Global Leadership Adventures (GLA)

My summer trip to Peru was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. For two weeks, I was immersed in a culture rich with history, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, and engaged in work that gave me a deeper understanding of both healthcare and humanity. We stayed primarily in Cusco. While the trip included sightseeing and adventure, the most meaningful part of the experience came from the days we spent setting up mobile health clinics in rural areas of Peru.
Over three days, our group organized and ran these clinics, bringing basic healthcare services to communities that often lacked easy access to them. Each clinic had several stations: triage, pharmacy, dental, toothbrushing, and general diagnosis. I rotated between these areas, learning something new at every stop. In triage, I helped record basic patient information and take vital signs. In pharmacy, I assisted in preparing medication under supervision, making sure patients received what they needed and understood how to use it. One of my favorite roles was in the toothbrushing station, where I helped teach children how to properly care for their teeth. Their excitement and curiosity made the language barrier fade away, and it was clear that kindness and patience could communicate more than words.

The most eye-opening experience came in the general diagnosis room. I shadowed a local doctor who allowed me to observe patient consultations, write down prescriptions, and ask questions. She explained each case carefully, pointing out the challenges of diagnosing and treating patients in low-resource areas. I remember one of the doctors explaining how the limited diet in some of these rural areas made carbs, especially potatoes the only option. This led to heart issues, due to clogged arteries. I began to understand the broader impact of limited medical access, not just in terms of health but also in how it affected families, education, and opportunity. The experience deepened my appreciation for global healthcare work and made me realize how much difference small acts of service can make.

Outside the clinics, our group spent time exploring Peru’s natural and cultural beauty. We took a two-day trip to Machu Picchu, a place that felt almost unreal. The ancient ruins, surrounded by clouds and mountains, gave me a new perspective on human history and resilience. We also participated in local activities, music lessons, cooking traditional Peruvian dishes, white-water rafting, ziplining, and visiting Cusco’s markets. These moments helped me connect more deeply with the culture and the people, making the trip not only educational but also incredibly fun.

What made this experience truly unique was how it blended service, adventure, and learning into one unforgettable journey. I was not just a tourist, I was part of something larger, a collaboration between volunteers and local professionals to bring care and hope to those who needed it most. I came home with more than memories of beautiful places, I came back with a deeper understanding of empathy, cultural exchange, and the power of helping others. My trip to Peru reminded me that meaningful experiences often come from stepping outside your comfort zone and opening yourself to the world.

Our son truly had the experience of a lifetime. The staff were super helpful leading up to the program and easy to get into contact with. The mix of service, learning, conservation and fun in this program gave our son the opportunity to learn and grow. He loved learning about a new culture and has a newfound love of travel. Each day was planned to the fullest and they got to experience the tourist attractions along with the program. He enjoyed every minute and plans to attend another GLA program next summer!

Our daughter enjoyed a 10-day trip with GLA to Costa Rica, and it was both an enriching and very enjoyable time. She experienced Costa Rican culture while learning about the beautiful country. She also made new friends from around the world. And she did something purposeful in painting and cleaning up the local beaches. Lastly, she learned how to travel abroad on her own, navigating customs and immigration as a young teenager. It was a confidence-building educational adventure that she'll remember for a lifetime.

Going to Ghana really was one of the best experiences I've had. We had the chance to do so many different things -- from teaching in schools and helping with construction to build new classrooms to exploring the culture and connecting with local, underprivileged children.

In my opinion, the most meaningful part of the trip were the times spent with the children. Whether we were teaching them in the classroom or playing games with them at the park, spending time with them was the best. The construction work was tiring, but very rewarding as we looked at the before and after pictures. In our free time, we took a scenic hike to a waterfall and visited a bead factory where we made our own beads. We also visited a local market, observed local dances, and choreographed our own dance to perform to the local children.

The trip wouldn't have run so smoothly without the wonderful GLA mentors, local director and international director. The local staff were so hospitable and friendly, and the international staff were approachable, patient and very helpful no matter the situation. I would recommend this trip to anybody who wants to learn about a new culture, meet lots of new people and spend lots of time with children.

In 2023 I went on the GLA program: Guatemala: Global Health in the Land of the Maya. What drew me to this trip was the service work. I had previously been set on being a doctor but was scared that it was solely the idea that drew me to it, not taking vitals, interacting with patients, etc. I decided that this trip would help me to determine if this was truly something that I wanted to do. Our first day of service work was chaotic. We were in charge of facilitating a free health clinic in a rural indigenous community, asking for medical history, taking vitals, and escorting people to various stations. While it was chaotic, it was also incredibly fulfilling. It felt like I was making a positive impact on the world in a way I never had. I talked and played with so many different people that I otherwise would never have met. This service is unlike any I’ve heard of, and it ultimately led me to decide that medicine was something I wanted to pursue. Additionally, this program is not all about service work. While in Guatemala I went whitewater rafting, visited a coffee plantation, and participated in a traditional Mayan wedding ceremony all while learning CPR, and what practicing medicine is like in a different country. The final factor that made this an A+ experience was the people. The staff was caring and attentive, making sure that everyone had everything they needed and was doing okay. The friends I made on this trip were all adventurous and unique, and by the end of the trip, some bonds would last a lifetime. Overall, I would recommend this program to anyone looking for an incredible experience capable of opening their eyes to adventure, perspective, and purpose—just be ready to eat a lot of black beans.