PROGRAM POLICIES
CODE OF CONDUCT
CODE OF CONDUCT
While participating in a GLA program, students are expected to act in a way that is respectful to the local community, promotes the educational goals of the program, and ensures the safety of all students. In order to achieve this, we have created a Code of Conduct that all students are expected to follow.
Supervision:
Due to safety reasons, abandoning the group or leaving the GLA Home Base boundaries without permission or supervision, is grounds for expulsion. Students must always remain with the group or with a GLA Program Staff member. At clearly defined times program staff may allow students to move freely within a predefined area, with a buddy system.
At times during unstructured time, students may be amongst themselves and not overseen by GLA Program Staff. During such times it is especially important that the student respect the safety rules and guidelines and exercise caution and good judgment in order to ensure their safety and well-being. The student understands that they are not allowed to leave the group while outside the Home Base boundaries without permission from GLA Program Staff.
If the Student chooses to leave the group at any time without first notifying staff, they may be sent home from the program early due to safety reasons at the family’s expense. If a Student needs to stay back at Home Base for any reason, they should approach a staff member to discuss so that they can be sure a staff member is aware & available to support the student.
Personal Safety & Wellbeing:
Students must be responsible for their personal safety and well-being. This includes taking prescriptions as advised by their doctor, staying hydrated, putting on sunscreen, using insect repellent (if advised for location), wearing culturally and weather-appropriate attire, eating three meals per day, and discussing any concerns, needs, or ailments directly with GLA Program Staff.
Students must display respectful listening and follow all rules set forth by any GLA Program Staff or adult in charge of the group.
No Tolerance of Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Other Drugs:
Strictly prohibited during the program. Even if permitted by local laws or by laws of the student’s home country, any violation of this rule may result in immediate expulsion from the program based on GLA’s best judgment and understanding of the situation:
(1) The possession, consumption, attempted sale or purchase of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, illegal or illicit drugs; or the misuse of over-the-counter or prescription drugs.
(2) Assisting others to engage in such activity. Program staff reserves the right to search student belongings at their discretion in cases where drug, tobacco, or alcohol possession is suspected. Smoking tobacco, vaping products of any kind, and using tobacco products are prohibited on all GLA programs, even with parental consent.
Items that are in violation of the no-tolerance policy will be confiscated by staff and will not be returned to the Student. Students are responsible for reporting any serious misconduct that they witness to a program staff member. If a student chooses not to report, they are also in violation of the Code of Conduct and the situation will be handled accordingly.
Knives and Other Weapons:
Knives, slingshots, machetes and other items that can be utilized as weapons are not allowed on GLA programs. In addition, because of the risk to the home base and infrastructure, matches and lighters are also prohibited. Students may not purchase these items as souvenirs unless express parental consent is given directly to Terra; in these cases, program staff may opt to hold the item in question until the student departs from the program.
Body Alterations:
No body alterations, including tattoos or piercings, are to be obtained while on a GLA program, even with parental consent.
Rooming:
Students are not allowed to enter any room not assigned to them unless given direct permission by a GLA Program Staff member. Any student who is in a room other than their own may result in disciplinary action.
Sex and Sexual Acts
In order to promote an experience that is safe and inclusive of all students and respectful of local cultural norms, students are not permitted to engage in any sexual acts during GLA programs. Exclusive relationships and/or public displays of affection, even if consensual, are also not considered appropriate behavior while on a GLA program. These expectations help ensure the emotional and physical safety of all participants and maintain a positive group dynamic. Any violation of this rule may result in immediate expulsion from the program based on GLA’s best judgment and understanding of the situation.
Sexual Harassment
GLA is committed to maintaining a learning environment that is free from sexual harassment and misconduct. Students must refrain from engaging in any inappropriate or unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature and are encouraged to report any violations directly to staff members. Inappropriate actions include, without limitation:
- Gender-based harassment, seductive behavior or coercion
- Solicitation of sexual activity through promises of reward or threats of punishment
- Assault or unwanted physical contact
- Comments, jokes, or gestures that target or demean someone based on gender or sexuality
- Whistling or making animalistic noises towards an individual
- Standing too close, brushing against or blocking another person’s movement
- Giving gifts or leaving sexually suggestive items
- Repeatedly asking someone to socialize after they have declined or shown disinterest
- Displaying, watching or distributing sexually explicit or offensive materials (physically or virtually)
Any form of sexual harassment is strictly prohibited and may result in immediate dismissal from the program.
Water Safety:
Students are only allowed to swim under GLA Program Staff supervision. Students must obey all rules laid out by lifeguards or supervisory staff. Students may not swim alone or participate in any unauthorized water sport. All programs may require that students pass a swim test to participate in water-based activities.
Cell Phones:
Students can bring their cell phones to programs but should expect to not have access to their phones for the majority of their trips. Students are only permitted to use cell phones, including data and talk plans, during specific, staff-designated “free time” such as mornings before health checks and breakfast and evenings after all program activities have ended.
Free time will be visible on the daily schedule so that students know when cell phone times are coming and can receive their phone from a GLA Program Staff accordingly. After free time, GLA Program Staff may collect student phones in a container and will safely guard student phones until the next student’s free time.
Any student who is found with a phone outside of free time hours can expect to have their phone collected and receive a verbal warning, followed by a written warning and dismissal from the program, for repeated infractions.
Respect of Local Cultural Norms:
Students must respect the local cultural norms. GLA staff will advise students about culturally appropriate behavior and clothing and students must comply. Adhering to local dress codes is a crucial element in maintaining strong relationships with the communities with whom we work. Students will often be interacting in a foreign language during the program and should practice patience and respect in these engagements.
Respect for Program Staff and Students:
Our program is committed to providing a safe, inclusive environment for all participants. Discrimination, racism, micro-aggressions or bullying of any kind are not tolerated. Students must show respect and civility toward peers, Program Staff and Instructors at all times. Program students come from all walks of life and actively embrace diversity, fostering a culture of acceptance, inclusion and mutual respect for all.
We honor and value every individual, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic background, or physical, sensory or mental health condition. Any use of offensive language, harassment, intimidation, or behavior disruptive to the goals of the program may result in disciplinary action or removal.
Verbal or physical threats, as well as play fighting, will not be tolerated. Any use of offensive language, harassment, intimidation or behavior disruptive to the goals of the program may result in disciplinary action or removal.
Commitment to the Program:
Students must be committed to the program. This means students will approach all program activities with an open mind and will participate in all aspects of the program. Students recognize that credit for community service hours is earned and not automatically rewarded. GLA may reduce service hours in response to a violation of the Code of Conduct or lack of participation in the program.