Electronics brought on the program at your own risk; GLA is not responsible for any damaged, lost, or stolen electronic devices. 

Europe Programs Cell Phone Policy

Students will have access to their cell phones during the program, but not allowed during service and leadership activities. 

Phone use is expected to support program logistics and safety not distract from the group experience. Students are expected to follow staff guidance on when to use their phones. Staff will set clear guidelines to indicate moments when phone usage is not appropriate  (e.g., during group reflections, mealtimes or cultural activities) to ensure that the spirit of GLA’s unplugged culture is preserved. Parents should be aware that while their student may carry a phone more frequently in Europe as compared to other program locations, usage is still monitored and limited with the same goal to maximize presence and engagement.

Internet Access, Signal & Connectivity on GLA programs

Each country and program site comes with its unique advantages and challenges to internet access. At Home Bases where there is wifi, program directors will provide students access to the wifi so that they can connect with their family during staff-designated cell phone time only. If a student doesn’t have a phone to connect, they may ask staff to use their phone to call home if they desire. GLA cannot guarantee that all Home Bases will have consistent, high-speed internet. In some locations, the internet connection may be particularly sporadic and one can expect the connectivity timeline to vary greatly. Follow this link to review the wifi and cell phone connectivity by program site.  The wifi that is made available, is for connecting with family and is not for streaming of any kind. Some program sites have capped total data available per session, and if students stream, the entire amount could be depleted in seconds by a few students. 

Drones, Laptops, and Misc. Electronics on GLA Programs 

Students on GLA programs will not be permitted to bring laptops*, iPads/tablets*, & drones, and other expensive electronics as they are not conducive to the travel experience on GLA programs.  *On Internship Programs, resources and materials will be made available offline in journals and workbooks however laptops and iPads will be permitted. 

Electronics:

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

*On Internship Programs, resources and materials will be made available offline in journals and workbooks however laptops and iPads will be permitted. 

Drones are not permitted on GLA programs as they are also not conducive to travel. In addition, students using drones in the communities in which we work and live can harm our group's ability to build relationships. Many countries have outlawed or implemented harsh restrictions on drone use. Please leave your drone at home!   

Cameras & Wearable Devices 

GLA recommends that students bring a small, point-and-shoot camera for ease of travel, which can be used throughout the program to take pictures. The use of point-and-shoot cameras during service, adventure, and cultural activities will be up to the discretion of the program staff and may not be appropriate for ethical or other reasons depending on the activity. Cell phones may be used as cameras during designated cell phone time as indicated by the program directors. DSLRs and expensive photography equipment are allowed in place of a point-and-shoot camera; however, students will be responsible for the security of their equipment. Wearable devices will not be collected along with cell phones; however, as travelers, it is best practice to keep a low profile, and therefore wearable devices are not recommended. GLA is not responsible for any damaged, lost, or stolen electronic devices. 

Options for using cell phones abroad:

1. Use your existing mobile phone: 

Most mobile phone operators have agreements with operators in other countries so that your phone will work while traveling. However, each carrier is different, and some phones in the USA use a different operating system that is incompatible when abroad. If you would like to use your existing phone, we recommend that you contact your cell phone carrier to discuss whether your phone will work while traveling.

2. Rent or buy an international mobile phone or SIM card: 

Companies such as Mobal Communications can provide a phone and coverage in different countries. If your phone works with eSim you can look into Airalo or Holafly for a data only eSim. Contact where ever you purchased your phone to verify.  Google Fi is another plan to consider. Students will not have an opportunity to purchase a local SIM card while on program.  Follow this link to review the wifi and cell phone connectivity by program site.