The participant and family are responsible for reading, understanding, and signing these Terms & Conditions. The Terms of Participation have been designed to give everyone the foundation for a successful, safe and satisfying gap year experience in Spain. If the academic participant fails to abide by any of the following Terms of Participation, this may result in early termination from the program and the participant’s return to the country of origin.
1. I understand that the purpose of the program is to participate in a gap program in Spain. In addition to learning the language and customs of Spain, I am expected to make every effort to adapt to the culture and lifestyle of that country. I understand that there may be significant cultural, economic and lifestyle differences between my country of origin and Spain, including customs, values, and acceptable behavior.
2. I understand that I am expected to adjust to the host families selected for me, regardless of their ethnicity or background. I also understand that host families represent a wide range of socioeconomic levels, which may vary greatly from my own. Spanish Gap Year will reevaluate a host family placement before departure for Spain, or during the program, if there are valid concerns for the participant’s well-being or safety.
3. I will not compare my host family to other families, nor will I discuss their private matters with others. I will try to resolve conflicts with the help of my Spanish Gap Year local coordinators through discussion and compromise. I acknowledge that I cannot change host families at will. I understand switching families is always a last resort and trust that Spanish Gap Year will find a family that is a suitable match for me.
4. I will respect each member of the host family and will follow their rules about curfew, dating, use of electronic devices etc. I will do my best to initiate participation in family mealtimes, chores, and other family activities. I will endeavor to limit my time alone, in an effort to prevent culture shock, boredom or loneliness.
5. Spanish Laws: I will respect Spanish laws. Breaking the law may lead to early program termination.
6. Drugs: I will not possess, use or be with others using drugs, including marijuana.
7. Alcohol: I will respect the two-drink-limit rule established by Spanish Gap Year and drink only in a sensible manner, while in a safe environment and only when accompanied by my peers and/or program leaders. The legal age for drinking in Spain is 18. However, breaking the two-drink-limit rule, and/or behaving recklessly, will be grounds for program termination.
8. Sexual Conduct: I will not engage in any sexual contact or sexual activity that involves a member of the Spanish Gap Year team or of any of my host families. Sexual relations with anyone from the SGY team or a host family member are strictly forbidden and are grounds for program termination.
9. Smoking/Tobacco: The legal age for buying cigarettes in Spain is 18. Smoking during activities, in homestays, or in accommodation, is forbidden.
10. Weapons: I will not purchase, handle, or use guns (including air-projectile guns such as those used in paintball or other games), knives, or brass knuckles at any time. Participants are not allowed to participate in any type of violent activity.
11. Driving: Participants are not permitted to drive any motor vehicle during the program (including motorcycles, mopeds and cars).
12. Hitchhiking: Participants are not permitted to hitchhike.
13. Participants are not permitted to hold part-time jobs. Participants will travel visa-free into the EU for 90 days, hence, they do not have the right to accept paid employment.
14. Participants must always be aware of their responsibility as gap year program participants and make a determined effort during their activities, with their peers, host families and host community to behave adequately and politely.
15. Participants must attend activities daily, unless sick and under a doctor’s care, or with special permission from parents/host parents.
16. I will provide a doctor’s letter of explanation in English to accompany all prescription drugs, over the counter drugs (other than ibuprofen or acetaminophen), and herbal supplements that I bring with me to Spain, or that are sent to me while on the program.
17. I will not participate in unsafe activities such as skydiving, hang gliding, bungee jumping etc. I will confirm insurance coverage for any potentially dangerous activity. I will request approval for and will never take part alone in sports such as snow sports (snowboarding, snow skiing, inner tubing, etc.); or other potentially dangerous activities. For all potentially dangerous activities that are allowed, I will take all extra precautions that are appropriate for the activity, such as wearing a helmet, protection equipment etc.
18. I will always wear a seatbelt when traveling by car. Failure to wear seat belts can cause serious injury in the event of an accident.
19. Should a problem arise during the program, that is not an emergency, I will contact my Spanish Gap Year program leader, in order to facilitate a timely and efficient resolution to the problem. In case of an emergency or hospitalization, I will contact my Spanish Gap Year program leader as soon as possible. Providing a mobile phone number is required for program communication and emergency contact purposes. 20. By providing your mobile phone number, you agree to receive text messages from Spanish Gap Year at the number provided, sent using an automated system. Consent to receive text messages is not a condition of purchase or program enrollment. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to cancel text messages or HELP for help. For additional assistance, contact info@spanishgapyear.com. Mobile carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
See our Privacy Policy for information about how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.
21. I understand that my host family or accommodation provider is responsible for housing, basic transportation, and three meals per day during weeks 1 to 4, or two meals per day during weeks 5 to 12. I am responsible for all other expenses including personal food and toiletry items. I must also have an active credit card available for emergency funds, such as medical or other unexpected expenses.
22. I understand that any pre-existing condition will not be covered by Spanish Gap Year’s insurance. If it becomes apparent, after my arrival in Spain, that I have previously undisclosed health issues, the program reserves the right to end my program and require early repatriation at my cost. All pre-existing conditions will require advance purchase of medical insurance with an appropriate international insurance carrier. This insurance cannot be purchased after entry into Spain. Proof of insurance must be provided to Spanish Gap Year before departure. It is required that the participant and parents disclose all previous mental and physical treatments or health issues that the participant may have had. The participant agrees to disclose all this information fully and faithfully.
23. I agree to pay for any medical expenses not covered by my insurance. If I am required to pay before receiving treatment, I will have the funds readily available. If the program or my host family pays for any medical bills, I agree to reimburse them upon request, even after I have returned to my home country.
24. I am responsible for paying for any property damage I may cause. I also agree to pay any outstanding debts I may have incurred before I return to my country. If the program, my host family or others pay any such debts on my behalf, I agree to reimburse them upon request.
25. It is Spanish Gap Year’s policy to provide an environment of inclusivity, equality and non-discrimination to all participants. Accordingly, the program does not allow discrimination in any form against participants, team members or host families on the grounds of race, color, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender, national origin, age or disability. Discrimination in any of the aforementioned forms is a violation of Spanish national law and of the international human rights legal framework. Accordingly, Spanish Gap Year will not tolerate it. The program will respond promptly to any complaints of discrimination. Any violation of this policy will result in serious disciplinary actions, up to and including program termination for the participants or employment termination for SGY employees.
26. Program Termination: Spanish Gap Year reserves the right to terminate program participation for the violation of any of its rules and terms of participation. If terminated, the participant must depart from the program within no more than 48 hours.
27. Program Changes: Spanish Gap Year reserves the right to change the location of scheduled activities when reasonably required to facilitate the continued operation of the program.
I understand and agree to abide the TERMS & CONDITIONS as stated in this document.
By participating in a Spanish Gap Year program, I am agreeing that my image can be used by Spanish Gap Year in photos or videos on their social media, website or promotional material; if I do not agree, I will notify Spanish Gap Year explicitly in writing.
If Spanish Gap Year terminates my program, I am responsible for paying for my flight home and any other expenses associated with the program and early repatriation.
