Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

UniWorld ("UniWorld," "we," "us," or "our") operates uniworldedu.org and administers the J-1 Camp Counselor cultural exchange program (the "Program"). This Privacy Policy explains what personal information we collect from visitors to our website and applicants to the Program, how we use and share it, and the choices you have.

By using our website or applying to the Program, you agree to the collection and use of information as described in this Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use our website or submit an application.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

• Contact and identity information: name, date of birth, gender, nationality, home address, phone number, email address, photograph.
• Application and eligibility information: university/enrollment status, academic transcripts, English proficiency, work and childcare/camp experience, references, resume, essays or application answers.
• Immigration and program documentation: passport details, SEVIS ID, DS-2019 information, visa status and interview details, insurance information, and other documents required to sponsor your J-1 Exchange Visitor status.
• Payment information: program fees and related payment records (processed through a third-party payment processor; we do not store full payment card numbers).
• Communications: messages, emails, and consultation requests you send us.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Usage data: pages viewed, links clicked, time on site, referring pages.
• Device and technical data: IP address, browser type, operating system, approximate location derived from IP address.
• Cookies and similar technologies: see Section 6 below.

2.3 Information From Third Parties

We may receive information about you from host camps, background-check providers, references you list, and, where applicable, our designated sponsor organization or the U.S. Department of State's SEVIS system, as part of processing your Program participation.

3. How We Use Your Information

• To evaluate, process, and manage your Program application, including eligibility review and camp placement.
• To prepare and issue immigration documentation (such as your DS-2019) and to fulfill our recordkeeping obligations as a program sponsor.
• To communicate with you about your application, placement, travel, orientation, and program requirements.
• To provide customer and participant support before, during, and after your program.
• To process payments and maintain financial records.
• To operate, maintain, and improve our website and services.
• To comply with legal, regulatory, and reporting obligations, including those imposed by the U.S. Department of State.
• To send you program-related updates; you may opt out of non-essential marketing communications at any time.

4. J-1 Program–Specific Disclosures

Because UniWorld [is applying to be / is] designated by the U.S. Department of State as a sponsor of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, participation in the Camp Counselor Program requires us to collect and report certain information to the U.S. government through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), consistent with federal exchange visitor regulations (22 CFR Part 62).

This means certain personal and immigration-related information you provide — including identity, program dates, host site placement, and address/contact updates — is shared with the Department of State and, where applicable, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and Department of Homeland Security, for the duration of your program and as required after it ends. This disclosure is a condition of participating in a J-1 exchange program and is not optional if you wish to obtain a DS-2019 and J-1 visa through UniWorld.

5. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We share information only as needed to operate the Program and our business:

• Host camps / placement sites: relevant application, eligibility, and contact information needed to place and host you.
• Government agencies: the U.S. Department of State, SEVIS, and U.S. consulates/embassies as required for visa sponsorship (see Section 4).
• Service providers: payment processors, background-check providers, insurance providers, email/communications platforms, and website hosting providers, each bound to use your information only to provide services to us.
• Professional advisors: attorneys, auditors, or insurers, where necessary.
• Legal requirements: where required to comply with law, respond to legal process, or protect the rights, safety, or property of UniWorld, our participants, or others.
• Business transfers: in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, subject to standard confidentiality protections.

6. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to keep the site functioning properly, remember your preferences, and understand how visitors use our site (analytics). You can control cookies through your browser settings; disabling cookies may affect some site functionality. We do not currently use cookies for third-party advertising.

7. Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Policy, including the duration of your J-1 program and any period required by U.S. Department of State recordkeeping rules for exchange visitor sponsors, tax and accounting requirements, and to resolve disputes or enforce our agreements. When information is no longer needed, we take steps to delete or anonymize it.

8. Data Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

9. Your Rights & Choices

Depending on where you live, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, or restrict use of your personal information, or to receive a copy of it in a portable format. To exercise any of these rights, contact us using the details in Section 13. Please note that some information — particularly immigration and SEVIS records — must be retained or reported as required by U.S. federal law, regardless of a deletion request.

10. International Users & Data Transfers

UniWorld is based in the United States, and information you provide will be processed and stored in the United States. If you are located outside the United States, you understand that your information will be transferred to, stored, and processed in the U.S., where data protection laws may differ from those of your home country.

11. Children's Privacy

Our website and Program are intended for university students and adults who meet J-1 Camp Counselor eligibility requirements. Our website and services are not directed to children under 18, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18 through our website. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can address it.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will post the revised policy on this page with an updated "Last updated" date. Continued use of our website or Program after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy.

13. Contact Us