GLOBAL LEADERSHIP ADVENTURES
TEEN TRAVEL & VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCES
Travel programs and internships for teens with meaningful community service, inspired by the Peace Corps. Global Leadership Adventures was co-founded by Andrew Motiwalla, a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, and Fred Swaniker, one of Time's 100 Most Influential People of 2019.
Request Your Free GLA Program Catalog
It’s not just about volunteering, it’s about meaningful, community-led service that creates lasting change.
A service-learning adventure with Global Leadership Adventures (GLA) is the perfect fit for teens who want to make a real impact this summer—because you won’t just be painting a school—you’ll be working with local leaders on sustainable projects that matter, whether it’s protecting endangered wildlife, improving public health, or building infrastructure that communities truly need.
But it’s not all work—this is hands-on learning with adventure built in!
One day you might be teaching kids in a rural community, and the next, you’re ziplining through the cloud forest in Costa Rica, scaling Machu Picchu in Peru or snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the South Pacific. Every moment is designed to challenge and inspire you, pushing you to grow as a leader while immersing yourself in a new culture. With expert mentors by your side, you’ll gain global awareness, leadership skills, and a fresh perspective that stays with you long after summer ends.
GLA isn’t just another trip—it’s a transformative experience that prepares you to lead, serve, and make a difference in the world.
If you’re ready for a summer that’s exciting, eye-opening, and full of impact, this is your adventure. Are you in?
If you are, 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.
Psst… did you know that while most Global Leadership Adventures programs take place in the summer and are designed exclusively for high school students, we also have other options available? They include:
- Spring break programs for high school students
- Summer programs for middle school students
- Summer internships for high school students
- School group travel for students of any age
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
Make waves ahead of college: You can reference this experience for university admissions. You can even write about your GLA experience in college applications or essays if you’d like! And if the theme you choose isn’t what you want to study in college, no worries. You can try one out for fun, too!
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
Community Service Travel Programs for High School Students & Middle School Students
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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