OUR MISSION IS TO INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION TO REALIZE THEIR POTENTIAL TO TRANSFORM THE WORLD AND THEIR UNIQUE ROLE IN IT

GLA aspires to be much more than just a way to volunteer. Students say it’s a life-changing experience…parents tell us their kids come back transformed. Our programs use a methodology called ‘service-learning’ which combines community service with different kinds of hands-on learning: learning about social and global issues and personal leadership. In other words, it frames the volunteer work within a larger context – against the backdrop of the local community, the country or the world.

We believe that community service is a way not only to gain a deeper understanding of another country, but it also allows the student to understand their place in the world and their ability to change it. Our unique program design produces what many students call a life-changing experience, not just a summer program.

Integrity: Our Integrity is unspoken. It is the unfailing framework from which we build every program, human relationship, and bridge into a community.

Respect: Respect is inherent in all of our interactions among students, staff, and all of the members whose communities we serve. Respect means accepting and celebrating differences. Respect means considering all points of view, always.

Cooperation: Cooperation is key to our accomplishments. We are a traveling community, helping to serve other communities. We work together, learn from one another, and build valuable friendships in the process.

Compassion: Compassion is what drives our service, and that compassion extends to students, parents, and host communities. Our care for people extends to everything we do.

Personal Growth: We are invested in the Personal Growth and development of all our students and staff. We foster an environment for students to safely explore, experience, and self-discover.

Optimism: Optimism is at our core. We believe that anything is possible and that every person is capable of driving and adopting positive change in the world.

Innovation: Innovation is what makes us stand out in international education. Open to new ideas and always striving to work better and smarter to serve our communities, Students, and parents.

GLA POLICIES

Global Leadership Adventures embraces students from all walks of life--we believe that genders, sexual or gender identities, cultures, economic backgrounds, spiritual beliefs, and philosophies make for a rich experience for all who travel with us. Students must show decency, civility, and respect towards each other and GLA staff members. Students must display respectful listening and follow all rules set forth by any program staff or adult in charge of the group. The use of insensitive or otherwise offensive language or behavior or engaging in behavior disruptive to the goals of GLA may be grounds for disciplinary action. GLA students come from all walks of life. Discriminatory words or actions based on race, religion, sexual or gender orientation, economic background, or political affiliation will not be tolerated.

Transgender & Gender Nonconforming Students - GLA firmly believes that all students should be able to participate fully in educational and cultural activities in accordance with their gender identity or expression. As an organization, we strive to demonstrate and practice leadership by openly embracing and supporting students who have historically faced tremendous discomfort, uncertainty, and fear in pursuit of their educational aspirations domestically and abroad. In such circumstances, staff shall make every reasonable effort to provide rooming accommodations that are acceptable to the student and that promote a group experience. GLA staff will address trans and GNC students by their preferred name/pronoun. We will work with each student or family on a case-by-case basis prior to departure to learn more about the student’s situation and concerns. We will also discuss existing local laws or cultural expectations that may negatively impact the student and their ability to safely express him or herself, or pose a risk to the safety, life, or liberty of transgender individuals via their own legal framework.

Roommate Requests - We believe that an important part of a student's experience is meeting new people. We have found that friends or family members who attend a program together have a more rich experience when they room separately. However, if siblings or friends do wish to room together, they may request to do so in writing up to 14 days prior to the program start date. Both parties must fill out a Roommate Request Contract, which states that if they are placed together in accommodations, both students in question will make every effort to socialize with other students throughout the program. If staff feel that a roomed pair are excluding themselves from the group, accommodations may be changed. Groups of three or more students requesting to room together may NOT be honored. Students who room together will likely NOT be placed together in small-group activities or Mentor groups.

Students with Serious Food Allergies - While we are able to accommodate many food allergies, we cannot guarantee the complete absence of certain foods in certain locations. For example, to avoid peanuts is very difficult in Thailand, as most dishes are cooked in peanut oil and even packaged snacks may not list this as an ingredient. We will make every effort to help families find an acceptable alternate in the case that a particular serious food allergy cannot be accommodated on the student’s program of choice.  

GLA CODE OF CONDUCT

While participating in a GLA program, students are expected to act in a way that is respectful to the local community, promotes the educational goals of the program, and ensures the safety of all students. In order to achieve this, we have created a Code of Conduct that all students are expected to follow.

Supervision: Due to safety reasons, abandoning the group or leaving the GLA Home Base boundaries without permission or supervision, is grounds for expulsion. Students must always remain with the group or with a GLA Program Staff member. At clearly defined times program staff may allow students to move freely within a predefined area, accompanied by a fellow student.  At times during unstructured time, students may be among themselves and not overseen by GLA Program Staff. During such times it is especially important that the student respect the safety rules and guidelines and exercise caution and good judgment in order to ensure their safety and well-being. The student understands that they are not allowed to leave the group while outside the Home Base boundaries without permission from GLA Program Staff. If the Student chooses to leave the group at any time without first notifying staff, they may be sent home from the program early due to safety reasons at the family’s expense. If a Student needs to stay back at Home Base for any reason, they should approach a staff member to discuss so that they can be sure a staff member is aware and available to support the student.

Personal Safety & Well-being: Students must be responsible for their personal safety and well-being. This includes taking prescriptions as advised by their doctor, staying hydrated, putting on sunscreen, using insect repellent (if advised for location), wearing culturally and weather-appropriate attire, eating three meals per day, and discussing any concerns, needs, or ailments directly with GLA Program Staff. Students must display respectful listening and follow all rules set forth by any GLA Program Staff or adult in charge of the group.

No Tolerance of Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Other Drugs: Strictly prohibited during the program. Even if permitted by local laws or by laws of the student's home country, any violation of this rule may result in immediate expulsion from the program based on GLA’s best judgment and understanding of the situation: (1) The possession, consumption, attempted sale or purchase of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, illegal or illicit drugs; or the misuse of over-the-counter or prescription drugs. (2) Assisting others to engage in such activity. Program staff reserves the right to search student belongings at their discretion in cases where drug, tobacco, or alcohol possession is suspected. Participant and Student consent to inspections of luggage and personal items when suspected to be in violation of law or Program rules. Whenever feasible, searches shall be conducted by two staff members and in the student’s presence. Smoking tobacco, vaping products of any kind, and using tobacco products are prohibited on all GLA programs, even with parental consent. Items that are in violation of the no-tolerance policy will be confiscated by staff and will not be returned to the Student. Students are responsible for reporting any serious misconduct that they witness to a program staff member. If a student chooses not to report, they are also in violation of the Code of Conduct and the situation will be handled accordingly.

Knives and Other Weapons: Knives, slingshots, machetes, and other items that can be utilized as weapons are not allowed on GLA programs. In addition, because of the risk to the home base and infrastructure, matches and lighters are also prohibited. Students may not purchase these items as souvenirs unless express parental consent is given directly to Terra; in these cases, program staff may opt to hold the item in question until the student departs from the program.

Body Alterations: No body alterations, including tattoos or piercings, are to be obtained while on a GLA Program, even with parental consent.

Rooming: Students are not allowed to enter any room not assigned to them unless given direct permission by a GLA Program Staff member. Any student who is in a room other than their own may result in disciplinary action.

Sex and Sexual Acts: In order to promote an experience that is safe and inclusive of all students, and respectful of local cultural norms, students are not permitted to engage in any sexual acts during GLA Programs. Exclusive relationships and/or public displays of affection, even if consensual, are also not considered appropriate behavior while on a GLA Program. These expectations help ensure the emotional and physical safety of all participants and maintain a positive group dynamic. Any violation of this rule may result in immediate expulsion from the program based on GLA’s best judgment and understanding of the situation.

Sexual Harassment: GLA is committed to maintaining a learning environment that is free from sexual harassment and misconduct. Students must refrain from engaging in any inappropriate or unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature and are encouraged to report any violations directly to staff members.  Inappropriate actions include, without limitation:

• Gender-based harassment, seductive behavior, or coercion

• Solicitation of sexual activity through promises of reward or threats of punishment

• Assault or unwanted physical contact

• Comments, jokes, or gestures that target or demean someone based on gender or sexuality

• Whistling or making animalistic noises towards an individual

• Standing too close, brushing against, or blocking another person’s movement

• Giving gifts or leaving sexually suggestive items

• Repeatedly asking someone to socialize after they have declined or shown disinterest

• Displaying, watching, or distributing sexually explicit or offensive materials (physically or virtually)

Any form of sexual harassment is strictly prohibited and may result in immediate dismissal from the program.

Water Safety: Students are only allowed to swim under GLA Program Staff supervision. Students must obey all rules laid out by lifeguards or supervisory staff. Students may not swim alone or participate in any unauthorized water sport. All programs may require that students pass a swim test to participate in water-based activities.

Cell Phones: Students can bring their cell phones to programs but should expect to not have access to their phones for the majority of their trips. Students are only permitted to use cell phones, including data and talk plans, during specific, staff-designated “free time” such as mornings before health checks and breakfast and evenings after all program activities have ended. Free time will be visible on the daily schedule so that students know when cell phone times are coming and can receive their phone from a GLA Program Staff accordingly. After free time, GLA Program Staff may collect student phones in a container and will safely guard student phones until the next student's free time. Any student who is found with a phone outside of free time hours can expect to have their phone collected and receive a verbal warning, followed by a written warning and dismissal from the program, for repeated infractions.

Respect for Local Cultural Norms: Students must respect the local cultural norms. GLA staff will advise students about culturally appropriate behavior and clothing, and students must comply. Adhering to local dress codes is a crucial element in maintaining strong relationships with the communities with whom we work. Students will often be interacting in a foreign language during the program and should practice patience and respect in these engagements.

Respect for Program Staff, Instructors and Students: Our program is committed to providing a safe, inclusive environment for all participants. Discrimination, racism, microaggressions, or bullying of any kind are not tolerated. Students must show respect and civility toward peers, Program Staff, and Instructors at all times. Program students come from all walks of life and actively embrace diversity, fostering a culture of acceptance, inclusion, and mutual respect for all. We honor and value every individual, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic background, or physical, sensory, or mental health condition. Any use of offensive language, harassment, intimidation, or behavior disruptive to the goals of the program may result in disciplinary action or removal. Verbal or physical threats, as well as play fighting, will not be tolerated. Verbal or physical threats, as well as play fighting, will not be tolerated.

Commitment to the Program: Students must be committed to the program. This means students will approach all program activities with an open mind and will participate in all aspects of the program. Students recognize that credit for community service hours is earned and not automatically rewarded. GLA may reduce service hours in response to a violation of the Code of Conduct or lack of participation in the program.

Violations of the Code of Conduct will trigger disciplinary action which could include expulsion from the GLA program or a complete elimination or reduction of credited community service hours. Service hours are not guaranteed and depend on attendance and compliance with the Code of Conduct. GLA will provide documentation of actual hours completed. While most Code of Conduct violations result in immediate expulsion from the program, there may be instances where a verbal warning or written contract may precede expulsion when deemed appropriate by Program Staff. In the case of expulsion, the student will be sent home on the next available flight at the expense of the student’s parents or legal guardians, even if there is only one day remaining in the program without a refund.

Policies on Cancellation, Late Payments, and Switching Programs can be found here. 

APPLICATION, SCREENING & DISCLOSURES & ESSENTIAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Application, Screening & Disclosures

At GLA, we are committed to fostering access and inclusion while maintaining a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for all participants. We partner with families through open, collaborative communication to remove barriers wherever possible, to ensure that each student can engage fully, meaningfully, and safely within our global programs. Applications are reviewed holistically with the Essential Eligibility Criteria in mind. We may request additional information or input from medical professionals to better understand if and how we can provide appropriate support to facilitate safe accommodations and participation. To support this process, completion of our Plans of Action by the participant and their treatment team may be required. We invite early and transparent dialogue about health, well-being, or support needs so we can explore reasonable accommodations and set shared expectations for success.  Following an individualized review and interactive process, if it is determined that a student’s needs cannot be safely or reasonably accommodated without fundamentally altering the program or compromising safety, GLA will communicate that participation cannot proceed, with transparency and respect.

Essential Eligibility Criteria

At Global Leadership Adventures (GLA), we welcome all age-eligible teens who are excited about engaging in meaningful travel, service, cultural exchange, and leadership experiences. Our programs often take place in shared living environments, in remote or resource-limited locations, there are certain environmental realities and group expectations that shape participation. Our eligibility criteria define the core capabilities needed to engage meaningfully and safely in our programs.

GLA programs are not therapeutic programs and are not designed to provide clinical or mental health interventions. Our focus is on fostering leadership, cultural exchange, and service learning.

Applications are carefully considered and screened to align with these criteria. It is not uncommon for GLA to require supporting documentation or information in the application screening process to confirm eligibility or suitability for program participation. Failure to disclose full medical history may also result in the application not being accepted, additional fees, and/or removal from the program. Please discuss with our team for any further clarification or concerns.

1. Independent Self-Care: Participants should be prepared to manage their personal care and medications independently.

2. Health & Psychological Stability: To ensure that all participants can be supported safely and appropriately, students with a diagnosis or condition that may require specific considerations may be asked to provide additional documentation or medical clearance and demonstrate a period of independent stability for a minimum period of 12 months. This information helps guide the planning of reasonable accommodations and assess that the program environment can provide appropriate support.

3. Physician & Guardian Support: A participant’s physician may be required to confirm fitness for travel and participation. Guardians play an important role in supporting disclosure and preparing students for the travel and group environment. *If health circumstances change between enrollment and departure, we ask families to update us so we can reassess accommodations.

4. Openness & Adaptability: Students should have a willingness to engage with peers, adapt to cultural differences, and navigate new environments with staff support. Respect, open communication, and a tolerance for discomfort and ambiguity are part of the experience.

5. Proactive Communication: We encourage participants to communicate directly with GLA staff when they need clarification, support, or adjustments. Staff are trained to respond and problem-solve collaboratively, but students must be able to take an active role in sharing their needs.

6. Resilience to Environmental Stressors: Students should expect to encounter; hot or humid climates, altitude, insects, varied diets and food access, group living and shared accommodations, limited access to technology or internet and long days with structured schedules. While staff provide orientation and strategies to manage these stressors, participants should anticipate challenges and be prepared to cope with them without continuous external support.

7. Physical Abilities: To participate fully, students should be capable of engaging in program activities that may involve walking distances greater than one mile, lifting or carrying up to 30 lbs., and working outdoors in environments that can be hot or humid.

8. Instructional Abilities, Situational Awareness & Judgment: Students should be able to understand and follow staff instructions communicated in English, remain aware of their surroundings, and make responsible decisions. While staff provide supervision and guidance, students share responsibility in maintaining their own safety and contributing to the well-being of the group.

9. Independent Travel to/from Program: Participants must be able to arrange (or manage) travel from their home to the program’s designated airports (with or without unaccompanied minor services as appropriate).

10. Adherence to Conduct & Legal Expectations: Participants must agree to GLA’s Code of Conduct, abide by applicable local laws, and comply with health or preventive measures communicated by staff. Violations may lead to disciplinary action or expulsion (at the participant’s expense), with or without partial refund, depending on circumstances.