NOTE: All prices quoted in this Terms and Conditions do not include the Australian Goods and Services Tas (GST). The GST tax as noted in brackets is applicable for all payments
.Australian Experiential Learning Centre (AELC) of Yelverton Drive, Midland Western Australia 6056 and you, the Applicant, hereby agree as follows:
1. Application to the AELC Internship Program
In applying for acceptance into the AELC program you acknowledge that the program allows you to volunteer to perform work for a host company (HC), pursuant to a separate arrangement between AELC and the HC.
You also acknowledge that you will not be paid by AELC or the HC for the duration of the program.
You further understand that this Agreement is not binding on you or AELC until you execute the Agreement electronically by clicking on the Terms and Conditions box on the AELC Application form webpage, and when you have checked the box you are accepting and executing this Agreement, and this Agreement will then become binding on both you and AELC.
To be considered for an AELC placement an applicant must initially submit to AELC:
a) An completed Application Form
b) Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Letter of Motivation
c) Application processing fee
AELC will request additional documentation which may include but are not limited to:
Proof of Insurance Cover
Copy of Visa
Copies of Academic transcripts
2. program Relationships
Under the terms and conditions of this Agreement the rights and obligations are expressly between you (the Applicant) and AELC. The HC is providing the opportunity for you to gain valuable experience and understanding of Australian work ethic, culture and practical work experience, otherwise the host employer has no obligations to you under the program and you will not be considered to be an employee or an independent contractor of the HC for the duration of the program.
3. program Payment Policy
When applying for an internship placement an initial non-refundable Application Fee of $50.00 (+ $5 GST) must be submitted with the application, this fee is considered to be a payment for the initial administration duties performed by AELC on behalf of the Applicant.
Once accepted into the program you will be issued with a Confirmation of Placement and asked to submit a $450.00 (+ $45 GST) Placement Fee, this fee is payment for negotiation and administration duties performed by AELC on behalf of the intern.
Then, the Internship Program Fee is payable a minimum of 28 days prior to the intern's requested commencement date of the Program.
Refund Policy
AELC agrees to refund to the original program paying party (as this may not be the applicant) Placement Fees and/or Program fees (minus Application Fee) when:
a) AELC are unable to secure an internship position prior to the intern departing from their home country.
b) No Confirmation of Placement document has been issued and if the application is withdrawn by written notice and received by AELC more that 28 days prior to the intern's requested commencement date of the program.
b) If the internship is terminated by the HC due to no fault of the intern, and AELC cannot secure another internship within a period of 5 working days, the intern is entitled to a pro-rata refund of the Program Fee only which is calculated on the remaining duration of the program..
AELC agrees to refund to the original program paying party (as this may not be the applicant) the Program Fees only when:
a) The application is withdrawn by written notice from the intern after the Confirmation of Placement document has been issued and before the due commencement date of the internship.
NO-REFUND
AELC will not refund any program fees if:
Withdrawal from the program (only permitted via written notice) has been received after the due commencement date of the internship.
Termination of the program by the HC which is a direct result of a fault or alleged fault of the intern.
The applicant fails to disclose in the application anything that may contribute to the termination of the agreement including false or fraudulent information/documentation or medical issues.
4. Bank Fees
The intern will be responsible for all bank fees and charges in relation to processing of application and program fees. If AELC are charged such fees the applicant will then be invoiced for these amounts.
5. Insurance
The intern must hold comprehensive insurance from an approved insurance provider prior to arriving in Australia. Proof of insurance must be received by AELC no less than 10 working days prior to the commencement of the program and/or prior to departure from their home country.
Proof is not required if insurance is organised by AELC.
AELC has the right to postpone the commencement of the Program if the intern does not produce adequate proof of insurance cover.
6. Visa Applications
Interns are responsible for all visa requirements and related costs regarding entry into Australia. Interns should apply for a Working Holiday Visa applications can be made on line by visiting the Australian Department of Immigration Website on http://www.immi.gov.au/
NB Interns already in Australia would need to provide proof of existing current visa or Australian residency.
7. Homestay/Accommodation
Homestay fees are not included in the Program Fees. Homestay is an excellent way to become fully immersed in Australia society. Due to the geographical demographics in Australia it is standard practice for us to take public transport to/from work – the average time frame around 40 -90 minutes. Interns need to understand that they will have to expect this and that accommodation will not be within walking distance of their HC.
Our Homestay accommodation is the standard student household accommodation in Australia. The intern must comply with the rules of the landlord whilst living in the Homestay. The accommodation is (unless by prior arrangement and cost) for the intern only and it is not possible to have family or friends stay with them unless prior agreement is obtained from the landlord.
If the intern has an issue or problem that he/she cannot resolve with the landlord directly, the intern should contact the Homestay coordinator to negotiate on their behalf to find a solution or if no satisfactory solution is available, to assist in sourcing an alternative Homestay family.
AELC is not responsible or liable for any loss or damage or injury by the intern when staying in Homestay accommodation.
If the intern finds that the accommodation is not suitable, the intern needs to inform AELC immediately and give 2 weeks’ notice of intention to leave. The intern can make his/her own arrangements regarding accommodation or ask for further assistance from the Homestay coordinator.
NB - A refund of Homestay fees will be paid to the intern if they chose to find their own accommodation minus weeks already used and the 2 weeks’ notice period.
The intern is responsible for any damage he/she causes to the Homestay accommodation. The intern is also responsible if terminating the Homestay for any reason for any amounts owing to the Homestay including payments in lieu of notice.
The intern is responsible for any transportation costs between the accommodation and the airport and/or program locations, this may include buses, trains and taxis. AELC can organise airport transfers within the application process.
8. Intern responsibilities and obligations
The intern is responsible for:
i) Payment of all flights to and from the intern’s home country
ii) Visa application and related costs
iii) Medical Insurance
iv) Accommodation expenses
v) Transport costs within Australia
vi) Any health or medical expenses incurred by the intern (payment may be required prior to claiming on medical insurance).
vii) Living expenses – please ensure you have adequate funds to support yourself during your stay in Australia
The intern is obliged to:
i) Attend any interviews, including telephone interviews arranged by AELC.
ii) Attend the premises of the HC at the pre-arranged dates and time documented in the Intern/Host Company contract form.
iii) Comply with the policies, procedures, rules and regulations of the HC.
iv) Provide services to the HC at a high standard, with due diligence, care and attention in line with level of prior knowledge, education and professionalism expressed via the application form to AELC.
v) Comply with all rules and regulations of the landlord or manager of the Homestay accommodation.
Internship Protocol
i) AELC negotiate with our partner host employers to secure an internship placement in the interns first, second or third area of choice provided on the program application form. Once an interview has been completed an offer will be made to the intern. The intern is expected to accept the position (providing it meets the chosen criteria given by the applicant on the application form).
If a placement is not offered after the interview, AELC will source another HC and offer the intern another opportunity.
ii) All opportunities will be communicated via telephone or email and interns will be notified via email of all offers. Interns are required to respond via email as to whether they accept or decline and offer, and if it is to decline they are expected to give specific reasons for not accepting the position. If AELC find the reasons for declining the position are unjustified AELC is not responsible for sourcing another position.
iii) Interns who commence their internship placement and decide to leave must give two weeks written notice of the intention to terminate to AELC.
iv) AELC makes a concerted effort to source quality placements given the prospective interns education, background and experience. However, should an intern refuse a third and final placement offer, AELC will not be bound to find any further opportunities.
9. Grievance Procedures & Dispute Resolution Policies
In the event that an Intern is not satisfied and has a complaint regarding the Program the following grievance procedures must be followed in all instances.
i) The intern must address all concerns, complaints, issues, immediately with the Program Coordinator. The Coordinator will try to find a solution to the problem through negotiations with the intern and/or the HC supervisor.
ii) If the Program Coordinator is unable to obtain a satisfactory resolution to the issue, the intern must then complete our Grievance Resolution Form and submit this directly to the Program Coordinator. The Program Coordinator will review and try to negotiate again with intern and/or the HC supervisor. Further options will be given to the intern to resolve the complaint, and within reason one of these options should be accepted by the intern.
iii) If all Program solutions are rejected by the intern, the intern must then notify the management of AELC in writing explaining full details of the complaint and the solutions offered and why, in their opinion none of the solutions are considered to. be suitable. AELC management committee, at its sole discretion, will decide whether a refund of any amount is warranted. If an intern decides to leave the program prior to the conclusion of all internal grievance procedures, no refunds will be given and no further recourse is available to the intern from this point.
10. Termination
Australian Experiential Learning Centres right to terminate
In addition to any other rights of termination given to AELC under this agreement, AELC may terminate this agreement, effective immediately, by giving written notice to the intern if any of the following circumstances occurs:
i) The intern breaches this agreement and is not capable of rectifying the breach.
ii) The intern breaches this agreement and the breach is capable of rectification, however the intern fails to rectify within seven business days of the date of the written notice of breach.
iii) The intern is subject to a criminal investigation pursuant to the Host Company or its employees.
iv) The intern fails to provide evidence of insurance (Clause ) or Visa (Clause )
v) The Intern is subject to an insolvency event.
The Intern’s right to terminate
In addition to any other rights of termination given to the intern under this agreement, the intern may terminate this agreement, effective immediately, by giving written notice to AELC if any of the following circumstances occurs:
i) AELC breaches this agreement and is unable to rectify the breach.
ii) AELC breaches this agreement and the breach is capable of rectification, however the AELC fails to rectify within seven business days of the date of the written notice of breach.
iii) AELC is subject to an insolvency event.
Effect of Termination
In the event of this agreement being terminated, and in addition to any other rights or resolutions provided by law each party will be released from its obligations under this agreement, other than in relation to any obligations deemed intended to survive the termination of this agreement. Each party will retain its entitlements or resolutions it as accrued before the termination became into effect.
If this agreement is terminated for whatever reason, under no circumstances will AELC be liable to the intern for any losses, costs or inconvenience suffered or incurred by the intern arising from such termination. This includes but is not limited to any return airfares.
11. Indemnity
The intern indemnifies AELC in relation to any action, proceedings, judgement, claim or demand brought by or against AELC or in respect of any liability, cost expense, damage, charge or penalty suffered by AELC arising from:
i) Any breach of the terms and conditions of this agreement by the intern
ii) Any omission or action of the intern
iii) The internship
12. Intern’s warranty
The intern warrants that all information, documentation, statements or representations made by the intern to AELC under this agreement will be true and correct, complete and not misleading, deceptive or likely to cause deception or be misleading.