Frequently asked questions

1. What is the UNCOVER Madeira Island Membership Card?

The UNCOVER Madeira Island Membership Card gives international students, trainees, interns, and volunteers access to ALL UNCOVER-organized events, community networking, and discounts at official partners.

It is NOT: Student ID, transport pass, or general venue access.

2. Who is eligible?

Only persons 18+ who are:

  • Erasmus+ or similar mobility students in Madeira

  • Full-degree international students at Madeira universities

  • Trainees/interns in recognized Madeira programs

  • Volunteers in recognized international programs

Required proof: Acceptance letter, enrollment, internship/volunteer confirmation.

3. How much does it cost? Is it refundable?

One-time non-refundable fee paid at application. Price may change only for new members.

Replacement Card: €10 fee for lost/stolen/damaged.

4. How long does membership last?

12 months from the issuance date. No auto-renewal, new application + fee required.

5. Do I get access to every event?

YES - your membership gives you access to every UNCOVER event.

The only limitation: Events have fixed capacity limits and operate on a first-come, first-served registration.

6. Is transport included in events?

Transport depends entirely on the event description. Always check the "TRANSPORT" line in each event listing before registering.

TRANSPORT PROVIDED:

  • Marked explicitly as "TRANSPORT PROVIDED" or "Bus included."

  • Pick-up location/time specified

NO TRANSPORT (Your responsibility):

  • No transport mentioned OR "Meet at [location]."

  • You must arrange and pay for a taxi, Uber, bus, or walking

UNCOVER is NOT responsible for:

  • Taxi delays, Uber cancellations, bus strikes

  • Getting you to meeting points on time

  • Transport costs (unless explicitly "TRANSPORT PROVIDED")

Tip: Always screenshot event transport details when registering.

7. What is the event/activity cancellation policy?

UNCOVER cancellations:

If UNCOVER cancels the event (weather, partner issues, etc.), you receive 100% of the amount paid MINUS payment processor fees (Stripe/PayPal/Others typically retain 3-5%).

Member cancellations:

Participation fees only:

  • Cancel >72 hours before → 75% refund of the amount paid MINUS payment processor fees

  • Cancel <72 hours or no-show → 0% refund

9. Do I need insurance or health disclosure?

UNCOVER provides NO insurance coverage unless a partner explicitly states they provide insurance for their co-organized event. You need your own health/travel insurance.

Health disclosure: Required before physical/swimming activities.

11. How do partner discounts work?

Each partner page on our website explains:

  • Exact discount amount

  • How to redeem (show Card, use code, book ahead, etc.)

  • Any restrictions (peak times, minimum spend, etc.)

10. How do I register for events?

Steps:

  1. Check ALL details (time/location/transport/health/capacity)

  2. Register via the link/form before capacity fills

  3. Arrive on time with the card

13. What if I lose my Card?

Report within 24 hours. €10 replacement fee. No event/partner access until the new card is issued.

14. Can I share my Card with friends?

No. Personal use only. Sharing/lending = immediate termination without refund.

15. How do you contact members?

Primary: Email from application (check regularly)

Secondary: WhatsApp updates (not guaranteed)

16. When can membership be terminated?

Immediate termination (no refund) for:

  • Card sharing

  • Harassment/abuse

  • Defamatory online conduct

  • False application

  • Under 18

17. What online behavior is prohibited?

You must not publish or deliberately support content that seriously harms UNCOVER Madeira Island, its staff, volunteers, or partners. This includes:

  • Defamatory or clearly false statements about UNCOVER, its events, staff, or partners

  • Repeated likes, shares, or positive reactions to such false or seriously damaging content

  • Joining or actively participating in organized online campaigns or groups whose purpose is to attack UNCOVER Madeira Island

Examples of behavior that can lead to termination:

  • Repeatedly liking or sharing posts that call UNCOVER a “scam” or “fraud” when you have used and benefited from events or discounts

  • Sharing false accusations such as “staff stole money” or “staff are racist/xenophobic” without any evidence

  • Joining WhatsApp/Telegram or similar groups created mainly to coordinate attacks against UNCOVER Madeira Island or its staff

Simple rule:

Treat everyone with respect.
If you have a concern, use our official channels (email or contact form). Public attacks or supporting false and damaging claims may result in membership termination without refund, in line with the Terms & Conditions.

18. How do I apply?

Online form → upload proof documents → pay one-time fee → approved/rejected within 48 hours (business days).

12. Are partner discounts available all year?

YES - partner discounts are available throughout your full 12-month membership validity, regardless of event seasons.

8. When do UNCOVER events happen?

UNCOVER events occur seasonally:

  • September to December (fall semester)

  • February to May (spring semester)

No events guaranteed in January or June-August. No refunds/extensions for off-season months.