Get Started: Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions

GLA programs differ in the depth of experience we provide. We carefully construct each program from the ground up with safety as our foundation. Our unique leadership programming sets GLA apart through direct interactions with leaders from the grassroots level to high ranking political figures. Our focus on community based service-learning engagements allows to really become immersed in the local culture and community.

Participants in GLA come from all over the world, including North America, South America, Asia, Middle East, Europe, and Africa. To see a complete list of countries and schools represented in past programs, click here. However, because high school students studying abroad are much more common in the US and the UK, there are a greater percentage of students from these regions on the program. GLA is constantly looking for ways to extend our reach to other regions of the world, especially continental Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.

We have students from all over the world from more than 25 countries in North America, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, and Asia

GLA alumni have gone on to attend Harvard, Yale, Stanford, UC Berkeley, and other schools. But it's not simply attending a GLA program that will help you get into college.

Rather, it's what you learn at GLA that can make a difference. GLA opens your eyes to new possibilities and unlock your passions. You are doing community service in a developing country and experiencing a culture and lifestyle very different from your own. And in that environment, GLA teaches you to reflect on your experience: how is this country different from yours?, who are you?, who do you want to be, what's your leadership role in the world?

Through introspection, you'll know yourself better and have lots to talk about in your college admissions essays. That's what colleges look for in a successful applicant.

GLA seeks curious and energetic students from around the world, who are eager to do community service, interact with people from different backgrounds, and learn about other cultures, histories and languages. Any student, 15-18 years old and currently enrolled in high school, including freshman and graduating seniors, is eligible for admission.

The GLA Experience is fun, meaningful and unforgettable, but it is not a party trip. Each GLA program has plenty of free time and recreational activities built in, but our focus is to develop leadership capabilities and values through an integrated cultural experience.

English is the primary language spoken on all GLA programs. However, we welcome any student with the ability to comprehend English articles and converse in basic English to join. In fact, many students worldwide use the experience as an opportunity to practice their language skills. Because we value and respect every culture, we encourage students to share their native language and culture with the GLA family throughout the program. For some destinations, learning the local language is an integral part The GLA Experience.

Our seminars have been designed with the understanding that even the most enthusiastic of students should enjoy their time off from school. Seminars are all discussion-based, therefore you do not necessarily have homework and there are definitely no exams. However, you will read country specific articles and excerpts from books in order to provide you with historical or cultural context and enable you to participate in thoughtful discussions. In essence, the readings are enjoyable because they help you better understand the country and make the exploration process more meaningful.

It's not a problem - we do not expect students to have any prior knowledge on any of the subjects. This is why we provide the readings. These seminars are intended to be enjoyable educational experiences that contribute significantly to the students' personal enrichment. They are non-competitive, do not include grades, and designed to challenge students intellectually in nontraditional ways.

Students' ability to get academic credit varies from school to school. In instances where students can receive credit, GLA will attempt to work with the student in meeting his/her necessary requirements. However, due to the nature of GLA programming, it is not always possible. Since many schools require their students to complete a prescribed number of community service hours before graduating, GLA will provide documentation on all volunteer hours completed.

We try to accommodate our students' dietary needs, such as providing vegetarian, no pork, no fish options, and are sensitive to the importance of retaining a vegetarian, Kosher or Halal diets. However, some needs may be difficult to accommodate, particularly when traveling. We encourage you to contact us if you have questions about specific dietary concerns. While we strongly encourage students of all faiths to join Global Leadership Adventures and contribute to the diversity of the student body, students cannot skip any part of the program, except for medical reasons. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide avenues for worship, but we can accommodate some personal time on-campus for spiritual reflection.

We recognize the importance of athletic training for many students, particularly for those who are preparing for fall sports and for those whose sports contribute to their college admission prospects. Although The GLA Experience will greatly contribute to students' development in many ways, it is not a sports program and does not allow for serious training. Our schedule includes a modest amount of free time most days and the option for group sports several times per week. We generally use this time to expose interested and previously uninitiated students to popular local sports ranging from cricket and rugby in South Africa to Capoeira and Soccer in Brazil.