Rating and highlights
- Leadership development
- Cultural exploration
- Experiential education
- Meaningful volunteer projects
Program
Accommodation & facilities
Video
Focused on Academics for an enriched camp experience.
Reviews
Global Leadership Adventures
| 5 star | 100% | |
| 4 star | 0% | |
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| 1 star | 0% |
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Q&A
Please Note: GLA programs can be physically and emotionally demanding; applicants should be in good physical and mental health, as well as comply with COVID-19 protocols. Applicants should meet the Essential Eligibility Criteria. Refund deadlines for Summer 2025 programs: This refund policy applies to all programs beginning in June, July, and August. Cancellation notices received by January 31, 2025: 100% of tuition paid, except the application fee, is refundable. Cancellation notices received February 1 to April 1, 2025: 50% of tuition paid, except the $600 deposit and application fee, is refundable; or 50% of tuition paid and the $600 deposit is transferable for another program in 2025 or 2026. Cancellation notices received after April 1, 2025: None of the tuition or application fees are refundable; however, with a medical note or special emergency circumstance, we recommend using your travel insurance. If that is not possible, you can request special consideration for partial credit toward a future program. Refund deadlines for Spring 2025 programs: This refund policy applies to all programs beginning in March & April. Cancellation notices received by November 30, 2024: 100% of tuition paid, except the application fee, is refundable. Cancellation notices received December 1, 2024, to January 1, 2025: 50% of tuition paid, except the $600 deposit and application fee, is refundable; or 50% of tuition paid and the $600 deposit is transferable for another program in 2025 or 2026. Cancellation notices received after January 1, 2025: None of the tuition or application fees are refundable; however, with a medical note or special emergency circumstance, we recommend using your travel insurance. If that is not possible, you can request special consideration for partial credit toward a future program.
GLA policy is for no student to ever be by themselves at any point in time outside the established Home Base. Students may be with staff members, in groups or assigned to a buddy.
Our average student-to-staff ratio on our travel programs is a maximum 6:1.
Our local partners and on-site staff have intimate knowledge of the host community and region, are familiar with the area’s medical facilities and are uniquely equipped to handle itinerary adjustments and emergencies.
Global Leadership Adventures summer staff must have a bachelor’s degree, lots of experience working with teens and extensive international travel experience. All staff are First Aid/CPR certified, and many are Wilderness First Responders.
All staff undergo a lengthy interview and training process to ensure that we’re hiring the best of the best! More than half of our Mentors and Directors return year after year.
My Global Leadership Adventures (GLA) trip was fun and maybe even the best trip I ever took. My two friends and I did the program in the Dominican Republic, and the minute we arrived, I knew everything was going to be awesome. GLA provided just the right mix of leadership development, meaningful service work, and cultural immersion more than I had hoped.
The best aspect of my experience was the direct service work. Whereas other programs touch on the fringe, GLA ensured that what we were doing counted and would remain. We were actively engaging with the local communities, working on projects which actually addressed a need. Whether we were building infrastructure, teaching English, or engaging in environmental work, I felt our efforts truly did count. Being able to directly observe the actual impact of our work was both humbling and rewarding.
Along with the service projects, GLA also offered incredible cultural immersion. From the homestay experience to language lessons and local excursions, I was deeply immersed in the culture. My highlight was swimming on the beach, watching turtles and dolphins in their natural environment, and exploring the beautiful surroundings. These excursions made the experience even more special and gave us a chance to appreciate the natural beauty of the Dominican Republic.
The other highlight of this trip was the people. Not only did I have the pleasure of meeting fantastic people in my group, but I also formed connections with locals that felt real and true. The friendships that I formed, both with travelers and the local residents, made this experience that much more unforgettable.
GLA also emphasized leadership development. Each day, we had leadership training that challenged us to think critically, reflect on our experiences, and grow as individuals. The mentors were incredible—smart, caring, and genuinely interested in our growth. They challenged us to step up, take charge, and develop skills that will serve us well long after this program.
If I had to select one thing that I wish I had known before going, it would be to come with friends although not needed it makes it a lot easier. Being with your friends makes you more outgoing and easier to connect with
Overall, GLA exceeded my expectations in every way. It was the best trip I’ve ever been on, with adventure, learning, and experiences that I’ll never forget. I came back with new friends, a broader perspective on world issues, and greater confidence in my leadership abilities. If you are looking for an experience that is half-adventure, half-service, and half-personal growth, then GLA is well worth the investment. I would strongly suggest it to anyone who wants an impactful way to make a positive difference while honing their leadership and global citizenship abilities.
I can highly recommend GLA to any parent and child looking for a valuable summer experience. My children attended the DR Global Health initiative trip and they made great friends and learned a lot about health related topics. The communication from GLA was always quick and responsive and they are extremely organized.
GLA is an amazing program that helped encourage me to step out of my comfort zone and grow in many ways. GLA was a family away from home that made it so easy to love and appreciate everyone who was on the same discovery journey as I was. This contributed to my growth as a person and as a leader.
The GLA program I chose was Costa Rica Spanish Service Adventure, one of the flagship programs featuring both language learning, local volunteering and exploration of the Costa Rican culture. Our local director, along with the GLA team, were all prominent, affable and resourceful. I gained numerous inspirations surrounding environmental concerns, nature and human, individuals and the community, tourists vs travelers… All in all, they were just fascinating and eye-opening that refresh my mind and open up a new perspective of appreciation to life. Besides, working at an eco farm surely was a brand new start in my life to pull away from the urban area, and lead an authentic, naturally beautiful life in the tech-free serenity.
During my three-week trip to Peru I did not feel like a tourist (which was very important for me)– we lived in a house in a small mountain village, we ate Peruvian style food, and walked to our service site every morning with the local people. Because we did not have internet connection or television, I was able to really connect with the other students and make new friends who I am still in contact with. The informal Spanish classes and chances to talk to local people at the service site and in markets greatly improved my Spanish skills and opened my eyes to new ways of thinking and living. However, our excursion to Machu Picchu stood out most to me because it showed us a completely different side of Peru and allowed us to walk through an ancient city and experience a part of history.