Privacy Policy

First Stamp Organization, a Delaware nonprofit corporation, runs international travel programs for students. This policy explains what information we collect through firststamp.org and our application process, how we use it, and the choices you have. "We" and "us" mean First Stamp. By using our website or applying to a program, you agree to this policy.

Information you give us

Program applications: the student's name, date of birth, school, grade, contact details, essays and answers to application questions, and parent or guardian names and contact details.
Accepted participants: passport details, emergency contacts, medical, dietary and accessibility needs, and travel and rooming information we need to run the trip safely.
Contact forms and email: your name, email address, phone number and whatever you write to us.
Donations or payments : your name, billing details and amount. Card details are handled by our payment processor; we do not store full card numbers.

Information collected automatically

When you visit firststamp.org, our website host and analytics tools collect basic technical information, such as your browser type, device, approximate location (city or region), the pages you view, and how you arrived at our site. See "Cookies and analytics" below.

How we use information

We use the information we collect to:

Review applications and select participants
Plan and run trips, including booking flights, lodging, activities and insurance
Keep participants safe and respond to emergencies
Communicate with students, parents and guardians about applications and trips
Answer questions sent through our website or by email
Understand how our website is used so we can improve it
Meet legal, insurance and record-keeping obligations

We do not sell personal information, and we do not use it for advertising.

How we share information

We share personal information only as needed to run our programs, and never sell it.

Service providers that help us operate: Wix (website and application forms), Google (email, file storage and Google Analytics), and Wix donations. They may use the information only to provide their services to us.
Trip partners who need it to deliver a program: tour operators, airlines, hotels, transport companies, activity providers, partner schools and travel insurers. We share only what each partner needs, such as names, passport details and dietary or medical needs.
Emergencies: with medical providers, emergency services or government authorities when needed to protect someone's health or safety.
Legal reasons: when required by law or to protect the rights and safety of First Stamp, participants or others.

Some partners are outside the United States, so information about participants may be transferred to and handled in the countries a trip visits.

Students and children's privacy

Our programs are for students aged 15+. Our website is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information online from children under 13. If we learn we have collected it, we will delete it. A parent or guardian who believes this has happened can contact us at the address below.

For applicants under 18, we ask a parent or guardian to review and consent to the application and to any trip participation. Parents and guardians may ask to see, correct or delete their child's information at any time.

Cookies and analytics

Our website uses cookies, which are small files stored in your browser. Wix uses essential cookies to run the site and keep forms secure. We use Google Analytics to see how many people visit and which pages they view. Google Analytics collects information such as your device, browser and approximate location, but not your name.

You can block or delete cookies in your browser settings; the site will still work, though some features may not. To opt out of Google Analytics on all websites, use Google's opt-out browser add-on. Learn more in Google's privacy policy.

How long we keep information

We keep application and participant records for as long as needed to run our programs and meet legal, insurance and tax requirements, generally 7 years after a program ends. Applications that are not accepted are deleted after 2 years. Medical and passport details are deleted or archived securely after the trip is complete, unless we need them for an insurance claim or legal matter.

How we protect information

We limit access to personal information to staff and volunteers who need it, use password-protected accounts with our service providers, and share only what each partner needs. No website or email system is completely secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Your choices and rights

You may ask us to see, correct or delete the personal information we hold about you or your child, or to stop sending you emails. Email us at the address below and we will respond within 30 days. We may need to keep some information where the law requires it. Depending on where you live, you may have additional rights under your state's privacy laws.

Links to other websites

Our website may link to other sites, such as partner organizations or social media. Their privacy practices are their own, so please read their policies.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. We will post the new version on this page and change the "Last updated" date above. If we make significant changes, we will let current applicants and participants know by email.

Questions or requests about your privacy can be sent to:

First Stamp 1108 Lavaca Street, Suite 110-453, Austin, TX, 78701

Admin@firststamp.org