The Young Leader

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What I Learned, What I Know, What I Wish I Had Known: A Trip Abroad

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When I started to plan my first trip abroad, I knew true anxiety.

In high school and college, I often dreamed of the opportunity, but my family has always been lower middle class—our annual vacation times were mostly spent enjoying the time off of work, not with the excess amount of green to be able to enjoy extravagances. Despite numerous opportunities, student debt was real, and I was working jobs between classes to guarantee I could go in with my parents and afford the education I was enjoying.

I couldn’t justify digging a deeper hole for that debt, and that mindset in turn entrenched itself.

It was only later that I began the agonizing path to changing my perspective. I began to save. My funds were limited, but I had a plan: I would go backpacking for a full month, living hostel to hostel, an unrooted soul, with a determination to work any little jobs a potential night’s warden might require if I didn’t have the money to make ends meet.

Even so, it felt like an impulse buy and I had to do it despite my anxiety about the situation.

Skipping hotels might seem unnerving to most first world youths, but the fact is, this is the era of the wanderer.By using apps designed to connect travelers, by finding alternative destinations, hundreds of dollars can be freed up toward a lengthier stay.

Resourcefulness is key!

Having worked at a Michigan Secretary of State office after college, I can say this: one of the biggest mistakes people make is in the rush. Want to go to Canada? Great. Want to get an enhanced license taken care of this week and light out to Canada over the weekend? Not so much.

There are also a few necessities with which to come equipped as part of your resourcefulness. Clothes should be an obvious point, but adapters, a comfortable backpack, a raincoat, an international phone plan, and travel insurance are all solid choices as well. The phone plan keeps worries at bay among twitchy relatives (and spares the horrors of roaming charges), while travel insurance will bring peace of mind.

One thing I was ill-prepared for, though, was others’ opinions. Fellow travelers or teachers are more likely to be positive and supportive. Yet many others had criticisms about where I was spending my money, time and efforts—in spite of the fact that, at the end of the day, we are each of us our own person and each and every one of those things belongs to us. Sometimes, spending money on the journey instead of a new computer or trinket makes all the difference, if it has the impact on your life you expect it will.

Listen to concerns, but take all with a grain of salt. At the end of the day, you are the captain of your own course. You are forever in control of what’s happening to you.

⇒ Want to learn more about why a GLA trip can be a bridge for high schoolers who want to study abroad or travel in college? Click here.

Contributed by Chris Galford

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Another World on Earth

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Traveling greatly expands one’s mind. That first travel experience overseas affects an individual in innumerable ways, from learning about language and culture, to understanding how people value and perceive the world. China was my first international travel experience. My high school offered Mandarin classes to the incoming freshmen and planned a two-week trip to China the following summer. Thinking that I may never have another opportunity to visit Asia, not knowing about programs like GLA existed, I signed up. It would prove to be one of the most meaningful and important decisions of my life.

Almost immediately after I landed in Beijing I thought, “this is another world.” I studied French throughout high school and have lived in Spain and Peru. Discerning connections between English and American culture with European languages and cultures is fairly easy. In China, those connections are almost non-existent. One cannot simply read a sign or eavesdrop on locals and get a basic understanding of the main idea. From this I experienced culture shock; however, not in a negative fashion, but rather in an eye-opening one.

The first few days were surreal and I soon learned that we live in an extremely diverse world.

I visited four cities in China all of which required us to take an airplane. This solidified how massive the country is. Each city was huge but they all contained unique attributes. Beijing was like a bigger, more spread out New York City and the food was phenomenal. Shanghai was a metropolis with impressive modern architecture. Xi’An held amazing historical artifacts such as the Terracotta Warriors. Guilin displayed China’s natural beauty. Traveling to each of these cities showed me that we live in an enormous world with so much to see and do. It was meeting the locals that made it clear how similar we all are.

While in Beijing I had the chance to meet a family and see their home. Their small house was decorated with glass and porcelain figures from traditional Chinese myths and folk tales as well as family photos. They were cooking dinner and would eat soon after we left. Despite not openly displaying their affection, it was clear that the family was close and they were proud of their traditions and culture. This experience was both fulfilling and refreshing as I learned that even though we live on opposite sides of the planet, we are not so different in what we love and in what brings us happiness. Standing in that house made me feel closer to other people and made me appreciate my position in the world.

If you decide to take the journey, be aware of a few things. When traveling abroad, especially to a developing country, mind your waste and be considerate of the locals. Always clean up after yourself wherever you go. When you meet the locals, learn from them. Ask about their culture, language and history, but also ask about that individual. Make it a point to understand the culture through the locals’ eyes and specifically from their unique perspective. On a practical note, when you travel, take only what you need and be considerate with your food and water. Taking too much will be burdensome and you may part with things you don’t want to leave behind.

If you get the opportunity to travel, take it. Few experiences in life will shape how you view the world, and traveling is perhaps the most meaningful.

Contributed by Anthony Zamarro

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What is the Peace Corps and What are the Qualifications to Join?

You may have heard of the Peace Corps, but how can you get involved right now? How old do you have to be to be in the Peace Corps? Are there other requirements?

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Welcome fellow volunteer enthusiast! If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to join the Peace Corps, look no further:

The U.S. Peace Corps sends Americans abroad to provide humanitarian aid for high priority regions.

They provide global volunteer training programs as well as a 1-Year Physician and Nurse Volunteer Program.

  • The minimum age is 18

  • Volunteers must be U.S. citizens

  • Most opportunities require a 4-year degree

  • Volunteers usually serve for 2 years after in-country training

  • The agency provides volunteers with training, guidance, and support

Unfortunately, many of you might not fulfill these requirements just yet. On the bright side, now you know exactly what you need to work towards.

If you have your heart set on applying for the Peace Corps, then keep dreaming 🙂

Believe it or not, you actually have one really big advantage right now: Plenty of Time.

The Peace Corps isn’t going anywhere, and you certainly can in the meantime!

What are you passionate about? Where and why do you want to go abroad? What kind of service excites you?

Once you can answer these three questions, then you’ll be well on your way to an unforgettable adventure.

Here’s a personal example to give you some inspiration:

  1. I’m passionate about student-centered teaching and creating non-profit, service organizations

  2. I want to go to Australia because I connect with the personality, culture, and climate

  3. Serving higher education as an instructor, entrepreneur, and volunteer adviser excites me

Once you build that emotional fire, you’ll exude genuine confidence and a contagious enthusiasm.

You’ll have no doubt of whether you will go—it’s now only a question of when. That’s all you need. You have more than enough creativity and persistence to figure everything else out.

By the way, did you know that Global Leadership Adventures (GLA) was founded by a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer? Founder Andrew Motiwalla’s original vision was to create a Peace Corps for Teens. That’s pretty cool.

What other programs besides the Peace Corps could we help you work towards? We’d enjoy hearing your goals!

Contributed by Nick Fochtman

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4 Times Sports in History Have Been Used to Bridge Differences Between Countries or Communities

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The outcome of a sporting event always means more to than a simple win or loss. If our team wins, we carry the glory, if our team loses, we feel the shame. It’s this emotional connection to sports that keeps them at the forefront of our lives and constantly on our mind. For years, we have seen our various sporting events as metaphors for world power or to sway political views. Here are four times in history when sports have represented more to the world than a simple loss or victory.

1. 1936 Olympics

Adolf Hitler was hosting the 1936 Olympic games in Germany hoping to use them as a showcase for Aryan superiority. Hitler was upset when Jesse Owens, an African American, took home four gold medals in his four respective track and field races. To this day, Jesse Owens’ victories represent one of the greatest blows to international racism viewed on a wide scale.

2. 1971 China Vs. U.S. Ping Pong

For over twenty years leading up to the famous China Vs. America Ping Pong match the U.S. had virtually no contact with China since 1949. China made a surprise offer to the U.S. team in 1971 to play a few exhibition games. China had plans to use this match as political propaganda for their citizens to show superiority over America. This exchange allowed for Americans to see China for what it really was at the time, opening up America’s eyes to the truth behind the Chinese people and paving the way for President Nixon’s trip in 1972.

3. 1995 Mandela Supports Rugby

After becoming president of post-apartheid Africa in 1994, Nelson Mandela offered his support to South Africa’s rugby team. A team which at the time consisted of only whites and acted as a symbol of white dominance in South Africa and Black suppression. After Africa’s team, the Springboks won the championship Nelson hand delivered the trophy to the team’s white captain representing the African people’s ability to forgive, but never forget.

4. 1936 wrestling match

Another event from the 1936 Olympic games that may have held just as much fervor as Jesse Owen’s victory would be the defeat of the German wrestler, Wolfang Ehrl by a Jewish-Hungarian athlete, Karoly Karpati. The defeat happened with Adolf Hitler in attendance.

Contributed by Josh Schwartz

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

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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

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