Code of Conduct

Guidelines to help you engage respectfully, safely, and meaningfully during your volunteer experience.

At Outreach Overseas, we are committed to responsible tourism and cultural respect. By participating in our programs, you agree to the following Code of Conduct. Failure to comply may result in immediate termination of your placement with no refund.

General Agreement

By joining our programs, you confirm that:

  • You will follow all rules set by Outreach Overseas and its local partners.
  • You respect the cultures, communities, and environments you will engage with.
  • You are solely responsible for your behaviour and any consequences arising from it.
  • Outreach Overseas is not liable for personal injury, illness, property damage, or loss of life.
  • You have disclosed any medical, mental health, or physical limitations that could impact your participation.
  • You have secured suitable travel insurance for the full duration of your trip.
  • You do not have a criminal background and will provide a clean background check at least 21 days before travel.
  • You are responsible for communicating your dietary requirements and sourcing specialty ingredients if needed.
  • Weekends and time outside of scheduled programming are your own responsibility.

Drugs & Alcohol

  • Zero-tolerance policy toward the possession or use of illegal substances.
  • Excessive alcohol consumption that impairs judgment is not tolerated.
  • Violations will result in immediate dismissal with no refund.

Conduct & Responsibilities

You agree to:

  • Respect local customs, laws, and cultural norms.
  • Dress appropriately as advised by the local team.
  • Maintain a positive and proactive attitude throughout the program.
  • Follow the project schedule and attend daily unless unwell.
  • Inform staff of any medical issues that arise.
  • Not engage in sexual and/or romantic relationships with local staff, public members, or team members.
  • Take personal responsibility for safety, especially when travelling independently.
  • Seek guidance when unsure about activity risks.
  • Ask permission before photographing children or locals.
  • Be aware of and follow curfews set by accommodation staff.
  • Respect privacy—do not invite outside visitors into the volunteer accommodation.
  • Maintain cleanliness and hygiene in shared living spaces.
  • Use safes or lockers for valuables and remain vigilant with possessions.
  • Avoid alcohol if under the legal drinking age (which varies by country).
  • Acknowledge that local support staff have personal time outside working hours.

Independent Travel

  • Weekends and days off are considered personal time.
  • During this time, Outreach Overseas is not responsible for your safety, health, or accommodation.
  • No refunds are given for early departure, missed days, or independent travel.

Health & Safety

  • You must seek professional medical advice before travel for required vaccinations and malaria prevention.
  • You understand and accept the risks of volunteering abroad, including exposure to infectious diseases like HIV.
  • You agree to undergo medical testing (at your own cost) if there is a suspected disease outbreak within your accommodation or volunteer group.
  • Refusal to comply with testing may result in removal from the program with no refund.

Termination of Program Placement

Outreach Overseas reserves the right to remove a volunteer from the program with no refund if they:

  • Violate the Code of Conduct
  • Break local laws or disrespect community norms
  • Pose a threat to the well-being of themselves or others

Disclaimer

  • Outreach Overseas operates on an “as is” basis and makes no guarantees of uninterrupted or error-free services.
  • We are not liable for damages resulting from use of our platform, including direct, indirect, or incidental loss.
  • We are not responsible for third-party payment providers. Any disputes must be resolved directly with the provider.
  • Outreach Overseas is not responsible for content or media shared by overseas partners or affiliates.
  • We may share information with global partner teams for operational purposes only. Your data will never be sold or used for marketing without your consent.

Use of Photos and Feedback

By participating, you grant Outreach Overseas permission to use your photos, videos, and testimonials for promotional purposes (including brochures, emails, and social media), unless you opt out in writing.

Complaints Procedure

If you experience an issue:

  1. Speak directly to the local team in-country to resolve the matter.
  2. If unresolved, email our head office at hello@outreachoverseas.com within 30 days of your program’s end.

Please note: Complaints will not be processed if the Code of Conduct was not followed.