Refund Policy

1. Scope

This Refund Policy applies to all programs, courses, workshops, and events (“Programs”) organized by Aaryan Salman/Global Debates Europe (“the Organizer”). For minors, the parent or legal guardian (“the Contractual Party”) is responsible for all refund requests.

2. Statutory Right of Withdrawal

1. Fixed-date Leisure Events and Programs
   According to §312g(2)9 BGB, there is no statutory right of withdrawal (Widerrufsrecht) for contracts relating to leisure activities or events with a specific date or period (e.g., workshops, camps, or scheduled debate events). This applies only if the main service is a scheduled or fixed-date program. All such Global Debates Europe Programs that are set-date or period events, have no statutory right of withdrawl. The only withdrawal or cancellation rights available are described below.

2. On-demand or Non-scheduled Digital Programs
   For any on-demand, non-date-bound, or self-paced digital services, the statutory 14-day right of withdrawal applies according to §355 BGB and the EU Consumer Rights Directive (2011/83/EU).
   To exercise this right, please notify us in writing within 14 days of booking. If the service begins immediately upon booking and you have agreed to waive your right of withdrawal, this right may no longer apply.

3. Voluntary Right of Withdrawal

1. Up to Four Weeks Before Program Start

   • You may withdraw from the contract up to four weeks before the Program begins.

   • Withdrawal must be made in writing by email (leadership@globaldebates.org) or by post (see Impressum).

   • The date of receipt of your written notice determines the effectiveness of withdrawal.

   • For timely withdrawal, a cancellation fee of €50 will be charged. Any remaining payments will be refunded.

2. Withdrawal Less Than Four Weeks Before Program Start

   1. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made less than four weeks before the Program begins, except as required by law (e.g., in the case of statutory withdrawal rights or if the Organizer cannot provide the service).

   2. For on-demand digital programs, statutory withdrawal rights remain unaffected (see Section 2.2).

4. Booking Changes

• Booking changes (such as changing dates or participant names) can be made for a processing fee of €20 per booking, subject to availability.

• Requests for booking changes must be submitted in writing and are not guaranteed.

5. Missed Sessions and Voluntary Withdrawal

No refunds or credits are issued for missed sessions, late arrival, early departure, or voluntary withdrawal by the participant for any reason, including illness, unless required by law.

6. Cancellations or Changes by the Organizer

• If the Organizer cancels the entire Program before it begins, all fees paid will be refunded in full.

• If significant changes (such as time or location) are made, you will be notified and may withdraw within one week of notification. In this case, all fees paid will be refunded.

• No further claims are possible in either case beyond a refund of fees paid.

7. Force Majeure

• In cases of force majeure (e.g., proven illness, official restrictions, natural disasters), the Organizer may, at its discretion, offer a credit for a future Program.

• There is no legal obligation to provide a refund or credit in these cases.

8. Insurance Recommendation

We strongly recommend that all participants (or their legal guardians) purchase travel or cancellation insurance to protect against unforeseen events that may prevent attendance.

9. How Refunds Are Processed

• All online payments for our Programs are processed securely via Stripe.

• Eligible refunds will be made using the same payment method as the original payment, unless otherwise agreed.

• Refunds for eligible cancellations (see sections 2–7 above) will be issued back to the original payment method used through Stripe.

• Refunds will be processed as soon as possible and no later than 14 days after confirmation of entitlement.

• After approval of a refund, Stripe processing times may take 5–10 business days to appear on your account, depending on your bank or card provider.

• All cancellation and processing fees will be deducted from the refund amount.

• Any non-refundable Stripe transaction fees or charges will be deducted from your refund amount if these are not returned to us by Stripe (most Stripe fees are non-refundable as per Stripe’s policy).

• If you paid by credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay, your refund will be processed back to that same method.

• If you paid by SEPA/direct debit, please allow additional processing time for your refund to appear in your account.

^{*Example assumes €500 program fee; “Stripe Processing Fee” refers to actual non-refundable Stripe fee charged.
**Depending on circumstances and legal requirements.}

11. Your Statutory Rights

Nothing in this policy limits your statutory rights under German and EU consumer law. In the event of any conflict, statutory rights prevail. If you have any questions about this policy, please contact us before registering.

12. Contact

For all cancellation and refund requests, please contact:

Email:leadership@globaldebates.org