How is being an indentured servant different from being a slave?

An indentured servant contracts to work for a fixed period of time, typically three to seven years, in exchange for transportation, food, clothing, lodging and other necessities during that agreed upon term. An indentured servant may be treated as a slave but their period of service is fixed and will come to an end. Slaves are bound to service from the time of their birth or capture until their death unless freed by their owner. They are seen as private property of their owners.