GLA Blog » Thoughts on International Education

The purpose of this newsletter is NOT to inspire guilt. It’s actually to share some exciting recent statistics about what your son or daughter’s generation is doing to help their neighbors near and far.

Perhaps you’ve heard this great Yiddish saying: If you and all your neighbors lay all of your problems on your respective front lawns, you’d look them all over, and end up taking back your own.

Well, with our lives becoming increasingly more interconnected via search engines, Skype and social media, suddenly our neighbors are not just the ones three houses down; they’re in Egypt, Mexico and India. Some of the problems out on the front lawns of these neighbors might include:

• Lack of basic plumbing or clean water

• Limited access to education and resources

• Environmental threats

According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics study, Volunteering in the United States, 2011, U.S. teens ages 16 to 19 are more likely than any other age group under the age of 35 to have volunteered in the past year. These teens are statistically less likely to become pregnant or use drugs, and are more likely to have a strong work ethic and to vote.

Click here to watch a brief video of teens volunteering in India and having the time of their lives.

If your teen isn’t already in this distinguished category, this summer could be the perfect time to get their feet wet with a life-changing volunteer program abroad.

If you’d like to find out more, simply reply to this email or call: 1.858.771.06455. We would love to hear from you!

In a recent piece called “How Our Digital Devices Are Affecting Our Personal Relationships” on Boston’s WBUR-Boston’s radio series, Digital Lives, Iris Adler reports on one family’s weekly “Sabbath” from the digital world. The Powers family allows no smartphones, video games or computers from Friday night through Sunday night. That’s right. Nothing. Digital. Whatsoever. Could you attempt a Digital Sabbath in your family? Why would you even want to?

Beyond creating more “quality” family time, the challenge no doubt has broader benefits for the Powers’ 15-year-old son, William. Teens, as you’re probably well aware, log about 7.5 hours per day using some form of media outside of school, and every human interaction they have is shaped by this digitization. However, life still calls upon us in key moments to communicate the old fashioned way, with eye contact and verbal exchanges in complete sentences.  It may seem like a lost art, or one that’s getting lost, but it’s an art that brings families closer together and separates leaders from the rest of the pack.

If a weekly break from the online world sounds a bit extreme, look for periodic, significant opportunities to unplug. It could allow your son or daughter to see the world in a way that we adults did for much of our lives pre-iPhone, and maybe sometimes take for granted now.

At the end of the day, parents have more influence than they may think when it comes to sparking leadership in their kids. Whether it’s volunteering at a local shelter to set an example, structuring your home life in unconventional ways, or sending your teenager to a new corner of the globe to broaden their worldview, much begins with you.

For many teenagers, high school is mostly about getting great at video games, attending dances and football games, hanging out with friends and managing acne — oh, and making sure that darned GPA doesn’t jeopardize all the fun plans for college. Yet for high school students who expect more of themselves and look for more substantial rewards from these pivotal years, volunteering for an international community service trip during a break offers a remarkable opportunity to gain unforgettable firsthand experience living and working in a non-Western culture.

In fact, high school may be the very best time to volunteer abroad and experience world travel. It’s a singular time of life, when people aren’t hampered by the need to take leave from a job, stay current on monthly bills or ensure they don’t fall behind in other areas of life.

High school summer programs that allow students to travel and volunteer internationally can provide insights and experience that may not be available through any other type of experience, and this exposure may be especially beneficial for ambitious high-school teens interested in exploring careers that center on public service and global relations for work in politics or business. Employers will no doubt take note of a candidate whose resume includes living in an authentic, non-tourist community in the developing world. Such an accomplishment can distinguish someone as having the following marketable traits:

• Demonstrated commitment: People who are truly passionate about global issues, human rights and service find a way to get involved. In other words, tackling major world issues requires far more than lip service. If you’ve been there and have the stories to prove it, you’re a stronger candidate than your peers who haven’t, particularly for employers who seek self-motivated and enthusiastic people with strong leadership potential.

• Firsthand experience: Knowledge collected from personal involvement is credible and convincing. Instead of relying on someone else’s perspective and bias, direct experience gives you the facts and familiarity to draw upon when you interpret world events and global issues. Firsthand experience also fosters conviction, which improves your ability to persuade and motivate others.

• Desirable character traits: Living far away from family, friends and your comfort zone to seek an understanding of another culture requires a certain level of confidence and open-mindedness. It also sharpens your self-awareness. Employers look for these elusive traits in new employees; they’re the attributes that no one can train for. That’s why, in many cases, proof of a person’s motivation to make a difference and an inclination to embrace learning opportunities are even more important than basic job skills for employers.

• Valuable perspective: Gaining exposure to the day-to-day lives of people living in a community and culture significantly different from your own is remarkable and rare. For students seeking a career that centers on language skills, global relations, international policy and diversity, volunteer service work abroad may be the resume item that provides the no-contest edge over other candidates. It may help a person land the job to get a foot in the door and then stay on an upward path of professional growth.

• Other perks of cultural immersion: Aside from helping students learn the colloquial language of another culture, high school volunteer abroad programs can facilitate a strong network of global contacts and like-minded peers. The experience also provides great training in leadership and resourcefulness, arguably among the most powerful tools in the modern business world. Encourage your teen to embrace everything about volunteering abroad in high school — from the chore of packing and airplane security to the foods he eats and the people she meets.

All in all, exposure to the challenges and advantages of life in other cultures can prepare people for successful careers — in every industry and line of work, including business, education, public service and environmentalism. But, of course, success means different things to different people; it’s defined by a person’s values and interests. Some people seek big money and prestige; others care more about professional freedom and flexibility. No matter what life goal teens have begun constructing, travelling internationally as part of a high school volunteer abroad program can help move them closer to achieving those goals by expanding their perspective and making them more aware of their own passions and priorities.

When your teenager comes to you with a desire to embark on an overseas volunteering program, your reaction may be a mixture of enthusiasm, pride and concern. Although local volunteering can be an eye-opening experience, a volunteer trip abroad can be even more exciting and rewarding for a young person interested in pursuing positive social change and making a difference in the lives of others.

Yet an extended international-travel opportunity for your teenager may also raise a host of questions and concerns As a parent, you may consider safety and security to be crucial issues, whereas your teenager may be chiefly concerned about sleeping arrangements and food. So finding a volunteer organization that will provide both a stable and secure environment and a positive learning experience for your high schooler is a major decision.

Global Leadership Adventures (GLA) has led volunteer and educational excursions throughout the world, providing high school students from more than 50 countries with opportunities to serve communities, interact with local leaders, and sightsee within the countries they partner with.

Asking the right questions

You’ll need to get answers to many questions before you and your teen make a final decision on if and how to volunteer abroad. The process of seeking those answers and finding out what’s involved with an international service trip can go a long way toward easing fears and ensuring that your son or daughter has an enriching experience.

If your teen doesn’t have much volunteering experience, then committing to an overseas trip may be an overly ambitious leap. Encouraging him or her to do some local volunteering is a good place to begin. Consider getting a first taste of volunteer work at a hospital, nonprofit, animal shelter or community outreach program.

If your teen already has some volunteering experience and wants to take high school community service to the next level, then it’s time to find out what he or she has in mind. Ask specific questions, such as the following:

• How long a trip are you interested in?

• How far are you willing to travel?

• Do you have any specific language interests?

• What kinds of work are you interested in doing?

The possibilities are broad and your teen’s interests and skills will narrow down which options to take.

Assessing programs

A range of different high school volunteer abroad programs are available. As with any major life decision, you just want to be sure that you do your research and find a program that meets the needs of your student and your family.

The GLA program has earned a solid reputation for its high-quality experiences, and testimonials submitted by past participants in the teen volunteer summer program attest to GLA’s standing as a responsible, trustworthy organization. We strive to instill respect and responsibility in volunteers to ensure sensitivity for the cultures and societies they interact with.

Considering the benefits of volunteer service

A high school volunteer service trip abroad offers numerous benefits and long-lasting effects, including new perspectives on non-Western communities and cultures, valuable leadership skills, experience contributing to a worthwhile cause and an enormous sense of accomplishment. The experience of volunteering abroad is an impressive addition to a college application and may well inspire a future career choice as well.

Preparing for the trip

Being involved in choosing and planning for your teenager’s overseas high school volunteer service program can help him or her make good decisions about the experience and no doubt lead to a fulfilling, inspiring and challenging trip. By asking all the necessary questions and carefully preparing for the adventure, you can ensure that your teen experiences a rewarding and educational experience. When it’s all over, your high schooler will not only have great stories to tell, but also the pride of taking on new challenges, gaining cultural awareness and making a positive difference in the life of a community in need.

Can you believe that the hiring rate for Global Leadership Adventures (GLA) International Directors this year was lower than the acceptance rate at such prestigious universities as Berkeley and Cornell?

That’s right, our selection process is so competitive that hundreds of applications were received at a hiring rate of only 14%!

Why is this process so competitive? It is largely due to the fact that we look for only the best and the brightest to lead GLA students on our life-changing service-learning programs overseas.

For this reason, Directors go through an extremely meticulous hiring process that includes:

• Four rounds of interviews with different staff members to gauge the candidates’ teaching philosophy, experience facilitating students and overall commitment to GLA’s mission

• A series of scenario-based activities to better understand each candidates’ approach to safety and ability to enable group dynamics

• Validation of certifications including Wilderness First Responder, First Aid and CPR certifications

• An extensive mandatory background check to ensure suitability for working with teens

After each individual is approved by our Executive Director, Andrew Motiwalla, successful candidates are carefully placed in their respective countries for a summer of meaningful service alongside our students.

The preparation doesn’t end there. All Directors are invited to our Headquarters in San Diego for a 3-day Staff Training event. This year’s training event reaffirmed our thorough hiring process. Our current group of directors is committed to working together with their own creative styles to run the absolute best programs possible.

Photo: Orlando Arizandietar, Guatemala Director

As the summer quickly approaches, you may be wondering “Who is going to be my guide to these life-changing experiences?”. This is where Global Leadership Adventure’s (GLA’s) International Program Directors come into the picture.

A GLA Director is a globally-minded individual that is the catalyst of change for our programs. A strict set of criteria is used to hire these Directors that, according to Terra Education CEO Andrew Motiwalla, “allow them to inspire, connect and empathize with the students”.

We look for in-country Directors that:

• Possess extensive experience working with students- especially facilitating leadership training activities

• Have the proper Health & Safety certifications- such as Wilderness First Responder

• Lived and worked in several developing countries – many being returned Peace Corps Volunteers

• Are fluent in the local language – Se Habla Español for our Latin America programs

• Pass an extensive background check that confirms their suitability to work with GLA students

Each Director carries this unique blend of practical safety, leadership and organizational skills which guarantees that all of our programs create the signature GLA service-learning experience for students.

More importantly, this strict set of criteria ensures that the influence of our Directors on the students lasts long beyond the summer spent in-country.

To see more information on our current cohort of directors, please visit our Expert Staff Page.

Photo: Esther Simba, “Mama Simba”, Tanzania Director

Busted…we’re biased. We think Global Leadership Adventures is the single greatest way a high school student can spend their summer break. But you know who else thinks so? The students who’ve  participated in our programs.

Join a GLA Country Facebook group now and get a fresh, unbiased perspective.  Hundreds of student alumni are sharing their experiences and are waiting to answer your questions.

There’s no better way to get the straight story. Talk directly with participants to find out:

• Was the food good? What if I’m vegan?

• How many guys are on the programs?

• Were you able to fundraise for your tuition?

• Which destination is better for learning Spanish – Costa Rica or Guatemala?

• How were the counselors?

Several programs have their own GLA Facebook group, and we invite you to crash them all:

• Africa: Ghana, Tanzania

• Asia: Bali, India, Thailand

• Central America & Caribbean: Costa Rica, Guatemala, Dominican Republic

• South America: Galapagos Islands, Peru

This simple move could set you up for the summer of your life…happy chatting!

When my son first approached me about volunteering in Africa, I was both proud and nervous.  I was proud that my son had absorbed the values I tried to teach him as a child.  I was nervous that my baby (he was 17, but he’ll always be my baby) wanted to travel to a region of the world that I knew very little about.  My husband was even more reluctant than I, but we agreed to get the facts before deciding.

We started by reading some articles about Tanzania, and Africa in general.  It turns out that both GLA destinations in Africa are stable, safe countries with a rich culture and a tradition of welcoming Western visitors.  When we spoke to alumni students and parents, they confirmed this.  It was so reassuring to hear directly from actual parents and students who had traveled to these places.  Suddenly, I could imagine my own son being there.

What finally tipped our decision in favor of my son’s trip was learning about Global Leadership Adventure’s unique program model.  Unlike other organizations, GLA actually operates their own “home bases” in Africa.  These are lodging facilities controlled and supervised by GLA, exclusively used by its students and staff.  This level of control over the environment gave me great comfort.

Eventually we agreed to the trip, and l was able to witness the entire GLA 5-Point Safety System in action.  The lodging was secure, the staff were inspiring, the meals were a culinary adventure, the locals were welcoming, and my son was always transported safely.

Most importantly, when our son returned from his trip, we were so impressed by how much he had matured over the course of just one summer!  His perspective had broadened and his understanding of global issues had deepened.  The growth he experienced was perceptible to the whole family.  Now, we’re just waiting for our younger daughter to be old enough to do a GLA program.

Sincerely,

Sue Cuthbert

Enrollment Advisor-Global Leadership Adventures

About the author: Sue Cuthbert is the mother of two teenagers.  Her son Matthew participated in the Global Leadership Adventures program in Tanzania. Sue was so impressed by the impact the program made on her son that she came to work for GLA.  She continues to volunteer in her community and is waiting for her younger daughter to finish her freshman year of high school before she goes on her GLA program.

Jack London sailed to Japan; Walt Disney spent a year driving ambulances in France;  Bill Cosby joined the Navy; Abraham Lincoln and Steve Jobs built their careers one step at a time.  What do all of these highly successful people share in common?  They all benefited from non-traditional educational experiences.  (And we all benefited as a result!)

For some young people, significant learning happens outside of the classroom because, well, it has to (finances, timing, etc.). For others, it’s a choice.  Regardless, that sense of adventure and in-the-field “doing” breeds exceptional leadership and gives college-bound students a competitive edge. It isn’t always clear how to get the kind of experience you and your child seeking, but rest assured no one has to pick up scurvy on a schooner like Jack London!  Allow us to share 3 excellent ways within your reach:

1. Tune in to international news.

The Internet puts news from all over the world at your fingertips instantly.   Bookmarking international news sources keeps you and your son or daughter informed of what’s happening politically and culturally in other countries. It’s important to be informed of our role in the world and an asset to be able to demonstrate that level of global awareness to others. (Colleges, employers, future spouse.)

2. Live a new language.

That’s right…live a new language. Cramming the night before a Spanish vocab test may earn a high school student an “A,” but how much of the language and culture they’ve truly absorbed will become apparent soon enough.  Explore restaurants and businesses in your community where your teen’s language of choice is spoken. Encourage them to participate in a language immersion trip.  Experiencing a language through the lenses of culture, history and human interaction will lead to real mastery.

3. Get going, globally.

Your community is a great place to find volunteer opportunities, and your son or daughter’s school is a natural place to start.  But for them to achieve a truly unforgettable service experience, think bigger.  Participating in a service program abroad will introduce your child to new people, help them build a set of invaluable new skills, and allow them to make a difference in the lives of others far away. Their school and community will benefit upon their return.

Your summer is about to be anything but ordinary. In your near future is a trip to the heart of Africa – mysterious, colorful, culture-rich Tanzania. No question, you’re ready for the adventure – your suitcase is loaded and the itinerary is set. But while it’s clear you’re stoked to get started, you may want to enrich your experience even more by doing a little pre-trip research. Use these resources to get informed on Tanzania culture, language tools and even fundraising tips.

1. BBC Tanzania Profile

Study up on everything you need to know about Tanzania with this helpful profile from the BBC. To start, you’ll find a quick overview with an at-a-glance section that includes fast facts on:

• Political stability

• Economic status

• International activity

• Environmental concerns

After you get the at-a-glance overview of your destination country, you can dig in deeper with a list of Tanzania links that include news headlines and profile tabs that include Tanzania facts, leaders, media and a country history timeline.

2. Fund My Travel

Want to do fundraising like a boss? Tap into your social network to attract interest for your trip and ask friends and family for contributions. Fund My Travel helps you set up a free account to connect your social network to your trip. You’ll set a financial goal, then walk step-by-step through a super easy crowd funding process. In the end, you’ll have a site to tell your volunteer abroad story, share it with your online community, start collecting donations and track results.

3. My Language Exchange

Swahili is the official language of Tanzania, and it’s the most widely spoken African language in the world. Go beyond using a translation pocket guide and practice real conversations in Swahili with the My Language Exchange tool. This resources lets you practice the language with someone else in a chat. What a great way to prepare for your African adventure!

4. Swahilionline

Speaking of Swahili, learn why it’s important to Tanzanian culture with this language history tool. Swahilionline gives you a breakdown of the language, its connection to African culture and the religions and other practices associated with Swahili. You can read about the Swahili people and see a timeline of the Swahili history.

5. Lonelyplanet.com

You can gather other “before-you-go” information at Lonely Planet’s Tanzania page. Wondering what kind of weather you’ll experience? Visit the “When to go & weather” page. You’ll also find information on getting around the country and things to do with links to:

• Entertainment

• Shopping

• Tours

• Activities

• Restaurants

• Sights

Before you embark on your high school student abroad program, prepare the right way with these resources. You’ll find essential information that will ensure that you interact with the Tanzania people in an enriching, culturally appropriate way.