Program Themes

All programs combine meaningful community service, hands-on learning and fun, exciting excursions. This is part of our unique service-learning methodology that allows students to engage in powerful experiential learning out in the world.

Some programs have a unique focus on a specific topic or type of learning.

Program Types

In addition to our standard programs, each with their different themes, we offer different types of programs.

Flagship Programs: Our 21-Day Flagship programs offer a heavy focus on leadership and include more community service hours than our other programs.  This is the complete GLA experience!

 

Our 21-Day Flagship programs provide the ideal amount of time to satisfy every dimension of the GLA experience.  Although many of the same objectives can be achieved on shorter programs, students and parents report that the three weeks is the optimal time to develop lifelong friendships with local people and fellow students, to make a greater impact on the community, to fully immerse themselves in a culture, and to explore different facets of the host country.

Language Immersion: Develop your language skills by practicing in the real world, with support from language teachers based on your skill level.  No language requirement.
By combining community service and language instruction, students are able to immediately use what they learn in the classroom with native speakers.  Our language immersion programs for high school students combine classes taught by expert teachers with hands-on community service.  There’s no better way to learn a language than to live in the country and speak to locals on a daily basis.

 

There’s no prior language knowledge required.  Upon arrival, students will be given a placement test and assigned to a class based on their ability.

Spring Break Service Programs: 8-day community service programs during high school spring break.  This spring break, have fun and make a difference, in a beautiful place.