Campus FAQ

GLA Campus Questions:

Will male and female students live in the same facilities?

No. We always have gender segregated rooms.

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Are there laundry facilities on site?

Laundry is not available on 10 day programs so students are asked to pack accordingly. Each country has slightly different laundry facilities, but in general, students’ laundry will be done once a week on longer programs.

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What if a parent needs to contact a student?

Parents are encouraged to contact their children via email. Parents will also have access to the 24/7 emergency phone number while your student is traveling and on a GLA program. One of our HQ staff will be available at all times to help you with any issue that should arise. Parents will also have access to our Directors phone number in country in case of emergency.

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Will students in the program be supervised heavily?

Yes. We believe that supervision is important to ensure student safety, and our staff will supervise students during all day and evening activities and in the accommodations at night. We are proud of our experienced staff and know they will do their best to maintain the students' safety. However, because staff cannot watch every student's actions 24 hours per day, it is important that students respect the safety rules provided to them.

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Will I be safe?

Yes. Safety always comes first. The primary goal of our experienced staff is the safety and welfare of the students. We take great pride in providing safe environments for students to explore these beautiful cultures and learn from one another. Upon acceptance into a GLA program, each student will receive a confirmation packet, which includes the GLA Safety Rules and Contract, or the Code of Conduct. This contract must be signed by each student and their parents, and returned with the final payment. All rules are designed to keep the students safe, while still giving them the freedom to make the most of their experiences. For more information, check out GLA's 5-Point Safety System™.

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Can you make dietary accommodations?

We try to accommodate our students' dietary needs, such as providing vegetarian, no pork, no fish options, and are sensitive to the importance of retaining a vegetarian, Kosher or Halal diets. However, some needs may be difficult to accommodate, particularly when traveling. We encourage you to contact us if you have questions about specific dietary concerns.

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Can you make religious accommodations?

While we strongly encourage students of all faiths to join Global Leadership Adventures and contribute to the diversity of the student body, students cannot skip any part of the program, except for medical reasons. That includes observance of the Sabbath or other religious holidays. Unfortunately, GLA programs are unable to provide avenues for worship, though we can accommodate some personal time on-campus for spiritual reflection.

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Will student-athletes be able to prepare for fall sports?

We recognize the importance of athletic training for many students, particularly for those who are preparing for fall sports and for those whose sports contribute to their college admission prospects. Although The GLA Experience will greatly contribute to students' development in many ways, it is not a sports program and does not allow for serious training. Our schedule includes a modest amount of free time most days and the option for group sports several times per week. We generally use this time to expose interested and previously uninitiated students to popular local sports ranging from soccer in Costa Rica to a sports camp in India.

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What is the policy for electronics and internet? (Phones, cameras, Wi-Fi, etc.)

GLA strives to create an environment that encourages students to unplug and forge connections between fellow students and the local community. Cell phones, electronics, and Wi-Fi access create distractions that affect students' ability to be present and fully process their experience abroad. With that in mind, GLA has the following electronics and internet policies in place.

Cell Phones:
Cell phones, including pre-purchased data plans and talk, may be used only at times designated by staff. If cell phone use is causing a distraction, affecting the group dynamic, or is contributing to disrespectful or disengaged behavior, staff will limit access to phones and may confiscate phones or other electronic devices.

Use of phones and electronic devices will never be allowed during meals, Mentor groups, leadership workshops or group excursions and may be collected by staff during these times.

Internet / WiFi:
Internet / Wi-Fi will not be available at the Home Base for student use. It is reserved for staff use when planning program activities and for emergencies only.

Students are provided internet access once per week, typically at a local internet café

Electronics:
Laptops, iPads, and expensive electronics are not conducive to travel and are not permitted on a GLA program.

Cameras:
GLA recommends that students bring a point-and-shoot camera separate from their cell phones. Cell phones may be used as cameras during designated times. DSLRs and expensive photography equipment are allowed, however students will be responsible for the security of their equipment.

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