Program Reviews

Before we had even left, I was making plans to return with a new (and now best) friend of mine. I think that says something about how much fun we had. I chose this trip because I love travelling and wanted to explore a new place, I have an interest in the medical field, and as an avid photographer I thought Costa Rica would be a wonderful place to use these skills. This trip satisfied all of my expectations, and even exceeded them. Our group leaders were extremely fun and approachable, and they led us through some cool places and informative programs. Whether you enjoy the forest, mountains, or the beach, this trip has something for everyone. I learned skills that I am glad to know; my group members and I are now CPR certified and Wilderness First Aid certified, and it was so much fun learning these skills in a hands-on way, through practicing with dummies and even ourselves (fake injuries, of course). I've never been on a trip that was created and arranged for me through an organization (and I was hesitant, at first), and I must say that my amazing experience convinced me to try it again! Thank you, Global Works, for this incredible adventure.

This trip was my favorite trip with global works so far!! The people and councilors created a extremely comfortable and fun environment that was the perfect mix of service acts and other fun activities. The food was amazing at all the places we stayed and our host families made us feel like we were really members of the family! The trip helped me gain a more global perspective and new experiences I could never get in my community. Overall I would highly recommend students to try this adventure!!

I met a lot of new interesting people and quickly got immersed in Spanish culture including Spanish customs, food and the language. It’s a great opportunity to broaden your horizons in beautiful new locations. You grow so much and Learn so much about yourself. I’ll cherish my memories of the trip for a long time and would highly recommend it. You’ll fall in love with Spain in this trip. You work hard and learn how to thrive with others. I met so many cool people on this trip I won’t soon forget.

Bula! My name is Avery Martin and I had the opportunity to go to Fiji this summer with Global Works Travel. The experience was incredible and each day I wish I could go back. One of my favorite parts of the trip was the cultural immersion. We were able to stay with the people of the Namara village. The Fijians in this village became like family and welcomed me into their homes with open arms. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who wants to be pushed outside their comfort zone, experience once in lifetime opportunities, and be immersed fully in a culture outside their own. I want to thank everyone at Global Works Travel for making my experience so memorable.

I think Global Works does an amazing job connecting the kids with the community. My 2 kids (14 and 16) had fantastic homestay experiences and both of them still connect with their Costa Rica families every week, which has been a super cool experience.

I think global works is safe while at the same time creating some really great opportunities for kids to explore and challenge themselves. For example, the kids had the opportunity to attend a local city soccer team game and then ended up getting to play the city champions in an impromptu game which was a really neat experience. I also think it is good to really know that the kids really work hard for the community service - they are digging ditches, pouring concrete and clearing paths.

I think the big differentiator for Global Works is their connections with the community and providing an experience for kids to engage with groups of people that they would not have the opportunity to engage with on a more traditional tour - that connection is pretty special and results in some amazing opportunities. So, combine that with hard work and opportunities to explore the rainforest, zipline, and surf and it definitely is a unique experience.

My 16 yo joined this program in 2022. He was reluctant but we were all so relieved and happy that he did it. He connected with teens from far flung places and valued the camaraderie and support from the leaders. He was proud of his building accomplishments and thankfully he acquired some Spanish along the way. He even read a few Hemingway books, under the night skies. After he returned, he shared amazing stories and has stayed in touch with kids across states and continents. The No screen policy was also a welcome change!

I spent 2 weeks in Costa Rica in the summer 2022. We were a pretty small group of teenagers around the same age, which was a great way to get to know everyone and make friends. We experienced very diverse activities: community service (working with rangers on trails maintenance, participating in local activities) but also surf and meeting with the local community. We even could spend a few night at a families’ house (by groups of 2), to help us do some progress in Spanish but also understand better the culture and day to day life.
I would recommend 100%!

My 15 year old daughter just returned from her trip with Global Works to Peru. She had an amazing time. The trip was incredibly well organized by Global Works; from the communication before the trip which included a video call with everyone on the trip, to detailed packing guides and daily plans. Once in Peru, everything ran smoothly - even when immigration at the airport took so long that a flight from Lima to Cusco was missed. Global Works was able to quickly arrange travel for the entire group on another flight. The guides on the ground were helpful and knowledgable and my daughter's host family was warm and inviting. In her own words, the service part of the trip was real work but also really rewarding, visiting the markets and practicing Spanish was a lot of fun, but Machu Picchu was the best! Along with a great experience, my daughter has also come home with a number of new friends that she's keeping in touch with and already planning to meet with again. We chose Global Works based on the great reviews we read - and our expectations were exceeded!

It’s safe to say that this trip was certainly a once-in-a-lifetime experience! I had no clue what to expect when I first arrived. I could tell each and every one of us was excited and nervous, which made it so easy to meet each other and form friendships. Our trip leaders were incredible; helping us adjust, leading us through the day, and always being there if we had questions or needed help. I was lucky to go on a trip with such an amazing group of kids. I met people from all around who shared my interests and were open-minded to getting to know everyone and creating long-lasting relationships. The service was an eye-opening experience. I was touched by the sense of community and love the people who I met valued so much. It was clear how hard they worked, not only to rebuild their own houses but others as well. We enjoyed working as one big group. There was always something to do and help out with, and it felt good to know that the people we worked with truly appreciated our help. The service was an integral and unforgettable part of the trip, but so were the other countless activities and late nights we spent together. Kayaking in the bioluminescent bay was so fun, and an amazing way to end our trip. Our trips to the beaches every day led to a lot of laughs and memories. The nights we spent in the Big Yellow House are something that I will always remember! We had a bake-off, played countless games, volleyball, and lounged around listening to music. You could always find someone to talk to and something to do. We took a dance class, had a karaoke night, and spent one night learning about the culture of Puerto Rico. My trip was so enriching and fun, and I am so grateful I got to experience it with incredible people. I would definitely recommend this trip, or any trip Global Works offers, to anyone who wants to meet new people, learn about cultures, and spend an amazing time somewhere new!

I had never traveled somewhere without my parents before. I was nervous to say the least. Global Works welcomed in our group with open arms and I feel as if everyone was able to have a great experience from there. Making concrete for houses was awesome because you get to know the other people who you are working with. It was also satisfying to see that we were making differences in people's lives. The experiences outside of service were also really cool and stuff you wouldn't see just sitting at home.