Terms & Conditions

Before signing up for a Lean In project, please read this agreement carefully. By selecting the option to register, you agree to have fully understood and accepted all the terms and conditions of this agreement. Lean In World reserves the right to update and modify the terms of this agreement at any time, and volunteers are assumed to accept such updates and modifications.

1. Definitions

1.1 In this agreement, "projects" refer to any expeditions, volunteer projects, and other activities arranged by Lean In globally; "services" refer to various services provided by Lean In to participants.

1.2 The titles in this agreement are for convenience only and should not affect the interpretation.

1.3 "Applicant" and "Participant" refers to the customer who has applied to participate in a volunteer program.

2. Application Process

• Applications can be submitted via our website. Submitting an application does not ensure acceptance, as it is dependent on availability and suitability.
• To apply for a Lean In program, a 139 GBP Registration Fee is required, which serves as a non-refundable deposit for the trip. Once the registration fee is paid, you will have lifelong access to apply for other programs without an additional registration fee.
• After an application is completed and submitted to Lean In, we will coordinate with our partner organizations to determine the suitability and availability of your selected program. If we are unable to offer you a place in the program, you will be notified via email or telephone, typically within 2 working days, and your initial payment will be fully refunded.
• The individual making the application (the “lead name”) must be 16 years old or older and accept the terms & conditions on behalf of all those involved. Some programs accept volunteers under 16 if they have a guardian accompanying them.
• Applications are made with the understanding that Lean In uses partner organizations around the world as suppliers for its programs.

3. Registration Fee

3.1 Payment Confirmation and Acceptance

• Payment of the Registration Fee confirms a volunteer’s place in one of our volunteer programs, subject to acceptance and availability. Registration fees are not transferable to other persons and cannot be used towards payment for any other fees.

3.2 Finality of Payments

• All payments are final. No "cooling off period" is offered. If the applied program is not confirmed by Lean In, you will receive a full refund.

3.3 Transaction and Banking Fees

• All registration fee payments attract a non-refundable 5% transaction fee to cover international banking fees. International wire transfer payments from the UK, Europe, and America do not incur any bank service fee. Wires from other countries will attract a 35 USD bank service charge.

4. Program Fee

4.1 Program Fee Payment

• To participate in a volunteer program, you must pay the full Program Fee as specified on the Lean In website. Lean In reserves the right to change Program Fees at any time, with any updates being announced on the Lean In website. These changes will not affect participants who have already registered unless they modify their program details after the new fees are in effect.

4.2 Payment Deadline

• Program fees must be paid no later than 20 days before the volunteer program starts. If you fail to make this payment, you may lose your placement, and the Registration Fee will not be refunded. All Program Fees and payments for additional services incur a non-refundable 5% transaction fee to cover international banking costs. International wire transfers will also incur a minimum fee of 35 USD.

4.3 Accommodation

• The Program Fee includes accommodation for the entire duration of the volunteer program. If a volunteer decides to arrange their own lodging, no compensation or refund will be provided.

5. Changes and Cancellations

5.1 Change and Cancellation by Applicant

• 5.1.1 Alterations and Cancellations
  • Alterations to your booking depend on availability, and we can't guarantee success. There may be additional costs imposed by suppliers for specific aspects of our programs. By requesting a change, you will also be liable for these costs. Changes cannot be requested less than 30 days before your program start date or once your trip has commenced. In such circumstances, it would be considered a cancellation. Lean In will do its best to ensure changes are made with minimal disruption.
• 5.1.2 Cancellations
  • Cancellations must be made in writing by email to info@leaninworld.com.
  • If you wish to cancel a booking, our cancellation policy for standard Lean In programs is as follows:
    • Notification of at least 30 days prior to the program start date: loss of your 139 GBP Registration Fee.
    • Notification less than or equal to 30 days prior to the program start date or at any time during your program: loss of 100% of the Program Fee and Registration Fee.
  • Please note that your original 139 GBP Registration Fee is non-refundable.

5.2 Change and Cancellation by Lean In

• Lean In reserves the right to cancel or significantly modify your booking at any time. A “significant change” generally refers to a change of more than 24 hours in departure or return times, a change of departure point, or a major re-routing of the itinerary, but does not include changes to partner organizations, transport, or specified accommodation. If a significant change occurs, we will notify you as soon as possible and offer either a replacement program or a full refund of the Program Fee, minus the Registration Fee (the Registration Fee will be fully creditable for future use). Lean In will provide such a refund if a program is canceled due to insufficient numbers.
• Alterations or cancellations may occur due to unavoidable, unusual, and unforeseen circumstances beyond our control or events considered “force majeure.” In these cases, any Program Fee paid will be refunded if the cancellation happens 61 days or more before the trip start date. If the cancellation occurs within 60 days or less, the Program Fees will be credited and can be used for another trip with us or to defer the scheduled start date. Since payments have already been made in advance to local teams preparing to host you, we cannot provide cash refunds for cancellations occurring 60 days or less before the scheduled trip date. However, the fees paid will be fully protected to reschedule your trip with us.
• “Force majeure” refers to any event that Lean In or the service provider could not foresee or prevent, even with all due care. Examples include, but are not limited to, war, threat of war, riots, civil unrest, industrial disputes, terrorist activities, pandemics, computer or system failures, natural or nuclear disasters, fires, acts of God, and similar events. Minor changes to programs may be made as necessary; these include, but are not limited to, changes in named accommodation or pick-up times.

6. Participant Standards

• Lean In may require a DBS check and an English Certificate before your program start date for some professional programs. If you come from an English-speaking country, you will not be asked for an English certificate. Failure to submit these documents within the specified time frame will result in the cancellation of your program without a refund.

7. Participant Obligations

7.1 Material and Mental Needs

• When participating in Lean In projects, participants will have various material and mental needs. Participants must recognize that the food, hygiene, and accommodation standards in the project country may be lower than those in their home country.

7.2 Travel Arrangements and Insurance

• Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel plans, including insurance and daily expenses, as Lean In does not cover these. Participants must ensure their travel safety and purchase insurance to cover potential issues such as luggage loss, flight delays, or emergency medical situations during travel. Insurance must cover the entire duration of the Lean In project. If a participant refuses to purchase insurance, their booking may be unilaterally canceled by Lean In without any refund.

7.3 Submission of Required Information

• Participants must submit all required information (including but not limited to: arrival and departure flight information, insurance information, passport information, emergency contact details, and proof of English proficiency). Failure to provide complete or accurate information may result in Lean In unilaterally canceling the participant’s application without any refund. Required information and documents will be provided during the application process.

7.4 Dietary Information

• Participants must ensure the accuracy of dietary information provided to Lean In. Lean In is not responsible for any medical conditions arising from participant negligence.

7.5 Project Selection

• Lean In offers projects with varying levels of challenge. Participants should select projects that are suitable for their condition. Once a project is selected, participants accept all services associated with that project.

7.6 Risk Consultation

• Some Lean In project locations are remote. If participants believe that participating in volunteer services poses risks, they should consult a doctor in advance for appropriate advice or consult Lean In staff to choose a suitable project.

7.7 Accommodation Standards

• Project locations are arranged in relatively underdeveloped areas. Accommodation conditions, transportation, safety measures, hygiene conditions, communication equipment, infrastructure development, and medical facilities may be below the standards of the participant’s home country.

7.8 Fitness for Participation

• Lean In reserves the right to ask volunteers to leave the volunteer camp if they are physically or emotionally unfit.

7.9 Medical Compliance

• Lean In is not responsible for any medical issues that arise if participants do not follow medical advice or do not take prescribed medication during volunteer activities.

7.10 Withdrawal from Project

• Participants acknowledge and agree that Lean In reserves the right to accept or reject any participant’s withdrawal from a project at any time. If a volunteer withdraws on their own, no project fees will be refunded.

7.11 Liability for Damages

• Lean In is not responsible for any damage to property or adverse social impact caused by participants in the project country. Participants must bear their own responsibilities.

7.12 Visa and Travel Documents

• Participants are responsible for obtaining and carrying the necessary visas or entry permits for travel. Please consult the relevant country’s embassy or consulate before travel. We are not obligated or responsible for assisting participants in verifying related processes. Participants must ensure they carry all necessary documents for international travel, including but not limited to passports, visas, and work permits (if necessary). For participants opting for a visa on arrival, we are not responsible for any refusal of entry or visa denial and the resulting losses or consequences. Participants who are denied entry due to passport or visa issues or other travel document problems are solely responsible for the resulting losses or consequences.

7.13 Visa Validity

• Lean In is not responsible for any country’s refusal to allow participants entry. All participants must ensure they have obtained a valid visa by contacting the relevant embassy before travel.

7.14 Compliance with Local Laws

• Participants must comply with the laws and regulations of the relevant country. If these laws are violated, Lean In project leaders have the right to remove the participant from the volunteer project.

7.15 Respect for Local Laws and Culture

• Participants must respect and comply with local laws and cultures at all times. They should regulate their behavior and maintain a polite attitude. Each participant has the obligation to uphold the image of Lean In and the Chinese community. Participants should follow all arrangements made by project leaders in each country.

7.16 Emergency Contacts

• Participants acknowledge and agree that Lean In reserves the right to contact their emergency contacts.

7.17 Use of Images

• Participants agree that Lean In has the right to use videos or photos taken of them or featuring their likeness for promotional purposes.

8. Personal Risks

The volunteer acknowledges and accepts the responsibilities and risks associated with their choice to travel to, temporarily reside in, and provide volunteer services in a foreign country. Such travel and volunteer work can be hazardous and involves a certain degree of risk, including inherently dangerous activities and personal perils, both foreseen and unforeseen. All of these risks are fully accepted and solely assumed by the volunteer. Therefore, Lean In, including any and all of its employees, managers, directors, shareholders, host families, and Independent Local Teams (together, the “Lean In Related Parties”), is not liable and disclaims all liability, to the maximum extent permitted by law, for any loss or harm the volunteer or their associates may suffer, including but not limited to loss caused directly or indirectly by:

• Personal injury;
• Emotional injury;
• Death;
• Illness, disease, or pandemic;
• Damage to or loss of property;
• Natural disasters;
• Hostage situations; or
• War or terrorism.

In the event of a suspected or potential outbreak of any infectious disease in the program, among close contacts, or in locations recently attended by the volunteer, the volunteer agrees to undertake any required testing at their own cost. Should the volunteer refuse to undertake such testing, the Independent Local Team is entitled to dismiss the volunteer from the program, remove them from their accommodation at any time without refund, and implement other measures to protect the health of other volunteers and the local community.

9. Governing Law

• These terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

10. General

• All communications related to this contract, unless specified otherwise, must be written in English by the lead name on the application and emailed from the applicant's registered email address with us.