Global Works

Program Reviews

Tawnya
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

OUTSTANDING EXPERIENCE FOR MY 14-YEAR-OLD

This was my teen's first experience in Puerto Rico and working with a community in an unfamiliar culture on joint problem solving and solutions. Their focus was hurricane resilience in the built environment, and the access to the homes and hospitality of the intergenerational families the group worked with could not have been better planned and framed. It was just the right mix of being outside the comfort zone and being supported. Loved the friendship building between kids of different ages and backgrounds within the program, as well. Global Works is super organized and really well run. The trip leaders are extremely well chosen, exactly the kind of influencers and experience-facilitators we all want our kids exposed to.

Iva
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

AMAZING

I had an incredible experience with Global Works this past summer, and I couldn’t have asked for better group leaders. Pablo, Teresa, and Penny were phenomenal – their dedication, energy, and support truly made our time memorable and impactful. From day one, they encouraged us to step out of our comfort zones and engage fully with the local community. Their passion for the work and genuine interest in each participant’s growth inspired all of us.

I especially loved our time in Amayuelas de Abajo, Spain, where we worked on eco-friendly projects that allowed us to connect deeply with sustainable practices and the people in the community. Later, volunteering at Fundación Escuela de la Solidaridad (FES) in Granada was another highlight. Supporting marginalized communities there, from helping in educational programs to working on construction projects, was eye-opening. It was deeply fulfilling to contribute to programs focused on education, housing, and social reintegration, and I felt like we made a real difference.

Beyond the hard work, the leaders ensured we enjoyed the local culture and had time for self-reflection, making the experience balanced and transformative. Overall, this program allowed me to grow personally and provided meaningful ways to contribute. Highly recommend Global Works and this incredible team!

Klaire
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The BEST program for teens

Participating in this Global Works program provided my daughter with an incredible cultural and service experience. The blend of service work, exploration, local experiences and language learning is incredible. The Global Works team has designed the right balance. International travel isn’t always smooth but with the GW team by your side helping navigate any hiccups you realize what an experienced team they are! I highly recommend if you’re considering international travel experiences for your teen choose Global Works, you won’t be disappointed!!

Ian
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Summer Ever

I'd like to start by thanking my two counselors for making this camp a unique experience and for always helping me and my friends with any problem we had. Costa Rica is a wonderful country with so many interesting things to do such as rafting and surfing, which made this trip even more amusing.
All the places we went to are beautiful and amazing in so many different aspects and the places where we stayed were enough for the little time we spent there. I enjoyed every single part of the trip because after three weeks we were able to form a wonderful group of friends and we did not even think about using our phones.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be prepared for all the rice and beans.
Francesco
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Costa Rica

Going into the trip was very nerve racking until I was introduced to Javier, Rebecca, and Luke. The Costa Rican trip was absolutely mind blowing from the beautiful landscapes and wildlife to the culture of all the places we stayed at. While I was there it gave me a sense of gratitude and a way to see different parts of the world most people will never get too experience. I recommend Global Works too everyone who asks about it and would plan on going on trips until my final years of high school.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice to future travelers is to come in with an open and social mind so you can maximize your experience
Pros
  • Food
  • Community
  • Nature
Cons
  • Humidity
Carlos
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Costa Rica

It was great trip, great support from counselors and all the activities were fun and engaging. We saw many beautiful animals, and the scenery was always great. It was nice weather, great support, good friendships and an amazing time overall. The white water rafting was supper fun, everything always feels new and engaging but it’s easy to tell just how much work was put into making it such a great experience. There so much to do, so much to see, and I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone thinking about it.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
We saw animals next to one of our houses all the time, from raccoons to beautiful macaws.
Nola
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Spain Trip

My trip to Spain through GlobalWorks was my first abroad program and trip to Europe ever. This was one of my favorite experiences. I made so many connections all across the country (and outside the country!) and connected with community members at the places we stayed at. I felt safe and had such a blast. Along with the people, the views were absolutely amazing. Visiting the beaches and castles were some of the most beautiful things I’ve seen. I totally recommend traveling through GlobalWorks if you have the opportunity!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice to people joining this program is to connect and talk with community members as much as possible. If you like to, there are many opportunities to play with kids and talk to adults about their experiences. Definitely try to get to know your group members and group leaders because it will make your experience so much better!
Pros
  • Beautiful views
  • Meet new people
  • Try new things
Cons
  • It was really hot but that’s to be expected during summer in Spain
Aliza
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Experience

This was a great trip! I especially enjoyed making new friends, meeting people living there, and living in different communities. It was very fun and an awesome trip. The counselors were all amazing and super nice and no part of the trip was boring! We ate great food and went to two different communities that focused on immigration and sustainability. We did service at both and lived at both for 3-5 days of the trip which was very interesting and different but super fun! Even when we didn’t have a specific planned activity, when I would usually go on my phone, we instead went outside and hung out with each other!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
I went into this experience alone, with no previous friends but made great ones during the trip that I am still in contact with.
Allisson
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An unforgettable adventure.

Being part of the volunteer program during this year was a very unique and unforgettable experiences . We visited very beautiful places in Costa Rica, doing activities such as rafting, surfing and many more. Every day was an adventure full of new things, moments full of laughter and jokes, very delicious meals.
During the volunteering I met very kind people, who became my friends. I got to know many very beautiful places, full of flora and fauna such as turtles in their habitat.
I would like to invite you to be part of the program and get to know my beautiful country, Costa Rica.

What was your funniest moment?
One of the most fun moments was the games after dinner, in which we had a lot of fun with our jokes.
Pros
  • Unique experience
  • Make new friends
  • Beautiful places and people
Cons
  • minimal contact with my family Y
Ellie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Best Trip of My Life

I had the opportunity to go on the Pre-Med trip to Costa Rica last summer and had a great time. The experience taught me about the incredible culture of Costa Rica and key medical skills that I will use later in life.

The trip has many highlights such as white water rafting, ziplining, surfing, and more! You also get to try unique foods and learn about the medical system in Costa Rica.

My favorite part of the whole trip was the in-clinic experience. As someone interested in medicine, this was a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the field. I interacted with patients and learned about how to test blood sugar, give shots, and fill prescriptions. Additionally, my Spanish skills improved significantly through daily interactions with patients and healthcare professionals. You even get 45 hours of service just by learning!

Overall, this trip to beautiful Costa Rica was an incredible experience. It allowed me to learn more, gain practical experience, and make memories. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone interested in pursuing a career in medicine or simply experiencing the beauty of Costa Rica.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice to future travelers on this program is to try everything. You are going to get many opportunities to do things that you might be scared of or something that you might not want to do, but remember that you are safe and that the leaders have your back. The leaders are incredible and are here for you during the entirety of the experience.
Pros
  • Hands on medical experiance
  • Experience unique activities such as white water rafting, ziplining, surfing, and more!
  • Gain Spanish speaking experience and knowlage about a new country
Cons
  • Difficult to have a satisfying and protein full meal for vegetarians