GLOBAL LEADERSHIP ADVENTURES

SUMMER TRAVEL PROGRAMS FOR TEENS

Travel programs and online internships for teens & young adults, inspired by the Peace Corps. Global Leadership Adventures was co-founded by Andrew Motiwalla, a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, and Fred Swaniker, one of Time's 100 Most Influential People of 2019.

TEEN TRAVEL & VIRTUAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS

THANK YOU FOR VISITING FROM GO OVERSEAS!

It is Global Leadership Adventures’ founding belief that young people – given the opportunity and privilege to embrace different cultures, confront timely challenges and develop their own unique leadership styles – will make this world the kind of place we can all share and explore together.

We believe leaders are made, not born, and that leadership is a life skill than can and should be developed.

From role play to style exploration to getting students out of their comfort zone and into leadership roles within the group, GLA intentionally weaves this approach into the daily experience on our programs, both virtual and travel-based. Our holistic approach to leadership and learning creates a lifelong impact for students.

Our program model is inspired by the Peace Corps and updated for short-term experiences for high school students and young adults.

Our virtual programs have dates available every season (summer, fall, winter and spring). Most of our travel and volunteer programs operate during the summer, though spring break session dates are also available.

Global Leadership Adventures operates meaningful service-learning programs for high school students who want to travel to Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe or throughout the United States this summer.

97% OF GLA ALUMNI AGREE:
“WHEN I LOOK BACK ON MY GLA EXPERIENCE, I CONSIDER IT TO HAVE BEEN LIFE-CHANGING.”

FEATURED PROGRAMS IN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC:

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE WORLD

Community service, cultural immersion and once-in-a-lifetime adventure come to a crossroads in this island hideaway in the Caribbean. Volunteer on critical building projects from start-to-finish that tackle global issues at the local level for Dominican families and their community.

  • Work on projects that promote sustainability of the environment and the people
  • Tour the capital city of Santo Domingo
  • Go on a white water rafting adventure
  • Visit Dajabon Market
  • Go for an ocean boat ride and snorkel in crystal blue waters
  • Designed for teens ages 14-19

On this program you will see a side of the Dominican Republic that most will never experience. Much of the country is distinctly rural, and true beauty lives in everyday village scenes dotted across the spectacular Caribbean coastline. Student volunteers are needed to make a real difference in local neighborhoods. Volunteer on meaningful service projects that support families who have shown grace and resilience in the face of natural disasters and political unrest, and learn the challenges they still face in accessing basic human necessities. And while service is at the heart of what we do, there will of course be plenty of unexpected adventures and cultural treasures to discover during your time on the island.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: CARIBBEAN SERVICE ADVENTURE

The Caribbean awaits! Tropical seas, white sand beaches and mystical blue cenotes are ready to be discovered. Appreciate the beauty, history and people of the island as you support development efforts in Caribbean communities.

  • Enjoy white sand beaches just a short walk away from Home Base
  • Swim in the natural caves and mystical blue cenotes of Dudu Lagoon
  • Hike beautiful Mt. Brison to reveal a remote mountain village hideaway
  • Snorkel in the Caribbean Sea among multi-colored fish and spectacular marine life
  • Build safer homes and community centers for underserved families
  • Designed for teens ages 14-19

On this program you will take in the island’s idyllic ocean vistas and lush tropical canopies. The Dominican Republic is a travel destination famous for its resorts, but go beyond the tourist towns and you’ll discover that much of the country is distinctly rural, and true beauty lies in everyday village scenes where local hospitality and untouched habitats can be appreciated. During your time on the island, you will also volunteer with families who have shown grace and resilience in the face of natural disasters and political unrest, and learn the challenges they still face in accessing basic human necessities.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: GLOBAL HEALTH INITIATIVE

Travel to a Caribbean paradise where medical and public health challenges are prevalent. Provide medical, educational, and development support to rural Dominican communities – all crucial pieces of the public health puzzle on the island.

  • Gain fieldwork experience that will introduce you to public health and medicine
  • Talk with health and medical professionals about health access in rural island communities
  • Discuss the intersection of global health with politics, economics and the environment
  • Swim in the natural caves and majestic cenotes of Dudu Lagoon
  • Go for a spectacular boat ride and snorkel in the crystal blue seas
  • Designed for teens ages 14-19

On this program you will challenge your preconceptions of health and community care. Learn about the differences between public health and medicine, and how community wellbeing depends on both. Receive guidance from local medical professionals and begin to understand what being an island healthcare worker is all about. Discover the seven critical elements of human security and determine how health care fits into the picture. Gain field experience by doing physical work and sanitation projects that are public health-focused and aim to improve the lives of hundreds of Dominicans living in poverty. And while you’re diving into deep, meaningful projects, you will also have time for adventure while you’re here. Explore to your heart’s content, as coastline, jungle and Caribbean culture surround you at every turn.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: SEMESTER OF SERVICE

Go on the journey of a lifetime in the Caribbean, and build a working organization with your peers over the course of eight weeks.

  • Complete 200 hours of community service over the course of eight weeks
  • Create a working organization that meets the needs of the community
  • Go on an journey of academic, group and self discovery
  • Be immersed in multiple thematic focus areas, including social justice and public health
  • Visit Santo Domingo, the Cabarete Caves and 27 Waterfalls as part of your adventure
  • Designed for young adults ages 18-24

On this program you will come to the Dominican Republic to learn about critical issues affecting communities on the ground and draw connections to these same issues that exist on a global scale. Your objective? Work as a team with your peers on the program to create an organization that parlays your passions into meeting the needs of the local or global community. Develop a mission statement and an operating plan, and set goals as you gain real-life experience in creating and sustaining your own organization. This extended-length gap program gives students an opportunity to deepen their knowledge while being supported in developing solutions to these issues.

GLOBAL LEADERSHIP ADVENTURES

PROGRAMS INSPIRED BY THE PEACE CORPS

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FRONT COVER

BACK COVER

STUDENT TESTIMONIAL:
"THE WORLD IS AN IMMENSE PLACE. AND WORKING TOWARD SOLVING ITS PROGRAMS IS LIKE TRYING TO MOVE A MOUNTAIN ONE PEBBLE AT A TIME. ON THIS TRIP, I REALIZED THAT EACH PEBBLE MAY SEEM INSIGNIFICANT TO YOU OR ME, BUT CAN LOOK LIKE A BOULDER TO OTHERS."