GLOBAL LEADERSHIP ADVENTURES
ANIMAL & WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PROGRAMS FOR TEENS
Overseas summer wildlife programs for teens with community service, hands-on learning and adventure excursions. Lend a hand with elephant conservation in Thailand, giant tortoise protection in the Galapagos Islands, sea turtle preservation in Costa Rica and beyond!
Request Your Free GLA Program Catalog
Help GLA preserve the natural world this summer, and the wildlife that depends on it!
Unlike standard wildlife camps, GLA takes students to biodiversity hotspots like Costa Rica, the Galapagos Islands and South Africa, where they work directly with conservationists to protect endangered species and restore fragile ecosystems.
Whether it’s going on night patrols to monitor sea turtle nests, planting trees to support native habitat that island tortoises depend on, or assisting rangers with ongoing rhino, big cat and African elephant conservation projects, every community service initiative we’re involved in is designed to make a lasting difference. Student travelers don’t just observe wildlife—they actively contribute to conservation efforts that matter.
Beyond the traditional wildlife conservation experience, GLA elevates summer learning by focusing on leadership, global impact and personal growth.
Beyond fieldwork, participants engage in leadership workshops, ethical discussions on conservation, and cultural exchanges with local communities, gaining a deeper understanding of the intersection between people and wildlife.
There are also memorable adventure excursions, from ziplining through the Karkloof Forest reserve in South Africa to experiencing a hiking adventure to Thailand’s highest mountain to embarking on a whitewater rafting adventure down the Pacuare River, your time with GLA will certainly be an expedition you’ll never forget!
Join a GLA program this spring break or summer and be part of something bigger.
Are you ready for an adventure that combines your passion for wildlife with a chance for a life-changing experience overseas? Get your free GLA program catalog today! Simply fill out the form on this page, and we can mail you a copy or send a digital version straight to your inbox.
97% OF GLA ALUMNI AGREE:
“WHEN I LOOK BACK ON MY GLA EXPERIENCE, I CONSIDER IT TO HAVE BEEN LIFE-CHANGING.”
Choose Your Destination
Spend 7-21 days in an awe-inspiring location.
Choose from the following destinations for your summer adventure:
- Bali, Belize, Brazil, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Galapagos Islands
- Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Italy, Peru, Spain
- South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, United States, Vietnam
Stay in memorable lodging: GLA’s Home Base is your home away from home, a place to relax, the gathering place for meals and sanctuary for reflection, team building and leadership after active days. Utmost care is taken to provide safe and secure lodging. Accommodations vary based on location, but all include exclusive spaces reserved for GLA students and staff.
Select a Program Theme
Choose a theme that matches your future college and career interest.
The focus area you choose may relate to your service project and hands-on activities:
- Animal & Wildlife Conservation, Community Development, Environmental Stewardship
- Language Immersion, Leadership & Exploration, Medicine & Public Health
- Outdoor Adventure, Sciences & STEM, Sports Leadership, Youth & Education
Global Leadership Adventures offers Animal & Wildlife Conservation travel programs for teens passionate about protecting animals, their habitats, and the communities that rely on them.
During a GLA Animal & Wildlife Conservation program, work alongside experts to address critical wildlife conservation challenges. Get up close with elephants, sea turtles, giant tortoises or rescue animals like cats and dogs. Help care for animals that have been injured, abandoned or displaced due to habitat loss, which may include volunteering at a rescue center.
Explore the vital role sustainability plays in preserving and restoring wildlife in an ever-changing climate.
Build meaningful connections while collaborating with NGOs and local community groups in the field. Gain firsthand insight into the efforts of conservationists working to protect the region’s wildlife.
You’ll also get to experience wildlife up-close that you only thought was possible during a nature documentary. Snorkeling expeditions in the Galapagos, spotting the Big Five in South Africa on safari, or seeing nesting sea turtles is something that only a rare few get to experience in their lifetimes, and your chance is here this summer!
Will You Choose a Travel Program?
Embark on a classic GLA Service Learning Adventure!
Most programs are open to high school students. Select trips are available for middle schoolers.
Earn community service hours: Earn between 5-60 community service hours while on-program. GLA is a recognized leader in international volunteering and community service programs for teens.
Participate in a range of experiences: Take part in meaningful community service projects, hands-on learning and leadership development activities. You will also enjoy epic adventure excursions such as visiting the iconic Machu Picchu in Peru, ziplining through a cloud forest canopy in Costa Rica or hiking to a mountain temple in Thailand.
... or Opt for a Travel Internship?
Our travel internships are designed exclusively for high school students.
We have you covered!
Boost your future career prospects: This is your opportunity to gain critical professional and leadership skills with a global impact.
Enjoy a tailored experience: This travel internship for teens still includes community service, hands-on learning and adventure, just like a standard GLA travel program, but is curated for even deeper learning and engagement.
Rely on our experts: GLA will serve as the management, support and resource provider of the internship. You’ll also collaborate with a local partner organization. Intern with a nonprofit or social enterprise and you may even earn college credit!
Experience an Adventure Unlike Any Other
Find out what’s over every horizon with Global Leadership Adventures.
At GLA, we believe meaningful teen travel can be life-changing.
Discover new places and meet new people: Make friends with like-minded peers who share your passion for travel and community service, and connect with local communities. Most students are solo travelers who join the rest of the student group upon arrival; we also welcome friends or siblings who wish to travel together.
Choose your ideal dates: Summer and spring break dates are open for enrollment. Summer sessions typically run 10-21 days (14 days is the most common) while spring break runs for 7 days. All internships are three weeks long.
Tuition is all-inclusive: Scholarships and payment plans are available.
GLOBAL LEADERSHIP ADVENTURES
EXTRAORDINARY WILDLIFE TRAVEL EXPERIENCES FOR TEENS
PARENT TESTIMONIAL
Both of my sons have participated in this program, traveling to the Galapagos with GLA for two weeks. One went alone, and the other with a friend. They both had an amazing time and highly recommend it.
From the student’s perspective, the trip is a great chance to push themselves outside their comfort zone and experience some real independence, traveling internationally without their family. Successfully negotiating flights, connections and immigration solo is a real confidence builder.
In-country, the group becomes their family. GLA does an incredible job of building camaraderie (my eldest still communicates with his group years later), ensuring the students are safe, and keeping parents informed of their teens’ activities. From the pre-departure planning through the trip, I always felt that my children were in capable, organized hands.
My kids learned a lot and experienced so much, and got service hours to list on their college applications as a bonus. Plus, teens are really excited to be involved in preserving such a unique and important place. An incredible opportunity, grateful to GLA for all they do to open up the world to teens.
Laura – GLA Alumni Parent – Galapagos: Preserving Nature’s Wonders
STUDENT TESTIMONIAL
I recently had the pleasure of experiencing a Global Learning Adventures program, and I must say, it exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I arrived, the staff went above and beyond to make my experience unforgettable. Their dedication and enthusiasm were evident, creating an atmosphere that set the stage for an incredible adventure.
The staff at GLA played a pivotal role in making the entire journey seamless and enjoyable. Their professionalism and warmth were evident from the initial orientation, where they provided comprehensive information about the program, to the daily activities, where they offered guidance and support. It was evident that they were not just doing a job; they were genuinely passionate about the program and ensuring each participant had a transformative experience.
What truly stood out was the personalized attention the staff provided. Whether it was assisting with cultural nuances, explaining the significance of local traditions, or simply being a friendly face to turn to, the GLA staff created a sense of community that made me feel at home in a foreign land. Their expertise and commitment fostered an environment where I felt encouraged to step out of my comfort zone and embrace the full spectrum of the experience.
Livia – GLA Alumni Student – Costa Rica: Sea Turtle Initiative
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
We are honored to be recognized for operating award-worthy summer programs for teens over the past 20+ years, including a win in the category of Extraordinary Experience at the Global Youth Travel Awards.
Request a Program Catalog
Browse our catalog to discover all GLA has to offer.
Complete this quick form and we'll send you a FREE copy of the Global Leadership Adventures program catalog.
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