notice that they act solely on behalf of and for the benefit of the participants, on the express agreement that TGS shall not be liable, financially or otherwise, for non-performance or unsatisfactory service; for the injury to persons including death; for loss of or damage to property; for accident or delay; and/or for expenses arising from strikes, weather, quarantine, sickness, government regulation, civil unrest or war; or from any act or omission of TGS service providers, agents or employees and/or airline, mail services, rail, bus company, vehicle rental entity, hotel, restaurant or other supplier of service.

By agreeing to these Terms and Conditions, participants assume all of these risks and agree to indemnify TGS, its officers, directors, partners, program providers and employees harmless for any and all liability that may arise in connection with participation in a TGS program.

In particular for volunteer programs, participants accept that they will be subjected to various physical and emotional demands and accept that the standard of living, including food, hygiene, safety and accommodation in the relevant country, may be below the general standards of their own country. The participant also understands that certain risks may arise, including, but not limited to, hazards of travelling in remote areas; travel by automobile, van, bus, plane, boat, train or any other means of conveyance; the forces of nature; civil disturbances; national or international conflicts; terrorism; arbitrary itinerary changes made by foreign governments or vendors; dive related accidents; boat accidents; interacting with dangerous wildlife; personal injury or illness from the local environment; exposure to potential harmful/hazardous materials; limited access to safety equipment; accident or illness in remote locations without immediate evacuation or medical facilities; or negligent acts of third parties. The participant asserts that they know, understand and appreciate these and other risks inherent in the program, agrees that participation is completely voluntary and assumes all associated risk.

TGS shall have no responsibility for any activities undertaken by the participant outside the scope of those directly relating to the program, including activities which may have been recommended by TGS staff or its partners. Participants will advise TGS in writing of any activities or travel they intend to undertake outside of the city/ geographical location in which their program takes place.

Photographs, videotapes and/or statements provided by participants may be used in various marketing materials to promote TGS via the company’s social media and digital platforms. In accepting a place in a TGS program, participants give consent for resources to be used. Those who do not wish to have any of their images, video or statements shared on marketing materials, should provide a statement in writing withdrawing consent, prior to commencement of the program.

Participants are responsible for any costs associated with visas, airport taxes, obtaining the proper travel documents for their trip and changes to flight itineraries.

All participants must have valid, comprehensive health and travel insurance during the time of their program, usually provided by the home university, the details of which should be carried at all times.

It is the responsibility of the participant to obtain advice from their medical practitioner on the relevant vaccinations required for the region in which they will travel.

Participants are covered by TGS with public liability insurance, which is designed for professionals who interact with customers or members of the public. The policy is a liability policy for personal injury (to third parties) and/or property damage. It protects against claims of personal injury or property damage that a third party suffers (or claims to have suffered). Should a claim be made against any participant, TGS must be notified immediately.

Note 1: There is an AUD$1,000 deductible/excess payable by the participant/intern in the event of a claim.

Note 2: any claim is declared null and void should it prove that the participant was intoxicated at the time of the event relating to a claim.

It is the responsibility of the participant to ensure they have the correct visa for the country in which they will undertake their program. TGS does not provide visa advice, instead advising participants to seek advice from the destination countries consulate in Australia. General information on visas for short term study tours is provided for Australian citizens only.

TGS does not provide insurance, nor book accommodation or travel outside of the program. Students that arrive earlier than the program commencement must make their own accommodation and transport arrangements.

Most students are covered for health, medical and travel insurance, and need to be aware of the extent of the coverage, policy details and 24-hour emergency contact details. Participants also need to be aware that their coverage may not cover pre or post program travel. Participants should also review their medical and travel insurance, be aware of excess payments related to claims, understand exclusions and ensure a policy meets their own requirements. For further information and advice from the Australian Government in regards to travel/health insurance, please refer to the Smartraveller website and associated guide.