Program Reviews

This trip to Costa Rica gave me so many things that I would’ve never had without taking the leap to go. I was scared and nervous, but the other kids on my trip were too. We all got along super well from the beginning, and I still talk to all of them almost every day. The people I met in Costa Rica as well changed my life. They gave me perspective and changed my point of view on a lot of things and I am forever grateful. Most importantly, I had boatloads of fun and would recommend for anyone possibly interested in a health care profession. The communities you visit are so welcoming and really want to build relationships with you. The leaders were great too. I still keep in contact with some of them as well. This program gave me so much and I will never forget it.

I found out about Global Works Travel through research about summer travel programs and I'm so glad I did! Global Works provided me with a trip that was challenging and fun, and where I learned through first-hand experience. Although the seven hour layover in Houston followed by the flight to Costa Rica then being delayed for two more hours wasn't much fun, it did provide me more time to learn about my group mates, and pales in comparison to all the fun I had and the experience I gained on the rest of the trip. The adventures like white water rafting, zip lining and surfing on Playa Uvita may have been the most thrill inducing, but they are not what I remember most about the trip. I remember sitting outside on the porch of Poco Sol Biological station looking over the canopies of the cloud forest. I remember how excited and anxious the group was to meet their host families in the mountainous, breathtaking town of Cedral. I remember struggling to communicate with my host mom and dad and my two little sisters, but laughing about it later with my roommate. I remember getting mud and paint and cement powder on my shirt, but admiring the immense progress we had made later. Most of all, I remember each and every one of my group members and how much I miss them. The people I was with and our dynamic was truly special. While I can't speak for other groups, I can imagine that many other Global Works groups have experienced similar connections. My perceptions of people and places changed drastically throughout the trip and the knowledge and connections I have gained are priceless. The Spanish immersion aspect of the program drastically improved everyone's Spanish and provided and authentic view of Costa Rica many of us would not have experienced otherwise. The only advice I give is to live your trip to the fullest, and take time to appreciate where you are; don't rush through an experience this unique and special.

I had such an amazing time in Costa Rica, and I'm so glad that I chose Global Works as my travel buddy! For starters, I was pretty nervous leading up to the trip. I was worried about my how my language skills would fare in a community full of native speakers, I was anxious about all the new people I would be meeting, and I was hesitant about being away from home. However, the moment that I started talking with everyone at the airport, my fears and anxieties melted away. The next 15 days were the most fun I've had in possibly my whole life. It was amazing to get to know people from all different parts of the world and make connections with them while helping out a community in need. The relationships I made on the trip are ones that I will never forget. Also, the food was incredible!!! I would most definitely recommend a Global Works trip to anyone who wants to travel, experience a new culture, and have a ton of fun doing it!

My trip to the Fijian islands changed my perspective on life. Ever since this trip, I have found that the gift is truly in giving. Being in Fiji showed me that taking a brief step out of my comfort zone can be very beneficial, and having an optimistic mindset is always necessary.

Before traveling to Fiji I was very unsure of myself, I didn't know what to expect, so I had told my parents that I did not want to go. Upon arrival, I forced myself out of my comfort zone and began to make friends with some of the nicest people I have ever met. The counselors were amazing as well! Whether you were feeling homesick, or just wanted to talk, they were always there for us. I found myself feeling as if I was apart of a little family, and despite being away from my real family, I was never homesick. My best advice to the people attending this trip is to just be your full self, and you will always have fun.

Meeting the villagers was easily my favorite part of the trip. They made us feel at home and if we ever needed anything they were there for us. Staying in the village with the younger kids, was never a dull moment. Whether we were playing sports, dancing, singing, or just being free we all had an amazing time. Gaining a bond with the people of the Nativi Village is something I will never forget.

The week in Puerto Rico I experienced through Global Works was the best week and the best experience of my life. Going to a foreign country with people I didn't know and without my cellphone was a little bit intimidating to me, but the trip wouldn't have been nearly as memorable if I stayed in my comfort zone. After the first day, I felt at home. The counselors were amazing, they made everyone feel super comfortable and were so easy to hang out and talk with. I didn't know anyone going into the trip, but by the last day, it was like we had known each other all of our lives. We still talk and have a group chat months after the trip, and the fact that we all became such great friends in such a short amount of time just shows how close we all became on the trip. Although the hurricane really hurt Puerto Rico, one thing that never wavered was the pride Puerto Ricans had for their country. Everyone we met accepted us and were so happy to be able to share their country with us. We were able to help the house we were working on so much throughout the week and seeing the joy on Angel and Maria's faces, the owners of the house, made working so enjoyable as we were all so determined and happy to help them. After a hard day at work, we went back to the house we were staying at and went to the beach for a couple of hours and all ate dinner and played volleyball together. This sense of community is something that you can't fake, and I highly recommend this trip to anyone who wants to do something truly meaningful with new people from all over the country.

Describing this trip is nearly impossible. It changed me mentally and emotionally, and it is an experience I will never forget. Even now I look back on memories, photos, souvenirs, notes and drawings that I have kept from the trip, and can't fully take in how much the trip meant to me. Everyday, I had the opportunity to try new foods, see new flora and fauna, experience new things, and get closer with friends. A year ago, I would've never guessed that I'd get to raft through a jungle, sleep in bungalows, hold a baby turtle, and lay on the soft black sand beach of Parismina. Plus, working with Parismina Association for Sea Turtle Conservation (ASTOP) was a very gratifying and eye opening experience. Being able to look at a problem in the world, learn about it, and be able to even slightly contribute to the help of ending it is something every person should partake in. It changes your mindset on life. I can easily say I am lucky I got to experience that with Global Works. Their program succeeded in immersing us in Costa Rica culture and teaching us about it in very many different ways. Then we were able to take our knowledge and do something with, like in the service part of the trip, and when talking with Costa Rica natives, and then finally at home where we all grew as people.

This trip was easily one of the highlights of my life, it was breathtaking. I learned so much about the Galapagos Islands and how humans have impacted the islands. we explored forests mountains deserts. We learned about indigenous wildlife and invasive species. We learned how the animals found their way to the island and how they interact with each other. I met so many new people all from different places and with different back rounds and got along with everyone, everyone on the trip we all formed a bond together and realized how good of an opportunity we all had to be in such a beautiful location. Everything we did was something completely new and fun. one moment we'd be snorkeling in the ocean and what felt likes moments later we were on a life changing hike on a volcano. This trip really changed my life and I thank everyone I could share the experience with.

It's hard to put into words the fantastic experience I had during this trip. It was indeed one of the best weeks I ever had. I was a little bit nervous about going on this trip. I had been on missions trips before, but they were never outside the states. I was so glad to have had the people I was with during the week because it made the experience so much better. By the end, we became like one big family. Even though many live on the other side of the country, I still talk and text them every day. Not only were the people so much fun to hang out, but the work that we did for the community felt so rewarding. We filled a floor and a wall full of cement, and even though it was hard work, it was so worth it. I highly recommend this trip for anyone who loves to do hard work and love to meet people from all across the country.

This trip was truly a highlight of my life. This experience was beyond my wildest dreams. I never thought as a high school student that I would be allowed to shadow a doctor, nurse, secretary or even become a pharmacist! The hands on experiences and opportunities to learn were far from how I imagined they would go. I have also never felt so confident in my spanish speaking abilities. I took Spanish classes in school and an additional program during a lunch period a week since I was in second grade. I have also taken 3 high school level Spanish classes as a rising junior in high school. This was the first time in my life that I had such an immersive Spanish speaking presence, between the doctors, patients, staff of establishments we visited, and our host families. Still somehow my favorite part of the trip were the people on it with me. I have met the most outstanding, brilliant, hilarious, and kind hearted people possibly ever. I absolutely loved our group dynamic. I know I have made friends for life. Additionally, the group leaders were always ready to help us with whatever we needed. They were trustworthy, reliable, and so sweet. They each offered and taught us new ideas and viewpoints, and guided us through a different style of life than we are used to. They served not only as leaders, teachers, counselors, and first in line of contact, but as friends.

During my time in Peru, I was able to fully immerse myself in the culture and take away from all the amazing opportunities the country had to offer. Every day was a new adventure where we met new people, tried new foods and created lasting memories. With the work we did, we got to see the first hand the effects we had on the communities and schools. From learning to make adobe bricks, to working alongside villagers in the mountains of Kajillarakay, we were able to see the true extent of our capabilities when working towards a goal. Throughout the trip we continued to bond and build relationships with each other. During our homestays, we got to practice our Spanish with our welcoming families and create lasting connections with them. They took us under their wing as their own, showing us how to cook Peruvian dishes and telling us about their lives. Every moment spent in Peru was one to remember, as we all have taken so much away from this once in a lifetime experience. The trip leaders were amazing, always there to talk to me when I needed help. It was nearly impossible to feel homesick as we were constantly chatting and having fun as a group. From the memorable bus rides of singing and playing the ukulele to hiking up to the famous ruins of Machu Picchu, our adventure in Peru could not have been better. The two weeks flew by way too fast, and by the end, our goodbyes felt impossible. The hardest part was accepting that for many of us, we would go from seeing each other everyday to not at all. I know we all can agree that our trip with Global Works was definitely one for the books, and a time none of us will every forget. We were so lucky to be able to have had this experience and hopefully encourage others to embark on adventures of their own with Global Works. I cannot thank Global Works enough for the impact this trip has had on me and all the memorable bonds and irreplaceable friends I have made!