HomeAwe Policies
Reading and understanding these policies and guidelines is essential for acceptance!
This is a consent form that outlines our policies at HomeAwe.
By signing electronically, you agree that you have read all the information, details, and terms mentioned, and you commit to adhering to them.
The First Palestinian-Arab Platform
The experiences we offer are voluntary opportunities for self-investment, growth, advancement, and global engagement in diverse cultures from around the world.
Volunteering helps us open up to a new world, break down fears and deeply rooted preconceptions, and free ourselves from many social constraints.
The platform offers volunteer experiences for groups led by a guide, and sometimes private or group trips led by someone from our team.
Important to Know!
There are no group trips led by the HomeAwe team except in special cases and at specific times.
Registering through this profile means you are ready to take on this experience independently.
All programs have been tried and tested by the HomeAwe team.
The staff, organizers, environment, location, and hosts are all verified to ensure you have a great personal experience.
However, part of the responsibility lies on you as a volunteer — your ability to adapt and accept all circumstances.
There is no 100% guarantee for the experience because you are the one who creates it.
Two Key Elements for a Great Experience:
Adaptability and acceptance
No volunteer program is perfect or will meet all your expectations. These experiences are filled with personal challenges and require acceptance of different conditions and people — such as sharing accommodation, living with people from different cultures, covering personal expenses, and more.
Adaptation and Perspective
Whether you’re organized or spontaneous, you will face unexpected situations. Don’t judge too quickly — focus on the positives, enjoy each moment, and discover how brave and capable you are for taking this step.
Age: 18+
Responsibility and seriousness
Open mindset and acceptance of others
Love for exploration, travel, and adaptability
Intermediate English proficiency
Social interaction ability
Enthusiasm and positive energy
HomeAwe is a for-profit platform operated by a team working to expand volunteering opportunities.
The team researches and verifies volunteer locations firsthand before publishing.
The platform offers various services: experience publishing, organization, booking, scheduling, and global communication.
Volunteers receive preparation, support, and guaranteed placement after registration.
In some cases, an introductory interview is scheduled to give more details, confirm acceptance, and arrange the schedule.
After the interview, your acceptance becomes 100% official. If not accepted, the registration fee is refunded on the same day.
Once your acceptance is confirmed (with or without an interview), the fee becomes non-refundable — even in emergencies.
The fee will be reserved for a future program if you cancel.
We recommend registering at least 3 months in advance for better chances.
You will receive a recommendation and priority status as a HomeAwe volunteer.
Last Updated: May 12, 2025
HomeAwe plans months in advance and contracts with venues, guides, transportation, and service providers — many of whom require non-refundable payments.
Thus, we follow this policy to ensure fairness and sustainability:
All requests must be sent via email to info@home-awe.com
from the same email used to book.
Refund policies are based on the email’s receipt date (Jerusalem time, UTC+3).
Refunds are processed to the original payment method within 14 business days.
Payment: Full payment due at registration
Refund: Not refundable
Credit: 100% of the amount is credited as HomeAwe balance valid for 12 months
Credit can be transferred once to a friend (send replacement info 48 hours in advance).
Includes two non-refundable parts:
Booking Fee: Goes to the partner project (e.g., animal center or farm)
Coordination Fee: Paid to the local organizer
Since partners keep the money whether you go or not:
30+ days notice: 50% refund
15–29 days: 25% refund
0–14 days: No refund, but transfer allowed (see section 5)
4.1 Payment Schedule
25% deposit at booking (non-refundable)
Balance due 45 days before trip
4.2 Participant Cancellation
≥45 days: 75% refund of balance
21–45 days: 50% refund of balance
≤20 days: 0% refund
You can transfer your spot to someone else if:
The request is made ≥10 days in advance
The new participant meets all requirements
Fees per product:
Product | Admin Fee | Refundable to you |
---|---|---|
Workshops | Free | 100% HomeAwe credit or direct transfer |
Individual Trips | €75 | Refund minus €75 |
Group Trips | €100 + airline fees | Full amount from replacement minus original deposit |
Why is the deposit non-refundable?
It covers admin and marketing costs. The new participant pays their own deposit.
If we cancel/postpone/change due to disasters, border closures, pandemics, or major threats:
Travel Credit (default): 100% of paid amount, transferable once
Cash Refund: Only refundable amount from external parties, minus non-refundable costs. A full breakdown will be provided.
Issued as a unique code, valid for any HomeAwe activity in the same currency.
Must be used in one transaction. Remaining credit stays valid until expiration.
This policy doesn’t override your consumer rights under applicable laws in your country or EU travel directives. If stronger rights apply, they will take precedence.
Questions?
Email us at: info@home-awe.com
It is your responsibility to have personal travel insurance.
HomeAwe holds no liability if you participate without insurance.
You must have:
General health insurance
Activity-specific insurance (e.g., sports)
Vaccinations and safety precautions
You are responsible for your health, actions, and activities outside of volunteering hours. Be cautious and act wisely.
Volunteering is for personal growth only — not for business purposes.
Do not represent any organization without our knowledge.
Do not contact or partner with the host directly without approval.
As a volunteer, you confirm that your goal is personal, and you will not act on behalf of any platform or organization (volunteer, educational, or tourism-related).
Volunteer programs are not leisure trips.
There are set volunteering hours; the rest of the time is your own.
Volunteers must be serious, committed, and respectful.
If you behave irresponsibly, you’ll be warned once. Repeat behavior = removal without refund.
Volunteering is a personal journey. You must be ready emotionally and physically.
We provide a supportive environment and cover your basic needs — but your attitude and adaptability will shape your experience.
There is no perfection. You may face: shared housing, mixed cultures, personal costs — develop acceptance to enjoy it.
Adapt to your surroundings. Expect the unexpected. Stay positive and flexible.
Embrace simplicity. Let the experience unfold without over-planning or high expectations.
You’ll have personal space. Once you arrive, your journey is yours. Our team won’t check in constantly.
Talk to your host! The more you communicate with them and fellow volunteers, the better the experience.
We’re here for you. You’re not alone. The HomeAwe team is with you all the way.
Visa and passport rules vary by country.
You must know your country’s requirements before joining.
You’ll need to send us your visa requirements after registration.
If you don’t have embassy info, you may be removed from the list.
We’ll provide a recommendation letter to help with your visa if possible.
At HomeAwe, the safety and well-being of our volunteers are a top priority.
We’ve established the following guidelines to ensure a safe and protected environment for all participants in our programs.
Please read and follow these guidelines throughout your participation:
Obtain comprehensive travel and health insurance before departure. Volunteers are responsible for securing coverage for the entire program duration.
Volunteers must provide the organization with a copy of their health insurance policy before leaving for the program.
Learn about the local customs, laws, and cultural norms of the host country.
Research and understand any potential health risks or required vaccinations for the destination.
Keep copies of important documents such as your passport and emergency contacts.
Always be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded or unfamiliar areas.
Use safe transportation methods and reliable accommodations.
Avoid displaying valuables or carrying large amounts of money in public.
Follow recommended hygiene practices, such as frequent hand washing or using hand sanitizers.
Drink only bottled or purified water and avoid raw or unsafe food.
Use insect repellent and wear appropriate clothing to prevent bites.
Follow all health instructions provided by the organization or local authorities.
Respect local traffic laws when using any means of transport.
Use seat belts or helmets when required.
Choose reliable transport services and avoid overcrowded or unsafe vehicles.
Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures and key contact numbers (e.g., local emergency services, nearest embassy or consulate).
Follow all evacuation protocols or safety instructions given by the organization or authorities.
Inform the organization and your emergency contacts of your location and how to reach you.
Respect local traditions, customs, and cultural sensitivities.
Wear modest and appropriate clothing, especially in religious or conservative areas.
Ask for permission before photographing people or sensitive locations.
Immediately report any safety concerns, incidents, injuries, or illnesses to a representative of the organization or local authorities.
Cooperate with the organization in any investigations and provide accurate, timely information.
Note:
HomeAwe is not liable for the loss or theft of personal items such as laptops, phones, clothing, or others.
We strongly recommend having insurance that covers your belongings.
By adhering to these guidelines, you help create a safe environment for yourself and all volunteers.
Remember, these guidelines don’t cover everything — always use common sense and caution.
Volunteers are responsible for their own health insurance and the safety of their belongings.
This agreement is made between HomeAwe (referred to as “the Organization”) and the undersigned volunteer.
The volunteer agrees to perform the tasks and duties assigned by the organization and host according to the provided guidelines.
The volunteer confirms they have received and understood all program details, rules, and terms set by the organization.
The volunteer acknowledges that their participation is entirely voluntary and that they are not entitled to any financial compensation or benefits unless explicitly stated in a separate agreement between the parties.
The volunteer agrees to keep confidential any information shared by the organization or its partners and not disclose it to any third party.
The volunteer agrees to follow the organization’s code of conduct during their participation.
This includes respecting others, avoiding any form of discrimination, harassment, or harmful behavior, and complying with the laws and regulations of the host country.
The volunteer acknowledges full responsibility for their own health and safety during the program and agrees to follow all safety guidelines provided by the organization, reporting any incidents or injuries immediately.
The volunteer acknowledges and agrees to the terms in the Program Completion and Affiliation Disclaimer.
(Click here to read the document.)
The volunteer acknowledges and agrees to follow HomeAwe’s safety guidelines.
(Click here to read the safety guidelines.)
The volunteer agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the organization, its directors, staff, and agents from any claims, damages, liabilities, or expenses arising from their participation, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct by the organization.
The volunteer also agrees not to claim a refund for voluntary withdrawal after registration and payment; the amount will be credited toward another program within the same year.
Either party may terminate this agreement at any time and for any reason, with written notice.
The volunteer agrees to return any organizational property or materials upon termination.
This agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of [jurisdiction].
Any disputes arising under this agreement will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in [jurisdiction].
By signing, I confirm that I have read and understood this agreement, including all program details, rules, terms, the completion and liability waiver, and safety guidelines, and I agree to abide by them.
I acknowledge that my participation in the HomeAwe volunteer program will end at the conclusion of the specified program period, as agreed beforehand.
I understand and agree that upon completing the volunteer program, I will no longer be considered a member or representative of HomeAwe.
Any continued relationship or affiliation with the organization is considered terminated, and I may not act on behalf of HomeAwe.
If I choose to remain in the host country after the program ends,
I take full responsibility for complying with all immigration laws and regulations regarding my stay as a tourist or under any other legal status.
I understand that any extension or change in my legal status is subject only to the host country’s authorities.
I release HomeAwe, its directors, staff, and agents from any legal liability or claims resulting from my decision to remain in the host country after the program.
I acknowledge that HomeAwe is not responsible for any legal or financial consequences related to this decision.
I acknowledge that I am solely responsible for my actions and decisions during and after the program.
I will not hold HomeAwe liable for any personal injury, illness, loss or theft of property, or unforeseen circumstances.
I agree to comply with all local laws and regulations in the host country during and after the program.
I understand that any violations may result in legal consequences such as deportation, and HomeAwe holds no responsibility for such outcomes.
This agreement is governed by the laws of [Country/State] and interpreted accordingly.
Any disputes will fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in [Country/State].
By signing, I confirm that I have read this agreement carefully, fully understand its contents, and willingly sign it, acknowledging that HomeAwe is released from any obligation or liability after the program ends.