Terms & Conditions.
These Terms and Conditions govern the agreement between Slamstox B.V. (“Westbound”, “we”, “us”) and the participant and their parent or legal guardian (“you”) in connection with the Westbound exchange program. By submitting an application and accepting a placement, you agree to these terms.
1.The program
Westbound is a full-year cultural exchange program for students aged 14 to 18 from Europe, placed in an American host family and enrolled in a US high school for one full academic year. Westbound is operated by Slamstox B.V., registered in the Netherlands.
2.Eligibility
- Participants must be between 14 and 18 years of age at the time of departure
- Participants must have sufficient English proficiency to function in a US high school environment
- A parent or legal guardian must co-sign all agreements on behalf of participants under 18
- Westbound reserves the right to decline any application that does not meet placement criteria
3.Program fee
Program fee: €16,950 (all-in). This fee covers the full Westbound service package as described on our website.
The program fee includes:
- Application preparation and guidance
- Guaranteed sport-specific school placement
- Host family matching and coordination
- 24/7 Westbound support throughout the program year
- Local coordinator access within your US region
- Pre-departure preparation and orientation
4.Not included
The following costs are the responsibility of the participant and are not covered by the program fee:
- Flight tickets (to and from the United States)
- Visa application fees and appointments
- English language tests (if required)
- Monthly personal allowance
- A welcome gift for your host family
- Personal travel insurance (recommended)
- School supplies and personal expenses
5.Payment
Payment terms will be outlined in your individual placement agreement. A deposit is required upon acceptance to secure your spot. The remaining balance is due no later than 60 days before the program start date.
6.Cancellation & refund policy
The program fee is non-refundable once a placement has been accepted and confirmed.
If a participant withdraws before a placement is confirmed, any deposit paid may be partially refunded at Westbound’s discretion. Requests must be submitted in writing to jord@mywestbound.com.
Westbound is not liable for costs incurred outside of the program fee (flights, visa fees, etc.) in the event of cancellation for any reason.
7.Early return
If a participant returns home early due to personal choice, behavioral issues, or circumstances outside of Westbound’s control, no refund of the program fee will be issued. Westbound will assist in coordinating a safe return where possible.
8.Responsibilities
Westbound is responsible for:
- Matching participants with a suitable host family and school
- Providing ongoing support via a local coordinator and 24/7 helpline
- Acting in the best interest of the participant throughout the program year
The participant and parent/guardian are responsible for:
- Behaving respectfully toward the host family, school, and community
- Complying with host family rules and school policies
- Completing all visa and travel requirements on time
- Maintaining adequate insurance coverage
9.Force majeure
Westbound is not liable for failure to perform obligations due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, pandemics, government travel restrictions, or visa denials. We will make every effort to find alternative solutions in such cases.
10.Liability
Westbound’s liability is limited to the program fee paid. We are not liable for personal injury, property damage, or any other loss incurred during the program unless caused by our gross negligence.
11.Governing law
These Terms and Conditions are governed by Dutch law. Any disputes will be submitted to the competent court in the Netherlands.
12.Contact
Slamstox B.V. · Professor Dr. Dorgelolaan 14, Eindhoven, Netherlands
jord@mywestbound.com