York Vision would like to clarify that the article we published in print “Holiday Hopes Slashed” (Issue 224, May 9 2012) with a clear response from International Student Volunteers (ISV).
International Student Volunteers (ISV) in no way, shape or form misleads any student with hidden costs and to suggest otherwise is completely inaccurate and a misrepresentation of the truth. ISV has hosted over 21,000 students worldwide who have collectively rated the program 4.8 out of 5. We would not have such an outstanding track record if we were misleading students with regards to costs or any other information.
ISV are upfront with students in every information meeting and explain that prices for flights are being negotiated as these meetings are held up to 9 months ahead of program departures. Students also have the option to book additional tours and activities. These are not included in the program price and ISV staff and our website are clear that these are additional costs.
Applications forms are available online and at the information meeting. Each applicant then receives a Participant Agreement through the post. The ISV website and the Participant Agreement, which every participant is required to sign, clearly outline what is and what is not included in the price, from meals and activities to international and in-country flights (http://www.isvolunteers.org/gb/destination/ecuador/cost).
The ISV 4-Week Program to Ecuador is £2,035. The price you quoted in the article of £3,857 was inclusive of the ISV 4-Week Program cost, the international airfare and taxes, the domestic airfare and taxes and the optional extras of a 7-day Spanish language program, as well as the ISV Optional Activity Package. It is made clear in the information meeting, on the ISV website and on the Agreement form that airfare and taxes are not included in the program costs, however, these are compulsory to travel.
Hundreds of UK students, along with thousands from North America, are travelling with ISV this summer, and none have complained about misleading information. The Better Business Bureau gives ISV a business Rating of A-and has found ISV to be clear of any misinformation. At ISV, we take great care to ensure that all costs are clearly communicated to our participants and that the information presented on our website and in our contract is clear and accurate.