Meaningful Service + Magical Adventures in Tanzania

I could talk forever about my three weeks in Tanzania, but in short, it was an incredible and deeply meaningful trip. The volunteer work I did in the Kilimanjaro region––teaching 4th grade Swahili-speaking students English and doing basic renovation/tree-planting projects around the primary school––was challenging and meaningful without being overly grueling, and I do feel that as a group we made a difference in the short time we spent with our students.

The "excursions" that GLA specializes in were truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Not only did we get to go on a traditional safari in some of Africa's most famous and most wildlife-dense environments (the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park), we also spent a weekend living with a native Maasai tribe out in the savannah. I am SO grateful to have been able to experience the complex Maasai culture and way of life, as they have been living for centuries, so authentically; dancing around the campfire with the warriors, women, and children of this tribe into the late hours of the night remains one of my most treasured experiences EVER.

The inclusion in the local community, support from GLA staff, and total safety that I felt at all times during my trip made this experience not only deeply eye-opening, but also 100% enriching. I would recommend this trip to ALL teens interested in world travel and meaningful community service.