GLA Costa Rica: Summer Programs for Teens

First and foremost, the program is great enough that I’m sending my second child to attend a Costa Rica program in 2024. I would caution that you REALLY consider the program you are choosing. I know despite any cons my son experienced, he came back a more confident young man, which was beautiful. He had some extraordinary leaders that he will remember the rest of his life. He saw some pretty cool things. And the work service was Real Work- awesome! Having said that, my son experienced some difficulties… I wish I would have chosen a program with him instead of for him. The word adventure possibly attracts some rambunctious teens, I’m not sure.. but he had a good handful of obnoxious, questionable character teens in his group. It would have been an extraordinary experience perhaps in a different program. But life is like that, you never know… would I choose GLA for my son again- YES! And I’ve recommended it to many families! But if I could go back in time, I DEFINITELY would’ve included my son in the choice and chose another GLA program.

ecently had the pleasure of experiencing the GLA (Global Learning Adventures) program, and I must say, it exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I arrived, the staff went above and beyond to make my experience unforgettable. Their dedication and enthusiasm were evident, creating an atmosphere that set the stage for an incredible adventure.

The staff at GLA played a pivotal role in making the entire journey seamless and enjoyable. Their professionalism and warmth were evident from the initial orientation, where they provided comprehensive information about the program, to the daily activities where they offered guidance and support. It was evident that they were not just doing a job; they were genuinely passionate about the program and ensuring each participant had a transformative experience.

What truly stood out was the personalized attention the staff provided. Whether it was assisting with cultural nuances, explaining the significance of local traditions, or simply being a friendly face to turn to, the GLA staff created a sense of community that made me feel at home in a foreign land. Their expertise and commitment fostered an environment where I felt encouraged to step out of my comfort zone and embrace the full spectrum of the experience.

The program itself was a perfect blend of education, service, and adventure. GLA's carefully curated curriculum allowed me to not only learn about the local culture and environment but also actively contribute to community development projects. It was a hands-on approach that enriched my understanding and left a positive impact on the communities we engaged with.

One of the highlights of my time with GLA was the sheer enjoyment I derived from the activities. From exploring historical landmarks to participating in local festivities, every moment was filled with excitement and discovery. The program's balance between structured learning and leisure time allowed me to absorb the surroundings at my own pace, fostering a genuine connection with the destination.

Equally significant were the incredible people I met during my GLA experience. The diversity of participants added a dynamic element to the program, exposing me to different perspectives and forging lasting connections. Collaborating with like-minded individuals on service projects not only strengthened our bond but also highlighted the power of collective action in making a positive impact.

In conclusion, my time with GLA was nothing short of transformative. The exceptional staff, engaging activities, and the wonderful people I met along the way made it an adventure of a lifetime. This program not only broadened my horizons but also instilled a sense of responsibility and cultural appreciation that will stay with me for years to come. GLA has truly set the standard for immersive learning experiences, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a blend of education, service, and adventure in a global context.

GLA Costa Rica's Initiative for Children Program is nothing short of transformative. The seamless blend of cultural immersion, education, and community service creates an unparalleled experience for participants. Witnessing the joy on the faces of the children and the tangible improvements in their educational environments is heartening. What sets GLA apart is its commitment to sustainable development, ensuring that the positive changes endure long after the volunteers have departed. This program goes beyond traditional volunteerism; it cultivates global citizenship, instills leadership skills, and leaves a lasting legacy of empowerment. GLA Costa Rica has undoubtedly succeeded in not only rebuilding schools and providing resources but also in nurturing a generation of compassionate and informed global citizens who are inspired to create positive change in their communities and beyond.

My daughter just returned from the three-week coastal clean-up. She had a fantastic experience not only with the staff, and experts brought in to educate but most importantly with the other children that attended. The hotels were clean and the staff did laundry and provided good meals, even for my picky eater. Although she didn't know anyone ahead of time, several of them formed a tight bond. They've been keeping up, sharing pictures and memories for the last few weeks. And, we're already planning out next year with GLA.

My daughter attended the The Children's Initiative trip from June 26th to July 5th. She had an amazing time. She learned so much being immersed in the culture. She enjoyed participating in her program helping the children. She also made great friendship along the way. They also had so much fun going to the beach, hiking and zip lining. I must say the GLA team was amazing during the whole process from beginning to end. They were very accessible to answer my questions, and the wealth of information available on line about the programs and expectations was helpful. The mentors were kind, fun and knowledgable. The communication provided up until the day of the trip was impeccable. The blogs written by the participants almost daily accompanied by pictures helped to put my mind at ease. Additionally knowing that if I needed to get in touch with her emergently, I would be able to was also reassuring. I highly recommend GLA and I feel this is a well run program and my daughter hopes to participate again next summer.

I cannot even begin to express how much I loved Costa Rica. Though the housing isn't luxurious, it is not meant to be. This was an exciting and eye-opening experience for me. I was very lucky to have been with the most incredible group of people ever. We were a mix of different personalities, but we all got along well. We were also so lucky to have the best mentors ever. Gina, Sam, and Stef were unbelievably amazing and supportive throughout the entire trip. Everything we did was enjoyable. 10/10

My child went to Costa Rica last summer with GLA.
This is a good kid who has excellent grades and is home for curfew and does not use substances.
There were many kids caught drinking on her program, actually ON SITE. They stole alcohol from a store where they were taken shopping. This was the majority of the participants, and it was older boys who instigated and some were quite drunk.
My child was in the space but not drinking alcohol, and yet was punished with 3 other kids who were more actively participating, kicked off the program while many who were involved got to stay. I was literally contacted in the process of my child being carted off to a different location in a different country BY MY CHILD, not by any adult in the program.
THEN -- find out through that experience that there were kids drinking on other programs as well. No responsibility was taken that it was the ADULTS running the program that should have prevented this. My child wanted to have a conversation with the adult running the program about the experience -- never happened.
Terrible -- clearly these people have NO IDEA how to safely run a teen program, and how to model responsible behavior and communication.

My trip to Costa Rica was the best thing I could have done. The service aspect of the program was so incredible because not only were we actively helping out a community, but we were also learning about the environment. You make lifelong friends and experience things that you never forget. My experience built confidence, not only with travel but with making friends. The mentor groups at the end of the night were a great debrief of our day and helped to reflect on our service. The rooms we stayed in were great and beds were comfortable.