Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/14/2025

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Our son brought home paperwork and information regarding this Washington DC trip with his 8th grade class (to be done in 2026) that would cost $2500, with a payment plan monthly. There was also insurance coverage offered, which stated a FULL reimbursement of any amount paid up to 1 week prior to the departure date. We have paid them $900 to this point and are canceling the trip however they are now suddenly stating that there is an enrollment fee of $199, and ******** fee of $399 not refundable. Nowhere is this information listed on their website, in any policy, nor are they readily available for cancelation. I've been trying to get in touch with them for almost 2 weeks and just now was able. If you contact after hours there is no call back, voicemail, etc option available. All we are after is a full refund of the $900 paid, minus the enrollment fee which was disclosed only this morning via phone call of $199, meaning the reimbursement would be $700.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/15/2025

  I apologize if this isn't the correct place to ask this information, but I had a question as it relates to this complaint. I have records of direct communication (texts and call recordings) between myself and the person who submitted this complaint. I want to respect all privacy rules and laws, but it is information that is directly pertinent to this complaint. Would I be able to submit that information here? 

  Business Response

  Date: 04/15/2025

  We appreciate the opportunity to clarify once again.

  The non-refundable nature of ******** is explicitly stated in our Terms and Conditions, which the parent agreed to at the time of enrollment. A screenshot of this acknowledgment was included in our original response. For your review, here is the link to our full Terms and Conditions: *********************************************

  Additionally, the claim that ********’s non-refundable status was not disclosed is inaccurate. During the recorded phone call on April 14, 2025, at 1:36, our representative responded directly to a question about withheld amounts by stating: “Yes, that [********] and the Enrollment Fee are withheld.”

  We included this timestamped transcript excerpt in our previous submission.

  ******** is an optional program that this parent chose to include when enrolling. It is a form of travel protection — and, as is standard across the travel industry, the cost of that protection is not refunded upon cancellation.

  While certain details may not appear on the family’s post-enrollment login page, all policies were accessible at the time of enrollment, linked directly next to the payment authorization button. These policies are also available at any time upon request and are routinely provided to families seeking clarification.

  We understand the parent’s disappointment but respectfully stand by the original refund issued, which fully adheres to our policies.

  Sincerely,
  **** ******
  World Classrooms

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/16/2025

  The link they are providing for "terms and conditions" is not accessible nor freely available on their website. The transcript of the conversation is not accurate, and if we want to use that for a quote validation the enrollment fee is $1.99 not $199. The business did not conduct themselves in good faith, nor have they been forthcoming properly in communication and have blatantly lied and manipulated documentation to better serve themselves. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/12/2024

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I initiated the cancellation process on February 18th. They required a phone call, despite the entire process to enroll being online. I was within my 100 day for 100% refund when initiated. When I signed the agreement, it did mention that 180 or more before the trip, they would hold 35% of money paid. I expected a refund of 100% monies paid, but am being told they will not refund anything.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/14/2024

  ********* The company reached out and offered a full refund to resolve the issue. How to I delete or close the case as resolved? Thank you