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November 2, 2015 by The Young Leader

High School Travel Abroad: 5 Tips for Traveling Overseas Before You Graduate

Have you ever wanted to travel abroad but you’re not sure how?

Welcome fellow adventurer! Here are 5 tips to help you travel overseas before you graduate:

1. Get excited and have fun while planning!

What interests you and makes you happy? Where have you always wanted to go? These are questions you can consider when thinking about going overseas. For inspiration, you can take a look at the many pictures and videos of others traveling (check out @glateens, for example). You can also ask friends, relatives, teachers, and parents about their travels. People LOVE talking about and sharing their time abroad—you’ll soon enjoy this yourself! 🙂

2. Convincing your parents is more than half the battle

Even if it doesn’t seem like it at times, our parents love us and ultimately want us to be happy. But, as we all know, love can make us do crazy things and make people unnecessarily worried. What is truly best for you might not make sense for your parents, at least for the moment. If you’re certain about traveling, then you might need to negotiate your trip and answer any objections your parents have. The most common ones are related to safety, money, and scheduling. One idea is that you can join a global travel program specifically for teens and high school students—most of them have flexible times and some of them even offer scholarships!

3. Reach out to high school students who have already traveled

High school travel abroad is certainly not common, but you’ll find that many teens like you made it happen. If you’re lucky, your school might have an office or adviser that you can reach out to. They might be able to refer you to other students who have done a program you’re looking into or visited a similar area. For those of you with social media accounts, you can visit a teen travel program’s page (one great example with almost 67,000 followers is GLA’s Facebook page) and then private message other teens there. Most people are really friendly and will want to help you out. Since many high school students who travel abroad have done more than one program, they’ll give you the inside scoop. It really helps to get a well-balanced perspective of whatever program or area you’re considering.

4. Check out GLA and other quality programs

As mentioned earlier, there are many options you can check out for traveling overseas. What matters is finding the right program for YOU that fits with YOUR aspirations, interests, and schedule. It also doesn’t hurt if they know how to work with thoughtful parents and alleviate their (completely understandable) concerns or reservations. A fantastic resource you can check out for traveling is Global Leadership Adventures (GLA). But don’t let that stop you from considering other quality programs! Ultimately, what really matters is you having the best experience possible and no community—no matter how experienced or diverse—can do it all.

5. Take action now!

You betcha! Right now. This could be one of those moments where we all get really motivated and excited, but then nothing ends up happening. Or…it could be the first step towards something exciting….something new (maybe even a bit scary)…an Adventure.

Contributed by Nick Fochtman

October 29, 2015 by The Young Leader

3 Alternative Programs to Habitat for Humanity® for Teens and Young Adults

Peace Corps, Big Brothers & Sisters, Habitat for Humanity®: when one thinks of giving back to others and participating in service, one’s mind easily turns to these recognizable organizations. While these three organizations might be some of the most famous ways to serve others, they might not be the right fit for you. If you have ever thought about dedicating your time to others—either domestically or abroad— here are 3 alternative programs like Habitat for Humanity® that might pique your interest.

Americorps: Over the past 21 years, this government sponsored has had over 900,000 members contribute 1.2 billion service hours across the United States. With a variety of different programs including the FEMA Corp, NCCC, and Vista, if have the itch to serve, Americorps can find a niche for you. From building homes to helping with disaster relief to even assisting local schools and non-profits with more administrative duties, the variety of experiences you might have in Americorps are just as varied as the participants themselves. Programs for Americorps range anywhere from a few weeks to a whole year and provide an education stipend or cash payment at the end of your service to help you adjust back to the “real world”. Though you have to be at least 18 to serve, an Americorps program is perfect for someone looking to help find themselves, pay for college, or just wants to give back to their country.

Global Leadership Adventures: Building greenhouses and other construction projects are the basis of service on GLA’s Peru: Service in the Sacred Valley program, and is certainly an opportunity to use your hands to build something that benefits the local community in a meaningful way, just like a teen in Habitat for Humanity® would. Programs span the world and range in length from 10 to 21 days, including a 21-day flagship program in the Dominican Republic that allows you to explore sustainable development issues in a hands-on fashion. GLA gives participants the unique opportunity to explore complex social issues, make a positive impact in the lives of others, and get the chance to participate in hands on activities that often unlock newfound passions—all while in high school. With over 97% of alumni agreeing that GLA was a life changing experience, you are sure to have a fulfilling adventure no matter where you decide to serve.

Alternative Break: If topics such as addressing homelessness and structural racism in Baltimore and social development in Rwanda are up your alley, then an alternative break program might be your best ticket to service success. With an endless amount of trips sponsored through universities around the country that run during college winter, spring, and summer breaks, these trips are meant to promote greater understanding of social issues both domestically and abroad, provide a platform for advocacy upon your return, and turn what might be stereotypically categorized as a time to party with friends as a means to give back. Though the costs, length, and options vary from university to university, a quick e-mail to your school’s community service center or study abroad office might yield fruitful returns for an upcoming break.

Just remember, in the end it doesn’t matter where you serve or what you do during your service, or whether you’re a Habitat for Humanity® teen or a GLA student; it’s the motivation to participate in selfless service that is the most important factor to giving back.

Contributed by Matt Zonis

October 26, 2015 by The Young Leader

High School Leadership: What You Can’t Learn in the Classroom

What makes a good leader? Sure, you’ve heard this question asked in all kinds of places. It’s been asked by your teachers, parents, and even inspirational TV ads that interrupt your favorite show. But there’s a difference between knowing about leadership and being a leader, and it won’t be until you step outside of your comfort zone that you will learn about true leadership.

When you start participating in leadership opportunities (for example, volunteering with a program or raising awareness of important causes) outside of the classroom, you will learn some valuable things about leadership. You will learn to project a vision that others will believe in and support. George Washington Carver once said, “Where there is no vision, there is no hope.” Good leadership lies in the skill of helping people see and love the dream that you have, and you can use this skill to lead people of all backgrounds, poor or rich, young or old. Seeing (or envisioning) is believing.

You will also learn to work with others. Good leaders have good people skills. You will learn to work with others as a team, listen and respect other people’s opinions and ideas, and delegate tasks. Consider your favorite athletes. Most likely they do not push their team members around and bash them. Instead, they support their team members and know everyone’s strengths and weaknesses. They know how the team works best together. You will learn this skill quickly as you step into a leadership role. For example, if you work with one of Global Leadership Adventure’s service programs, you will have to learn to work with your friends and team mates while in an unfamiliar setting, in order to help the international community. Good leadership equals good team work.

In addition to these skills, you will also learn more about yourself. Cheesy, I know, but it’s true. You will learn that you can do things you didn’t think you could do before. Melissa Faraci, one of my friends, has traveled all over the world. While she was volunteering in Mexico during her teen years, she had the opportunity to get to speak to a group of children and lead them in games. At the time, she thought she couldn’t do it and was afraid she would be awkward and incapable, but the adventure forced her out of her comfort zone, and she was able to go above and beyond what she originally thought she couldn’t do. Melissa testifies that this experience helped her grow as a leader and as a person. Leadership will do the same for you.

So do you want to lead? There are plenty of leadership opportunities for high school students. Consider volunteering locally, like at a nursing home or community center. Start an internship with an organization that you love. Or volunteer with a leadership program for high school students. Global Leadership Adventures has lots of programs to match your interests and talents! Their Service Learning Adventures give you opportunities to lead and help others, while having a blast at the same time. Through GLA, you will meet people from all different backgrounds, and you will gain experiences that can’t be found anywhere else. Oh, and did I mention you get to travel? Bonus!

Leadership isn’t just telling people what to do, and it can’t simply be taught. It’s about creating a vision, working with your team, and pushing yourself to grow. True leadership is a valuable skill, one that will stick with you for the rest of your life. Now, are you ready to become a leader? Let’s go!

Contributed by Addie Davis

October 23, 2015 by The Young Leader

Teens: Get Your Science On Outside the Classroom

Do you have a passion for community health, the environment, or cute animals?

Science! Love it or hate it, most of us have to take science classes in high school. But outside the cold, dark recesses of your school basement, there’s a different kind of scientist.

These scientists find outdoor discovery fascinating, thrive on collaborating, and have a personal interest in understanding real world problems. They are well-traveled and enjoy volunteering in other cultures to solve pressing issues. Once they understand exactly what local communities need, they go ahead and make it happen.

Although you may not enjoy the traditional science taught in school, you might have a passion for environmental conservation and public health. Perhaps what you’ve always wanted was a more motivated, hands-on, and culturally rich experience. It’s one thing to memorize animal classification schemes, and another one entirely to ride elephants through a river after a satisfying day’s work:

It’s also one thing to desperately throw powders together so your mixture turns blue in chem lab, and a completely different one to install a water filtration system that will improve the lives of many people:

If any of these ideas interest you, then consider yourself a modern scientist.

(And don’t worry, you can leave your lab coat and goggles back home.)

If you can’t wait to get some down-and-dirty, life-changing experience—especially if you want to get your science on over Summer Break—then also consider joining a global service learning project! For those of you already prepping for medical, veterinary, or dental school, it’s useful to supplement what you’re learning with a meaningful intercultural experience.

But what Summer Science Programs are available for high school students?

Well…that all depends on your interests and goals. To help you get started, you can check out Global Leadership Adventures’ (GLA’s) Summer Science Programs for High School Students:

Outside of high school classes, science solves global problems and brings together communities from all over the world. Who knew science could be so useful and—dare we say—fun?

What’s been your experience with science outside the classroom (good or bad)? Please share below!

Contributed by Nick Fochtman

October 19, 2015 by The Young Leader

Learn to Surf in Costa Rica

Have you ever heard of a summer volunteer program for high schoolers where you learn to surf? Well, you can do just that on GLA’s newly updated version of its Costa Rica: Sports Service Adventure program. And I’m not talking about just grabbing a surfboard and trying to learn on your own. At this teen surf program, you’re trained by professional surfers with an eye for waves and a lot of experience working with everyone from first-timers to near-experts. But watch out: you may get schooled on your first day on the waves.

But don’t be afraid! By the time all is said and done, you’ll be standing up and following through on the board like the new pro you are.

During this volunteer/immersion and Costa Rica surf camp combination program, you’ll spend some time helping the local children by teaching them your favorite games, like beach volleyball. You’ll be working on projects with a direct impact on the community, and the surfing is something you’ll learn to appreciate in the context of how locals depend on it for tourism.

How cool is that? They always say teaching others is the best way to learn! And understanding the issues facing the surrounding community will help you to value the ocean and its meaning to those who live by it.

Why not challenge yourself on a program that gives you a chance to show your sportsmanship, learn leadership skills and encourage others to work to improve the environment?

Contributed by William Pate