Costa Rica Summer High School Leadership Program

During my trip to Costa Rica I got the chance to learn more about the history of the country and some of the issues that it has faced, this trip helped me grow by showing me the things I should and shouldn’t be doing to make the world a better place. Growing up I struggled with socializing and using my voice after going on this trip I now know the power that one voice can hold and it inspired me to use my own. One of the things that helped me the most was not having my phone on this trip and while it sounds bad at first it really isn’t that bad, not having my phone had a huge impact on me, a positive one of course because it helped me interact with other students in my group. Not only did not having my phone help me come out of my comfort zone but so did being leader of the day because it taught me that leading a group is a huge responsibility but you also don’t always have to do it alone because you can work with your group. While you are on this trip you are learning about the country you are in and working on your community action project you also get the time to socialize and meet new people from different backgrounds which is something great of you are looking to bring yourself outside your comfort zone and also great if you enjoy socializing. This trip definitely helped me realize that we need to take more care of the world and that we shouldn’t be taking things for granted. Overall my experience with Global Glimpse was amazing and I would do it again if I had the chance to, and while you have the opportunity you should do it too.

When I was first nominated for global Glimpse I had no idea what it was and why I was nominated. Getting accepted into this program was excited as going internationally without my parents made me nervous, but I was excited to explore, learn, meet new people, and grow as an individual. Especially not having a phone for 2 weeks(which was the longest I had ever gone without one)was not a struggle for me and helped me focus and connect with my peers/activities. One moment during the trip which was community day where we got to spend the day with local families. They were so welcoming and patient with us, especially the food which was delicious. They even taught us how to make empinadas and eat them of course. Even not knowing spanish we were still able to have conversations and had a good time. During my time in Costa Rica after seeing how the locals live and work, especially food production and sustanability has taught me how we have so much and tend not to pay attention where our food and resources come from. Towards the end of the trip with our final reflection which was bittersweet for everyone especially only knowing people for 2 weeks. I still considered my peers family because they were always so supportive, always there for me, supporting me, and of course all the laughs and funny pictures/videos we took. This trip was definently something I don't regret and will remember forever.

This program provided a unique opportunity for me to immerse myself in a new environment and allowed me to step out of my comfort zone. This was an invaluable experience that shaped my perspective and instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility. It challenged me to become a genuine leader, one who understands the power of empathy and the ability to inspire others. After this trip, I learned the importance of connection, transcending boundaries, and creating positive change. I really enjoyed the community service I did in Costa Rica which was to help build a cafeteria for a local school. I will never forget the relationships I created with the students there. This was a life changing experience.

Global glimpse is a program that allows aspiring young teens to learn about the world’s history and culture through a series of interactive workshops that allows you to explore new topics and create a unique perspective on how the world’s most diverse communities can benefit from your unique experience through a collaborative approach as a whole community which allows you to through a different lens.
During my global glimpse trip I got the opportunity to visit Costa Rica and explore the country with my new friends that I got to meet on this trip and we were all able to take away the most beautiful treasures in the country to the most challenging parts Costa Rica has to endure. All together we got to experience what it was like to be apart of their world and was able to get a different perspective on what it was like in Costa Rica. We then were able to endure knowledge about helping the community of the country through figuring out a sustainable solution to the problems Costa Rica had faced and were able to help Costa Rica long term to achieve its objectives in the future without having to worry about the problems in the future.
I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is interested in the history of the world and is willing to learn, share, and help others in their journey through it all. With that being said with global glimpse you will be able to take in the knowledge of the community and help others long term in the process.

"Want to travel for cheap?" I read along the lines of a Global Glimpse poster, plastered on a wall. Six months later, I was 3,000 miles away from home, enjoying life to its fullest. At first, you don't know what you are getting yourself into. In sincere honesty, it was pretty scary to take the big step onto a trip to a Latin American country that I've heard very little of. I was fortunate enough to be liable for a scholarship, only paying $600 instead of the original price of $5,000. Everyone on my trip received different kinds of scholarships which meant that no one on my trip had to pay the default price of $5,000, making this experience more affordable. This trip has been my most memorable experience of this whole year by far. Traveling to the greenest country in the world has been a lifetime opportunity that I desire more high school students would know of. The culture, the scenery, the people, and the nature of Costa Rica, filled my heart with pure joy.

I'm an introverted guy that usually keeps to myself. Having our cell phones confiscated, opened the doors for everyone to communicate with ease, making it easy to make friends and great connections. I cannot emphasize enough the exceptional experience our group had in Turrialba. This trip is an excellent opportunity to travel, leave your comfort zone, network, explore, and expand your knowledge. My only advice would be to keep an open mind and heart if you are attending this trip, in order to be satisfied as much as my group did.

As a junior in high school, I had the opportunity to travel outside of the country, by myself for the first time with Global Glimpse! Global Glimpse is such a good organization to be a part of because not only does it prepare you with so much time, but they are very organized. My time in Costa Rica felt like a dream that I didn't want to end. I made so many friends and got to know everyone throughout the 2 weeks we spent there. Something my parents were worried about was that I wouldn't be allowed to use my phone, but honestly not having my phone was the best decision. Global Glimpse made sure that I was in contact with my parents by allowing the program coordinators to set up 3 calls throughout my time there. My parents were also in touch with a blog post that was posted every day reviewing everything we did there. My Global Glimpse leaders (Guillermo and Fabiana) and Program coordinators (Denise and Rosario) also took many pictures and videos and share them with the family members! Another note is that I felt so cared about by the staff there. The food was terrific and when I had an upset stomach around halfway through the trip, the cooks made sure I was hydrated and had the right food. One of the program coordinators, Fabiana (shout out to you!) massaged my arms as they were a bit swollen, and a couple of hours after, I felt ready to go! This trip definitely isn't easy because you need to be willing to step out of your comfort zone, but it is one of the most rewarding experiences ever. It demonstrates to you what being a leader really means and how building strong connections is so important. If you want to get to know a new country alongside others with the same goal this trip is right for you!