This agreement sets out our professional relationship and details the services we will provide to do. You should understand that the Abridge EduCamp Summer Camp Program (henceforth referred to as “Program”) is a Cultural Exchange Program. The purpose of the Program is to develop cultural understanding between the UK and the People’s Republic of China (henceforth referred to as “China”) through shared experiences such as language learning, activities and trips.
The Abridge EduCamp Summer Camp Program is part of Abridge Academy Ltd., company number 12384197, registered business address 7 Bournemouth Road, Chandler’s Ford, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO53 3DA.
1. The Abridge EduCamp Summer Camp Program
a) Abridge Academy does not own any Camps. Camps are provided by partner schools and organisations in China. Abridge Academy provides services to you as specified below.
b) Applicants who wish to participate in the Program should understand that they enter into this agreement with Abridge Academy and will be bound by the following conditions. By applying, booking an interview or paying any fees to Abridge Academy you agree to these conditions.
c) Once placed, your Camp is responsible for arranging a separate agreement with them. You confirm that your command of the English language is sufficient to correctly understand these terms and conditions, the English-language source materials referred to in this agreement and to effectively communicate abroad.
2. Services provided by Abridge Academy
Abridge Academy will:
a) Placement
Assist you in completing your application (via face-to-face interview and/ or email correspondence) and, subject to acceptance onto the Program, make your application available to camps searching for participants. Placements are made according to suitability of availability dates, skills and experience. Placement is not guaranteed. Placement will not be made until you have submitted all requested application materials and paid the initial deposit.
b) Visa
Provide informal advice to help you with the visa application process. Abridge Academy is not responsible for your visa application’s success and will not bear any costs for your visa application, any visa rejection and/ or re-application. You are responsible for ensuring your visa is appropriate for participating in the program and covers you for the length of your time in China. If you have the wrong type of visa, you enter China at your own risk. If you wish to travel outside of the Program or otherwise remain in China beyond the Program dates, you are responsible for ensuring your visa is appropriate and valid for the duration of your stay in China.
c) Training
Offer online training in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and provide you with an electronic certificate upon successful completion of the course. You acknowledge that this TEFL training has been developed by Abridge Academy specifically with the needs of the Program in mind. There is no official international accreditation body applicable for TEFL courses, and you acknowledge that Abridge Academy accepts no responsibility for the wider recognition of this TEFL certificate, including, but not limited to, future employers, schools, universities and visa issuing authorities.
3. Services provided by the Camp
Abridge Academy does its best to ensure Camps are aware of their responsibilities and have agreed to provide appropriate services to you. However, Abridge Academy accepts no responsibility or liability for the actual provision of your Program by your Camp. As a guide, your camp should:
a) Flight
Provide reimbursement of your flight costs up to 6000 RMB, for economy return flights between London and your Camp city. Your Camp will not reimburse optional extras such as additional baggage, seat selection, upgrades or insurance. If you opt to fly to or from an alternative airport or select flights exceeding this maximum reimbursement value, you will be responsible for any costs in excess of this value. You are responsible for providing your Camp with a copy of your receipt and appropriate payment details for reimbursement of your flight ticket.
b) Accommodation and meals
Provide you with accommodation and food for the duration of your program. You should be aware that this is provided in accordance with local health and safety regulations, but may not be to the same standard as you are accustomed to in your home country. You are responsible for informing your Camp of any special requirements, including, but not limited to, medical conditions and dietary requirements. Abridge Academy cannot guarantee that your requests will be fulfilled. The fact that your special request has been noted on your confirmation email or any other documentation or that it has been passed on to the Camp is not confirmation that the request will be met.
c) Visa and immigration registration
Provide you with a visa invitation letter in order that you may apply for an appropriate visa to participate in the Program. Upon arrival at your Camp, they should register you with the local police or immigration authorities as required by law.
d) Cultural exchange opportunities
Offer you cultural exchange opportunities to learn more about the Chinese culture and language while sharing your own international culture. These may include, but are not limited to, teaching experiences, Chinese cultural workshops, Chinese language classes, Camp activities and tourist trips. Abridge Academy accepts no responsibility for the provision of these opportunities. You acknowledge that cultural exchange opportunities may vary between different Camps, years and individuals.
4. Applications to the Program
a) Application
It is your responsibility to ensure your application is completed honestly to the best of your ability. If you are found to have lied or misled Abridge Academy, provided falsified documents, omitted key information or otherwise applied dishonestly to the Program, your application or offer may be withdrawn immediately with no refund of fees paid to date or additional costs incurred as part of your application to or participation in the Program.
It is your responsibility to ensure that all documents are submitted in a timely manner, by any deadlines specified to you by Abridge Academy. Failure to do so may result in withdrawal of your application or offer with no refund given.
b) Assessment of applications
We actively promote equality of opportunity for all our applicants and seek out the right mix of talent, skills and potential. We welcome applications from a wide range of candidates and select candidates for interview based on their skills, qualifications and experience. Abridge Academy does not discriminate based upon protected characteristics such as age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.
Abridge Academy reserves the right to refuse to accept an application or reject/ withdraw an application at any stage without reason.
c) Responsibilities at Camp
You are expected to show full commitment and flexibility in arranging your responsibilities and schedule with your Camp. Although Abridge Academy may provide example schedules or responsibilities, for example in our marketing or pre-departure materials, we accept no responsibility for the actual provision of your program by your Camp. Exact responsibilities and schedules will vary between Camps, years and individuals. Your schedule may include longer hours than you are accustomed to in your home country and/ or responsibilities over the weekends.
Your Camp may also impose reasonable regulations on you during your participation on the program. This may include, but is not limited to, a curfew, restrictions on leaving campus, no smoking policy, no alcohol/ drugs policy and damage to property policy. You are responsible for adhering to all regulations imposed by your Camp. Failure to do so may result in immediate withdrawal from the Program with no refund of fees paid or other costs incurred as a result of your application or participation in the Program.
d) Amendments and cancellations
Abridge Academy reserves the right to amend your Program or assign you to an alternative Camp at any stage. Dates, schedules and Program details are given in good faith, based on information available and in force at the time they are given. These details are subject to change and revision in the event of a change of circumstances or new information coming to light. In the event that your assigned Camp is no longer able to offer you a place, Abridge Academy will do its best to provide an alternative Camp. If this is not possible, we will instead offer a refund of your program fee.
Any requests by you to amend your Program, including requests to change Camp or dates, should be discussed at the earliest opportunity with Abridge Academy. Abridge Academy provides no guarantee that this can be accommodated and all amendments are at the sole discretion of Abridge Academy.
If you choose to withdraw from the Program, you will not receive any refund or reimbursement of costs incurred relating to your application or participation in the Program.
5. Fees
a) Schedule of fees
Payments to Abridge Academy are below. Occasional discounts or special offers may apply, for details see the Abridge Academy website or email communications.
1. Deposit £50 – due upon acceptance of your application, usually post-interview, into the applicant pool. After payment of the deposit, Abridge Academy will begin the process of placing you on a suitable camp.
2. Confirmation fee £150 – due when you accept a confirmed camp placement
Total program fee: £200
This fee includes all services provided by Abridge Academy and your Camp as specified in this agreement. The deadline for making each payment will be specified in your offer email or letter. Failure to pay by the specified deadline may result in withdrawal of your application to the Program with no refund of fees paid to that date.
b) Exclusions
This fee does not include:
- Third party costs incurred, including, but not limited to, obtaining criminal record checks, visas, immunisations and insurance
- Any transport costs, with the exception of the flight ticket reimbursement as specified above
- Additional charges made for optional items including, but not limited to, extra baggage, insurance, on-flight meals, seat selection or upgrades
You will be responsible for all additional costs related to your application or participation in the Program.
c) Refunds
Your initial deposit is refundable should you be accepted into the applicant pool but not successfully placed on a Camp, provided that:
- You have not changed your availability from your initial application form, unless agreed with Abridge Academy before deposit payment
- You have not turned down a place on a Camp
- You have not chosen to withdraw your application
- Your application has not been withdrawn by Abridge Academy as specified elsewhere in this document, for example due to failure to pay your confirmation fee by the stated deadline, dishonesty during the application process or issues raised during your criminal record check
All confirmation fees paid to Abridge Academy are non-refundable, except at the sole discretion of Abridge Academy.
By applying to the Program, you acknowledge that we incur significant expenses on your behalf while considering your application and placing you on a Camp, and therefore refunds will usually only be made in extreme circumstances such as serious illness confirmed by a medical certificate. The earlier you notify Abridge Academy of your decision to withdraw your application, the greater the chance that we will be able to consider a refund request. Please note that Abridge Academy is unable to reimburse you for any third party costs relating to your application or participation in the program, including, but not limited to, flight tickets, visa application fees or criminal record checks. It is your responsibility to claim these costs from your travel insurance provider.
6. Child protection and safeguarding
a) Policies
This agreement is in addition to any child protection policy issued by your Camp. By participating in the Program, you accept that it is your responsibility to familiarise yourself and adhere to any Camp, local education authority or government child protection policies in addition to this agreement.
b) Commitment
All applicants to the Program should be aware that Abridge Academy is fully committed to child protection and the safeguarding of children. This is both a moral and legal commitment. We require all participants to understand that any inappropriate behaviour towards children in China will be reported by camps to law enforcement authorities and may result in your immediate expulsion from the Program with no refund of program fees or any additional costs incurred. Abridge Academy cannot, and will not, protect perpetrators of abuse.
As a participant in the Program, you also accept a commitment to ensuring all children participate in an enjoyable and safe environment in which they can have fun and feel valued. It is your responsibility to take all feasible steps to protect children from harm, abuse, discrimination or degrading treatment and to ensure you respect their rights, wishes and feelings.
c) Criminal record checks
As part of our commitment to child protection and safeguarding, all applicants to the Program will be required to submit a disclosure and barring service (DBS) check, international child protection certificate (ICPC) or equivalent criminal record check to support your application to the Program. By applying to the Program, you accept this requirement and confirm that, to the best of your knowledge, you have not committed any offences which may be of concern for working with children. It is also your responsibility to inform Abridge Academy and your Camp in writing of any changes to your criminal history after completing your criminal record check. Failure to disclose any offence or criminal record at the earliest stages may result in additional charges and cancellation of application, with no refund of any fees paid to that date.
d) Behaviour towards children
By applying to or participating in the Program, you agree to abide by all Chinese laws and regulations relating to interactions with children. You acknowledge that your responsibility is always to put the needs and welfare of children first. This includes all children and students attending the Camp, associated with the school or organisation, or otherwise encountered during your time in China. Relationships with children, Camp students or anyone under the age of 18 are strictly forbidden. You should also be mindful of your interactions with children, including ensuring you maintain a safe and appropriate distance and avoid unnecessary physical contact. You should not interact with children in inappropriate locations or privately, ensuring you always have other children or adults nearby.
e) Reporting and whistleblowing procedure
It is not your responsibility to make judgements about whether or not abuse is taking place. However, it is your responsibility to identify poor practice and possible abuse, reporting if you have any concerns about the welfare of a child. We acknowledge that you are not a child protection expert, and so all suspicions or concerns should be shared with professionals and agencies responsible for child protection.
If you have any concerns about the welfare of a child, you should record the details and report this concern to your manager or Camp welfare officer immediately. If you have a concern specifically relating to them, you should instead report to the headteacher or Camp director. If they are not available or your concern relates to them, you should report to Abridge Academy directly, who will follow up with your Camp, social services or the police as appropriate.
f) Social media communications
You are not permitted to add children as friends or contacts on social media, including, but not limited to, popular apps such as WeChat or Facebook. If your camp sets up a social media group for Camp communications with children or their parents, you are not permitted to communicate with them outside of this group and should remove yourself from the group immediately upon completion of the Program.
When posting on your personal or public social media accounts, blog or website, you are not permitted to share the photos or personal details of any students or children under the age of 18 without express permission from your Camp.
7. Law
a) Jurisdiction
This agreement and any dispute or claim (including non-contractual disputes or claims) arising out of or in connection with it or its subject matter or formation shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of England and Wales. By accepting this agreement you irrevocably agree that the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim (including non-contractual disputes or claims) arising out of or in connection with this agreement or its subject matter or formation.
All services and accommodation are subject to the laws in the country in which they are provided.
b) Chinese law
You agree to observe the laws of China and all academic or government disciplinary regulations in China. If you do not abide by these regulations, you agree to abide by the appropriate disciplinary actions up to and including premature termination of the Program, return as soon as possible to your home country at your sole cost and expense, and forfeit your program fee.
c) Immigration regulations
By participating in the Program, you agree to comply fully with all appropriate immigration regulations. Upon entry to China, and in contact with local officials, it is important to use the correct terminology. You are in China as a cultural exchange participant on a non-business visit. Abridge Academy takes no responsibility for any confusion or legal issues which may arise if you tell officials that you are paid teachers. You understand that you are not legally allowed to receive payment for teaching and volunteering in China unless you have a work (Z) visa, for which you usually need two years relevant prior work experience and a university degree. Cultural exchange participants may only receive their reasonable expenses reimbursed. Incorrectly claiming to be a teacher or be paid may lead officials to assume that you need a work visa which could lead to complications.
8. Liability
a) Program provision
Abridge Academy has a duty to select partner Camps providing the Program with reasonable skill and care. Abridge Academy cannot, and does not, accept liability to you for the actual provision of the Program by your Camp or for any issues or expenses encountered after you have left your home country. If you consider that you have suffered any loss, injury or damage whatsoever as a result of the decisions, actions or omissions of your Camp, your right to recourse lies against the director or organisation managing the Camp. By accepting a place, you accept that you come to China and participate on the Program at your own risk.
b) Advice
Any advice given by Abridge Academy, including its directors or employees, is informal and does not constitute legal, formal advice. This includes, but is not limited to, advice on visas, flights, travel and the content of the Program. We therefore accept no liability in relation to any loss or liability arising out of or in connection with any advice given by Abridge Academy.
c) Third parties
Abridge Academy may refer you to third party providers. This may include, but is not limited to, visa processing agents, travel agents, airline companies, insurance providers and other service providers. Mention of any third party organisation by Abridge Academy, including by its directors or employees, does not constitute a formal recommendation. Abridge Academy takes no liability for issues (including, but not limited to, injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, expense or legal issues) resulting from the behaviour, actions, products or services of third party organisations. You are responsible for ensuring you fully understand your agreement with third party organisations.
d) Force majeure
Abridge Academy cannot be responsible for the actions of those involved in your Camp or other factors over which we have no direct control. Abridge Academy accepts no liability for issues or expenses incurred as a result of any circumstance beyond our reasonable control, including, but not limited to, war, riots, strikes, terrorist activities, corruption, natural disasters, bankruptcies, sickness, court orders, acts or regulations of government bodies, labour disputes or acts of God.
Abridge Academy shall not be in breach of this agreement nor liable for delay in performing, or failure to perform, any of its obligations under this agreement if such delay or failure result from events, circumstances or causes beyond its reasonable control. In such circumstances Abridge Academy will made reasonable efforts to provide alternative arrangements. If the period of delay or non-performance continues for two weeks, Abridge Academy may terminate this agreement by giving you three days’ written notice. A refund of your program fee may be offered, at the sole discretion of Abridge Academy.
e) Minimising risk
By participating in the Program, you acknowledge that you are aware of and have fully considered the risks inherent in volunteering overseas. You are responsible for taking all steps to mitigate this risk, including, but not limited to, ensuring you have appropriate travel and medical insurance, are medically fit to travel, have received appropriate vaccinations, have reviewed relevant government travel advisories, and have familiarised yourself with all relevant laws of China. Abridge Academy does not accept any liability for issues resulting from your failure to adequately prepare for the Program, nor does Abridge Academy accept any liability for losses incurred during or relating to your time on the Program for which appropriate insurance would otherwise have covered.
9. Complaints and disciplinary procedures
a) Against Abridge Academy
Abridge Academy will do its best to provide the services as specified in this agreement. If you have any concerns or problems, please notify Abridge Academy in writing via email to the representative dealing with your application or placement. Every reasonable effort will be made to resolve any complaint. You should do your best to work together with Abridge Academy to achieve the best resolution amicably before taking any matter to the press or pursing legal action.
b) Against your Camp
When you are participating in the Program, you are required to show a high level of independence and initiative in dealing with problems yourself as they arise. If you have a problem during your time on the Program, you should first discuss the matter with your manager. If it is not possible for the issue to be resolved in this way, please contact Abridge Academy directly. We will record your complaint, discuss it with you and help you to resolve it with the Camp to the best of our ability. If it is not possible to resolve the issue amicably, it is your responsibility to make a formal complaint or pursue legal proceedings against your Camp through the relevant authorities in China.
c) Against you
Every reasonable effort will be made to resolve any disciplinary matter before it becomes serious. However, Abridge Academy and your Camp reserve the right to take appropriate action in the event of behaviour which would reasonably be expected to give offence or cause harm to the students, children, Camp directors, colleagues or other stakeholders. This includes, but is not limited to, behaviour such as serious rowdiness or drunkenness, failure to turn up to Camp classes, workshops or activities, leaving Camp classes, workshops or activities without adequate reason, failure to meet the expectations of the Program, or any actions which bring Abridge Academy or the Camp into disrepute.
Any disciplinary problem would be brought to your attention directly by your Camp director or by writing in email. If the matter is not resolved to our satisfaction within five working days, or earlier if the matter is deemed urgent (in which case, the deadline would be explicitly stated to you), you will be withdrawn from the Program. The Camp will have no further responsibility for your food, accommodation, flights or other costs and has the right to withdraw your visa. You would not receive any refund or reimbursement of program fees or other costs associated with your application or participation in the Program.
10. Confidential information
a) Confidential information
You acknowledge that during the Program you may have access to and use of confidential information. This includes, but is not limited to, student and children details, photos and videos, teaching and training materials, performance, financial and contractual information, technical data and partner school details. You agree that you will only use confidential information in connection with the purposes for which it as disclosed and destroy all personal copies of the information after use. You agree that you will not, either during the Program or at any time after, directly or indirectly use confidential information for your own benefit or the benefit of any third party, distribute or disclose or permit the distribution or disclosure of any confidential information.
b) Data protection
In order to provide the Program services to you, we are required to collect, use, share and process certain personal data which relates to you (including, but not limited to, your name, age, gender, contact details, country of residence and passport number, as well as photographs and/ or videos) in accordance with our privacy policy.
In particular, you acknowledge that Abridge Academy needs to process certain sensitive personal information about you, including, but not limited to, (a) medical and/ or health information; and (b) the information contained in your criminal record check, which you are required to provide as part of your application to the Program. You also acknowledge that Abridge Academy may need to share some of your personal information with third parties within and/ or outside of the European Economic Area as set out in our privacy policy (including, but not limited to, Abridge Academy’s partner companies and schools in China, and government departments in your home country, the UK and China).
c) Photo consent
By applying to or participating in the Program, you agree that any photos or videos of you during the Program may be used for marketing or training purposes by Abridge Academy or the Camp.
Last updated: January 2020