Global Leadership Adventures Summer Camp Paraíso

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.

Mar 2025

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.

Feb 2025

My daughter spent 10 days in Costa Rica and wants to go back already! She had never volunteered with any organization before, or flown before either! She fell in love with the region of Guanacaste as well as the people there - especially the children. She also made friendships that she cherishes dearly. The volunteer work that she participated in was the most rewarding, but the fact that they had time to snorkel, horseback ride, rock climb and white water tube was awesome.

Feb 2025

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.

Feb 2025