The Young Leader

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Are Teens Who Travel More Likely To Be Successful?

It’s a well-known truth that the experiences we have in our youth are important in shaping the adult we become. New findings suggest that this is especially accurate for teenagers who have the opportunity to participate in educational travel.

A new study by the Wagner group, in cooperation with the U.S. Travel Association and TravelEffect.com, clearly demonstrates the positive impact that educational travel as a teenager has on future academic and financial success.

In the study, 400 consumers between the ages of 21-69 were surveyed regarding their travel experiences as youth, academic attitude and success, career path, and salary. The results compared the responses of those who had participated in educational travel (defined as any family or school trip at least 50 miles from home that focused on learning about the history or culture of the area) with those who had not.

Some important findings:

  • Regardless of gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic class, students who took educational trips between the ages of 12-18 were more likely to be academically and financially successful.
    -They were more likely to earn a college degree or do postgraduate work (57% vs. 31%)
    -Their personal income was 12% higher ($41,100 compared to $36,700 annually)

  • Travel improved academic success and influenced career choices.
    -89% reported that educational travel had a positive impact on their education and/or career
    -80% stated that educational travel made them more interested in what they were learning in school
    -52% claimed their career choice was influenced by educational travel

  • Children who took educational trips enjoyed school more and felt a greater connection to their world.
    -86% said that educational travel made them more intellectually curious both in and out of the classroom
    -77% reported that the local culture they experienced on their trip had a lasting impact
    -90% found their educational trips fun, engaging and/or inspiring

For more study findings, click here.

Or, explore educational travel programs offered by Global Leadership Adventures here.

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Connecticut Teen Gives Gift of Identity to Haitian Immigrants

“Although we were the same age, our lives couldn’t have been more different. And that bothered me.”
–Ellen McNeill

Name: Ellen McNeill
Home Town: Avon, CT
Education: Avon High School, Class of 2013 – Northeastern University, Class of 2017
Interests and Passions:
Enjoys sing and play guitar, and participated in the a capella group Rhapsody
Loves animals and has a dog, a fish, and a bearded dragon
Says musicians Jack Johnson and Ed Sheeran are her “favorite people ever”
Transformational Experience: Building a Sustainable World, Dominican Republic
Making an Impact: Founder of “Hope for Ascension” Sponsor a Child Program

When Ellen McNeill decided to travel to the Dominican Republic with the Global Leadership Adventures “Building a Sustainable World” Program in Summer 2012, she expected to work hard. She expected to learn a lot. She expected to make friends. She even expected to have a new perspective on her own life and opportunities.

But did she expect to spend the following 14 months working tirelessly to provide legal documentation to hundreds of Haitian immigrants stuck in a refugee camp there?

Not a chance.

“I had such an amazing time in the Dominican Republic with GLA. Dave, the Director of my program, is so passionate about sustainability. That passion really manifested itself in every activity that we participated in, and I learned so much from him about sustainable ways to contribute to developing communities.”

Their work led the group of teenage volunteers to Ascension- a refugee camp for Haitian immigrants who have come to the Dominican Republic to find a better life. Unfortunately, most of them lack birth certificates and passports, which are necessary in order to have access to public education, job opportunities, and health care. Since neither the Dominican Republic nor the Haitian government will recognize these people, they live a life of poverty and hunger. And unless they can afford the expensive process of obtaining legal identification, they are stuck in Ascension.

This realization was life changing for Ellen.

“I’ll never forget my first day at Ascension. We were there to work in the garden, and I met a teenage girl named Alaina. She was 16, like me, but even though we were the same age, our lives couldn’t have been more different. She told me about her life in the camp, and that she wasn’t allowed to go to school. Her parents were stuck in Haiti and she couldn’t see them. When I asked her why, she explained to me that she didn’t have a passport or a birth certificate, so she couldn’t leave. I was shocked, and I promised her that I would find out how to get her a passport once I returned to the U.S.”

Unfortunately, when Ellen returned home and began researching how best to help Alaina, she discovered that her new friend’s story was far from unique.

“I was horrified to find out how many people were living without legal identifications in the Dominican Republic, and I knew I needed to do something to help. Being there and seeing it made a tremendous impact on me.”

From there, Ellen joined forces with two other GLA Dominican Republic alumni (Hunter Bryson and James Dojerty), and they formed Hope for Ascension. This organization is devoted solely to raising funds to purchase Haitian passports and birth certificates for stateless refugees. While Hunter and James worked on establishing a website for the group to spread awareness, Ellen immediately began fundraising.

“I hosted a talent show at my school and raised $2,500. We also began taking donations through our website, and we’ve raised over $10,000 to date.” This funding has provided hundreds of people with legal identification in the form of passports and birth certificates. In addition, it opens them up to employment opportunities, access to health care, and secondary education.

In July 2013, Ellen returned to the Dominican Republic alongside 7 other GLA alumni. Each of them were working on their own projects to give additional support to the Dominican Republic community they stayed in on their program, and some of had never met before.

“The coolest part about returning to the Dominican Republic this summer was seeing that I was not alone in wanting to continue giving back. Now I have so many connections with local people, grassroots organizations, and other GLA alumni who have similar goals for the region. It’s an amazing community of people to be a part of, and everyone is working on amazing things that interest them. Dave and GLA have really fostered an environment that not only allows, but encourages, further work in the area.”

Now, Ellen is focusing on starting her freshman year at Northeastern University, where she is majoring in International Studies. But giving “the gift of recognition” to the people of Ascension continues to be a priority for her.

“I started a club at my high school that will continue to raise money for Hope for Ascension, even though I’m no longer there. It’s amazing. I can go to college, focus on my future, and know that our mission is continuing to gain exposure.”

Program Ellen Attended:
Building a Sustainable World, Dominican Republic

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The Winding Road to Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu Trek: The Experience of a Lifetime

When is the last time you explored an ancient civilization that laid untouched for centuries before being rediscovered in 1911 by an American historian named Hiram Bingham?

Oh, you’ve never done that? Well then you’ve never been to Machu Picchu!

Machu Picchu, or “Old Peak,” is a 15th century Incan site situated along a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley, only 80 kilometers from Cusco, Peru. It has gained worldwide recognition since it’s rediscovery, being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it was voted one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World.” People from all across the globe travel to see this intact representation of Incan culture, and to hike the exclusive Inca Trail, which has strict limits on the number of people who may make the hike each day. It’s a difficult trek, and the experience of a lifetime for those who get the opportunity to make it!

Read the journal entries below from a GLA student who traveled to Peru this summer on GLA’s “Spanish Service Adventure” Program, and who had the chance to make the incredible journey to the Lost City of the Incas.

June 21st, 2013:

The first day of our trek along the Inca Trail toward Machu Picchu began with the group boarding two vans for a long ride along a winding road (within feet of a daunting cliff!) until we reached Soraypampa, the origin point of our hike. In this town, we had lunch surrounded by the mountains we would soon be conquering. We started our adventure by learning how to breathe and hike correctly at an elevation of over 11,000 feet above sea level! The hike began with a “gradual incline” lasting about 2 hours, including hiking across rocks and crossing many creeks. At Salkantaypampa we set up camp surrounded by towering mountains and gorgeous views, ready to settle down for our first night of camping in the Salcanty Mountains.

June 22nd, 2013:

After a cold night, we woke up at sunrise and packed up our belongings. Next, we ate a scrumptious and “gourmet” breakfast (for camping) of omelets and pan, a type of bread. After a little pep talk, we embarked on our strenuous excursion. We climbed boulders, crossed rivers on unstable stepping-stones and bridges, and used all of our leg power to climb the mountain! After four hours of heavy trekking across frozen terrain, all uphill, we reached the summit. It was breathtaking, literally. We took a quick break at the top of the summit and then started our downhill journey to the campsite. We walked along a beautiful river under mountains shrouded by clouds and snow, and it was a very peaceful and serene walk. It was still strenuous, however, because we had to keep our balance while trudging through loose rocks and mud. Finally, we made it to the campsite, which was already set up for us. Throughout the entire camping journey, a crew of cooks raced ahead of us in order to prepare the campsite for us. The amount of dedication that these men had for their work was inspiring. By the time we got to the campsite, all of our tents were set up and the food was ready. We were all extremely thankful for these hardworking men! Next, we ate a hearty lunch and then retreated to our tents to rest. Later, we had a tasty dinner and bonded a lot by singing various songs. After this incredibly long day, we retired to our tents for some much needed sleep.

June 23rd, 2013:

On our final day hiking, we hiked for four more hours downhill in the mud, and while a little gross at times, the end was quite rewarding when we reached a small farm and had a pleasant lunch. After lunch, we had to hike for another two hours to meet the van that would drive us to a train station. When we got to the train station, we caught a brief fifty-minute ride to Aguas Calientes. We went to dinner at a buffet style restaurant, and afterward had pastries at the bakery next door to our hotel while listening to live music that was playing down the street. After showering up, we went to bed, eager for the next day at Machu Picchu!

June 24th, 2013:

After a wake up knock at 6 AM, and eating a quick breakfast, we left the hotel to take a bus up to Machu Picchu. We arrived early and spent three hours walking around with animated and excited tour guides, who revealed secrets of the lost city of Machu Picchu. follow-the-adventures-buttonDuring our tour, we walked the path of the original Inca inhabitants, learned phrases of Quechua (the Inca’s original language), maneuvered through dark tunnels and learned the secrets of the Inca’s amazing architecture! It was an indescribable experience. We were also given plenty of time for independent exploration and photo taking in the lost city. Finally, after a long awaited day of exploration, we had a long way home; taking nearly four hours of transportation by train and a direct bus. Through the journey was difficult at times, we persevered to finish the trail and were rewarded with a wonderful day exploring Machu Picchu!

Not only are GLA student volunteers making an incredible impact on developing communities through their service across the world, but they’re also having life-changing experiences, like visiting The Lost City, along the way.

To learn more about Peru, and how you can take your own journey of a lifetime, schedule an appointment with one of our enrollment advisors today.

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How Can Teens Help in Africa?

Why Africa Needs Your Help

It seems inconceivable that a continent of such great wealth and natural resources would suffer famines, unstable governments and the unremitting grind of continuous poverty. The history of outside control of the nations that make up the African continent has contributed to the continuing political instability and wars.

What Specific Help Does Africa Need?

Several countries in Africa need things that a country with a legitimate and stable infrastructure can provide: public schools, clean water and sanitation are among them. Other needs include access to Western medicine, education, agricultural instruction and a, adequate nutrition and public health measures.

Service Trips to Africa: What Does GLA Offer?

Just because a problem seems insurmountable doesn’t mean real progress can be made step-by-step or village by village. GLA offers three different African adventures, two in Ghana and one in Tanzania.

Ghana: Children of Africa

The Children of Africa service trip is child-focused and concentrates on providing temporary educational services to children, supplementing existing schools and providing physical and educational care to orphans.

Ghana: Building Healthy Villages

The Building Healthy Villages service trip focuses on public health issues, medicine, the citizens’ limited access to medical care and building sanitation to prevent the spread of waste-born disease and provide free garden fertilizer to improve nutrition.

Tanzania: Heart & Soul of Africa

The Heart & Soul of Africa service trip includes volunteering as teachers at area schools and orphanages. Some school maintenance may also be conducted.

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Volunteer Vacations: Service Trips for Families

Service Trips for the Whole Family

Family service trips have become increasingly popular over the past decade. In addition to those coordinated by an organized religious group, various nonprofit NGO groups have also begun to accept parents with children depending upon the organization’s needs, the length of time the family can provide volunteer services and the parental skills or qualifications desired by the NGO. Before packing up the kids and taking the dog to the kennel, investigate fully the organization to which you’re planning on entrusting your safety and the safety of your family. Some service trips are service trips and any time spent away from work in recreational activities is the responsibility of the parents to organize and provide. Find a trip that will suit the needs of your family, taking into account their ages and the degree of work expected of participants.

Benefits of Volunteering As a Family

The benefits of family volunteering are extremely positive when taken as a whole. Depending upon the ages of a family’s children, it can provide opportunities for bonding and communication uninterrupted by the usual distractions of western life. The shock or surprise of different cultural norms and expectations can be mitigated somewhat by preparing children for the unexpected in conversations or explanations tailored to their ages. An additional benefit is that parents are available to discuss the different culture and how our ideas of etiquette or other issues are so culturally defined. Finally, nothing can replace the collective memory that a service vacation can provide to a family and all its members.

Cultural Incentives to Family Travel

Children have as much to learn about new cultures as their mothers and fathers. Parents, observing their children being gently corrected in a new culture have been themselves afforded a face-saving means of learning a courtesy themselves. Finally, families with children are seen as less threatening that two adults and the social group may help facilitate faster friendships and social acceptance.

Future Opportunities for Child Alumnae of Service Journeys

Children who are alumnae of such vacation service journeys return home with a newfound appreciation of the standard of living we often take for granted. More importantly, they are more accepting of other cultural beliefs and customs. As they grow into teens, their ability to compare two cultures may provide them with a greater understanding of a political issue or a near perfect fluency in a foreign language. As is often the case in summer camps, perhaps they’ll return in their teens to help supervise the children of other families during their own service journeys.

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