Cell Phones & Internet

Students can bring a cell phone, but will not have access to it for the majority of the day.

GLA strives to create an environment that encourages students to unplug and forge connections between fellow students and the local community. GLA has found that the more students use their cell phones on a program, the harder it is for them to be present and fully process their time on the program. Cell phones, electronics, and Wi-Fi access create distractions that affect students' ability to be present and fully process their experience while traveling. With that in mind, GLA has the following electronics and internet policies in place.

Bring Electronics at Your Own Risk

Students may bring electronics, but GLA is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged devices.

Cell Phones

Students may bring cell phones, but in an effort to foster connections, access will be limited.

When Phones Can Be Used

Phones are available only during staff-designated “cell phone times.” These times will appear on the daily schedule.

Typically, students will have their phones:

After evening activities, but specific times for phones will vary
Overnight to call home, charge them, or use alarms/music

Phones are stored in a secure container by staff.

Phones are given to staff in the morning
Because phones are stored together, we recommend bringing a protective case and screen protector

If a Student Uses Their Phone Outside Cell Phone Time

Phone is collected and a verbal warning is given
Written warning for repeated violations
Continued violations may result in dismissal from the program

Internet Access, Signal & Connectivity on GLA programs

Internet access varies by program location. Please review the WiFi and cell phone connectivity details for your specific program site at this link.

At Home Bases where WiFi is available, students may use it during staff-designated cell phone times to connect with family. If a student does not have a phone, they may ask staff to use a phone to call home. GLA cannot guarantee consistent or high-speed internet. In some locations, connectivity may be limited or sporadic, and access may vary throughout the program. For example, students may have several days of connection while in a city at the start of the program and little to no access afterward. Available WiFi is intended for communication with family only and not for streaming, as some program sites have limited data caps that can be quickly depleted.

Electronics on GLA Programs

Laptops*, iPads*, drones 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.

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.

FAQ

Why are you taking my cell phone away?

GLA strives to create an environment that encourages students to unplug and forge connections between fellow students and the host community. We have found that the more students use their cell phones on a program, the harder it is for them to be present and fully process their time on the program. Our aim is not to police cell phone use or be overly strict, but rather to help students take that bold step away from their phones to fully engage with their peers and the culture around them.

I use my phone to take pictures. How will I have pictures without my phone?

We understand the desire and importance of having photo memories from the experience. Staff will do their best to take candid and group photos of the group every day. These photos will be uploaded to a Google folder which will be shared with all participants after the session. Also, staff will permit students to take their phones to certain 'photo opp' activities as appropriate. (i.e. African Safari, Visit to Machu Picchu, etc.). However, if you would like access to a camera 24/7, you will need to bring a regular camera, which can be with you whenever you want.

I want to check in with my student daily. Is this allowed?

While it's not suggested, since it can perpetuate homesickness, it may be possible. Parents should not expect to hear from students for the bulk of the day (local time). If parents need to urgently connect with their students, they can contact the staff directly or our 24/7 hotline. Students will have access to their phones during specific, staff-designated “Cell phone time” such as mornings before health checks or evenings after all program activities have ended. However, for the majority of the day, students are expected to be fully engaged in the program and won't have their phones on them. Students on programs where time zones differ greatly from home may have an adjusted schedule for cell phone time to connect back home. We encourage families to follow along with the blog; so you can remain a part of the student's experience while allowing them to truly focus on what is in front of them. Here are some more tips for parents.

I don't want to buy an international phone/data plan, but want contact with my student. What are my options?

Our 24/7 hotline can put you in touch with your student in case of an emergency, an update, or even for just a quick check-in. At Home Bases where there is wifi, program directors will provide students access to the wifi so that they can connect with their families during staff-designated cell phone time. If a student doesn’t have a phone to connect, they can ask staff to use their phone to call home if they want. (Don't be surprised if your student is too busy enjoying their time to check in!) Since we can't guarantee that all Home Bases will have consistent wifi Follow this link to review the wifi and cell phone connectivity by program site.

I don't think that my student can handle being away from their phone for long periods. Can you make an exception, if they aren't bothering anyone?

One of the best parts about our programs is the connections--with other students, with staff, and with the community. We have found over the years that students form stronger bonds with those around them when they have limited access to their cell phones. We expect ALL of our students to challenge themselves to step away from their cell phones for most of the day and soak up their experience! Students will have their phones overnight to use for nighttime and morning routines (ex. for nighttime music or meditations to fall asleep; with headphones. Or, for an alarm to wake up). Exceptions to the cell phone policy are very limited but could include situations such as medical necessities, emergencies, or medically required phone apps (ex. glucose monitoring).

Will the staff really take my student's cell phone?

Staff strive hard to create a positive group dynamic among the students. Technology often limits the students' ability to be fully present during the program and open to their peers. Therefore, staff will limit the use of cell phones to the designated time, which typically happens in the mornings before breakfast, or evenings before lights out. After cell phone time, students will be asked to place their cell phones back into the designated container which will be safeguarded by staff. Because phones will be together, GLA recommends all student phones have a screen protector and phone cover.

I am participating in the GLA Fellowship for photography or videography. Can you make an exception, if I'm not bothering anyone?

All Fellowship students will be held to the same cell phone policy. If you think you'll need a camera more frequently, we recommend bringing a regular camera, which will allow you to take your camera with you whenever you'd like.

Why Disconnecting from Phones Matters on GLA Programs with Rhea Lalla, GLA Alumni Parent and Emotional Intelligence Specialist

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