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EVENTS & WEBINARS

Join us at an Event or Webinar to Learn More

RSVP ahead of time for any in-person event or online information session so we know to expect you!

Global Leadership Adventures staff and alumni host and attend in-person events around the country – and around the world – giving you and your family the opportunity to meet us in person.

These are wonderful opportunities to speak with experts on GLA programs and learn more about what you can expect when you travel abroad. Come join us at an open house or fair nearest you!

Global Leadership Adventures staff also host a variety of online events so you can meet with us from the comfort of your home, office or classroom.

Join us online for online information sessions and pre-departure meetings by choosing to attend a web-based event. Especially if you can’t make it to an in-person event, you can meet GLA staff online and get all your questions answered.

The GLA Admissions Team also hosts a weekly online open house on Zoom for families who wish to learn more and ask questions in an informal environment. These typically take place at 4:00pm Pacific Time each Wednesday, though we have a morning open forum on the first Wednesday of each month at 8:00am PT.

Click the jump links below to head straight to your preferred event type:


The schedule for events and webinars has been posted below and will be updated regularly as more in-person and online events become available. Check back here for more details and to RSVP for your favorites!

FREE CATALOG

Request a free copy of our program catalog and have it sent straight to your mailbox or inbox!

Staff and Alumni-Hosted Open Houses

IN PERSON

Global Leadership Adventures alumni students and families are eager to share their experiences on GLA programs and everything they know with you. Open Houses are hosted in-person by GLA alumni families who graciously open their homes to prospective students and parents.

This is a great opportunity to hear a first-hand account of what it is like to participate in a GLA program. From organizing flights, to packing tips, to life at a GLA Home Base, they have experienced it and are happy to share their thoughts and advice with you!

After you sign up to save your spot at an in-person open house, we’ll email you a confirmation with the open house details and address.

Do you want to host an open house for GLA? If you’re an interested alumni student or parent, please email us at info@experiencegla.com with the subject line “Open House Host Interest” and we’ll connect with you.


Check out our list of upcoming Open Houses below, and use our Open House RSVP Form to let us know which event you’ll be attending.

MARCH 2024

GLA Staff-Hosted Open House: Downtown San Diego, CA » March 07, 2024 @ 7pm » RSVP →

GLA Staff-Hosted Open House: Bend, OR » March 24, 2024 @ 3pm » RSVP →

APRIL 2024

Ewusie Family Home: Northern San Diego, CA » April 7, 2024 @ 1pm » RSVP →

PAST EVENTS

GLA Staff-Hosted Open House: Austin, TX » December 17, 2023 @ 3pm

Hudson Family Home: San Antonio, TX » December 21, 2023 @ 7pm

Elliott Family Home: New York, NY » January 13, 2024 @ 3pm

Rice Family Home: Newark, DE » January 14, 2024 @ 3pm

Chestnut Family Home: Oaklyn, NJ » January 15, 2024 @ 7pm

GLA Staff-Hosted Open House: Boston, MA » January 20, 2024 @ 3pm

Hockenberry Family Home: Columbus, OH » January 20, 2024 @ 3pm

Harris Family Home: Seattle, WA » February 03, 2024 @ 3pm

Eller Family Home: Sammamish, WA » February 04, 2024 @ 3pm

Butler-Steyer Family Home: San Francisco, CA » February 08, 2024 @ 7pm

Keller Williams Realty-Hosted Open House: Long Beach, CA » February 24, 2024 @ 3pm

Glover Family Home: Costa Mesa, CA » February 25, 2024 @ 3pm


We will continue updating this page as new Open Houses are confirmed, so be sure to check back for events in your area!

ENROLLMENT

Be sure to save your spot on your favorite program early before waitlists begin to form!

Online Information Sessions

ONLINE

Global Leadership Adventures hosts a number of online information sessions for prospective students and their families. These informational webinars are an opportunity to learn more about our travel programs, and our staff will address frequently asked questions on everything from safety and risk management to how to fundraise to overview details on day-to-day GLA program life.

All you have to do is fill out the webinar RSVP form for the session you’re most interested in below, and you’ll be able to save your date for the Zoom webinar. You will receive email follow-ups with the Zoom link and reminders about the webinar as it approaches.


To watch key previously recorded webinars from this season, click the links below:


WEBINAR: THE GLA EXPERIENCE & 2024 PROGRAM OPTIONS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8 AT 4:00PM PT (7:00PM ET)

Join us on Zoom at 4:00pm PT on November 8th to learn more about the Global Leadership Adventures program experience and to find out which spring break or summer programs might be the perfect fit for you or the teen in your family. Hosted by GLA’s Executive Director, Jessica Miller, and GLA’s Online Events Coordinator, Hannah Shepherd, this online information session offers a unique perspective on our programs that you won’t want to miss!

VIEW WEBINAR RECORDING


WEBINAR: GIVE THE GIFT OF GLA

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14 AT 4:00PM PT (7:00PM ET)

Meet with us on Zoom at 4:00pm PT on November 14th to explore the idea of giving the gift of a Global Leadership Adventures program this year. Hosted by GLA’s Online Events Coordinator, Hannah, as well as Zak from the Admissions Team, this online information session shows how gifting a GLA experience can last a lifetime and benefits teens, their families and their communities in ways only life-changing travel can offer. We hope to see you there!

VIEW WEBINAR RECORDING


WEBINAR: HEAR ABOUT THE “REAL” GLA EXPERIENCE FROM AN ALUM

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29 AT 4:00PM PT (7:00PM ET)

Join us on Zoom at 4:00pm PT on November 29th to hear from a Global Leadership Adventures alum who has recently participated in one of our programs. They’ll share details about their life-changing journey and their perspective on the GLA experience. This online information session will be co-hosted by our alumni traveler and Hannah Shepherd, our Online Events Coordinator. This is a webinar we rate as not to be missed for prospective students and parents alike!

VIEW WEBINAR RECORDING


WEBINAR: THE GLA DIFFERENCE, LEADERSHIP & ACADEMIC THEMES

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9 AT 10:00AM PT (1:00PM ET)

Meet with us on Zoom at 10:00am PT on December 9th to learn more about what sets GLA apart from the rest of the pack of summer program providers. From our curated leadership curriculum to our unique portfolio of academic themes and concentrations, each GLA program is more than a travel adventure, it’s a hands-on learning experience! Hosted by Yente Oosthuysen, our Regional Director of International Programs and Hannah Shepherd, our Online Events Coordinator, Hannah Shepherd, this online information session is the perfect event for curious prospective students and parents considering Global Leadership Adventures for Spring Break or Summer 2024.

VIEW WEBINAR RECORDING


WEBINAR: THE GLA EXPERIENCE, PLUS FUNDRAISING AND SCHOLARSHIPS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14 AT 4:00PM PT (7:00PM ET)

Join us on Zoom at 4:00pm PT on December 14th to learn all about the GLA experience, as well as fundraising options and what kind of need-based financial aid is available to families. Many GLA students fundraise full tuition for their programs, or cover part of tuition through fundraising while parents cover the remainder. We’ll also take a look at scholarship and financial aid options. You’ll also hear from a former student travelers who now works full-time for GLA after college and fundraised her own experience!

VIEW WEBINAR RECORDING


WEBINAR: INTRODUCING TRAVEL INTERNSHIPS FOR TEENS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 13 AT 10:00AM PT (1:00PM ET)

Meet with us on Zoom at 10:00am PT on January 13th to learn more about our new Service Learning Internships for high school students taking place in Costa Rica, Peru and Thailand during Summer 2024. For nearly two decades GLA has offered best-in-class service learning adventures around the world for teens. We now are offering service learning internships for those students looking to really explore their potential unique career path, while earning service hours and exploring the world. Don’t miss out!

VIEW WEBINAR RECORDING


WEBINAR: GLA STAFF HIRING

THURSDAY, JANUARY 18 AT 5:30M PT (8:30PM ET)

Calling all Global Leadership Adventures alumni or anyone interested in working as field staff this summer! Come and meet the GLA hiring team and learn all about our summer positions, including openings for Program Directors and Mentors. We’ll dive into the ins and outs of how we facilitate summer programs, and why working with GLA is such an enriching opportunity. We hope you’ll join us!

PLEASE NOTE: THIS WEBINAR IS FOR CANDIDATES INTERESTED IN WORKING FOR GLA THIS SUMMER, AND IS NOT INTENDED FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS OR PARENTS LOOKING TO ATTEND A PROGRAM. PLEASE CHECK OUT ONE OF OUR OTHER UPCOMING WEBINARS FOR INFORMATION ON ENROLLING IN A GLA PROGRAM.

WEBINAR RECORDING COMING SOON


WEBINAR: THE GLA EXPERIENCE IN COSTA RICA

MONDAY, JANUARY 22 AT 5:00PM PT (8:00PM ET)

Join us on Zoom at 5:00pm PT during the evening of January 22nd to learn all about the GLA experience, as well our most popular destination for teen travelers year after year: Costa Rica. Co-hosted by Madison Moore, our Regional Director of International Programs in Costa Rica, and Hannah Shepherd, our Online Events Coordinator, this is an extraordinary opportunity to learn all about our Spring Break and Summer 2024 programs taking place in Costa Rica. With multiple GLA program options available in the country, learn why Costa Rica has something for everyone! We offer a distinct Middle School program, as well as over a dozen themed experiences of varied durations for high school students in the land of Pura Vida!

VIEW WEBINAR RECORDING


WEBINAR: Dive Deeper into the GLA Experience with Zak – Enrollment Advisor AND GLA Mentor!

MONDAY, JANUARY 29 AT 5:00PM PT (8:00PM ET)

Meet with us on Zoom at 5:00pm PT on January 29th to learn more about our upcoming January 31st deadline for the 2nd wave of our Early Enrollment period. This is also an exclusive discussion where our Admissions Team member and GLA Mentor, Zak, discusses all things GLA! Discover the unparalleled opportunities GLA offers and find out why enrolling now is your key to securing your first choice program before waitlists begin to form. Plus, take advantage of our final Early Enrollment deadline savings — don’t miss out!

VIEW WEBINAR RECORDING


WEBINAR: SAFETY & RISK MANAGEMENT

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3 AT 10:00AM PT (1:00PM ET)

Join us on Zoom at 10:00am PT during the morning of February 3rd to hear from the GLA team on our safety and risk management policies, procedures and best practices. GLA is proud of our superior risk management and safety record. Come hear from three co-hosts: our Director of Safety & Risk Management, GLA’s Executive Director and our Medical Director, Dr. Dubansky. Learn how we prioritize safety above all else. As fellow parents who understand what it means to entrust one’s child to an organization to travel abroad, this is a webinar parents will not want to miss!

VIEW WEBINAR RECORDING


WEBINAR: PROGRAMS IN MEDICINE & PUBLIC HEALTH

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10 AT 10:00AM PT (1:00PM ET)

Meet with us on Zoom at 10:00am PT on February 10th to discover GLA’s programs in the theme of Medicine & Public Health. Among our most popular academic focus areas for our teen travel programs, GLA offers programs centered on healthcare in destinations around the world. Whether you’re a teen considering a career in medicine (or the parent of one), or are just interested in meaningful ways to give back to the world through health-focused community service projects, you’ll want to check out this free webinar.

VIEW WEBINAR RECORDING


WEBINAR: THE GLA EXPERIENCE & U.S. SUMMER PROGRAMS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13 AT 5:00PM PT (8:00PM ET)

Meet with us on Zoom at 5:00pm PT on February 13th to dive into the heart of our U.S. programs with the incredible Dynamic Duo, Airon and Madison! Join them as they take you on an immersive journey through the enchanting landscapes of the island of Maui in Hawaii and the stunning vistas of Utah. Come with questions and uncover the unique and captivating experiences these programs offer, gaining an in-depth understanding of the adventures that await you!

VIEW WEBINAR RECORDING


WEBINAR: GLA ADMISSIONS DEMYSTIFIED

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17 AT 10:00AM PT (1:00PM ET)

Join us on Zoom at 10:00am PT on February 17th to hear from Admissions team member Steph Lee and GLA Director of Admissions, Korissa Zanrosso. If you’re excited to sign up for a Global Leadership Adventures, but are unsure what the admissions process looks like from start to finish, then this free online information session is perfect for you! We’ll guide you through the Admissions process, and answer frequently asked questions about enrolling in a program.

VIEW WEBINAR RECORDING


WEBINAR: PROGRAMS IN ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27 AT 5:00PM PT (8:00PM ET)

Meet with us on Zoom at 5:00m PT on February 27th to explore GLA’s programs in the theme of Environmental Stewardship. Global Leadership Adventures runs Environmental Stewardship travel programs for teens who are passionate about preserving the natural world and our oceans. On these programs, you’ll do hands-on work to protect the natural world and the communities that depend on it. RSVP for this webinar so that you can learn all about our program options within this theme and to discover if it’s the right fit for you or the teen in your family.

VIEW WEBINAR RECORDING


WEBINAR: MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM IN COSTA RICA

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29 AT 5:00PM PT (8:00PM ET)

Meet with us on Zoom at 5:00pm PT on February 29th to explore GLA’s program in Costa Rica designed intentionally for middle school students. Join our incredible Program Director Airon, and Local Director Jose, as they unveil the wonders of our Costa Rica Middle School program in an insightful webinar! We’ll dive into the heart of community development and youth & education projects, where students will make a meaningful impact while engaging with inspiring local children. It’s a well-rounded adventure, seamlessly blending volunteer work with thrilling experiences that define the essence of Costa Rica. Tune in to our webinar and get a sneak peek into the magic that awaits in Costa Rica!

RSVP FOR THIS EVENT


WEBINAR: GLA PROGRAM STAFF PANEL

SATURDAY, MARCH 02 AT 10:00AM PT (1:00PM ET)

Join us on Zoom at 10:00am PT on March 2nd to hear from Global Leadership Adventures alumni field staff who have worked around the globe with GLA students just like you and yours! These six former field staff members now serve as Program Managers and not only hire all the staff who will be with students on-program this summer, but help to develop exceptional program experiences for our teen travelers to enjoy. Learn what sets GLA apart and what we look for in a GLA leaders who serve as program staff for our travelers!

RSVP FOR THIS EVENT


WEBINAR: PROGRAMS IN ANIMAL & WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

SATURDAY, MARCH 09 AT 9:00AM PT (12:00PM ET)

Meet with us on Zoom at 9:00am PT on March 9th to learn more about GLA’s programs in the theme of Animal & Wildlife Conservation. On a GLA Animal & Wildlife Conservation program, collaborate with experts on issues surrounding wildlife conservation. Spend time up-close and personal with elephants, sea turtles, giant tortoises, or work alongside real veterinarians supporting cats and dogs. Co-hosted by Hannah Shepherd, our Online Events Coordinator, and Yente Oosthuysen, GLA’s Regional Director of International Programs, this free online information session is rated as not to be missed by any animal lovers and teens looking to make a difference in wildlife preservation efforts around the world.

VIEW WEBINAR RECORDING


WEBINAR: PROGRAMS ACROSS THREE ACADEMIC THEMES

TUESDAY, MARCH 14 AT 5:00PM PT (8:00PM ET)

Join us on Zoom at 5:00pm PT on March 14th to explore GLA’s programs in one of three exceptional program themes: Youth & Education, Sports Leadership and Language Immersion. Learn more about each of these three program themes, and which programs and destinations will be the right match for you based on your field of interest. This free webinar is co-hosted by Lisa Wormley, GLA Program Manager, and Hannah Shepherd, our Online Events Coordinator. If you are looking for programs with service projects or cultural immersion activities centered around education, sports or language learning, you won’t want to miss this online information session!

RSVP FOR THIS EVENT


WEBINAR: THE “REAL” GLA EXPERIENCE WITH A GLA ALUM

THURSDAY, MARCH 14 AT 5:00PM PT (8:00PM ET)

Meet with us on Zoom at 5:00pm PT on March 14th to find out everything you need to know about the GLA program experience, directly from the perspective a GLA alumni student who recently participated in a program. Who better to hear about the true experience than from a star GLA alumna? Join us for this free online information session to hear their life-changing journey and what makes a GLA program the highlight of so many summers.

VIEW WEBINAR RECORDING


WEBINAR: HEAR ABOUT THE GLA EXPERIENCE FROM AN ALUM

SATURDAY, MARCH 16 AT 9:00AM PT (12:00PM ET)

Who better to hear about the true experience than from GLA alumni who have been through the journey from start to finish? Join the GLA team on Zoom on Saturday, March 16th at 9:00am Pacific Time to learn from a student who has participated on the program and will share their life-changing journey.

VIEW WEBINAR RECORDING


WEBINAR: PLANNING, BUDGETING, FLIGHTS & FAQ

MONDAY, MARCH 25 AT 5:00PM PT (8:00PM ET)

Join us on Zoom at 5:00pm PT on March 25th to learn everything you need to know about planning for your GLA program, budgeting for your trip, and booking your flights. We’ll also cover Frequently Asked Questions so that you’re “in the know” about all the important details regarding enrollment in a Global Leadership Adventures teen travel program. Co-hosted by Admissions Manager Rachel Bistodeau and Online Events Coordinator Hannah Shepherd, meet us on Zoom to get your questions answered now ahead of our upcoming 2nd wave General Admission deadline on April 15th.

RSVP FOR THIS EVENT


WEBINAR: GLA ROLLING ADMISSIONS

TUESDAY, APRIL 16 AT 5:00PM PT (8:00PM ET)

Meet with us on Zoom at 5:00pm PT on April 16th to discover what the Rolling Admissions process looks like for Global Leadership Adventures. You may have missed out on our General Admissions deadline, but there’s still time to sign up for select programs before the summer begins! Co-hosted by Zak and Lauren from the GLA Admissions Team, you’ll want to make time to attend this webinar if. you’re enrolling this late in the season, as we can get you up to speed fast and booked for a program in no time.

RSVP FOR THIS EVENT

SAMPLE ITINERARIES

See what your tentative GLA program schedule might look like for any program of interest.

Fairs and Expos

IN PERSON

Global Leadership Adventures event reps attend summer opportunity fairs and international travel expos across the country and around the world each year.

Frequently taking place between December and April, we encourage you to check out fairs in your area or region to see if GLA is planning to attend.

While our representatives attend in-person fairs at schools and other venues throughout the year, because these fairs are hosted by outside organizations, you won’t need to RSVP for them with us, but instead with the host school or organization.

However, each event host or provider may have additional steps for attending and/or registering, so please be sure to check with the event provider ahead of the event date for more information.

JANUARY 2024

National Summer Program Fair NYC » New York, NY » January 17, 2024 from 4:30pm – 7:00pm » Learn More →

Greenwich High School Fair » Greenwich, CT » January 31, 2024 from 6:00pm – 8:00 pm » Learn More →

FEBRUARY 2024

Teen Summer Expo » Lexington, MA » February 6, 2024 from 5:30pm – 8:00pm » Learn More →

CONTACT US

Call or text us at 858-771-0645 during office hours to speak with our Admissions Team, or schedule a call below.

Online Open Houses

ONLINE

The GLA Admissions Team is excited to share its expertise on student travel with Global Leadership Adventures.

Online Open Houses are hosted by a member of the GLA Admissions Team, and are your chance to have a casual conversation about our programs and ask any questions you may have.

All you have to do to attend an Online Open House is to register in advance, and then show up during the confirmed day/time on Zoom, a virtual meeting platform.

The member of the Admissions Team hosting the online Q&A session that day will greet you and any other participants, and you can stay as long or as little as you like.


Please click here to RSVP for any online open house. Dates and times are listed below.

  • Wednesday, November 08, 2023 at 4:00pm PT (7:00pm ET)
  • Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at 4:00pm PT (7:00pm ET)
  • Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at 4:00pm PT (7:00pm ET)
  • Wednesday, December 06, 2023 at 8:00am PT (11:00pm ET)
  • Wednesday, December 06, 2023 at 4:00pm PT (7:00pm ET)
  • Wednesday, December, 2023 at 4:00pm PT (7:00pm ET)
  • Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 4:00pm PT (7:00pm ET)
  • Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at 4:00pm PT (7:00pm ET)
  • Wednesday, January 03, 2024 at 8:00am PT (11:00pm ET)
  • Wednesday, January 03, 2024 at 4:00pm PT (7:00pm ET)
  • Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at 4:00pm PT (7:00pm ET)
  • Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 4:00pm PT (7:00pm ET)
  • Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 4:00pm PT (7:00pm ET)
  • Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 4:00pm PT (7:00pm ET)
  • Wednesday, February 07, 2024 at 8:00am PT (11:00pm ET)
  • Wednesday, February 07, 2024 at 4:00pm PT (7:00pm ET)
  • Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at 4:00pm PT (7:00pm ET)
  • Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 4:00pm PT (7:00pm ET)
  • Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at 4:00pm PT (7:00pm ET)

PROGRAM GUIDE

Browse for GLA programs by destination, program theme, dates, duration and more!