GLA students and parents have reported that our 21-day flagship programs offer the optimal amount of time to develop friendships with locals and their peers, to make a more significant impact on the community, and to fully immerse themselves in a new culture. Our flagship programs provide additional weekend excursions, volunteers service opportunities, and leadership training than are available on our 10 and 14-day programs. Students also have the option to complete a Capstone Project. This can take the form of developing a plan for when they return home, a final presentation of what their experience was like, or even a media project that highlights their flagship experience. With a variety of three-week sessions to choose from below, there is a flagship program available for every student and every interest.
→ To learn more about the benefits of a GLA Flagship Program, click here.
Africa Flagship Programs
Ghana: Children of Africa™
Step onto the flat, sandy land of Ghana, and you’ll immediately hear the laughter of children everywhere. This laughter will be the constant of your trip, and a steady source of energy while you volunteer among one of Africa’s most passionate and kind communities. Ghanaians are known for their smiles, vibrancy and welcoming nature—you’ll see bright colors everywhere: in the land, stitched into traditional clothing, and adorning the decor of your Home Base. Your arrival will bring excitement to classrooms as you work to inspire students toward success in school.
Flagship Exclusives:
This program offers both a 21-day flagship experience and a 14-day option. Only students on the 21-day Flagship program will visit the Keta slave fort, and spend a weekend exploring the mountains, where we’ll hike to jaw-dropping waterfalls and feed monkeys swinging from the lush rain forest canopy. Flagship program students will also be immersed in the community for longer, allowing them to form deeper connections with local kids & families. Teens on the three-week program will also earn additional service hours.
South Africa: Cape Town Children's Initiative™
Embrace and explore the colorful diversity in one of South Africa's nine provinces, spending the majority of your time in immersive exploration of Cape Town. Learn from diverse speakers and observe how movements for social change shaped South Africa following decades of Apartheid. Be a part of the change happening to address current social issues. Delve deep into the tribal history of its people, enjoy magnificent views as you conquer the peak of Table Mountain and observe the contrast between urban and rural Cape Town.
"The symbiotic relationship between the African Leadership Academy and Global Leadership Adventures is a perfect example of how an American organization can support and catalyze the work of a cutting-edge African non-profit. This cross-cultural collaboration and innovation for social change is exactly what we hope to instill in students on this program."
-Andrew Motiwalla, GLA Co-Founder
Flagship Exclusives:
21 days is the only session length offered for this program, so students will participate in all service, learning, and adventure activities.
Tanzania: Children's Education Adventure
At dawn, the rising sun floods Tanzania’s cool grasslands with gold, school children walk along the roadsides and vendors set out their wares. Nature surrounds Tanzania, where the largest of animals mingle with the most minute, and landscapes are colorful and diverse. But more than anything else, it is the Tanzanian people who will make your visit memorable. Whether you’re teaching a class full of laughing, energetic children, embarking on a wild safari guided by locals or chatting with community members, you’ll constantly be greeted with the characteristic warmth and dignity of Tanzanians, and the raw beauty of East Africa.
Flagship Exclusives:
This program offers both a 21-day flagship experience and a 14-day option. Only students on the 21-day Flagship program will visit a Maasai village, where we’ll be immersed in their incredible community and learn about their unique nomadic culture. Here, we’ll learn to throw spears, make bead jewelry and identify medicinal plants in the wild. Teens on the three-week program will also earn an additional 15 service hours.
Asia & The Pacific Flagship Programs
Bali: Global Health Initiative™
East meets West in this unique program nominated by Go Abroad as a 2018 Finalist for most Innovative New Program. You’ll study public health through two different perspectives: Western convention and the indigenous wisdom of the East. You'll significantly deepen your understanding of the many pieces that make up the global health puzzle, especially in the developing world, where cultural competence is just as important for achieving wellness as medical ability and technology. During your time off service, enjoy Bali’s uplifting culture through live music and dance performances, memorable meals and high adventure on the coast.
Flagship Exclusives:
This program offers both a 21-day Flagship experience and a 14-day option. Only students on the 21-day program will learn to Scuba dive in the crystal clear Balinese waters. Teens on the Flagship program will also earn additional service hours, and connect with the local community in a unique way, thanks to their extended stay in the area.
Bali: Island Education Initiative™
Journey to the island of Bali, where you’ll positively influence local youth and explore the many wonders of the “Island of the Gods.” The Balinese people are what make this region truly beautiful. Charming and generous, local residents warmly welcome you to to their communities and invite you to learn about the unique culture of Indonesia's most diverse island. Volunteer at a local school, teaching English and bonding with the community. In the afternoons and evenings, you might hike to a waterfall, hop on a spider boat to catch the sunset, or gather around a bonfire on the beach.
Flagship Exclusives:
21 days is the only session length offered for this program, so students will participate in all service, learning, and adventure activities.
China: Mandarin Service Adventure
Welcome to China, one of the oldest, largest and most diverse nations on Earth. China’s rich culture is most authentically preserved in its beautiful countryside, and this is your ticket to the full experience. From the moment you step into the Home Base in Shaxi (pronounced “sha-shee”), you’ll be swept into the magic of living in a village back in time. Based in the Himalayan foothills that border Tibet, Shaxi offers the opportunity to live in a locally-owned guesthouse built of intricate woodwork, and interact with the indigenous community through language exchange, cultural workshops and impactful projects. Icons of ancient Chinese culture beckon your exploration: towering Buddha statues, colorful temples and the Great Wall.
The GLA Experiential Language Curriculum™ combines language time in the classroom with immersion through community service, excursions and cultural activities.
Flagship Exclusives:
21 days is the only session length offered for this program, so students will participate in all service, learning, and adventure activities.
Fiji: Children of the South Pacific™
“Bula!” This is the greeting you’ll hear again and again from native Fijians. Even on the extremely remote Yasawa Islands where many villages are impoverished, you’d have a hard time finding a more warm and welcoming people. Life revolves around the ocean and community—old and young live together, and large gatherings are a constant occurrence. You’ll live and volunteer where there are no roads, cars, banks or shops. Immerse yourself in the simple village life and experience Fiji’s fascinating culture as you work on projects aimed at improving opportunities for children and achieving sustainability for the remote community.
Flagship Exclusives:
21 days is the only session length offered for this program, so students will participate in all service, learning, and adventure activities.
India: The Initiative for Children™
Full of diverse people, dramatic landscapes and spiritual energy, the magical land of India awaits you. You'll have the opportunity to teach India's underserved children and volunteer on community development projects. Immerse yourself in cultural activities like Bollywood dance, traditional Indian cooking and yoga sessions. Discover this unique culture as you tour the royal city of Jaipur, go on a camel ride in the desert, and visit incredible temples. Gain invaluable cultural knowledge and insight on this once-in-a-lifetime Indian adventure.
Flagship Exclusives:
21 days is the only session length offered for this program, so students will participate in all service, learning, and adventure activities.
Thailand: Elephants & Conservation Expedition™
Lose yourself in the magic that is Thailand, as you become an eco-warrior taking your compassion for animals and the environment to the next level. Help an organization that is protecting the endangered wild Thai elephant population by providing a safe corridor to water for the elephants. Learn about the plight of both the wild and the domestic elephant. Discuss the complexities of elephant tourism and human-wild elephant conflict. With a bit of good luck, you'll even get to observe the behavior of these gentle giants in their natural habitat! Experience the wonders of Southeast Asia as you visit temples and discover its fascinating culture.
Flagship Exclusives:
21 days is the only session length offered for this program, so students will participate in all service, learning, and adventure activities.
Thailand: In & Beyond the Classroom™
Journey to enchanting Thailand, a kingdom rich in culture, arts and tradition. In spite of rapid economic progress in recent years, the northern capital of Chiang Mai manages to preserve the atmosphere of an ancient city and is still known for its beautiful temples and rugged natural landscape. Make unforgettable connections with Thailand’s youth through community service at a rural primary school. Experience the nation’s culture of warmth and reverence through interaction with the hospitable local residents and visits to unique northern temples. Sample fabulous cuisine, shop at bustling markets, and pay a visit to an ethical elephant home in the lush, green mountains surrounding Chiang Mai.
Flagship Exclusives:
This program offers both a 21-day flagship experience and a 14-day option. Students on the 21-day Flagship program will have an additional volunteer opportunity to contribute to various physical projects that support organizations dedicated to supporting minority Northern Hill Tribe communities. Also exclusive to the flagship version is a bicycling and kayaking adventure through the beautiful mountains outside of Chiang Mai. Teens on the three-week program will also earn additional service hours.
Central America & The Caribbean Flagship Programs
Costa Rica: Animal Rescue Project™
On this program you will promote animal rights and spread awareness about the issue in local communities. You'll gain pre-veterinary experience working alongside certified veterinarians and animal rescue experts. Not only will you do compassionate, hands-on work with lovable, furry friends at a dog rescue center, you’ll also learn about exotic wildlife species in a country known for its dedication to conservation. In your time off service, experience all the outdoor adventure and natural beauty Costa Rica has to offer.
Flagship Exclusives:
This program offers both a 21-day flagship experience and a 14-day option. If you’re joining us for the 21-Day Flagship Program, you'll get to go surfing or standup paddleboarding, as well as a white water rafting adventure! Additionally, students on the Flagship program will be immersed in the local community for longer and have a chance to create deeper connections with the people - and animals - living there. Teens on the three-week program will also earn additional service hours.
Costa Rica: Spanish Service Adventure
On this program you will take learning Spanish out of the classroom—you’ll live in the breathtaking cloud forest and learn to speak the language from locals. In the face of increased tourism and development, Costa Ricans continue to work toward high sustainability goals to protect their biodiverse home. Alongside passionate conservationists, you’ll volunteer on projects in eco-friendly building and agriculture, and interview community members—in Spanish! These experiences enhance your language immersion, making sure you get plenty of practice and return home a more confident Spanish speaker.
The GLA Experiential Language Curriculum™ integrates Spanish language learning into all aspects of the experience, allowing students to take away more of the culture, and also leave more behind. From community service to excursions and cultural events, language is given a new context. Spanish class will never be the same.
GLA now offers an optional homestay extension, exclusively to students on our Costa Rica: Spanish Service Adventure program. Extend your stay in Costa Rica an extra week after the completion of our program, and live with and volunteer alongside community members who are excited to host you. Immersion at this level is a great way to build your Spanish skills through conversation. For more information on the homestay, talk to an enrollment advisor or learn more here.
Flagship Exclusives:
This program offers both a 21-day Flagship experience and a 14-day option. Students on the 21-day Flagship program will connect to the local community in a unique way, thanks to their extended stay in the area. These students will even get additional language learning hours during the course of their program. Teens on the Flagship program will also experience a whitewater rafting adventure down the world-class Pacuare River and learn to surf locals.
Costa Rica: The Initiative for Children™
On this program you will learn how development issues in rural Costa Rica—from education access to sustainable land use—are all directly related to the wellness and futures of youth. You’ll be based in small towns far from the developed tourism hotspots of Costa Rica. Bond with the children and families of your neighborhood as you volunteer in their schools, help lead environmental education projects, and spend time working with local grassroots organizations passionate about engaging the community in more sustainable practices. After service, experience Costa Rica’s lush landscapes and outdoor adventure activities.
Flagship Exclusives:
This program offers both a 21-day flagship experience and a 14-day option. Only students on the 21-day Flagship program will get to experience a whitewater rafting adventure down the Tenorio River, standup paddleboarding through a mangrove forest, hiking through Monte Alto Nature Reserve, and a Catamaran cruise. Flagship program students will also get to be immersed in the local community for longer, allowing for deeper connections to locals and their children. Teens on the three-week program will also earn an additional service hours.
Dominican Republic: Building a Sustainable World™
Pull on your work gloves—this program will immerse you in hands-on, humanitarian projects for underserved communities. Beyond its resorts, endless beaches and reputation as a Caribbean vacation island, the Dominican Republic is truly complex. Living on the country’s northern coast, a pristine and untouched region far off the tourist track, you’ll be participate in sustainable solutions to combat social and environmental issues.
Flagship Exclusives:
21 days is the only session length offered for this program, so students will participate in all service, learning, and adventure activities.
Guadeloupe: French Caribbean Adventure
Explore this French overseas territory sitting pristinely in the Caribbean and home to diverse communities of European, Asian, African and indigenous descent. The atmosphere is heartfelt and colorful, with a French passion for cuisine and a Caribbean reverence for the surrounding natural environment. You’ll become a more confident French speaker - the official language here - through language courses and interaction with locals. Be prepared to dance to drum beats and enjoy Creole cooking, yet eat many a croissant and baguette.
The GLA Experiential Language Curriculum™ integrates French language learning into all aspects of the experience, allowing students to take away more of the culture, and also leave more behind. From community service to excursions and cultural events, language is given a new context. French class will never be the same.
Flagship Exclusives:
This program offers both a 21-day Flagship experience and a 14-day option. Students on the 21-day Flagship program will get to spend an extra week immersed in Guadeloupe's rich culture, and connect to the local community in a unique way. Teens on the Flagship program will also get to take a trip out to one of Guadeloupe's most secluded islands.
South America Flagship Programs
Brazil: Rio Service Adventure
On this program you will experience spectacular Rio de Janeiro, from its favelas to its spectacular beachfront. Partner with a local organization to help improve conditions in the neighborhoods with the most need; from beautification projects to cleanup to improving athletic facilities and participating in sports workshops with local residents, you'll get to know the culture through its people as you work side by side.
Peru: Children of the Andes™
Go beyond the tourist mindset and learn the nuances of life in this beautiful yet challenging area, all while providing critical service to children and schools in the rural community. Gain hands-on experience teaching in a classroom, and after service, take in the Sacred Valley’s magnificence: Andean peaks to orchid-rich cloud forests, wild rivers and a thriving mecca of colorful markets and ancient history.
Flagship Exclusives:
21 days is the only session length offered for this program, so students will participate in all service, learning, and adventure activities.
Peru: Foundations of Global Health™
Lend a hand in an area in which poor infrastructure and lack of education pertaining to good hygiene are major factor contributing to health issues in the rugged topography of the Andes. Learn from community health workers operating traveling clinics. This program is a real opportunity to learn about public health as a basic human need, while helping to carry out important health campaigns in one of the most exciting and culturally rich landscapes in the world.
Flagship Exclusives:
This program offers both a 21-day Flagship experience and a 14-day option. Only students on the 21-day program will get to experience the incredible rock formations at Rainbow Mountain. Teens on the Flagship program will also earn additional service hours, and connect with the local community in a unique way thanks to their extended stay in the area.
Peru: Llama & Animal Service Adventure
On this program you will serve the animals that are an integral part of rural South American life. Peruvians have been relying on llamas as pack animals and since they were domesticated centuries ago. Alpacas, guanacos, and vicuñas each have a role to play, both in the culture, traditions, and rural economies of Peruvian herders. Work alongside veterinarians in a pop up clinic and help spread awareness about pet ownership as you explore the sights, sounds, and tastes of Peru!
Peru: Service Through the Lens™
Peru deserves its reputation as a mystical travel destination. Astonishing beauty abounds in its most iconic sites: The colonial gem of Cuzco, the incredible Inca citadel at Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks. However, as a storyteller you might discover that tucked in between these wild landscapes is another world of photo opportunities: Colorful weaving villages, market days, the hardy mountain lifestyle of families living in the Andes. Truly, the people are Peru’s real treasure and most dynamic force: Warm in spirit, resourceful and resilient, Peruvians are generous about sharing their lives and their country with visitors. With your eyes and heart open, take your camera off the tourist path to capture their rich and surprising stories through direct exchanges.
Flagship Exclusives:
This program offers both a 21-day Flagship experience and a 14-day option. Students on the 21-day Flagship program will connect to the local community in a unique way, and spend an extra week honing their photography skills. Teens on the Flagship program will also earn an additional 10 service hours, and have the chance to snap photos of the visually stunning Rainbow Mountain.
Peru: Spanish Service Adventure
Spanish class will never be the same! Discover Cuzco, the cultural heart of the Inca Empire, as you immerse yourself in its sights and sounds—ancient flutes, traditional clothes, and surrounding Andean peaks. While you volunteer on various projects to improve the lives of indigenous residents in the regions surrounding Cuzco, practice your Spanish with friendly native speakers. On the weekends, explore the Sacred Valley and hike through the Andes mountains to visit Machu Picchu.
The GLA Experiential Language Curriculum™ integrates Spanish language learning into all aspects of the experience, allowing students to take away more of the culture, and also leave more behind. From community service to excursions and cultural events, language is given a new context. Spanish class will never be the same.
Flagship Exclusives:
This program offers both a 21-day Flagship experience and a 14-day option. Students on the 21-day Flagship program will connect to the local community in a unique way, thanks to their extended stay in the area. These students will also get additional service and language learning hours during the course of their program. Teens on the Flagship program will also get to hike to the colorful and visually stunning Rainbow Mountain.
Our 21-day Flagship programs provide the ideal amount of time to satisfy every dimension of the GLA Experience.