The Young Leader

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The Facebook Group that will Make your Summer

Busted…we’re biased. We think Global Leadership Adventures is the single greatest way a high school student can spend their summer break. But you know who else thinks so? The students who’ve  participated in our programs.

Join a GLA Country Facebook group now and get a fresh, unbiased perspective.  Hundreds of student alumni are sharing their experiences and are waiting to answer your questions.

There’s no better way to get the straight story. Talk directly with participants to find out:

  • Was the food good? What if I’m vegan?

  • How many guys are on the programs?

  • Were you able to fundraise for your tuition?

  • Which destination is better for learning Spanish – Costa Rica or Guatemala?

  • How were the counselors?

Several programs have their own GLA Facebook group, and we invite you to crash them all:

This simple move could set you up for the summer of your life…happy chatting!

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How Safe is My Teenager on an International Trip?

When my son first approached me about volunteering in Africa, I was both proud and nervous.  I was proud that my son had absorbed the values I tried to teach him as a child.  I was nervous that my baby (he was 17, but he’ll always be my baby) wanted to travel to a region of the world that I knew very little about.  My husband was even more reluctant than I, but we agreed to get the facts before deciding.

We started by reading some articles about Tanzania, and Africa in general.  It turns out that both GLA destinations in Africa are stable, safe countries with a rich culture and a tradition of welcoming Western visitors.  When we spoke to alumni students and parents, they confirmed this.  It was so reassuring to hear directly from actual parents and students who had traveled to these places.  Suddenly, I could imagine my own son being there.

What finally tipped our decision in favor of my son’s trip was learning about Global Leadership Adventure’s unique program model.  Unlike other organizations, GLA actually operates their own “home bases” in Africa.  These are lodging facilities controlled and supervised by GLA, exclusively used by its students and staff.  This level of control over the environment gave me great comfort.

Eventually we agreed to the trip, and l was able to witness the entire GLA 5-Point Safety System in action.  The lodging was secure, the staff were inspiring, the meals were a culinary adventure, the locals were welcoming, and my son was always transported safely.

Most importantly, when our son returned from his trip, we were so impressed by how much he had matured over the course of just one summer!  His perspective had broadened and his understanding of global issues had deepened.  The growth he experienced was perceptible to the whole family.  Now, we’re just waiting for our younger daughter to be old enough to do a GLA program.

Sincerely,

Sue Cuthbert

Enrollment Advisor-Global Leadership Adventures

About the author: Sue Cuthbert is the mother of two teenagers.  Her son Matthew participated in the Global Leadership Adventures program in Tanzania. Sue was so impressed by the impact the program made on her son that she came to work for GLA.  She continues to volunteer in her community and is waiting for her younger daughter to finish her freshman year of high school before she goes on her GLA program.

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3 Myths: College Applications

Having interviewed candidates for Yale, my alma mater, I’m often asked by parents and students how Global Leadership Adventures can enhance a college application.  My standard response is to quote the Yale website: “Yalies set out to make our world better…We are looking for students…to become the leaders of their generation in whatever they wish to pursue.”

Great, but what in the world does that mean?!  How do high school students become leaders and make the world better?  Every year, parents and students misinterpret what colleges are looking for and invest time and energy into misguided pursuits.

While I don’t claim to know everything that happens in the admissions office, I’d like to dispel what I believe are three myths about college applications and summer programs.

Myth 1: Volunteering abroad helps you get into a good college

Simply volunteering abroad will not help you get into a good college.  Rather, it’s what you learn that can make a difference.  On a GLA program, you will volunteer in a developing country and experience a culture and lifestyle very different from your own in an authentic, non-touristy community.   In that environment, GLA teaches you to reflect on your experience:  How is this country different from yours?  How can you connect your knowledge and talents to those in need?  Where can your passion lead you?  This level of experience and reflection helps you unlock your passions and generate plenty of talking points for college essays.  That’s what colleges look for in a successful applicant.

Myth 2: Colleges define “leadership” as Student Council President, School Paper Editor, etc.

True, leadership is a key characteristic of the strongest applicants to top universities.  But it’s not just about accumulating a laundry list of titles.  It’s also about your level of maturity, the types of challenges you’ve faced, and a sustained commitment to helping others.  GLA believes leaders are made, not born.  Through group discussion, meaningful service, workshops, exposure to experts, and excursions, GLA students cultivate their leadership potential.  They  tackle tough questions, learn to welcome differing opinions, and  begin affecting change within themselves their communities, and the world.  That’s how colleges define leadership.

Myth 3: A so-so GPA or less-than-stellar SAT score will prevent you from getting into a good university.

Got some bad grades freshman year? Your GPA not quite where you want it to be?  Don’t worry, all hope is not lost!  There’s still time to turn things around.  Colleges absolutely do look at academic achievement.  However, they also want to see passion and a common thread that weaves throughout your application.  My college roommate at Yale had a so-so GPA, but was admitted for his non-academic achievements.

Do you like biology and animals?  Pursue that passion during the summer, whether it’s volunteering abroad to protect endangered species, starting an animal rights organization at school, or taking an advanced biology class at a local college.  That’s a concrete step towards turning it around.

I hope you found these insights useful and I welcome your feedback, anytime!

Sincerely, Mike Shangkuan

Managing Director – Global Leadership Adventures

About the author:  Mike Shangkuan graduated from Yale with a BA in Economics and received his MBA from the Harvard Business School.  He is currently Managing Director of Global Leadership Adventures.

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School vs. Learning

Jack London sailed to Japan; Walt Disney spent a year driving ambulances in France; Abraham Lincoln and Steve Jobs built their careers one step at a time.  What do all of these highly successful people share in common?  They all benefited from non-traditional educational experiences.  (And we all benefited as a result!)

For some young people, significant learning happens outside of the classroom because, well, it has to (finances, timing, etc.). For others, it’s a choice.  Regardless, that sense of adventure and in-the-field “doing” breeds exceptional leadership and gives college-bound students a competitive edge. It isn’t always clear how to get the kind of experience you and your child seeking, but rest assured no one has to pick up scurvy on a schooner like Jack London!  Allow us to share 3 excellent ways within your reach:

1. Tune in to international news.

The Internet puts news from all over the world at your fingertips instantly.   Bookmarking international news sources keeps you and your son or daughter informed of what’s happening politically and culturally in other countries. It’s important to be informed of our role in the world and an asset to be able to demonstrate that level of global awareness to others. (Colleges, employers, future spouse.)

2. Live a new language.

That’s right…live a new language. Cramming the night before a Spanish vocab test may earn a high school student an “A,” but how much of the language and culture they’ve truly absorbed will become apparent soon enough.  Explore restaurants and businesses in your community where your teen’s language of choice is spoken. Encourage them to participate in a language immersion trip.  Experiencing a language through the lenses of culture, history and human interaction will lead to real mastery.

3. Get going, globally.

Your community is a great place to find volunteer opportunities, and your son or daughter’s school is a natural place to start.  But for them to achieve a truly unforgettable service experience, think bigger.  Participating in a service program abroad will introduce your child to new people, help them build a set of invaluable new skills, and allow them to make a difference in the lives of others far away. Their school and community will benefit upon their return.

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Research Before You Go: 5 Awesome Tanzania Resources

Your summer is about to be anything but ordinary. In your near future is a trip to the heart of Africa – mysterious, colorful, culture-rich Tanzania. No question, you’re ready for the adventure – your suitcase is loaded and the itinerary is set. But while it’s clear you’re stoked to get started, you may want to enrich your experience even more by doing a little pre-trip research. Use these resources to get informed on Tanzania culture, language tools and even fundraising tips.

1. BBC Tanzania Profile

Study up on everything you need to know about Tanzania with this helpful profile from the BBC. To start, you’ll find a quick overview with an at-a-glance section that includes fast facts on:

  • Political stability

  • Economic status

  • International activity

  • Environmental concerns

After you get the at-a-glance overview of your destination country, you can dig in deeper with a list of Tanzania links that include news headlines and profile tabs that include Tanzania facts, leaders, media and a country history timeline.

2. Fund My Travel

Want to do fundraising like a boss? Tap into your social network to attract interest for your trip and ask friends and family for contributions. Fund My Travel helps you set up a free account to connect your social network to your trip. You’ll set a financial goal, then walk step-by-step through a super easy crowd funding process. In the end, you’ll have a site to tell your volunteer abroad story, share it with your online community, start collecting donations and track results.

3. My Language Exchange

Swahili is the official language of Tanzania, and it’s the most widely spoken African language in the world. Go beyond using a translation pocket guide and practice real conversations in Swahili with the My Language Exchange tool. This resources lets you practice the language with someone else in a chat. What a great way to prepare for your African adventure!

4. Swahilionline

Speaking of Swahili, learn why it’s important to Tanzanian culture with this language history tool. Swahilionline gives you a breakdown of the language, its connection to African culture and the religions and other practices associated with Swahili. You can read about the Swahili people and see a timeline of the Swahili history.

5. Lonelyplanet.com

You can gather other “before-you-go” information at Lonely Planet’s Tanzania page. Wondering what kind of weather you’ll experience? Visit the “When to go & weather” page. You’ll also find information on getting around the country and things to do with links to:

  • Entertainment

  • Shopping

  • Tours

  • Activities

  • Restaurants

  • Sights

Before you embark on your high school student abroad program, prepare the right way with these resources. You’ll find essential information that will ensure that you interact with the Tanzania people in an enriching, culturally appropriate way.

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