Get Started: Frequently Asked Questions
Safety & Security
Safety & Security
What happens if a student gets sick or injured?
We work with emergency response service providers, and we have carefully researched in-country medical facilities. GLA purchases secondary emergency medical insurance and evacuation insurance for all students while they are in our program. If a student becomes ill, we respond effectively and immediately to ensure appropriate medical care. If it is determined that a higher level of care is necessary than can be provided in the country, the student will be evacuated.
In addition to regular reports that we get from the US, Canadian and British Departments of State, we liaise with consular offices in the countries to which we travel. We also rely on our own in-country contacts: the people with whom we set up our programs, the current international and local staff with whom we work to determine the safety of a particular country. If we ever determine a country or region to be unsafe, we will close the program and fully refund all enrolled students.
Safety is paramount. It is woven throughout every aspect of programming. Because Global Leadership Adventures work exclusively with high school age students, minors, we are aware of the unique safety issues and concerns of this age group. Each student and parent sign a code of conduct, and we take precautions to separate the genders, supervise students 24/7 to prevent access to drugs or alcohol. We are aware of the challenges associated with travel to developing countries and have taken special considerations based on each countries location, culture and political situation to ensure safety above all else.
Will the students have safe summers?
Yes, with all GLA programs, safety always comes first. In fact, the primary goal of our experienced staff is the safety and welfare of the students. We take great pride in providing safe environments for students to explore these beautiful cultures and learn from one another. Upon acceptance into a GLA program, each student will receive a confirmation packet, which includes the GLA Safety Rules and Contract. This contract must be signed by each student and their parents, and returned with the final payment. All rules are designed to keep the students safe, while still giving them the freedom to make the most of their experiences. For example, students are asked always to be with a buddy, whenever they are involved with off-campus activities.
Will students in the program be supervised heavily?
Yes. We believe that supervision is important to ensure student safety, and our staff will supervise students during all day and evening activities and in the accommodations at night. We are proud of our experienced staff and know they will do their best to maintain the students' safety. However, because staff cannot watch every student's actions 24 hours per day, it is important that students respect the safety rules described in a packet each will receive upon acceptance to the program and exercise good judgment. For example, during free time at the waterfront, students may be allowed to go shopping in the various stores unsupervised in groups while staff remain in a central location. During this time, students will be expected to follow the rules and will be able to reach supervisory staff at any time on the staff's mobile phones.
What happens if a student breaks the GLA Safety Rules?
Since safety is our primary concern, anyone who jeopardizes his/her safety or the safety of others will be sent home at his/her parents' expense. Any deliberate attempt to break the rules indicates a student's inability or unwillingness to do his or her part to ensure the group's safety and must therefore leave the program.
