Terms of Use - Where To Next Cuba 2026

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using the Where To Next website (w2nvolunteer.org) and participating in our programs, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our website or apply for our programs.

Legal Entity: "Where To Next" is the operating name (DBA - Doing Business As) of SAINT LOUIS VICARIOUS VOYAGERS FOUNDATION LTD, a nonprofit organization registered with the State of Missouri. Throughout these Terms of Use, references to "Where To Next," "we," "us," or "our" refer to SAINT LOUIS VICARIOUS VOYAGERS FOUNDATION LTD.

These terms apply to all users, including applicants, participants, parents/guardians, and visitors from both the United States and South Africa.

2. Program Overview

Where To Next offers educational volunteer travel programs to Cuba for students aged 14-18 from the United States and South Africa. The program includes cultural immersion, volunteer work, educational activities, and accommodations as described on our website.

2.1 Organizational History

Where To Next was formerly known as the Saint Louis Vicarious Voyager's Program (VVP). The organization rebranded in October 2025, and all operations, programs, agreements, and obligations previously conducted under the VVP name are now conducted under Where To Next.

2.2 Previous Programs Under VVP

Under the Saint Louis Vicarious Voyager's Program name, the organization successfully conducted the following trips and activities:

Costa Rica 2024 (May/June 2024): A 10-day educational volunteer program in Costa Rica with 6 USA participants, including volunteer work at local schools, cultural immersion, and college credit opportunities through IVHQ.
Cuba Trial Run (August 2024): A pilot program to Cuba designed to test logistics, partnerships, and program structure in preparation for the full Cuba 2026 program.
Semester at Sea Activities: Previous activities and events conducted in connection with Semester at Sea programs.

All participants, agreements, media rights, and program documentation from these previous trips and activities are now under the ownership and management of Where To Next. These terms apply retroactively to all VVP programs and participants.

2.3 Disclaimer: No Affiliation with Semester at Sea

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER

Where To Next is a separate and independent entity from Semester at Sea. Where To Next is not affiliated with, sponsored by, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with Semester at Sea, Institute for Shipboard Education, or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates. Any reference to Semester at Sea activities refers solely to past events conducted under the Saint Louis Vicarious Voyager's Program and does not imply any current or future relationship, partnership, or association with Semester at Sea.

3. Current Program: Cuba 2026

The current Where To Next program is a 10-day educational volunteer trip to Cuba scheduled for December 28, 2026 – January 6, 2027. The program is open to students aged 14-18 from the United States and South Africa.

4. Scholarship Program Terms

4.1 Scholarship Value and Coverage

The Where To Next scholarship covers the full cost of participation valued at $5,296.05 USD, including:

International round-trip airfare to Cuba
All accommodations during the program
All meals
Ground transportation in Cuba
Volunteer activities and cultural experiences
24/7 program support and supervision
Cuban Tourist Card (visa) - initial application only
Travel and medical insurance through CISI

Not Included: The scholarship does not cover the cost of obtaining or renewing a passport, visa reapplication fees (if needed due to errors or denial), or cancellation insurance. Participants are responsible for passport application fees and any visa reapplication costs.

4.2 Non-Transferable and Non-Redeemable

The scholarship is non-transferable and non-redeemable for cash. It entitles the recipient to participate in the Cuba 2026 trip only and cannot be exchanged for cash, applied to a different trip, or transferred to another person.

4.3 Trip Cancellation Policy

IMPORTANT: Alternative Scholarship in Case of Cancellation

In the event that the Cuba 2026 trip is canceled for any reason (including but not limited to changes in US-Cuba relations, travel restrictions, safety concerns, or force majeure), scholarship winners will receive an alternative scholarship valued at $500 USD.

This $500 USD alternative scholarship represents the sole compensation provided to scholarship winners in the event of trip cancellation. Winners are not entitled to any other compensation, including but not limited to:

The full original scholarship value ($5,296.05)
Reimbursement for passport application fees
Compensation for time spent on the application
Travel to an alternative destination
Any other damages or expenses

By applying for the scholarship, applicants acknowledge and accept this cancellation policy and agree that the $500 USD alternative scholarship is full and final compensation in the event of trip cancellation.

4.4 Selection Process

Scholarship recipients are selected based on academic excellence, community involvement, cultural curiosity, leadership potential, and financial need. The selection process includes:

Written Application: Essays and personal information submitted through our online form
Panel Interview Scheduling: Selected applicants receive an automated email with a scheduling link to select their interview time. Parents/guardians also receive this information to support the applicant.
Panel Interview: Applicants participate in a 60-minute video interview with a panel of 2-3 Where To Next leaders via Google Meet, Zoom, or Webex. The panel format ensures multiple perspectives and comprehensive evaluation.
Interview Confirmation: After selecting a time, applicants receive a pending confirmation email. Once a panel member confirms and provides the video link, final confirmation emails are sent to the applicant and parent/guardian (if provided).
Committee Review: Final selection by the scholarship committee based on application materials and panel interview performance

Interview Requirements: Applicants must have access to a device with video and audio capabilities and a stable internet connection. Interviews may be recorded for evaluation purposes with the applicant's consent. Applicants are responsible for ensuring they can join the video conference at the scheduled time.

Scheduling System: Our automated scheduling system sends interview links and confirmations via email to both applicants and parents/guardians (if provided). Applicants can only select times when all panel members are available. If technical issues prevent scheduling or joining the interview, applicants should contact us immediately at hello@w2nvolunteer.org.

The selection committee's decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

4.5 Board of Directors Applications

As a Missouri nonprofit organization, Where To Next is required by state law to establish a Board of Directors by June 30, 2026. We accept applications from qualified individuals interested in serving on our Board of Directors through our online application portal.

Application Process:

Submission Deadline: Applications must be submitted by April 30, 2026
Required Materials: Complete application form, resume/CV (PDF format, max 5MB), optional cover letter (PDF format, max 5MB)
Application Review: Applications are reviewed by current organizational leadership
Interview Process: Qualified candidates will be invited for interviews
Selection: Final board members will be selected and appointed before the June 30, 2026 deadline

Board Member Responsibilities: Board members are expected to provide strategic guidance, ensure organizational compliance with Missouri nonprofit laws, participate in board meetings, and support the organization's mission of providing educational travel opportunities for students.

Confidentiality: All board applications, including resumes and cover letters, are treated as confidential and are only accessible to authorized organizational leadership. Application materials are securely stored using Cloudinary cloud storage with encryption and access controls.

For questions about board applications, please contact hello@w2nvolunteer.org.

5. US Government Regulations for Cuba Travel

5.1 Legal Authorization

Travel to Cuba by US citizens and residents is regulated by the US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Our program operates under the "Support for the Cuban People" general license category, which authorizes certain educational and people-to-people exchanges.

5.2 Participant Responsibilities

US participants must:

Maintain a full-time schedule of educational and cultural activities
Engage with local Cuban people and communities
Comply with all US regulations regarding Cuba travel
Keep records of their activities for 5 years as required by OFAC
Not engage in tourist activities prohibited under US law

5.3 Changes in Regulations

US-Cuba relations and travel regulations are subject to change. Where To Next reserves the right to modify the program itinerary or cancel the trip if changes in US law or policy make it illegal, impractical, or unsafe to proceed. See Section 4.3 (Trip Cancellation Policy) for cancellation compensation terms.

6. Communication Methods

6.1 Program Communication Platforms

Where To Next uses various communication platforms to coordinate with participants, parents/guardians, and program stakeholders:

Google Voice: We use Google Voice for phone calls and text messages. By providing your phone number, you consent to receive communications via Google Voice.
WhatsApp: Participants may be added to WhatsApp groups or individual chats for program coordination, updates, and emergency communications. WhatsApp is owned by Meta. By participating, you consent to being added to WhatsApp communications and acknowledge that WhatsApp's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy apply.
T-Mobile Network: Our main Where To Next phone operates on T-Mobile's cellular network. Standard cellular communication privacy limitations apply.
Video Conferencing: Webex and Google Meet for interviews and prep sessions (see Section 12.4).
File Storage: Cloudinary for secure cloud storage of uploaded documents, including board application resumes, passport copies, and other program-related files. All files are encrypted and stored on Cloudinary's secure servers.

6.2 Cuba Communication Services and Privacy Limitations

⚠️ CRITICAL NOTICE: No Privacy in Cuba

During the Cuba program, communication services are provided by GigSky (international data) and ETECSA (Cuba's state telecommunications company). Participants must understand and acknowledge:

NO EXPECTATION OF PRIVACY: All electronic communications in Cuba (phone calls, texts, emails, internet) should be assumed to be monitored by the Cuban government
ETECSA is a state-owned company and all communications through Cuban infrastructure may be intercepted, recorded, or accessed by Cuban authorities
Cuban law permits government surveillance of telecommunications without warrant or notice
International data services (GigSky) routing through Cuban networks are also subject to monitoring
Participants should NOT share sensitive personal information, financial details, political opinions, or confidential communications while in Cuba
Where To Next cannot guarantee the privacy or security of any communications made in Cuba

By participating in the Cuba program, you acknowledge and accept these privacy limitations and agree to exercise appropriate discretion in all electronic communications while in Cuba.

7. Eligibility Requirements

To participate in the program, applicants must:

Be between 14-18 years old at the time of travel
Be currently enrolled in high school
Be a resident of the United States or South Africa
Hold or be able to obtain a valid passport
Be in good academic standing
Be medically and physically able to participate
Have parental/guardian consent if under 18

8. Cuba Visa Requirements

8.1 Tourist Card (Visa) for Cuba

All participants traveling to Cuba must obtain a Cuban Tourist Card (also known as a Cuba visa), which is required for entry into Cuba. The tourist card is a separate document from your passport and must be obtained prior to travel.

8.2 Visa Cost Included

✓ Initial Visa Cost Covered

The cost of obtaining your initial Cuban Tourist Card is included in the program scholarship or participation fee. Where To Next will cover the cost of your first tourist card application (typically $50-100 USD).

8.3 Participant Responsibility

While Where To Next covers the initial visa cost, participants are responsible for properly applying for and obtaining their Cuban Tourist Card. Where To Next will provide detailed instructions and guidance, including:

Information on where to purchase the tourist card (online, through airlines, or at travel agencies)
Required documentation and application procedures
Step-by-step instructions to ensure correct application
Timeline for obtaining the card before departure

8.4 Reapplication Costs - Participant Responsibility

IMPORTANT: Reapplication Costs

If your Cuban Tourist Card application is denied or contains errors requiring reapplication, the cost of reapplying is your responsibility. Where To Next only covers the initial application cost.

Common reasons for denial or reapplication include:

Incorrect or incomplete information on the application
Passport information errors
Missing required documentation
Application submitted too early or too late
Damaged or lost tourist card before travel

Where To Next is not responsible for visa denials, errors, or reapplication costs. Participants must carefully follow all instructions and verify their application information before submission. Reapplication fees typically range from $50-100 USD and must be paid by the participant.

8.5 Entry Denial

Failure to obtain a valid Cuban Tourist Card will result in denial of entry to Cuba. Participants who fail to obtain the required tourist card will not be able to participate in the program, and no refund or compensation will be provided. It is the participant's sole responsibility to ensure they have all required travel documents, including a valid passport and Cuban Tourist Card, before departure.

9. Insurance Coverage

9.1 Travel and Medical Insurance Provided

Where To Next provides all participants with comprehensive travel and medical insurance through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI). This insurance covers:

Emergency medical expenses during the program
Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
24/7 emergency assistance services
Coverage for medical treatment in Cuba

The cost of CISI insurance is included in the program scholarship or participation fee. Participants will receive detailed insurance information, including policy numbers and emergency contact information, prior to departure.

9.2 Cancellation Insurance - Participant Responsibility

IMPORTANT: Cancellation Insurance

The CISI insurance provided by Where To Next does not include "Cancel for Any Reason" (CFAR) coverage. If you wish to have the ability to cancel your participation for any reason and receive reimbursement, you are responsible for purchasing additional cancellation insurance on your own.

Participants are strongly encouraged to consider purchasing cancellation insurance if they want protection against unforeseen circumstances that may prevent them from participating, such as:

Personal illness or injury before departure
Family emergencies
Work or school conflicts
Change of plans for any reason

Cancellation insurance is available through various travel insurance providers and typically costs 5-10% of the trip value. Where To Next does not provide, recommend, or sell cancellation insurance, and participants are responsible for researching and purchasing their own coverage if desired.

9.3 Understanding the Refund Policy

For Non-Scholarship Participants: Where To Next has a tiered refund policy based on when you cancel (see Section 13.3 for full details):

More than 90 days before departure: Full refund minus $500 administrative fee
60-90 days before departure: 50% refund
30-60 days before departure: 25% refund
Less than 30 days before departure: No refund

Important: The stricter of Where To Next's refund policy OR vendor policies (airlines, hotels, etc.) will apply. Many vendors have non-refundable policies that may be more restrictive than the above.

For Scholarship Recipients: The scholarship is non-transferable and non-redeemable for cash. If you cancel your participation, you will not receive any compensation for the scholarship value.

Why Consider Cancellation Insurance: "Cancel for Any Reason" (CFAR) insurance can provide reimbursement even when the refund policy does not, such as:

Canceling less than 30 days before departure (when no refund is available)
Canceling when vendor policies are non-refundable
Recovering the $500 administrative fee
Protecting the full scholarship value if you're a scholarship recipient

By participating in the program, you acknowledge that you understand the refund policy outlined in Section 13.3 and accept responsibility for any financial loss if you cancel, unless you have purchased separate cancellation insurance that covers your specific situation.

10. Medical Requirements

All participants must complete a comprehensive medical form including evaluations by a licensed physician and, if applicable, a mental health specialist. Participants must disclose all medical conditions, allergies, and medications. Failure to disclose medical information may result in removal from the program without refund.

11. Conduct and Behavior

Participants are expected to:

Respect Cuban culture, customs, and laws
Follow all program rules and instructions from program leaders
Treat fellow participants, staff, and local community members with respect
Refrain from illegal activities, including drug and alcohol use
Maintain appropriate behavior at all times

Violation of conduct rules may result in immediate removal from the program without refund or compensation.

12. Participant Removal Policy

12.1 Authority to Remove Participants

The following individuals have the authority to remove a participant from the program at any time, for any reason they deem appropriate:

Program Coordinator of Where To Next
School Administrator (of the participant's school)
Corazon Cuba Staff (our in-country partner organization)
Senior Director or higher of the anonymous donor organization providing scholarship funding

12.2 Grounds for Removal

Participants may be removed from the program for any of the following reasons, including but not limited to:

Conduct violations: Violation of program rules, disrespectful behavior, illegal activities, or any conduct deemed inappropriate
Non-payment: Failure to pay the full program balance by the required deadline
Prep session attendance: Failure to attend all 12 required Prep Sessions before departure with a parent/guardian
Medical concerns: Medical or mental health issues that pose a risk to the participant or others
Safety concerns: Any behavior or circumstance that compromises the safety of the participant, other participants, or staff
Misrepresentation: Providing false information on the application or medical forms
Legal issues: Arrest, criminal charges, or legal problems that affect program participation

12.3 Consequences of Removal

IMPORTANT: No Refund and Additional Costs

Participants who are removed from the program for any reason are not entitled to any refund of payments made, regardless of whether they are scholarship recipients or paying participants.

Additionally, removed participants are required to pay for their own airfare home from Cuba or from whatever destination they are in at the time of removal. This includes:

Cost of return flight to home country
Any change fees or penalties for booking new flights
Transportation to the airport
Any additional costs associated with early departure

Parents/guardians will be immediately contacted and are responsible for arranging and paying for the participant's return travel. Where To Next will provide assistance in coordinating travel arrangements but is not financially responsible for these costs.

12.4 Prep Sessions Requirements

All participants are required to attend all 12 Prep Sessions before departure. Each session must be attended with a parent or legal guardian present. Prep sessions are conducted virtually via Webex or Google Meet. These sessions cover:

Program expectations and rules
Cultural preparation for Cuba
Health and safety protocols
Team building and group dynamics
Volunteer project training
Travel logistics and emergency procedures

Technical Requirements: Participants must have access to a device with video and audio capabilities and a stable internet connection. Both the participant and parent/guardian must be visible on camera during sessions. Sessions may be recorded for program documentation and quality assurance purposes.

Failure to attend any Prep Session will result in automatic removal from the program with no refund and no exceptions. If a participant cannot attend due to a documented emergency, they must contact the Program Coordinator immediately to discuss possible accommodations.

10.5 Payment Balance Requirements

Non-scholarship participants must pay their full program balance according to the payment schedule provided. Failure to pay the full balance by the final deadline will result in automatic removal from the program with no refund of payments already made.

13. Payment Terms (Non-Scholarship Participants)

13.1 Payment Processing

All payments are processed through Square, Inc. on their secure payment platform. By making a payment, you agree to Square's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. We do not store credit card information on our servers.

13.2 Payment Schedule

Non-scholarship participants must follow the payment schedule provided upon acceptance. Late payments may result in forfeiture of your spot in the program.

13.3 Refund Policy

The refund policy that applies to your participation is the stricter of: (1) the refund policy provided by the vendors chosen by Where To Next (including but not limited to airlines, accommodations, and tour operators), OR (2) the refund policy stated below, whichever is more restrictive.

Where To Next's standard refund policy is as follows:

More than 90 days before departure: Full refund minus $500 administrative fee
60-90 days before departure: 50% refund
30-60 days before departure: 25% refund
Less than 30 days before departure: No refund

Important: If any vendor's refund policy is stricter than the above (e.g., non-refundable airline tickets, stricter hotel cancellation policies), those stricter terms will apply. Participants are responsible for understanding the cancellation policies of all vendors involved in the program.

If Where To Next cancels the trip, paying participants will receive a full refund of all payments made, subject to any non-refundable costs already incurred with vendors.

14. Liability and Assumption of Risk

14.1 Inherent Risks

International travel involves inherent risks, including but not limited to illness, injury, political instability, natural disasters, and travel delays. By participating in the program, you acknowledge and accept these risks.

14.2 Release of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Where To Next and its directors, officers, employees, and agents shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising from participation in the program, including but not limited to personal injury, property damage, or financial loss.

10.3 Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend that all participants obtain comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and evacuation. Where To Next is not responsible for costs associated with medical treatment, evacuation, or trip interruption.

15. Photography and Media Release

By participating in the program, you grant Where To Next permission to use photographs, videos, and other media featuring you for promotional and educational purposes, including on our website, social media, and marketing materials. You may opt out by providing written notice to hello@w2nvolunteer.org.

16. Intellectual Property

All content on the Where To Next website, including text, graphics, logos, images, and software, is the property of Where To Next or its licensors and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without our express written permission.

17. Privacy

Your use of our website and participation in our programs is subject to our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms of Use by reference. Please review our Privacy Policy to understand how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.

18. Force Majeure

Where To Next shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, war, terrorism, civil unrest, government actions, pandemics, natural disasters, or changes in travel regulations. In such cases, the trip cancellation policy outlined in Section 4.3 (Trip Cancellation Policy) shall apply.

19. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms of Use shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Missouri, United States, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. For participants from South Africa, these terms shall also comply with applicable South African consumer protection laws.

Any disputes arising from these terms or participation in the program shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association, except where prohibited by law.

20. Severability

If any provision of these Terms of Use is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

21. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms of Use at any time. Material changes will be communicated to applicants and participants via email. Your continued use of our website or participation in the program after such changes constitutes acceptance of the modified terms.

22. Entire Agreement

These Terms of Use, together with our Privacy Policy and any additional agreements signed by participants, constitute the entire agreement between you and Where To Next regarding the program and supersede all prior understandings and agreements.

23. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms of Use, please contact us:

Where To Next

Email: hello@w2nvolunteer.org

Phone: +1 (314) 229-0661

By applying for or participating in the Where To Next Cuba 2026 program, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Use.