Fiji: Ridge to Reef Service Adventure Program for Teens

My experience is something I wouldn't want to trade for the world. I experienced the best moments where I was able to become carefree and happy. It wasn't just fun through doing fun activites like swimming or traveling, but I made the most of my time by learning and serving others. Although it was incredible meeting all sorts of people from all over. I'm from New Jersey and I was able to meet people from the California, China, and much more. Creating friendships that although may be limited transcend the little island that we resided. Learning from experiences that teach me to become happy, selfless, and better. To this day I'm still inspired and remincise about those days when worry was gone and freedom to express was very much a thing that wasne't judge. I still dream about swimming in the crystal ocean and the dark caves among the fish.

I am so happy that my daughter and I found GLA. It has helped her grow as a person and a global citizen. I am proud of the person she has developed into. The safety and security that I feel her being there helps me as a parent know she is growing and developing. I have had other parents tell me stories about their children's trips through other programs and I am so happy that my child has gone on GLA.

I've traveled twice with global leadership adventures and had amazing life experiences and unforgettable adventures met new people and learned so much about the world. Last summer, I traveled with Global Leadership Adventures to the islands of Fiji for three weeks and had a fantastic experience. I made strong relationships with the people on my trip, learned so much about the culture and the language, experienced new foods, went on several unforgettable adventures, and learned a lot about myself and who I want to be. GLA has led me to some of the best experiences in my life and I never want the adventuring to end. They have taught me how to be a part of a community I don't belong to and to help everyone who needs it in a respectful manner. GLA has developed me into the person I am and has helped me idealize who I want to be in my future. I don't know what my life would be like without Global Leadership Adventures and the amazing trip I went on in Fiji.

Traveling to another country all by yourself the scariest thing at first, but trust me it's not. Going to Fiji this summer was the single best thing that could have happen to me. I learned so much things about myself that I never could have imagined. When being put in so many situations that put me out of my comfort zone challenged me and also helped me grow for the better. You wouldn't believe the friends you make and how quickly you all come to be family. Being with these people for three weeks straight while sharing so many memories is so touching, I never wanted to leave them. We spent most of our trip on the island of Naviti, there we stayed at a small resort and traveled by boat to the village. When going into the village we were welcomed with open arms by the locals, constantly playing with the young kids and enjoying the delicious food the women graciously made for us. Volunteer work ranged from teaching english, to helping build rain water tanks, and preserving marine wildlife. Although the work was the most rewarding, adventures of the island were just as breath taking. We would climb the volcanic terrain as well as swam along the reef and jumped off the dive tower into the crystal blue water. There was never a dull moment there, especially with such friendly staff who loved to play volleyball with us. If you are considering going on a service trip I would forever recommend it, even if you don't know anyone cuz we are all in the same boat there. I couldn't imagine anyone not having the time of their life on this trip, it truly was extraordinary.

This past summer I traveled to Fiji for three weeks with Global Leadership Adventures and I can honestly say it was the best experience I have ever had. Every new place we went we were greeted with the warmest welcomes and friendliest smiles I had ever seen in my life. The program director, mentors, and local staff were so incredibly helpful, supportive, intelligent, and fun. The food and housing were always great. The balance between service and adventure was awesome, we worked for long hours in the villages on a variety of projects but it was always fun. When we got back we had free time to jump in the ocean or hang out in a hammock. The excursions to see stingrays and the long mountain hikes were incredible. And the nightly meeting where we talked about leadership and our views on the world were so engaging and informative. While I was there I also became best friends with the other students on the trip, and since then have flown across the country to visit them. Everyone was so welcoming and nobody was left out, we all had so much fun together. My time in Fiji was without a doubt be the best experience I have had to date, and I know when I came home I was a changed person. I expanded my horizons and immersed myself into a new culture. I gained new knowledge of people around the world, and new insight into the vast world that is out there. My trip challenged me, it pushed me and tired me out but at the end of the day it proved to be so incredibly rewarding. I recommend this program so much to anyone who wants to do service in another country and expand their horizons. The spirit of the country was indescribable, one of the best things I have experienced in my life. The GLA staff did an amazing job organizing this and I'm so happy I was lucky enough to be a part of it!

Last summer my seventeen year old daughter went with Global Leadership Adventures to Fiji. I was not very thrilled about the idea of my daughter going halfway across the world. After researching the program and speaking with a member of GLA I was more open to the idea. Immediately upon her arrival she was able to call and check in and GLA was very good about keeping parents updated with the well being of their children. Everyday there was a post about what the kids did and how they were doing. It really is like the Peace Corps for teenagers. When I picked my daughter up from the airport I realized that my little girl had grown up from this program. Her brother is very excited to jump into the program as soon as he can. I am much more relaxed about him going on the trip now knowing what an incredible and safe program it is. I am extremely proud of my daughter and all the hard work that she did in Fiji. She will take this incredible experience with her for the rest of her life.

Words can't describe how special this program is. You get to swim with manta rays, see islands stretch for miles, laugh and play games with some of the greatest kids you'll meet, and create friendships that will last a lifetime. I thought this was the perfect amount of freedom mixed with 100% adult assistance for high schoolers. I also loved that this wasn't just a vacation, it was a chance to make a difference. I would not change this trip for anything and I will remember it for the rest of my life.