PROGRAM PHOTO ALBUM

Thanks for the checking out the blog for this Global Leadership Adventures program!

Here are a few things to know and expect:

1. Blog posts are written by onsite program staff and/or students and sent to our Headquarters team who will post the blog on this page.
2. We typically receive 2-3 blog updates per week from each program, so please don’t be alarmed if you don’t see a blog post every day – that’s totally normal.
3. Blog updates received late in the evening or overnight will be posted the following day.
4. Blog updates received on weekends may not be posted until Monday.
5. Due to many factors such as internet accessibility, program staff aren’t always able to send photos, so some blog posts may contain text only.

Thank you for your patience and understanding, and we hope you enjoy following along on these unforgettable adventures.

For frequently asked questions about the blogs, please visit our Program Blog FAQ page.

-The Global Leadership Adventures HQ Team

---

Click here to jump down to the most recent post!

BLOG POST FOR JUNE 15

Hello families!

Today was our arrival day. After long flights and a layover in Lima, the group made it to Cuzco. From there, we drove to our Home Base in Pisac. It took us just over one hour, but the scenic views of the Sacred Valley were definitely worth it .

Everyone settled into their rooms and ventured through the Home Base (Aroma de Cafe) for the next three weeks. For lunch we had our first taste of delicious Peruvian food. We warmed up with some fun games and icebreakers and went over our Orientation.

After dinner we played more games!

By the end, everyone was ready for some deserved rest, but also full of excitement for what tomorrow will bring. Until next time!

André, Ana, Meg & Urbano

---

BLOG POST FOR JUNE 16

Hello again GLA families!

Today was our first full day in Pisac! We started the day with a delicious breakfast buffet. Right after it was time for an important group activity: the Community Agreement! After some reflection everyone came up with something that will make this experience even better.

We then filled our water bottles, packed our daypacks with extra layers and set out to explore the beautiful town of Pisac. We learned about the history of this place and we spent some time exploring the market.

In the afternoon, we participated in a welcome ceremony called Pago a La Tierra. Surrounded by mountains covered with clouds, the atmosphere was just perfect. An Incan shaman orchestrated an offering ritual for Mother Earth as a way to ground us together in our new home and prepare us for the rest of the trip.

After our ceremony we had a group dinner, played more games and assigned our first student leaders of the day.

Congrats Sarah and Adriana! You will hear from them tomorrow!

André, Ana, Meg and Urbano

---

BLOG POST FOR JUNE 17

Third day at GLA and today our group went on a reality tour! Seeing Cuzco from a whole new perspective! We travelled all across the mountains to learn more about local hospitals, schools, and art. Through this experience we worked alongside the non-profit MED-LIFE to get to know more about Peruvian medical and educational disparities and differences. We can’t wait to make a difference at out first clinic day tomorrow!

Signing off—- Adriana and Sarah!

---

BLOG POST FOR JUNE 18

Today the GLA Peru Foundations of Global Health Team completed their first clinical day at a Mobile Pop-Up Clinic in Ccatca through a partnership with Medlife. We worked closely with medical professionals in Triage, Education, Toothbrushing, Dental, Pharmacy, and Medical Evaluations (of which every student will continue to rotate through all of in the next week).

For our blog post, we decided to interview some students and mentors in order to appropriately understand and appreciate their experiences.

The interviewees were prompted with the following questions:

What did you do today?
What was your favorite part of the day?
How was today meaningful, and what impact will it have on you in the future?

Sarah: I worked in dentistry and toothbrushing. I loved being able to hang out with the locals, and the kids specifically because we had the best conversations. The most meaningful part of the day for me was learning just how important it is to have these pop up clinics to makes healthcare accessible to those who otherwise might not be able to access it.

Meg: I had a really good time watching every student here excel at the medical clinic, I’m really proud of how everyone faced these new challenges and stayed calm cool and collected. Everyone tried new things, which is the whole point.

Urbano: what I did today is I helped to set up the stations and the chairs and tables, we had to improvise to find more. I was focused on the toothbrush station, in some moments it was very calm, and other moments it became very hectic. By the end of the day we covered over 150 kids. For me, it was meaningful to see the very old ladies being in so much pain, but still putting on a smile. That will stick with me.

Sam: I did the toothbrushing station and the doctor station. I really enjoyed the toothbrushing station because it made me happy seeing all of those kids get healthier. My meaningful take away is that we have it really good, and that we should not take our privilege for granted.

Conrad: I learned dentistry from the dentist, and it was cool to see how we were able to help so many people in one day. It’s amazing how much you can help better the lives of so many people in just 8 hours through dentistry.

Mina: So today I worked at the triage station and the dental station and at the triage station I took blood pressure so I basically had to wrap the wrap around their arm to check their blood pressure with the machine, which was really cool because I got to see my own blood pressure, but I feel like my favorite part of Today was the dental station because I got to get like super hands-on and I got to see like the problems that people have with oral hygiene and I got to see people‘s teeth get pulled out so that was really really different from what I’m used to.

Thank you for reading!

Blog made by Evie and Matilda

---

BLOG POST FOR JUNE 19

Hi everyone!

Today the group had their second day of medical service with med life! Everyone is switching to different rotations and doing great taking on new roles. The group has been so hardworking and are doing great communicating with each other. Tomorrow we are going to Poc Poc to see a waterfall and go hiking! You’ll be updated tomorrow night on how it goes.

Sincerely,

Rowan and Briella

---

BLOG POST FOR JUNE 21

Hello GLA families!

Today we started off our day with a filling breakfast. We made our way to huanca village for our 3rd day of clinics where we continued to rotate through the stations. Although we had less patients today we still impacted 24 lives. We also learned a lot with the doctors and nurses that are working with us.

After we returned we did a scavenger hunt around Pisac while learning a lot from the locals and asking them questions to complete the hunt. While in town we took a pit stop to get some yummy empanadas from the local empanaderia.

We ended the day with warm delicious soup, rice, and chicken. Tonight we will get a good nights rest for our last day of clinics tomorrow.

– Alyssa and Evie

---

BLOG POST FOR JUNE 22

Hola,

Today was our 4th and final clinic day. Although many of us were tired, we were still able to provide help to another community in the Andes Mountains. The clinics were a very eye opening experience because we were exposed to the conditions seen in many communities.

Later in day, we received a presentation that informed us about the significance of different plants in Incan culture.

Adios,

Ximena and Xander

---

BLOG POST FOR JUNE 25

Hey everyone!

The past three days have been very eventful! We went to Cusco for two days and today we went white water rafting.

The first day we went to Cusco we started off by doing a cooking class and made lomo saltado, picarones, and passion fruit juice which we ate for lunch. Then we walked around a market and try some mystery cheese that half of the group bought and finished.To finish off the day we saw a parade and went to a nice dinner.

We woke up early on Tuesday morning to find ourselves in the exact spot that thousands of global travelers visit on June 24 each year in order to celebrate the second largest festival in South America. We joined the city of Cusco and Peru in their celebration of Inti Raymi, an ancient Incan festival held in Peru to honor the sun god Inti. The group was immersed in culture through vibrant parades, music, and reenactments of traditional rituals. Our local team member, Urbano, thoroughly explained the historical significance of each passing group and the symbolism in each artifact that they carried. For lunch we went to a buffet that included many Peruvian foods such as Cuyi (guinea pig), Ceviche, and Leche con Arroz. After an enriching morning, souvenir shopping was crucial before we took a 2 hour drive to Cusibata River Lodge for a fun 1.5 day getaway. Our evening was spent hanging out by the campfire, and cooking s’mores without crackers or chocolate.

Surrounded by beautiful mountains, a gushing river, and raging rapids, we were ready to seize Wednesday morning by driving 10 kilometers upstream. The group divided ourselves into 3 river rafts: The Lady Boat, La Fuerza Aquatica, and another one. The brave people in the front took on each set of rapids with ambition, while the people in the middle and the back enjoyed a little splash every once in a while.

The Lady Boat (Briella, Sarah, Alyssa, Adriana, Meg, Ana) beat La Fuerza Aquatica (Conrad, Sam, Rowan, Xavier, Matilda, Andre) in an epic sprint downstream. Some took a dip in the river at the end, before sprinting to the sauna to warm up. Lunch was delicious chicken for everyone except for Sarah, who’s a vegetarian and probably had delicious vegetables instead. Then, some took on the daunting challenge of traversing the river via zip line, and some did not. After a day exhausted by fun, we drove back to our home base in Pisac, where delicious ice cream awaited us. Following dinner at what now feels like home 11 days into the trip, we played a fun charade-like activity as a group.

Thank you for reading!

Briella and Matilda

---

BLOG POST FOR JUNE 26

Today was our first day back in Pisac after our multi-day excursion to Cusco and the River Lodge. In the morning, we participated in a moderated debate on the topic of building a road parallel to the Lares Trek, an alternative route to the famous Machu Picchu Inca Trail. A council of judges (Conrad, Briella, Evie) concluded that the road should be built after compelling arguments were made by four groups from four perspectives. A group of spiritual indigenous people (Elizabeth, Xavier, Sarah), an environmental NGO (Sam and Mina), a group of local women weavers (Adriana, Matilda, Ximena), and a tourism company (Alyssa, Rowan). This activity taught us the complexities that the future of Peru faces, and the challenges in developing the rural communities that we visited last week.

In the afternoon we visited three follow up MedLife patients that live in various houses surrounding Pisac. We worked with a MedLife representative to give them groceries and hear their powerful stories. This perfectly set us up for the next few days, for when we will be building Greenhouses in rural Quechua communities. Later in the evening, we further explored Pisac and debriefed this memorable day in small mentor groups.

Thank you for reading!

-Matilda

---

BLOG POST FOR JUNE 27

This morning we started our helping homes project where we built our first greenhouse. We worked as a team to construct the outer shell and plowed rows into the soil to begin with the planting process. It felt very rewarding to do our part in helping the families that have limited access to fresh food year round.

In the afternoon, we visited an alternative school that specializes in preserving the Peruvian agricultural practices and culture. They have a seed bank that aims in educating the children on the importance of biodiversity in the Peruvian ecosystem. We were fortunate enough to learn about the different medicinal plants that focus on healing the body and mind.

Love,

Conrad and Mina

---

BLOG POST FOR JUNE 28

Hello everyone!

Today we went to work on more greenhouses! Everyone worked really hard to help out by helping with the plastic on the outside, helping get the soil ready for plants, and putting in the sprouts. After that we went back to home base and had another delicious lunch.

Back in Pisac, we bonded as a group by watching an episode of a TV series. Then, we all participated in a heartwarming leadership activity where we learned about the various types of leaders, and applied those qualities to each person in the group. Later on in the evening, we went to the main plaza and watched a parade with fun music and traditional dress. It’s hard to believe that in a week we’ll be home, and our time in Peru is soon over!

Thank you for reading !

Briella and Matilda

---

BLOG POST FOR JUNE 29

It has officially been two weeks into our GLA trip and we can already see the difference we are making in the world. Today we had a day off from our service and learned more about the Peruvian culture through a pottery lesson and a dance class in the afternoon.

We practiced making pots and pendants and then learned a few Quechua words. Vicente taught us about some of the Incan instruments and their uses in ancient Andean culture. After a delicious lunch and a movie filled afternoon, we started our dance lesson where we learned about four different kinds of traditional Peruvian dances. Then we finished off the night with a talent show where everyone got to display their skills!

LOVE Alyssa and Sarah!!!!

---

BLOG POST FOR JULY 1

Hola!

Yesterday marked the final day of our greenhouse project—and our last service day of the trip. It was a meaningful moment for everyone as we put the finishing touches on a project that will support local families for years to come. The families were incredibly grateful.

In the evening, we did a fun trivia night! Students competed in teams across four categories: World Culture, Music, Disney Movies, and a special “Staff Questions” round.

With just a few days left, we are ready for our Machu Pichu visit and our last goodbye to Peru!

– Ana, Meg, André, and Urbano

---

BLOG POST FOR JULY 4

Hello families!

Our group of GLA students spent the past few days on a big adventure.

On Wednesday we left Pisac for Ollaytaytambo, had a delicious dinner and stopped by the Mara’s Salt Mines before we settled into our hotel for the night to rest up for our big day at Machu Picchu.

Our journey to Machi Picchu began with a beautiful train ride through the mountains ti Aguas Calientes where we had a quick lunch before hopping on a bus to our final destination. Students were so excited to finally see Machu Picchu and take part in a tour lead by our local director Urbano. After lots of exploring and picture taking we started our journey back to Pisac for the night.

After a late night arrival our group slept in and had a late breakfast. The morning was filled with lots of games as the students were split into two teams for the GLA olympics! We played steal the bacon, knee tag, and many other fan favorites.

Our penultimate day ended with our group recounting our favorite moments of our trip, taking part in our appreciation circle, and eating pizza. Tomorrow students will head to the airport and say goodbye to Peru!

Sincerely,

Meg, Andre, Ana, and Urbano

PROGRAM PHOTO ALBUM

Thanks for the checking out the blog for this Global Leadership Adventures program!

Here are a few things to know and expect:

1. Blog posts are written by onsite program staff and/or students and sent to our Headquarters team who will post the blog on this page.
2. We typically receive 2-3 blog updates per week from each program, so please don’t be alarmed if you don’t see a blog post every day – that’s totally normal.
3. Blog updates received late in the evening or overnight will be posted the following day.
4. Blog updates received on weekends may not be posted until Monday.
5. Due to many factors such as internet accessibility, program staff aren’t always able to send photos, so some blog posts may contain text only.

Thank you for your patience and understanding, and we hope you enjoy following along on these unforgettable adventures.

For frequently asked questions about the blogs, please visit our Program Blog FAQ page.

-The Global Leadership Adventures HQ Team

---

Click here to jump down to the most recent post!

BLOG POST FOR JULY 27

Good evening families,

Our first day has officially come to an end, and we’re all settled in at the hotel! It was a long day of flights, layovers, and learning moments at the airport, but we made it.

We’ve already had the chance to connect and get to know the amazing people who will be part of this journey. It’s definitely a great group full of unique personalities, open minds, and a lot of energy. You can tell everyone is here to learn, grow, and lead.

Tomorrow, our adventure in Peru begins, and the excitement is real.

We’ll keep you posted every step of the way!

Warm regards,
Isabella

---

BLOG POST FOR JULY 28

Hi everyone! Today, we started off the day by having a Peruvian breakfast and then having orientation. We talked about the volunteering we’ll be doing, and other activities in the trip. We will be doing triage, handing out medications, educating about public health, and dental care.

After that, we walked around Cusco for an hour and looked at cool buildings and went to cafes.

After lunch, we met the MedLife team, which is the company we’ll be volunteering with! They showed us the Cusco region to help understand where we’re going to be helping. We went to a school, a clinic, and looked at farms.

Then we came back for dinner and more orientation to get to know exactly what we will be doing in the mobile clinics. We learned how to take blood pressure, heart rate, pulse ox, etc. We wrapped up the day by reflecting on the activities.

We learned a lot, understand a little bit more about the context and we are very excited for tomorrow.

We will let you know!

From,
Dominic and Nick

---

BLOG POST FOR JULY 29

Today, we started our morning at 8:30 a.m. with a hearty breakfast of eggs, toast, and ham. Afterwards, we met with our mentor groups to discuss the impact of phone usage and our environmental footprint.

Later in the morning, we explored a local market where we listened to live musicians and purchased coats and small handcrafted jewelry. We then embarked on a walking tour of Cusco, visiting many beautiful and historic sites. Along the way, a dog wearing a red bandana began following us and stayed with us until our final stop.

One of the highlights of the tour was visiting a stunning cathedral, where we had the chance to meet traditional dancers. After the tour, we returned to our home base for lunch.

In the afternoon, we went on a hike and participated in the Pago a la Tierra (Payment to the Earth) ritual. Throughout the hike, we saw horses and learned about rich Peruvian traditions through César, our cultural guide. During the ceremony, we each made wishes using coca leaves and took part in lighting a sacred fire.

After returning by bus, we gathered for our daily sunset circle, where we shared shoutouts, highlights, and takeaways from the day. We ended the evening with a delicious dinner of steak and potatoes, and then went out with to enjoy some ice cream and buy snacks.

We are really excited for our clinic tomorrow.

Warmly,

Devon, Mason and Ben

---

BLOG POST FOR JULY 30

Hi everyone!

Today was an eventful day in Peru. We woke up early and put on our colorful scrubs to take a bus ride to a town called Chichibamba. In Chichibamba we worked alongside nurses and doctors to provide various medical care for the locals. Everyone got the chance to volunteer at two stations. This care included dental work, prescriptions, education about common cultural illnesses, and showing kids how to properly brush their teeth. The work at the clinic was very gratifying for all of us, allowing us to step out of our comfort zones and interact closely with the Peruvian locals, learning in depth about diseases and struggles many of them face due to their personal situations. After several hours of tedious but fun and educational work, we took the scenic bus ride back to Cusco.

We learned a lot, we enjoyed the day and we are ready for tomorrow!

Warmly,

Dana, Lucia and Jude

---

BLOG POST FOR JULY 31

We started off today celebrating Jared’s birthday!! The team decorated the cafeteria and, with the staff, we sang happy birthday to him. Right after, we went to — to help doctors and nurses do medical checks on this community. They really appreciated it and the smiles on their faces leaving the consultation made it all worth it. In moments like this is when we reflect about how privileged we are and how grateful we should be to have access to frequented and accessible medical and dental care. We came back after 6 hours of work to rest for a little before our next activity.

Later, we were honored to have a very special guest speaker (Shalini) who spoke about her experiences with GLA and how it helped her with her future endeavors. Following the discussion, many of us went walking around Cuzco to further embrace the powerful culture around us and purchased many cool souvenirs. We dived into a scrumptious meal and had many local deserts including a delicious chocolate cake. Later, we had a blast dancing salsa, bachata, reggae, etc, thanks to one of our fantastic mentor teachers. We ended the night playing games and savoring our wonderful day!

We observed so much and are thrilled for our adventures tomorrow!

---

BLOG POST FOR AUGUST 1

Good day everyone!

We had a late start getting a delicious breakfast at eight thirty, and then we got ready for a walk around Cusco which included stopping at a local market allowing us to buy gifts and souvenirs for ourselves and loved ones, we continued on to an Incan museum where we got an in depth explanation of everything we were seeing. It was so cool to learn about Incan culture and see more of the city. We then stopped at another market where we had more time to shop and explore as we listened to the funky beats blasting from the speakers all around. We had some time to launch our common apps for college and relax when we got back. We then gathered in a room and listened to a local teach us about Peruvian music and instruments. We even got to try a couple instruments ourselves which was awesome. We ended the day with a game of mafia and a delicious dinner breaking in another amazing day in Peru.

We are having a great time!

Warmly,

Samara and Tamara

---

BLOG POST FOR AUGUST 2

¡Hola!

Today we started with a pretty early morning with breakfast at 7:20! We came ready in our swimsuits and had a breakfast of scrambled eggs, fruit, sweet potatoes, and bread. We have become fans of making sandwiches with the eggs, cheese, meat, and bread. We head out for a 2 hour bus ride and arrive at white water rafting around 10. We put on wetsuits, jackets, boots, life jackets, and helmets and head out on the buses to the starting location. In groups of 4-5 kids, a mentor, and a guide, we set off! The rapids were levels 1-3 and everyone had a great time. Although Urbano was close, no one fell off although we all got soaked! After two hours of rafting, we changed, spent time in the steamy sauna, and stood by the fire while we waited for lunch. We had a massive lunch of chicken, rice, vegetables, and soup with chocolate pudding for dessert. After a 3 hour ride back to home base, we showered quickly and got ready for a delicious dinner of fried chicken, rice, and vegetables. We ended off the night with a pulse check where we answer questions about how we are doing and our experience so far. We are so excited for our final clinic day tomorrow but sad we are already halfway through our trip.

Adios,

Evy, Lily, and Caitlin

---

BLOG POST FOR AUGUST 3

Hi everyone! Today was a day full of purpose, passion, and perspective. We started the morning by volunteering at a local clinic, where we had the chance to support healthcare workers and interact with members of the community. Whether we were organizing supplies, helping with dental or triage, or shadow the doctor and patient interactions, it felt good to give back in a hands-on, meaningful way.

Later in the afternoon, we shifted gears and jumped into a spirited debate about the construction of a road along the Lares Trek in Peru. Each of us represented different groups—from environmental NGOs to local weaving cooperatives—and argued our perspectives. The debate pushed us to think critically about development, sustainability, and the balance between tourism and tradition. After a long, thought-provoking day, we ended with a well-deserved movie night, some time to relax and reflect together.

-Natalie, Madison, and Serena

---

BLOG POST FOR AUGUST 4

This morning started off so good with pancakes! We legit stacked ours with fruit and probably talked way too much about how it felt like the best breakfast ever. Gotta say, pancakes hit different in Peru.

After breakfast, things got serious. We listened to a really interesting presentation about climate change and how it’s affecting the glaciers here. What hit us the most was learning how that impacts small communities in the mountains. It was honestly super eye opening. Then came the first aid workshop, which was actually really cool! We learned how to help people in emergencies like briefly going over compressions and what to do in the case of someone falling unconscious. We even practiced on each other which was really fun. It felt good learning something we could actually use to help people.

In the afternoon, we got to explore San Pedro Market and do a scavenger hunt which was very chaotic but so much fun. The market was full of colors, smells, and stuff we’ve never seen before, like these wild-looking fruits and rainbow alpaca sweaters. We split into teams and raced around trying to check off our list and some of us definitely got competitive. We ended the day with some shopping and then mentor group time, where we got to reflect and talk about everything we did and learned. It was such a packed day, but one of our favorites so far.

Warmly,

Liat and Hattie

---

BLOG POST FOR AUGUST 5

Today was such a fun and busy day in Peru. We started the morning with breakfast, then went to a cooking class where we quickly learned new skills. We were split into groups of two. One group made pastries while the other prepared the main meal. My group made a mix of beef and vegetables, and chicken and vegetables. Everyone helped cut up the ingredients like garlic, onions, tomatoes, and potatoes. We used the potatoes to make crispy potato wedges. We also had rice on the side.

The pastry group made something called borlaloriee. It was like a soft cookie bread filled with fruit and drizzled with caramel, and it tasted amazing. We also had fresh juice to go with the meal.

After eating, we walked back to home base and rested for a bit. Later in the afternoon, we had a dance class where we learned about traditional Peruvian dance culture. They taught us a few routines and it was such a fun way to experience something new.

Julia and Evan

---

BLOG POST FOR AUGUST 6

Today are group of 30 kicked off from our home base in Cusco. We took a short ride to a look out where we saw some incredible views. Then we learned how dyes were made at the Andean Colors by a local. We made bracelets and ended with lunch. At lunch we tried guinea Pig for the first time. Many did not like it. After lunch we fed llamas and took off to the Maras Salt Mines. We saw the astounding amount of salt and the workers harvesting it. Finally we drove to our final destination before Machu Pichu, Ollantaytambo, the gateway to the historic site. We explored the town and finished with a great dinner. This was truly one of the best days of the trip. Written by William and Pearl.

---

BLOG POST FOR AUGUST 7

Today was a long travel day, but every minute was worth it. We took the train through winding mountains and along rushing rivers, stopping in Machu Picchu Town for a delicious lunch before heading up to the ruins.

We spent the afternoon walking through Machu Picchu, learning about the Incan people and their incredible history. Being surrounded by those mountains and ancient stone terraces didn’t feel real.

Afterward, we grabbed some more snacks for the road and made the drive back to Cusco, tired but happy after an unforgettable day.

Best,

Vivi and Olivia

PROGRAM PHOTO ALBUM

Thanks for the checking out the blog for this Global Leadership Adventures program!

Here are a few things to know and expect:

1. Blog posts are written by onsite program staff and/or students and sent to our Headquarters team who will post the blog on this page.
2. We typically receive 2-3 blog updates per week from each program, so please don’t be alarmed if you don’t see a blog post every day – that’s totally normal.
3. Blog updates received late in the evening or overnight will be posted the following day.
4. Blog updates received on weekends may not be posted until Monday.
5. Due to many factors such as internet accessibility, program staff aren’t always able to send photos, so some blog posts may contain text only.

Thank you for your patience and understanding, and we hope you enjoy following along on these unforgettable adventures.

For frequently asked questions about the blogs, please visit our Program Blog FAQ page.

-The Global Leadership Adventures HQ Team

---

Click here to jump down to the most recent post!

BLOG POST FOR JUNE 23

Dear families,

We’re so happy to share that almost all of our students have arrived safely in Cusco! After a long day of travel, all flights went smoothly, and everyone is healthy, in good spirits, and excited for the journey ahead.

Once we gathered as a group, we had a little time to start getting to know each other and explore some of the charm that Cusco has to offer.

This marks the beginning of what promises to be an unforgettable experience. We’re so proud of how everyone handled the day—with patience, positivity, and a strong sense of adventure. Tomorrow, we officially begin our program and can’t wait to dive into all that’s ahead.

Thank you for your trust and support—we’ll keep you updated along the way!

Warmly,

Isabella & Diego

---

BLOG POST FOR JUNE 24

Hello everyone!

Today marked the start of our program, beginning with breakfast and followed by a series of orientation activities. We spent time getting to know each other better and exploring the core values of GLA, along with the code of conduct. Our discussions emphasized the importance of respect, integrity, and cooperation, especially when working with the local community. We reflected on the need to understand our own privileges and biased perspectives while learning from the people, culture, and systems here in Perú.

After lunch, we left for our walking tour of Cusco, led by Diego, who taught us about the Quechuan festival of Inti Raymi, a vibrant celebration that honors the sun through music, dance, and rituals. Along the way, we passed historical sites and monuments, including the twelve-angled stone, and had the opportunity to shop at a large local market.

Back at home base, we did our first leadership activity, which focused on self awareness and personal growth. We reflected on our strengths, weaknesses, and goals as a vital foundation for becoming strong leaders. By looking back on our past experiences and acknowledging our roots, we gained deeper insights into our identities and values.

We ended the day with dinner and shoutout circle, a time to highlight and celebrate each other’s contributions and moments of positivity from the day.

Warmly,
Chloe

---

BLOG POST FOR JUNE 25

Today was another adventurous day in Cusco Peru. Breakfast was at 7:15 in order to get ready for today’s activities. The main highlight of the day was the reality tour which was a six hour tour by van. This was led by Mateo one of our wonderful tour leaders apart of MED LIFE ( Medicine Education Development for Low Income Families Everywhere). The purpose of the reality tour was to grasp both major and minor issues in Cusco mainly in the rural areas. Mateo helped walk us through the why’s of every problem. For example the reason for lack of education was inqsufficient resources, inadequate training as teacher had to learn a plethora of Peruvian dialects to teach a wide variety of students, but most importantly the long distances and harsh conditions students face when traveling to school. We made four stops, one for development, one for education, and two for medical(the focus of this program).

After we headed to a place which translates to Moon Temple. Here we completed a small hike with two Shaman leading us to a small area which we preformed a hour long cultural ceremony. Following our ceremony we headed back to the hotel for a quick rest before a reflection of today’s reality tour. We were separated into small groups to describe living qualities and cultural qualities of Peruvian people in a drawing. We then discussed more in depth of what stood out during the tour, some commonly agreed upon descriptions were eye opening, and feeling fortunate with one’s current life. We then got an introduction from Heidy a leader at MED LIFE about what was expected during a clinic day. In summary, there are six stations in which students can volunteer. Dental, Educational, Triage, Pharmacy, Primary Health, and a second dental station specifically to help children above 3 years old apply fluoride and teach how to properly brush teeth. Finally we ate dinner at 6:45, did a shoutout circle and went to bed.

We are very excited for tomorrow,

We will let you know,
Aiden

---

BLOG POST FOR JUNE 26

Good night GLA families!

Today we drove through the Andes Mountains to visit a beautiful, remote village.
We provided essential care—ranging from dental education to agricultural support—that is critical to the lives of the Peruvian people.

We found the community to be incredibly warm and welcoming. They share the same desire we do: to improve each other’s way of life. It’s not just them benefiting from us, we gain so much by learning from their perspective and culture. We truly learned a lot.

We visited a mountain community where healthcare is deeply needed but not readily available.
I realized that many basic hygiene practices we take for granted are things they may never be taught, which can have a lasting impact on their lives and futures.

The nurses and doctors had a lot to manage, but their primary focus was to offer kindness and care. They handled the situation with incredible grace and dedication.

It was amazing to step out of our comfort zones and grow as individuals.
We took on leadership roles, sometimes by necessity, and that experience helped us bond and rely on one another’s strengths. We learned from each other and worked as a team to be more effective.

When we returned to home base, we treated ourselves to some well-deserved snacks and reflected on our day. We also learned about setting realistic goals as a way to track our personal growth and improve our communication skills.

Tomorrow we are going to a new community, we are experiencing different roles and learning a lot of skills. We are really grateful to be here.

We will keep you posted!

With love,

Marin

---

BLOG POST FOR JUNE 27

Hello everyone!

Today was the second day of clinical practice. After an early breakfast at 6:30 we took a 1 and a half hour bus ride to Huandar village near Pisac. The clinic was set up in an elementary school with many different stations to work. In total there were 6 stations which were dentistry, general medicine, toothbrushing, pharmacy, triage, and education. We did 2 new stations that weren’t done the first day. We learned new medical topics and got to practice in a controlled environment. We had lunch in the bus and then helped to break down and clean up the clinic.

After the bus ride back we had a short break for rest and relaxation. We then had a guest speaker to talk about early medical practices in Peru. We learned about the medicinal benefits of many plants such as the coca plant, which is a natural anesthetic. We learned from the drawings of Felipe Guaman Poma de Ayala which showed traditions from the past which had been preserved by his drawings. We then had another leadership activity about the people surrounding us. We were tasked with writing down the people closest to us and our favorite attributes about them. We also had to write 5 qualities about ourselves that we were most proud of. We learned about how we can become the people we want to be if we surround ourselves with people who have the qualities we want. We learned the importance of surrounding ourselves with the people who push us to be greater instead of pulling us down.

We are tired but very proud of what we are doing, tomorrow we are going rafting and ziplining and we are really excited!

We will keep you posted,
Alex

---

BLOG POST FOR JUNE 28

Today proved to be a well-deserved break from the service activities we’ve been involved with. Everyone had a blast during the white water rafting and zipline activities, activities which forced us to communicate and work together as a team. After breakfast, we headed into the bus, ready to take on the challenges of the day. Our adventure started with a ride to the white water rafting location, where our knowledgeable guides taught us everything from the meaning of different commands to the right way to get back onto the raft in case of a flip. We dove right in with enthusiasm, and were soon forced to navigate the unpredictable rapids that swept our rafts in all different directions. Making our way through the river proved to be more challenging than expected, but all the more fun. Our ride was filled with laughter and thrilled screams as we worked together to avoid rocks and make our way back to the location.

After we arrived, we enjoyed a delicious lunch of chicken, vegetables, and rice, before making our way to the zip line. Ziplining was a wild ride for everybody, as we were all tested in one way or another. We embraced the daunting activity with bravery and excitement, ending off our adventure on a successful note. We then headed back to the hotel, where we rested shortly before dinner. After dinner, we participated in a pulse check, where we anonymously gave feedback about the program. Finally, our day culminated with a shoutout circle, where we complimented each other about positive and memorable actions that occurred during the day. We can’t wait to embark on our last service clinic tomorrow!

Warmly,
Kailani

---

BLOG POST FOR JUNE 29

Hello everyone!

Today marked our last day of clinical work. We finished up with our last two stations in the town of Huaro, a little more than an hour away from home base. By now, we were becoming confident in our skills and using our previous knowledge to work quickly and efficiently with patients and staff.

We had a quick lunch in the bus like usual and helped clean up while discussing some of our accomplishments. We helped around 250 patients over the course of three clinics, improved our Spanish, and learned valuable information about healthcare and disease prevention.

After a quick break, we met as a group to practice our debate skills, discussing the implementation of a road through a rural village on the way to Machu Pichu. We discussed topics such as culture, environment, and economy- and generally the pros and cons of tourism.

The night finished off with dinner and some team games, where we relaxed and winded down for the night. Tomorrow, we get so much needed sleep and prepare for another amazing day!

Warmly,
Paige

---

BLOG POST FOR JUNE 30

Dear Parents,

As the group leader of today , I’m excited to share our day in Peru.

We started with breakfast at 8 AM. At 9 AM, we visited the Qoricancha Museum, a historic Inca site from the 1500s. The ancient building’s stonework was impressive, and inside, we saw detailed murals showing Inca life and beliefs. It was a great chance to learn about their rich history and culture.

After the museum, on our way back to the hotel at 12:30 PM, we stopped at a local market. The market was lively, filled with traditional Peruvian products like hand – woven textiles, pottery, and unique crafts. We also got to smell and see local foods, which added to our cultural experience.

After exploring the museum, the GLA group had a delicious lunch at the hotel restaurant, feasting on traditional Peruvian dishes. Post – meal, they took a short break in their rooms. After lunch, everyone participated in a leadership learning activity. Our instructor led everyone in a group discussion to help them discover their true selves, including having good friends point out each other’s shortcomings.

Soon, a Peruvian musician in colorful native attire arrived. He played the flauta chimu,, creating dreamy sounds, and then strummed the Charango with cheerful rhythms. The musician patiently taught the group to play. With some practice, they managed to play basic melodies, filling the room with joy and music.

Our GLA program priorities student comfort. After that, students have approximately one hour of rest time, followed by a series of leadership learning activities. Here, students communicate and showcase what they have learned and experienced over the past eight days through various means such as filming videos and writing articles. Below, we have included two poems written by students for parents to read.

Following this, students enjoyed dinner time. Of course, GLA also places great importance on students’ overall experience. After the regular shoutout circle, our teachers led the students to a nearby scenic restaurant, allowing them to experience and explore local specialities.

Everyone in the group stayed safe and engaged throughout the day. We’re looking forward to more discoveries. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.

Best regards,
Nailiang Zhao

Poem 1
Before
Snowy mountains stood high.
The big river ran by.
In old towns, stones told tales.
People ate from clay bowls.
Llamas walked on the farms.
Women made colorful yarns.
Life was slow and warm.
Days were filled with calm.
After
Tall buildings fill the view.
Small shabby houses shake in the breeze.
Old dishes are locked in museums.
People work hard on big farms.
Mines make the land dirty.
Boats scare all the fish away.
Big ships take all the good stuff.
The mountains look tired and sad.

Poem 2
Before and After
Before I thought to be happy you needed a lot
But now I know to be happy you can have not
Before I didn’t appreciate what I had
But I see them happy with just a tad
I thought modern healthcare was needed in every place
But some of this herbal stuff works really great
Before I didn’t speak Spanish at all
But now my Spanish flows like a water fall
Before, Peru was just a far away land
But now Peru seems very grand

---

BLOG POST FOR JULY 1

Good afternoon from sunny Peru!

Today was nothing short of inspiring. As part of our community outreach, we had the privilege of visiting three homes supported by the incredible organization, MEDLIFE.

Each home welcomed us with open arms, and we were honored to deliver bags filled with essential supplies, bringing a little extra comfort to families who need it most. One of the most memorable stops was our first visit, where we met a wonderful woman named Brigida, who lives with a disability. She welcomed us with warmth and pride, sharing her handmade crafts with us. Her resilience and talent touched us deeply, and many of us chose to support her by purchasing some of her beautiful work.

Later in the day, we dove into Peru’s rich culture through a traditional music workshop in our very own home base. Surrounded by the rhythms and sounds of authentic Peruvian instruments, we learned about the role music plays in this vibrant society — and even had the chance to join in ourselves!

It’s been a day filled with connection, culture, and compassion. We’re so grateful for these eye-opening experiences, and even more excited to continue growing through service and cultural exchange.

– Aisha

---

BLOG POST FOR JULY 2

Today we were able to wake up later in order to be ready at 8:40 for breakfast. That was a luxury that did come around often. After being able to wake up later, we took a 15 minute bus ride to our location for our cooking class. There we spent 3 hours working hard to prepare our meal. Our meal consisted of steak, onions, tomatoes, garlic, salt, yellow pepper, potatoes and rice. We were able to prepare ourselves by cutting into correct shapes and sizes, cooking and boiling our food together, as well as preparing the dish. For dessert we made the fried doughnuts that were signature to Perú.

After our cooking session, we had a short walk back to the hotel (20-25 minutes), and when we arrived we had about 20 minutes to get ready for our dancing lessons. We started the dancing lessons, introduced to our two instructors, and they informed us about the three regions that this dance was going to come from. The first one being the coastal region, with the dancing not requiring any other materials, other than moving our bodies. The next region, mountains, involved where we stay in Peru, Cuzco, and we were given two different rope-like objects. The next dance was also in the mountains and represented a war between the angels and devils, with purple and red handkerchiefs, respectively.

After that, we moved to the final region being the forest. The forest included a dance about the anaconda, a snake found in the rainforest, and we surrounded it, moving all of our bodies to the music. Finally, we learned a bit of salsa which was very amazing to learn, as it is a popular way to dance. Following the dance lessons, we had a bit of a break leading up to our leadership activity, teaching us what true communication and working together really looked like. We learned that to work well as a team, you need to set aside your own personal goals and have one centralized goal that everyone can work towards. We then had dinner consisting of rice, steak, chicken, potatoes and more. We will be getting a lot of sleep, having breakfast at 8:20 before our bus ride.

– Michael Bubeck

---

BLOG POST FOR JULY 3

Today we woke up early and took a bus through the mountains to Andean Colors, a cultural weaving center. We started by feeding llamas and alpacas, each with its own personality. Then we watched how their fur is cleaned, spun, and dyed using natural materials like plants and insects — creating 12 distinct colors without chemicals. The process felt deeply connected to the land and full of generational knowledge.

We even tried weaving ourselves, which was much harder than it looked. Afterwards, we had a traditional Andean meal with dishes like quinoa soup and native potatoes — simple, filling, and tied to the region’s roots.

In the afternoon, we visited the Maras Salt Mines, where salt has been harvested since Inca times. The layered salt pools stretched across the mountainside, glowing white in the sun. It was a quiet, surreal place — a peaceful end to a day full of culture, craft, and history.

With love from Aisha Aiden and Chloe

See you in Machu Picchu!!

---

BLOG POST FOR JULY 4

Today was an adventurous and fulfilling day, the highlight being our trip to Machu Picchu. We are so grateful and humbled to have been in the presence of one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Our eventful trip started off bright and early, when we arrived to the train station to begin the journey. The two-hour ride took us from Tunupa to Aguas Calientes, where Machu Picchu is located.

We arrived to the beautiful mountain range, and took in one of the 7 th wonders of the world. Our tour guide educated us on the history of the structures surrounding the site. we traveled back to the town and did a little shopping. And after our long day, we make our way back Ollantaytambo and enjoy some food.

As we arrived at Machu Picchu, our temporary tour guide led our team down a rugged, uneven path. Every step was a struggle, and fatigue seeped into our bones with each climb. Yet, as Shakespeare put it in Sonnet 18, And every fair from fair sometime declines, By chance or nature’s changing course untrimmed.” When we finally reached the mountaintop, though we weren’t at the very heart of the ancient city ruins, the panoramic view of Machu Picchu unfolded before us. It was a moment that made every drop of sweat worthwhile. Just as Wang Wei described in “On Mission to the Frontier”, “In boundless desert lonely smoke rises straight; Over endless river the sun sinks round.” We captured countless memories with our cameras, reveling in the beauty and excitement of the moment.

After two hours on the train, we returned to Ollantaytambo. Following a hearty dinner, exhaustion overwhelmed us all. Then, after another two-hour bus journey, we finally made our way back to Cusco. The day had been a blend of arduous effort and breathtaking reward, a journey that would linger in our hearts, much like the timeless allure of Machu Picchu itself.

When the group arrived near Machu Picchu, the temporary tour guide led them along a rough, winding path. The trail was steep and rocky, making the hike challenging. Despite the fatigue, everyone kept going, motivated by the promise of the view. As Shakespeare wrote in Sonnet 18, “And every fair from fair sometime declines, By chance or nature’s changing course untrimmed,” they knew that effort would lead to reward.

At the mountaintop, though not inside the ancient ruins, they had a clear, expansive view of Machu Picchu. The sight matched Wang Wei’s description in On Mission to the Frontier: “In boundless desert lonely smoke rises straight; Over endless river the sun sinks round.” They spent hours taking pictures and admiring the historical site.

After a two – hour train ride, the group reached Ollantaytambo. They had dinner, but exhaustion remained. A two – hour bus journey then brought them back to Cusco. Tired as they were, the memory of Machu Picchu’s beauty made the long day unforgettable.

Best wishes,
Marin, Kailani, Nailiang

---

BLOG POST FOR JULY 5

Our last day was full of self reflection and closing activities. We started with a late breakfast and souvenir shopping. The local markets and shops provided plenty of fun and memorable objects to remind us of our amazing time in Peru.

After returning from the market and having a quick lunch, we all played some team games ranging from a charades like activity to cards and even hide and seek. These activities allowed for some much needed fun and time as a group before we depart.

Most importantly, we engaged in some leadership activities acknowledging our time together and individual strengths. We reflected on our growth, leadership skills, and future goals- while also taking the time to appreciate each other.

The night finished off with a yummy dinner and celebratory cake and ice cream provided by our wonderful kitchen staff. It is safe to say that this trip had an impact and we will forever remember the amazing adventures, impactful experiences, and strong friendships we made along the way. Thank you to all the people who allowed us to be here and guided us during our in Peru. We are so grateful for you all.

See you soon!
Paige, Michael and Alex

PROGRAM PHOTO ALBUM

Thanks for the checking out the blog for this Global Leadership Adventures program!

Here are a few things to know and expect:

1. Blog posts are written by onsite program staff and/or students and sent to our Headquarters team who will post the blog on this page.
2. We typically receive 2-3 blog updates per week from each program, so please don’t be alarmed if you don’t see a blog post every day – that’s totally normal.
3. Blog updates received late in the evening or overnight will be posted the following day.
4. Blog updates received on weekends may not be posted until Monday.
5. Due to many factors such as internet accessibility, program staff aren’t always able to send photos, so some blog posts may contain text only.

Thank you for your patience and understanding, and we hope you enjoy following along on these unforgettable adventures.

For frequently asked questions about the blogs, please visit our Program Blog FAQ page.

-The Global Leadership Adventures HQ Team

---

Click here to jump down to the most recent post!

BLOG POST FOR JUNE 30

Dearest Readers,

Our program is officially underway. We could not be more excited. Rome is absolutely beautiful, and it is only the first of many stops during our Italian odyssey. The group has all arrived and has already started to make friends. We spent the afternoon playing games, exploring the area around the hotel, and getting to know each other.

The weather is warm, the air smells like flowers, and the streets are full of people exploring the gem of the city that is Rome. Tomorrow we are going to the colosseum to follow in the steps of the ancients. We are going to do a food tour as well. We already know that it is going to be delicious.

Over the next nine days, we are going to be updating you about our adventures every two to three days. The students are excited to practice their photography and blog writing skills. Keep your eyes open for our next blog. It’s going to be a good one.

Ciao,

Your GLA Staff Team

---

BLOG POST FOR JULY 1

Today was fantastic. After a morning of orientation learning about GLA, our program, and each other, we set out to explore the city. We started with a culinary tour, stoping at four different restaurants as we learned about the city’s history and architecture. Then we went to the colosseum where we learned about the ancient games of Rome and the gladiators. According to the guide, the first movie is a lot better than the second. We went out to another delicious dinner at a restaurant near our hotel, and stopped to listen and dance to some live music on the way home after gelato. Students broke into mentor groups with their mentors Adham and Michelle to start the leadership curriculum to end the night. Expect a more detailed student blog tomorrow from tomorrow’s first leaders of the day.

Ciao,

GLA Italy

---

BLOG POST FOR JULY 1

Rome is a city that makes us feel like we’re walking through a history book—but with a slice of pizza in our hands (literally). From the cobblestone streets, to insane architecture, every corner had something special. We spent the day exploring this amazing city, and it ended up being one of the best days of our summer.

The first thing we did was dive into the food scene. Of course, we had to try real Italian pizza. We ordered both a spicy one and a classic Margherita. The spicy had a kick, but the Margherita pizza stole the show. The soft, chewy crust, fresh tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and a few basil leaves made it perfect. Simple, but amazing.

Next, we had something totally new: fried artichoke. It sounded weird at first, but it was crispy, salty, and honestly really good. After that, we walked through a flower market. The colors were bright, the smell was sweet, and it added a chill vibe to the day. Then came gelato, which is like ice cream but smoother and more flavorful. We had a scoop of mango and one of strawberry. It was so good, we had to slow down just to make it last longer.

After all the food and wandering, we made it to the Colosseum. Standing in front of it felt unreal. It’s massive, ancient, and full of history. We imagined gladiators fighting, crowds cheering, and how different life was back then. Nearby ruins like the Roman Forum made it even cooler like stepping back in time.

Rome gave us a little bit of everything: great food, beautiful views, and epic history. And next time someone asks us about pizza in Italy, we’ll tell them go with the Margherita.

~Joey and Prince

---

BLOG POST FOR JULY 2

This morning started off fresh and early. We woke up, grabbed a quick breakfast, and headed out to explore more of the Eternal City. First stop: the iconic Spanish Steps. They were massive, packed with life, and full of energy. Right nearby, we found some insane fountains literally flowing with cold, clean water straight from ancient aqueducts. We even got to drink from one, and a couple of us rinsed our hair out too. It was wild to be interacting with something so old and beautiful like that.

From there, the day just got better. We made our way over to Piazza San Pietro in Vatican City. The view of St. Peter’s Basilica was jaw-dropping. The place is massive unlike anything we’ve ever seen, and it holds such deep religious and historical meaning. We learned about the roots of Catholicism, how the Vatican works, and some unbelievable stories about the popes and the architecture. Standing there, surrounded by the history of the church, it felt like time slowed down for a second.

After all that walking and learning, we finally headed back, totally wiped but happy. We chilled out for a bit, then grabbed some of the best burgers ever juicy, stacked, and hit just right after a long day. We sat, talked about everything we saw, laughed a little, and ended the night on a peaceful note.

~Joey and Prince

---

BLOG POST FOR JULY 3

Everyone woke up this morning with a smile on their face waiting for a new adventure. We started off the day by transporting all of our luggage in a room to prepare for our next stop. We then had breakfast and left the hotel to head straight to our first activity.

Our first activity we did today was to go to a refugee service and help out the community there. When we arrived, we all were welcomed in by the main director of the refugee service, we were brought into a classroom where everyone learned where these people come from, and why they are here. A man named Fasil who was a refugee himself told us his story about how he made it to Italy. From Fasil’s talk, we learned that people flee their country due to government power becoming abusive and/or gangs and mafias threatening families lives. When they leave their country they often have little to no money, and sometimes they also have to walk all the way to a new country to stay. When we were done with class we headed down to the basement where all the refugees were. We all connected with some of the refugees who were willing talk with us. They also played games (table tênis and foosball) with us which was a cool experience for everyone in the group.

The next thing was to head back to the hotel and grab all of our luggage then head towards Tuscany. We arrived at this beautiful hotel located in a mountain landscape with a huge amount of space for us to play and hangout. Once we got assigned rooms we headed over to dinner where we had a wonderful pesto dinner. We celebrated Mentor John’s birthday with an Italian book and signatures all over the first empty pages of the book, and to “keep it real” the mentor Ester played the ukulele while the girls sang riptide by Vance Joy for John.

We ended the day off with a group circle making and splitting to our mentor groups where we discussed about our trip so far and then wrote letters to ourselves.

~Marcus and Alex

---

BLOG POST FOR JULY 4

This morning started off with breakfast of fruit, eggs, bread, and yogurt. Once we filled up on water, we headed out on a hike straight through the forests of Tuscany. It was surprisingly cool because of the shade and the scenery was filled with wild smells and a peaceful atmosphere that only comes with being deep in nature.

Eventually, we came across an old castle, tucked away like some secret from a fairytale. We explored the ancient halls and towers. There was something surreal about walking through ruins that have stood for so long.

Some of us jogged back through the heat, while others walked. We all had fun. After lunch we jumped straight into the pool, having some fun playing volleyball and laying around after a GLA swim check. We grabbed some sweet apricots and grapes that were really good. After a shower and an afternoon of leadership activities, we went to dinner and took some beautiful sunset photos.

We ended the night in conversation, laughs bouncing off the walls. Now we’re gearing up for a talent show for tomorrow. It’s going to be great.

Rob and Sophie

---

BLOG POST FOR JULY 5

Today on our Italian odyssey we woke up in a beautiful villa and we began our day with a breakfast of fresh fruits, yogurt, and baked goods. We filled up our water bottles and boarded the bus that would take us through the beautiful Italian countryside all the way to the great renascence city of Florence. As we entered the city, the first thing we noticed was the beautiful Italian architecture. As Florence has regulated that no modern buildings be built, it has retained its natural beauty through the years as well as an ancient architectural sense. Once we arrived, we traveled to a local park and began performing volunteer work cleaning up leaves and pulling weeds alongside the friendly locals.

After our morning working in the park we celebrated with ice cream. We happily enjoyed our treats on some park benches under the beautiful canopy of this small slice of heaven nestled between the busy streets of Florence.

Following the park we boarded the bus again and left for a traditional Italian restaurant where the food was big and the smiles even bigger. Next we set our sights on the Duomo a massive and ancient church located in the very middle of the city, and we set our sights on the very top. But first we had to make our way there through beautiful streets and bustling markets. When we arrived to the square housing the Duomo, we were amazed by just how intricate and massive this building was. It dwarfed every other building in the city, but we were there with a purpose.

Our sights set on the top of the dome we began the daunting task of climbing its ancient staircases and passageways that led to the roof. When we reached the top, the view was breathtaking. We saw the entirety of Florence and all of its labyrinthine streets stretching out for miles in all directions. Beyond were the Tuscan mountains that we have called home these past few days.

After the Duomo, we explored the surrounding square in search of souvenirs, and then boarded the bus once more to begin the hour and a half long trip home. At the villa we ate an amazing dinner of risotto, bread, mashed potatoes, and meat. After dinner we ended the night with a talent show, full of magic, jokes, music, and dancing as well as many fun memories made between friends, ending the night with the sound of laughter ringing out into the night. We wish these days could last forever.

Grey and Frank

---

BLOG POST FOR JULY 6

Today, on the 7th day of our Italian Odyssey, we woke up to eat breakfast at 8:30. We all had the most delicious food such as yogurt with granola, fresh fruit, and cereal. Once we had finished breakfast, we circled around into a group and discussed NGO’s and SMART goals, with everyone having their own personalized dreams. After our fairly lengthy conversation, we headed up to our rooms to pack to begin our route to Venice! But before we could leave, we had to take our second and last dip in the pool, obviously. We tanned, swam, played and now it was time to go to our final destination. Before departure, we all gathered to plan a goal about giving back to our home communities. Each GLA member agreed to volunteer 4 hours per month. We then ate a wonderful Italian meal at the villa before saying our final goodbyes.

We placed our bags on the big white bus and chose our proper seats. Excitingly to some, we had a 4 hour bus ride ahead of us, where we enjoyed the wonderful and breathtaking views of the Italian countryside! At one point we stopped for snacks and to use the washroom, but other than that it was 4 hours of a beautiful landscape on each side. Many GLA members slept, some listened to music, some even had their makeup done! But all the while, each member took time to complete their SMART goals’ guidelines and roadmaps!

We arrived around 5 PM to the Meininger hotel in Venice, where we checked in and settled in before going to dinner at 7:45 PM. We enjoyed a lovely hearty meal with vegetables, chicken, and mash potatoes. We then split off into our mentor groups to do a heartwarming activity, where we each wrote a unique positive message about each GLA member (except John and Ester, our directors—but they’re both amazing too!) after this, we played the iconic, thrilling, one and only: Among Us! 3 rounds were played and each came with plenty of laughter, excitement, and overall bonding that no amount of money could ever pay for. After this, the night came to a gradual end, with some quiet chatting amongst the group before bedtime.

Overall, while July 6 was certainly not as active or jam-packed as some of the other days on the trip, it provided some essential experiences, like learning to plan goals effectively, setting up a promise for helping our individual communities even after we leave GLA, and last but not least, bonding through Among Us!

William G and Paula

Here are some photos from the last couple days!

---

BLOG POST FOR JULY 7

Today, our second to last day on the Italian Odyssey expedition, we woke up and went to eat breakfast at the hotel at 8:30 AM. It included in the breakfast was croissants, yogurt, eggs, cereal, and lots of Nutella! We then immediately left the hotel for a walk to the train station. The train dropped us off at the boat station and we had a little time for a short shopping break.

We then traveled on our first ferry of the day to the island of Murano. Here, we could either watch glass making or explore the island. Then, we hopped on our second ferry to the gorgeous Torcello Island. We ate a lunch consisting of pasta, seafood, fries, and much more! Then we journeyed to the last island of our expedition, Burano Island. The houses here were extremely colorful and pretty. After finishing up, we once again hopped onto a ferry and traveled back to Venice. We shopped while learning how to properly use directions and the help from others to find where we met up with the whole group.

We got back on a train to head back to the hotel around 5:30 PM. After arriving, we had time to relax and get ready for the delicious dinner. There was a wide range of foods available at the restaurant including many forms of pastas and pizzas. Once back at the hotel, the group met up and held Ciao Circle. After finishing, we went to a playground and played volleyball, soccer, and used the jungle gym. Before bedtime, there were numerous games of fuseball and a few group members got their nails painted beautifully!

All together, the day was wonderful and filled with fun and laughter!

Emma and William L

---

BLOG POST FOR JULY 9

Blog by TJ, Zoe, and Tom:

We started the day with a tasty breakfast before catching the train back to Venice. After a walk through the city, we found a mask and glass making shop. Lunch at Cantina Canaletto was delicious pasta, chicken, potatoes, and gelato. We enjoyed a gondola ride, then took on John’s challenge to find the train station without a map. With the trains down, we took the bus back and rested before our final GLA activity. We then ended the day by going to dinner with our beautiful masks on our faces.

Speech by TJ:

GLA’s mission is to inspire the next generation to realize their potential to transform the world and their unique role in it. They strive to put students in a state of open-mindedness and encourage them to become aspiring leaders in their own communities.

Not only did you directors and mentors lead us on this trip and educate us on Italian culture, but you’ve also upheld GLA’s mission in unlocking our potential to become something extraordinary in the world.

John, you are the best international director that I’ve ever met! You always talk to us with a chill, laid-back demeanor which makes us feel comfortable to hangout and talk to you if we need any help.

Ester, you’re an amazing tour guide and local director! Your skills in navigating through different cities in Italy help us explore various landmarks that we will never forget.

Michelle, you’re a sweet and energetic person. You display an energizer-type leadership by keeping us in a good mood and encouraging us to do the most amazing things.

Lastly, Adham, you are the coolest person that I have met! You always make us feel good around you through your charismatic ways, which makes you an outstanding mentor.

You 4 leaders have inspired us to do good in our own communities and become great role models for other people to follow; and for that, I thank you all.

As for my fellow GLA friends, thank you guys for making this trip an unforgettable and fun experience for me! I had an amazing time getting to know each and every one of you as well as listening to your goals and what you wanted to achieve from this trip. We bonded so quickly when we first landed in Rome and we’ve kept that bond strong throughout the entire trip.

I came to Italy not knowing who I was gonna meet or what was going to be in store for me; but now, I can happily say that I’m coming back home with a broader perspective of the world and 14 new and wonderful friends that I’ll cherish forever. I am going to miss all of you from the bottom of my heart and I wish you guys only the best on what the future has in store for yall. Let’s always keep in touch with each other after this trip!

I’m very sad that the program has to come to an end and I know that most, if not, all of you are going to be emotional and cry once we go our separate ways. But don’t cry because its over, smile because it happened. Take all of the lessons that you’ve learned from this trip and apply it to your own lives as you find yourselves making an impact in your communities.

Always remember, though miles may lie between us, we are never far apart, for friendship doesn’t count miles, it’s measured by the heart.

PROGRAM PHOTO ALBUM

Thanks for the checking out the blog for this Global Leadership Adventures program!

Here are a few things to know and expect:

1. Blog posts are written by onsite program staff and/or students and sent to our Headquarters team who will post the blog on this page.
2. We typically receive 2-3 blog updates per week from each program, so please don’t be alarmed if you don’t see a blog post every day – that’s totally normal.
3. Blog updates received late in the evening or overnight will be posted the following day.
4. Blog updates received on weekends may not be posted until Monday.
5. Due to many factors such as internet accessibility, program staff aren’t always able to send photos, so some blog posts may contain text only.

Thank you for your patience and understanding, and we hope you enjoy following along on these unforgettable adventures.

For frequently asked questions about the blogs, please visit our Program Blog FAQ page.

-The Global Leadership Adventures HQ Team

---

Click here to jump down to the most recent post!

BLOG POST FOR JUNE 26

🌺 GLA Maui Island Service Adventure – Day 1: Aloha from Maui! 🌺

After long but smooth journeys across the ocean, our incredible group of students has officially arrived on the beautiful island of Maui for their GLA Island Adventure program! The flights may have been lengthy, but our travelers touched down with smiles on their faces.

As students stepped off the plane and took their first breaths of island air, the energy was a perfect mix of exhaustion and enthusiasm. With duffels in hand and leis around their necks, they were ready to begin this unforgettable journey.

Upon arrival at camp, our Leaders of the Day jumped right into action, helping set up and organize our space for the week. Their leadership set the tone for our group’s positive attitude and teamwork that will continue throughout the program.

Next up: swim checks! Everyone had the chance to cool off and show off their swimming skills in the beautiful Hawaiian water—an essential step for our upcoming ocean activities. We even saw a couple of seals playing in the water, right off of the coast of our home base!

Dinner was a hit with our build-your-own taco bar, giving everyone a chance to fill up and relax as we closed out the day. With full bellies and happy hearts, students settled into their cabins for an early night’s rest to prepare for our first full day of island adventure tomorrow.

We want to give a huge mahalo to all the parents and families who supported their child’s journey and entrusted us with their experience. We can already tell it’s going to be a week full of growth, discovery, and aloha spirit!

Attached are all of our smiling faces, just missing one late traveler from the group photo, but we will take plenty of them later.

Stay tuned for more updates—Maui, here we come! 🌴🐢🌊

---

BLOG POST FOR JUNE 27 & 28

Aloha from Hawaii!!

After all of us arrived safely and got settled into our cabins at home base, we jumped right into our first full day. We started with an early morning trip to the Ritz-Carlton, where we watched a powerful Sense of Place video that introduced us to the deep and fascinating history of Hawaiian culture. From there, we explored the sacred burial grounds nearby, gaining even more appreciation for the land and its people. Back at home base, we enjoyed a delicious lunch, went fruit-picking (sadly, no ripe mangoes yet—but we did find some fresh limes!), and had time to swim and hang out at the beach. We closed out the day with fun mentor activities and icebreakers, starting to build the strong connections that will carry us through the rest of our time here.

The next day was all about service and purpose. We spent the morning volunteering with Habitat for Humanity Maui. Together, we painted planters, helped build part of a fence, and cleared land—working as a team to support the local community. After our service, we rewarded ourselves with a beach stop to relax, swim, and soak in the beauty of the island. We even had a quick trip to the store to restock anything we needed. In the evening, we had the honor of hearing from a guest speaker who shared his personal experience with Hawaiian Homelands, giving us new insight into the ongoing efforts to preserve native rights and culture. We wrapped up the day with mentor group activities centered on personal values and goal-setting, followed by dinner and our evening closing circle.

These first two days have been full of learning, laughter, and growth—and we can’t wait for what’s still to come!

Thank you to our leaders of the day Iyla, Cubby, Savanna and Liv!

---

BLOG POST FOR JUNE 29

By Leaders of the Day: Bethany & Vivian

Aloha everyone! Greetings from the beautiful island of Maui!

Day 4 started bright and early with our daily chow circle and breakfast, setting the tone for a day full of connection, culture, and hands-on learning. Our first stop was Kipuka Olowalu, a local taro farm where we rolled up our sleeves—and dove in feet first! We learned about the deep cultural importance of taro in Hawaiian tradition and got to experience it firsthand by harvesting taro roots the traditional way (karate kicks included!). Before starting, we took part in a chant seeking permission for harvest, showing deep respect for the land and its resources. We cleaned, processed, and replanted taro, then cooled off with fresh passion fruit and a relaxing dip in the river that feeds the wetland taro fields.

After returning to home base, we refueled with another amazing meal from our chefs, Jake and Nick. The afternoon gave us a choice: some of us soaked up the sun at a nearby beach, while others explored a charming fruit stand and general store near camp.

Our evening brought thoughtful discussion during mentor groups, where we explored the impacts of tourism in Hawaii. Split into teams, we debated the perspectives of big businesses, conservationists, local communities, and more—deepening our understanding of the complex relationship between culture, economy, and environment.

We ended the night under the colors of the setting sun (Napoʻo ʻana o ka lā) with a bonfire, s’mores, and the ceremonial passing of the “Leaders of the Day” role to Ruby and Mia!

---

BLOG POST FOR JUNE 30

Day 5 brought a coastal adventure with a purpose: building a traditional Hawaiian fishing pond! Working together, we carried boulders across the beach to form a rock wall that would trap fish with the tides—a project that connected us to ancient sustainable fishing practices.

After our beachside lunch, we got a sweet treat with shaved ice and had time for a bit of shopping. But the highlight of the afternoon? A trip to the Maui Ocean Center! We explored exhibits full of marine life, including sharks, reef fish, and majestic sea turtles. One of the most unforgettable moments was feeding the sea turtles and some curious fish—just inches away!

Back at home base, we had some time to rest before diving into dinner and mentor groups once again. This time, our mentor time was all about FUN with a light-hearted game that brought plenty of laughs.

These past two days have given us a deeper appreciation for Hawaiian culture, community, and coastline—and we can’t wait to see what’s in store next!

Stay tuned for more updates from paradise! 🌺🌊

---

BLOG POST FOR JULY 1

Today was seriously one of the most amazing days so far. We started off with some meaningful service work at the Grow Hub in Ukumehame with Treecovery Hawaiʻi. It was super cool to be part of a project that’s helping to rebuild native forests after the wildfires. We learned a lot about Hawaiian plants and how important it is to restore what was lost. Even though it was hot, everyone stayed positive and worked hard—we made a great team!

After a quick lunch and change of pace, we headed out for an ocean adventure with Maui Snorkeling! The boat ride itself was awesome, but snorkeling in that crystal-clear water was next level. We saw fish of all kinds, swam around reefs, and some of us even saw sea turtles! The best part though? A two-story water slide off the back of the boat! So fun. We couldn’t stop laughing every time someone splashed down into the ocean.

Tonight, back at home base, we slowed things down and did a really cool activity called the identity table. Everyone got a chance to talk about who they are, what’s important to them, and the experiences that have shaped them. It was such a powerful moment for our group. We’re definitely closer now than we were before.

This day had everything—service, adventure, connection, and so many memories we’ll carry home with us.

---

BLOG POST FOR JULY 2

Culture, Coastlines, and a Classic Movie

What a wonderful day in paradise!

Our journey began with a scenic drive through the IAO Valley, where misty rain gave the lush landscape an even more magical feel. We learned about the rich Hawaiian culture through hula, lei-making, and stories of the valley’s history.

After returning to home base for lunch, we spent the afternoon relaxing and swimming at a beautiful Lahaina beach. The clear water and blue skies were picture-perfect. Back at camp, we were lucky enough to hear from a guest speaker, Rodney, a former pro surfer who shared his powerful story of growing up with traditional Hawaiian values.

The day ended with a movie night featuring Lilo & Stitch—a perfect film to wrap up a perfect day.

– Danby and Alex

---

BLOG POST FOR JULY 3

Volcano Views and a Bake-Off Battle

Aloha, friends!

Hey guys!!! It’s Ema and Eloise, your Leaders of the Day reporting from Maui! Today we had a slower start and got to sleep in a bit (yay!). We set off on a breathtaking drive up to Haleakalā National Park to explore the Sliding Sands Trail. The hike into the volcanic crater was surreal—huge landscapes, fresh air, and amazing views.

After a well-deserved nap on the ride back, we spent the afternoon strolling and shopping in Paia Town. But the highlight of the evening? The surprise HAWAIIAN BAKE-OFF! Everyone had to get creative with limited ingredients, and let’s just say the kitchen was chaotic—in the best way. Laughter echoed everywhere and the final treats were as fun to eat as they were to make.

– Ema and Eloise

---

BLOG POST FOR JULY 4

Surfboards, Suitcases, and So Much Aloha

Our final day in Maui was the perfect way to end an unforgettable journey. We kicked things off with surf lessons, and every single student stood up on their board—some even caught multiple waves! The energy was high, and the cheering from the beach made it clear how proud we all were of each other. It was such a fun and empowering experience to ride the waves together.

The afternoon was spent packing our bags and preparing for tomorrow’s big departure. While it was bittersweet to think about leaving, we also took time as a group to set a collective goal for how we want to take what we’ve learned here back home—whether it’s about service, leadership, or simply being more present.

The evening was nothing short of magical. We dressed up and headed to the Old Lahaina Luau, where we enjoyed traditional Hawaiian food, live music, and breathtaking hula performances under the stars. It was a beautiful celebration of culture and community.

To close out the night, we gathered for an appreciation circle. Everyone had the chance to share kind words and gratitude for one another. It was emotional, uplifting, and left us feeling deeply connected and incredibly loved.

Though we’re heading home tomorrow, a piece of Maui will stay with each of us—through the friendships we’ve made, the growth we’ve experienced, and the memories we’ll never forget.