Global Leadership Adventures (GLA)

My 16-year-old son recently completed GLA's service travel program to Hawaii, and it was a wonderful experience from start to finish. The GLA website provided very thorough and clear information leading up to the trip. When we did have questions, the GLA staff was responsive and knowledgeable. During the trip, my son enjoyed the service and travel activities out in the community as well as the social interaction with the leaders and other teens on the trip. As a parent, I truly appreciated the student-written blog updates which allowed those of us at home to read about and see pictures of the daily activities. When my son came home, he could not stop talking about all of the experiences he had with a wonderful group of people. He made forever memories and experienced growth while he was away. I would highly recommend this program to others!

My son's experience with GLA was incredible. He made many new friends, gained some independence and felt that he was making a difference in the world. As a parent, sending our son so far away was a bit unnerving at first, but the information we received and all of the resources we were provided with helped to put us at ease. He (and now our daughter) plan to do another program next summer. Amazing experience.

My daughter’s experience with GLA was amazing from start to finish. Pre departure, staff was easy to reach and happily answered all of our questions. I felt the trip was extremely well organized and my daughter had an absolutely transformative experience. The leaders and mentors were excellent and the program provided the perfect balance of service, sight seeing and cultural activities. She returned home energized, full of insights and confidence, and excited to pursue a career in health care. The communication through the daily blogs during the trip offered a wonderful window into what she was experiencing and I felt confident that she was in good hands. I highly recommend GLA!

Our introverted son had an amazing time! His group did community service work on a playground for the local children. Their work included painting, digging, planting, laying sod, putting up a fence, etc. They had many fun excursions like zip-lining, river rafting, surfing, shopping, sight-seeing, etc. They had smaller group sessions for Spanish lessons and practiced speaking Spanish with the locals. It was so nice to hear/see our son relaxed, happy, and carefree. We were impressed with how organized, accessible, helpful and prompt every GLA staff member was, from the moment we attended open house to the registration process/portal, packing/preparing for the trip and throughout the entire duration of program. There is a wealth of information on the GLA website and portal. During the program, we were able to follow their activities and see photos on a blog that is written by the students on a regular basis. We love that GLA promotes independence, leadership, and the importance of community service and team work in our teens. Thank you to the entire GLA staff for a wonderful experience and for all of your hard work and dedication!!

Wow! Our 15 year old daughter had an extraordinary experience with GLA! It was her first time traveling on her own, so we were a little apprehensive to send her so far, but we felt good about GLA's commitment to safety, and we loved the range of experiences and service component of the trip. This is not just a teen travel program, but is so much more. Our daughter shared bits of the reflective conversations led by the very capable and kind leaders and mentors during the course of her trip. To provide an example of GLA's customer service, our daughter took an inhaler with her on the trip. A few days into the trip, we received a call that she had mentioned the inhaler to her trip leaders and they were wondering if she needed any additional support. In addition to working with elephants, and children, the students took a Thai cooking class, took a Thai boxing class, visited several Buddist temples, shopped at markets, etc. The kind and capable leaders were fantastic role models, guides and mentors. Thank you GLA! Well done!

An absolutely fantastic and genuine experience! This is real community service, working alongside locals and learning about the country. It is NOT a glorified teen tour but the real deal, with fun activities and sights woven in very well. The group atmosphere was cohesive and warm, so many close friendships made. Absolute gold standard for true and meaningful community service and a super fun time.