Global Leadership Adventures (GLA)

I participated in the GLA beachside service adventure program in Costa Rica this summer. To say the least, this was one of the most impactful experiences I have ever taken part in and I am so grateful I was able to take part in this trip. The way that GLA runs their programs gives students a perfect chance to learn about the local culture while connecting them with impactful service opportunities. I took part in working with GEA a nonprofit fighting to protect the environment and as a result I have become so passionate about protecting our natural world.

I recommend traveling to Thailand through GLA. It was very well planned and I enjoyed all the activities with the wonderful people! The markets and temples were so intriguing. I liked learning about the food, culture, and Buddhism. Seeing the elephants up close was an awe-inspiring experience. The cooking class was a highlight of my trip! I loved meeting students from other countries—Thai students and other GLA kids. Everyone was really fond of traveling and learning more about the world. The food was delicious and the drinks too. We had a lot of fun during the van rides and hanging out in the evenings. I liked seeing the waterfalls and practicing leadership by teaching in local schools.

Going to the Dominican was my second GLA trip and one of my favorite trips I’ve ever done. While I’m not pursuing them in a career or in university, I’m passionate about medical care and Latin American studies. It was extremely helpful to immerse myself in the culture and service work, and I’d recommend a program like this to high school and upcoming university students to explore study and job possibilities, or just expand their understanding of their options. I have awesome memories of the trip and have amazing new friends. I’m so glad to have met some locals, mentors, and students who will either always be on my mind or who I will never stop reaching out to. I have a feeling I will have an amazing network of future nurses, doctors, nomads and leaders of world change from the people I met. I will always value the fun memories, experience, perspective, challenges, and mostly the friends I gained from this experience. I would absolutely recommend it.

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!