Terms & Conditions

Last updated on October 5, 2025.

Welcome to ARCO!

By accessing and using our website and services, you agree to the following terms and conditions. Please read them carefully.

IDENTIFICATION OF THE SERVICE PROVIDER

Legal Name: Aldo Giovanni Alarcón Gómez
Commercial Name: ARCO SAS
Tax ID (RFC): AAGA060728EG5
Email: team@arco.org.mx
Phone: +1 (407) 630-9725

1. USE OF SITE & SERVICES

  • ARCO provides information, resources, and personalized support for Work & Travel and cultural exchange experiences.

  • You agree to use this site and our services only for legitimate, personal, and non-commercial purposes.

  • You must not use this website for unlawful purposes or to transmit harmful, offensive, or misleading content.

2. ELIGIBILITY

To participate in ARCO programs, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years old at the time of application, or have parental/legal guardian consent if under 18.

  • Provide accurate, current, and complete information during your application and throughout your participation in ARCO programs.

  • Meet specific program requirements including:

    • Minimum intermediate English language proficiency (B1 level or equivalent)

    • Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond program end date

    • Clean criminal record

    • Compliance with U.S. visa requirements (J-1 visa or equivalent)

    • Enrollment in or recent graduation from a recognized educational institution (for student programs)

    • Medical fitness and required vaccinations as per program sponsor requirements

    • Mandatory international health insurance coverage for the duration of the program

ARCO reserves the right to verify eligibility at any stage of the process.

3. USER CONDUCT

  • You are responsible for any information you share on our site or with our team.

  • You agree not to use this website for unlawful purposes or to transmit harmful, offensive, or misleading content.

  • You must maintain the confidentiality of any login credentials and are responsible for all activities under your account.

  • Any fraudulent, abusive, or disruptive behavior may result in immediate termination of services without refund.

4. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

  • All content, including text, graphics, logos, images, videos, and resources provided by ARCO, are the property of ARCO or its content suppliers and are protected by Mexican and international copyright laws.

  • You may not reproduce, distribute, or use any content from this website without ARCO's prior written permission.

  • ARCO trademarks, service marks, and logos may not be used without express authorization.

5. PROGRAM APPLICATION AND SELECTION

  • Submitting an application does not guarantee participation or selection for any Work & Travel or cultural exchange program.

  • ARCO and its authorized U.S. Department of State-designated sponsors reserve the right to accept or decline applicants at their discretion based on motivation, profile, program requirements, sponsor availability, and employer needs.

  • Final placement decisions are made by program sponsors and host employers in the United States, not solely by ARCO.

  • Program dates, locations, and job positions are subject to availability and may change based on sponsor and employer requirements.

6. SERVICES PROVIDED BY ARCO

ARCO provides the following services:

  • Pre-application consultation and eligibility assessment

  • Application processing and documentation support

  • Coordination with U.S. Department of State-designated J-1 visa sponsors

  • Interview preparation and English language guidance

  • Pre-departure orientation and cultural preparation

  • Ongoing support during program participation (limited to matters within ARCO's control)

ARCO does NOT provide:

  • Immigration legal services or visa approval guarantees

  • Employment guarantees or specific job placements (these are determined by sponsors and U.S. employers)

  • Travel arrangements (flights, accommodations) unless explicitly included in a specific package

  • Direct representation before U.S. government agencies

7. FEES, PAYMENTS, AND REFUND POLICY

7.1 Program Fees

Program fees vary depending on the specific program, destination, and services selected. All fees will be clearly communicated before payment.

Program fees typically include:

  • Application processing and documentation review

  • Coordination with authorized sponsors

  • Pre-departure orientation and support

  • Basic program administration

Fees DO NOT include:

  • J-1 visa application fees (consular fees, SEVIS fees)

  • Travel expenses (flights, transportation, accommodation)

  • Personal expenses during the program

  • International health insurance (unless specified)

  • Third-party fees charged by sponsors or employers

7.2 Payment Terms

  • Payment can be made via bank transfer, credit/debit card, or other methods specified by ARCO.

  • Payment plans may be available for certain programs and must be agreed upon in writing.

  • Full payment is required before final visa interview and program departure, unless otherwise specified.

7.3 Cancellation and Refund Policy

By the Participant:

  • Cancellation more than 60 days before program start date: 80% refund of fees paid to ARCO (excluding non-refundable third-party fees such as SEVIS, sponsor fees, or consular fees).

  • Cancellation 30-59 days before program start date: 50% refund of fees paid to ARCO (excluding non-refundable third-party fees).

  • Cancellation less than 30 days before program start date: No refund.

  • Cancellation after program start or arrival in the United States: No refund.

Exceptions (no refund available):

  • Visa denial due to participant's failure to provide accurate information or required documentation

  • Participant's withdrawal for personal reasons (employment, studies, pregnancy, family matters, change of mind)

  • Participant's failure to meet program requirements or deadlines

  • Participant's misconduct or violation of program rules

  • Participant's failure to maintain communication with ARCO for more than 30 days during the application process

By ARCO or Sponsor:

  • If ARCO or the program sponsor cancels the program due to circumstances beyond the participant's control (program unavailability, sponsor withdrawal), a full refund of fees paid to ARCO will be provided within 30 business days.

  • Third-party fees (SEVIS, consular fees) are non-refundable and subject to the policies of the respective agencies.

Medical Emergency or Serious Illness:

  • Refunds may be granted on a case-by-case basis if the participant provides a notarized medical certificate from a licensed physician proving a chronic or degenerative illness contracted after enrollment that prevents travel.

  • Documentation must be submitted within 15 days of diagnosis.

All refund requests must be submitted in writing to team@arco.org.mx with supporting documentation. Refunds will be processed within 30 business days of approval.

8. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

  • ARCO strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information. However, we do not guarantee that the site or its content will always be error-free or available.

  • ARCO is not liable for:

    • Any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of the site or participation in any program.

    • Actions, decisions, or omissions by third-party sponsors, employers, or U.S. government agencies.

    • Visa denials, program cancellations by sponsors or employers, or changes in U.S. immigration policy.

    • Losses, injuries, accidents, or incidents occurring during travel or program participation in the United States.

    • Disputes between participants and host employers or housing providers.

    • Force majeure events including natural disasters, pandemics, political unrest, or government restrictions.

  • Participant's responsibility: Once in the United States, participants are responsible for complying with program rules, U.S. laws, sponsor requirements, and employer policies. ARCO provides guidance but does not assume liability for participants' actions abroad.

Maximum Liability: In no event shall ARCO's total liability exceed the amount of fees paid by the participant directly to ARCO.

9. PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITIES

By enrolling in an ARCO program, participants agree to:

  • Comply with all U.S. laws, program sponsor rules, and host employer policies.

  • Maintain valid immigration status and comply with J-1 visa terms and conditions.

  • Maintain required health insurance coverage for the entire program duration.

  • Communicate promptly with ARCO, sponsors, and employers regarding any issues or changes.

  • Behave professionally and respectfully toward employers, colleagues, and community members.

  • Complete the program as agreed and return to Mexico upon program completion (unless authorized to extend stay).

Failure to comply with these responsibilities may result in program termination without refund and potential legal consequences.

10. INTERNATIONAL TRANSFERS AND JURISDICTION

10.1 International Nature of Services

ARCO coordinates cultural exchange programs that involve international travel and services provided in the United States. By enrolling, participants acknowledge that:

  • Personal data will be transferred internationally to U.S. sponsors, employers, and government agencies as required for program participation (see Privacy Policy for details).

  • Participants will be subject to U.S. laws and regulations while in the United States.

  • ARCO's responsibility is limited to services provided in Mexico; once participants arrive in the United States, they are primarily under the authority of program sponsors and employers.

10.2 Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This agreement is governed by the laws of Mexico, specifically:

  • Federal Consumer Protection Law (Ley Federal de Protección al Consumidor)

  • Federal Law on Protection of Personal Data Held by Private Parties (LFPDPPP)

  • Civil Code applicable in the State of Veracruz

Any disputes arising from this agreement shall be submitted to the jurisdiction of the competent courts of Veracruz, Mexico, and participants expressly waive any other jurisdiction that may correspond to them.

10.3 Consumer Protection Rights

In accordance with Mexican consumer protection law, participants have the right to:

  • File complaints with the Federal Consumer Protection Agency (PROFECO) at www.profeco.gob.mx

  • Request conciliation or arbitration services through PROFECO

  • Exercise all rights established in the Federal Consumer Protection Law

PROFECO Contact Information:

11. PRIVACY

Your privacy is important to us. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for details about how we collect, use, and protect your information in compliance with Mexican data protection law (LFPDPPP).

  • Phone: 55-5568-8722 or 800-468-8722 (toll-free in Mexico)

12. FORCE MAJEURE

ARCO shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance of its obligations under these Terms due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to:

  • Natural disasters (earthquakes, hurricanes, floods)

  • Pandemics or public health emergencies

  • Acts of terrorism, war, or civil unrest

  • Government actions, restrictions, or changes in immigration policy

  • Strikes or labor disputes

  • Technical failures or internet outages

In such cases, ARCO will make reasonable efforts to notify participants and provide alternative solutions when possible. Refunds will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

13. MODIFICATIONS TO TERMS

ARCO may update these Terms & Conditions at any time. Changes will take effect immediately upon posting on this page. Your continued use of the site and services indicates your acceptance of any updates.

Material changes will be communicated via:

  • Notice on our website homepage

  • Email notification to registered participants

The "Last Updated" date at the top indicates when changes were last made.

14. SEVERABILITY

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

15. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

These Terms & Conditions, together with our Privacy Policy and any program-specific agreements, constitute the entire agreement between you and ARCO regarding the use of our services.

16. CONTACT

If you have questions about these Terms & Conditions, contact us at:

Email: team@arco.org.mx

For complaints or consumer protection inquiries:

15. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

These Terms & Conditions, together with our Privacy Policy and any program-specific agreements, constitute the entire agreement between you and ARCO regarding the use of our services.

Thank you


For trusting us with an experience that goes beyond travel.

Written and last revised by Aldo Giovanni A. Gómez on October 5, 2025.