GLA’s goal is to provide life-changing experiences that will inspire teens to become the next generation of leaders. We do this by providing a global perspective and encouraging open-mindedness in students that will ultimately inspire them to seek positive change in their own communities. Our new high school summer abroad programs reflect this mission, and here's what you'll experience at each of these nine incredible destinations.
Argentina
Land of Discovery™
Experience the wonder of Argentina's political and cultural capital, Buenos Aires, on a South American adventure that you'll never forget. Your community service will make a difference in the lives of local families as you work together to build structurally sound family homes for those living in poor communities on the outskirts of Buenos Aires. You'll also have no shortage of adventure, from riding through expansive grasslands with native gauchos on horseback to trying your hand (and feet) at Argentina's famed music and dance, tango.
Belize
Rhythms of the Caribbean™
Belize is a country that is known not only for its abundance of animal life, flora and fauna, but also for its vibrant and colorful culture. As a volunteer on this program, you'll have the unique opportunity to support children's literacy. Help to design and run a day camp for local children that is centered around reading, creating books, and tying literacy into some local environmental initiatives. You'll also have the chance to see a wide range of Belize's ecosystems, from the rainforest to the Caribbean coast, while exploring one of the most culturally rich and naturally beautiful regions in Central America!
Costa Rica
Animal Rescue Project™
If you're an animal lover looking for an opportunity to make a difference for animals in-need, look no further! As a volunteer on GLA's Costa Rica: Animal Rescue Project you'll have the chance to help rescue and rehabilitate abandoned and injured animals alongside Nosara Animal Care- a non-profit, no-kill animal welfare organization. You'll spend time helping homeless, injured, and sick animals and finding them loving homes. You'll also have the chance to experience all of the adventure that Costa Rica has to offer, from stand up paddleboarding at beautiful beaches to hiking through the rainforest to hidden waterfalls.
Sports Service Adventure
Connect with an authentic Costa Rican community through a shared passion for sports! This brand new sports experience in Costa Rica brings together surfing, soccer, and more for the first time. The ocean will serve as your backyard while you organize and facilitate a sports-themed day camp for the youth who live there. Connect with local children in an active, meaningful way and help to boost their self-esteem, promote collaboration, and succeed in other aspects of life. You'll also go beyond the playing field as you try local foods, learn traditional music and dances, and see the natural beauty of this unique country during daily surf lessons! Optional conditioning workouts will also be available daily for those students who are concerned about staying in great physical shape for upcoming competitive seasons.
Dominican Republic
Global Health Initiative™
Although it is hard for many of us to imagine, there are areas of the Dominican Republic in which no formal health care system exists. A lack of trained physicians, medical facilities and public health education and practices make is difficult for families who live in these rural regions to manage their health effectively. On this program, you'll learn about and embrace the 7ELEMENTS Foundation's sustainable solutions to human security problems while making a difference in the health and well-being of poor Dominican families. You'll also have the opportunity to explore the impact of cultural, political, economic and environmental systems on the health of rural communities.
Ghana
Sports Service Adventure
Learn about Ghanaian sports culture and connect with the local community through a common passion for sports. The beach will serve as your backyard as you organize a sports and health-themed day camp for local children. Build unforgettable bonds of friendship with these children as you play games, lead health lessons, and promote gender equality in sports by including local girls in the fun! You’ll also go beyond the playing field as you try local foods, learn traditional music and dances, and spend quality time with Ghanaian leaders making a difference their communities. Connect with local children in an active, meaningful way helping them to boost self-esteem, promote collaboration, and succeed in other aspects of life.
Peru
Amazon Service Adventure
The Amazon is the greatest river in the world by so many measures; the volume of water it carries to the sea (approximately 20% of all the freshwater discharge into the oceans), the area of land that drains into it, and its length and width. At over 4,000 miles long, this river supports incredibly diverse life along its banks-- both human and wildlife. GLA's Amazon Service Adventure is as unique an experience as the river it's set on. Students will dive head-first into life along the Amazon, set deep in the Peruvian jungle, and make a positive impact on the communitites and people there through meaningful service work. From learning to commute via canoe to catching piranhas, life on the Amazon is a constant adventure!
Spain
Cultural Kaleidoscope™
Located at the crossroads of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, Europe and Africa, Spain's history and culture are made up of a rich mix of diverse elements. Spanish culture is widely known for Flamenco music and dance, bullfights, world-renowned beaches and beautiful weather. But Spain has much more to offer than sunshine and the Running of the Bulls. It is, and has been for thousands of years, one of the cultural centers of Europe. The art, architecture and history of the region have drawn the attention of the European continent - and the world - for centuries, and although the amazing scenery, unique foods, and friendly people are evident, it is also an area that is ripe for positive change. Many people would be surprised to see the great inequality that exists in Spain, and for those who are looking to make a difference for in Europe, there is no better time than right now.
United Kingdom
One Nation, Two Worlds™
Experience the United Kingdom - one of the oldest and most influential nations on Earth. The UK is composed of four distinct parts - England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. During your time on this program, you'll explore everything from the city of London, with its energizing neighborhoods and unique cultural contributions, to the quainter but wonderfully charming countryside. And yet, not everything is what it looks like in maps and history books. Like many developed nations, including those in Europe, the UK has its own share of divisive issues, including how best to tackle both urban and rural poverty, and how residents hailing from different countries of origin are changing the historical makeup of the country. This may not be the United Kingdom from fairy tales, but you'll be immersed in authentic British culture in a way that few visitors ever see.
Our 21-day Flagship programs provide the ideal amount of time to satisfy every dimension of the GLA Experience.