FOUNDATION
experiencegla.com | 858.771.0645 | info@experiencegla.com
GLA INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION
Changing Lives. Sustaining Communities. The GLA International Foundation (GLAIF) funds community-led international development and provides need-based scholarships for young changemakers. Because GLA covers all overhead, 100% of every donation goes directly to grassroots projects and student grants.
Post-Program: Dedicated family followups and global alumni engagement.
OUR MISSION
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To support grassroots community and conservation projects overseas, while expanding program access to students of diverse backgrounds.
In-Country: 24/7 emergency hotline, safety updates and regular photo blogs from the field.
WHERE YOUR DONATION GOES
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We exclusively fund high-impact initiatives that are:
Pre-Departure: Guidance with flights, visas, passports and portal setup.
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2D
GLA LEADERSHIP MODEL Leaders Are Made, Not Born Leadership is a life skill built through practice, reflection and real-world experience. Every GLA program weaves an intentional leadership curriculum into the journey, empowering students to step beyond their comfort zones, test different leadership styles and build confidence.
3D
Sustainable impact relies on long-term relationships. We collaborate directly with trusted local NGO founders, educators and area experts who provide deep cultural access, authentic learning opportunities and lasting benefits for local host communities.
LOCAL PARTNERS
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We provide 360° support every step of the way for total peace of mind.
FULL PARENTAL SUPPORT GLA programs are built with intention. We skip passive tourism in favor of active, hands-on experiences that connect real-world issues with personal growth, equipping young travelers with leadership skills and a lasting global perspective.
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Our 5-Point Safety System Safety is our top priority. While we encourage students to step outside their comfort zones, our 5-Point Safety System™ supports their health and wellbeing at every stage of the journey. These rigorous standards are woven into all GLA programs, providing peace of mind for students and families alike.
Journeys With Purpose Our programs aren’t summer vacations. Every site visit, cultural workshop or project is crafted to spark reflection and build a broader perspective. Whether studying marine ecosystems or engaging in community service, every moment connects back to ethical leadership.
Safe, Secure Lodging
Our GLA Home Base is a welcoming hub for rest, reflection and team building after active days.
Caring Supervision & Expert Local Knowledge
A Path to Global Citizenship By blending immersive learning and once-in-a-lifetime adventure, GLA equips young travelers to become ambitious, compassionate leaders who carry a global perspective and lifelong purpose wherever they go.
GLA policy is for no student to ever be by themselves outside of the Home Base. Our 6:1 student-to-staff ratio, buddy system and expert local partners provide attentive guidance and support.
Outdoor Adventure | High-energy Career Exploration & Internships | Language Immersion | Authentic Service Learning | Community
Safe, secure accommodations designed to reflect the authentic character of each destination. From eco-lodges and campus dorms to rustic villas and gated compounds, every Home Base provides a comfortable, community-focused space reserved exclusively for GLA groups.
HOME BASE LODGING
THE GLA DIFFERENCE
PURPOSE-DRIVEN TRAVEL •
Global Leadership Adventures is part of Terra Education, a certified B Corporation.
ENROLL NOW! PROGRAMS & ABOUT OUR LEARN MORE
lasting global perspective. leadership, open-mindedness and a learning with adventure to build Every itinerary connects hands-on immersion & multi-region travel. Exploratory Travel | Rich cultural challenge & wilderness discovery. •
Pre-college prep & college credit. •
fluency beyond the textbook. •
partnership & volunteer impact. •
Europe & the Americas: Choose your journey across Africa, Asia,
FIND YOUR PATH a fresh approach to exploring the world. offers socially minded students ages 12+
LIFE-CHANGING JOURNEYS FOR STUDENTS
Community-Led: Designed by local service partners to address root causes. Action-Oriented: Focused on achieving clear, measurable community goals. Collaborative: Built for long-term local ownership and public involvement.
as compassionate global leaders. universities and high-impact careers alumni have gone on to top
hours contributed worldwide. GLA More than 1 million service
Over 30,000 teens empowered.
PROVEN IMPACT
• Time’s 100 Most Influential People list. founder’s work stands recognized on ty-based learning. Today, our visionary impact through immersive, communiveterans, GLA was built to expand global Academy visionaries and Peace Corps Founded in 2003 by African Leadership
OUR STORY
To inspire the next generation to realize their potential to transform the world and their unique role in it.
Mindful travel transforms lives. GLA
OUR MISSION
Safe Transportation
From airport pickup to daily travel, students are transported safely by licensed drivers or supervised public transit, depending on location.
Healthy Meals & Pure Water
Healthy, balanced meals are prepared fresh daily by Home Base staff or vetted restaurants. Students will enjoy a mix of local cuisine and common staples.
24/7 Support & Emergency Response
You will have access to a 24/7 dedicated hotline and on-the-ground support while your group is en route and at its destination. In case of emergency, we activate local resources and provide evacuation and secondary medical insurance for those traveling internationally. Professional medical support is also available to our teams 24/7 when specialized guidance is needed.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT Help bridge the gap between passionate young leaders and global communities.
1I Service Learning Programs GLA’s Flagship Experience Travel with purpose. Combine handson volunteer work with deep cultural immersion to create lasting change alongside local communities. THE CORE FRAMEWORK • •
Language Immersion Programs
Career Exploration Pre-College Programs
Build Bridges. Speak Confidently. Build real-world fluency and deep cultural connections through daily, authentic interaction. THE CORE FRAMEWORK
Certified Service Hours | Boost resumes and satisfy school requirements.
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Community-Led Projects | Work directly on grassroots priorities identified by local leaders.
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Collaborative Impact | Work side-byside with host community members.
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Local Leadership | Work directly with community partners.
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Guided Reflection | Connect daily impact to global issues.
THE GLA DIFFERENCE: A regular trip changes how you see the world. A GLA experience changes your role within it.
Featured Program Ghana: Children of Africa Experience the unmatched warmth and energy of Ghana. Teach in local classrooms, inspire students and immerse yourself in a vibrant, welcoming community.
Age Groups
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Formal Language Classes | Level-placed lessons led by expert native teachers. Native Speaker Practice | Build confidence through authentic daily conversation.
Outdoor Adventure Programs
Exploratory Travel Programs
Discover Your Passion. Build Your Path. Combine real-world industry exposure with expert mentorship to test-drive your future career before college.
Prepare for Your Future. Earn College Credit. Spend 21 days immersed in an advanced professional setting while building workplace leadership. Optional: Earn 3 transferable credits through an accredited university.
Embrace the Challenge. Step Into the Wild. Combine physical outdoor challenges with wilderness exploration and meaningful environmental stewardship.
See the Whole Picture. Broaden Your World. Experience full cultural discovery. Combine multi-destination travel with rich historical immersion and authentic local perspectives across diverse regions.
THE CORE FRAMEWORK
THE CORE FRAMEWORK
THE CORE FRAMEWORK
THE CORE FRAMEWORK
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Professional Shadowing | Gain hands-on exposure to medicine, vet care and more.
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21-Day Immersion | Dive deep into a three-week, high-impact workplace setting.
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Wilderness Expeditions | Camping, trekking and exploring remote landscapes.
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Site Visits & Tours | Explore active workplaces, field labs and NGO headquarters.
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Earn College Credit | Option to earn 3 transferable credits via an accredited college.
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High-Adventure Challenges | Whitewater rafting, mountain trail navigation and more.
Multi-Destination Journeys | Travel across distinct regions to explore host-country diversity.
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Local Partnerships | Work directly with established global partners on site.
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Environmental Awareness | Connect deeply with local landscapes, ecosystems and natural wonders.
Historical & Cultural Immersion | Tour iconic landmarks and sites alongside expert guides.
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Authentic Local Connections | Meaningful engagement with local communities.
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Community & Culture | Languagefocused workshops and local activities.
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Workshops & Simulations | Build practical skills through real-world, hands-on projects.
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Daily Practical Use | Navigate real-world markets and projects in-language.
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Expert Mentorship | Connect directly with industry leaders and professional mentors.
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Advanced Skill Building | Take on highlevel projects and daily operational duties.
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Skill & Leadership Building | Build team resilience, survival skills and grit.
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Regional Excursions | Discover dynamic cities, landscapes and local secrets.
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Guided Immersion | Deep, structured experiences beyond the classroom.
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Career Certifications | Earn program credentials for your college application.
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Global Networking | Build lasting connections with international mentors.
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Outdoor Certifications | Earn fieldspecific credentials on select programs.
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Experiential Learning | Dive into traditions, local cuisine and workshops.
THE GLA DIFFERENCE: Build fluency through conversation, culture and daily life.
THE GLA DIFFERENCE: Put your future interests to the real-world test.
Featured Program Spain: Spanish Language Experience
Featured Program Costa Rica: Animal Rescue & Veterinary Project
Master Spanish while exploring medieval cities, coastal waters and iconic cultural landmarks.
Shadow certified veterinarians, assist with local animal rescues and explore Costa Rica’s incredible rainforests and beaches.
Over 30 Destinations –
FIND YOUR FIT.
Middle School (Ages 12–14, Grades 6-8) The ideal first step into independent travel. Designed around our highest studentto-staff ratios and secure Home Bases, these programs offer younger students a supportive space to build confidence, explore new cultures and begin foundational service work with safety as the top priority. High School (Ages 14–18) Designed for active, curious teens looking to expand their horizons through 7-to-21day experiences. Students may test-drive potential careers, gain certified service hours or earn optional college credit while developing their unique leadership style across our full range of program types.
THE GLA DIFFERENCE: Step into the wild, test your limits and discover your true potential.
THE GLA DIFFERENCE: Open your eyes to new perspectives, ancient histories and global cultures.
Featured Program Peru Internship: Career Exploration in STEM & Engineering
Featured Program Utah: River Rafting & Canyon Adventure
Featured Program Japan: Cultural Kaleidoscope
Raft the Colorado River, explore Arches National Park and learn about public land management while building leadership skills.
Discover Japan’s captivating contrasts from Tokyo’s futuristic energy to hands-on service in rural rice fields near Mt. Fuji.
Assist with vital water conservation projects in the Sacred Valley alongside Quechua community leaders and expert field engineers.
info@experiencegla.com
Global Leadership Adventures Custom Group Travel partners with schools and private groups to deliver both thoughtfully predesigned programs and fully customized experiences. We collaborate closely with educators to ensure each journey aligns with academic objectives while pushing students to engage with new perspectives, build meaningful cross-cultural connections and grow as globally minded leaders.
Portugal, est. 2026
Spain, est. 2016 United Kingdom, est. 2010
ASIA & THE PACIFIC
Alaska, est. 2021 California, est. 2026 Colorado, est. 2021 Florida, est. 2021 Hawaii, est. 2021 Puerto Rico, est. 2026 Utah, est. 2021
Australia, est. 2010 Bali, est. 2011 China, est. 2011 Fiji, est. 2014 India, est. 2008 Japan, est. 2025 Singapore, est. 2026 South Korea, est. 2026 Taiwan, est. 2026 Thailand, est. 2012 Vietnam, est. 2010
CENTRAL AMERICA & THE CARIBBEAN
Belize, est. 2016 Costa Rica, est. 2007 Cuba, est. 2018 Dominican Republic, est. 2009 Guatemala, est. 2009
GLA CUSTOM GROUP TRAVEL
France, est. 2022 Greece, est. 2022 Italy, est. 2022
NORTH AMERICA
College (Ages 18+) Advanced opportunities that bridge classroom theory and real-world career fields. Young adults engage in specialized pre-professional internships, field research and global projects designed to build highlevel resumes for competitive job markets and grad school applications.
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THE GLA DIFFERENCE: Move beyond exploration. Gain the skills, credits and network to stand out.
EUROPE
20+ Years
PROGRAMS BY AGE GROUP:
experiencegla.com | 858.771.0645
Career Exploration Internships
Scan to learn more about what we offer and how to customize a program
! SOUTH AMERICA Argentina, est. 2016 Brazil, est. 2007 Galapagos, est. 2009 Peru, est. 2011
AFRICA
Ghana, est. 2008 Morocco, est. 2023 South Africa, est. 2005 (first program!) ! Tanzania, est. 2009 experiencegla.com | 858.771.0645