“Filmmaking is all about appreciating the talents of the people you surround yourself with, and knowing you could never have made any of these films by yourself.”

-Steven Spielberg

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Your compassionate heart and wanderlust are eating away at you, and you just want to go somewhere. One problem though: you’re not sure where you want to go or what you want to do. Well prepare yourself for a decision because Global Leadership Adventures Programs has outlined all of their travel plans for 2017 below! Check them out:

Belize: The Initiative for Children™ – Get a mix of the beautiful power of language and communication while working with children, as well as live in the moment amidst the incredible environment of Belize.

Costa Rica: The Initiative for Children™ – Encourage local children and become a kid again yourself as you spend time with them in the lush countryside of Costa Rica and serve their community.

Ghana: Children of Africa™ – Jump into the beauty of Africa and discover the exuberance of helping empower kids through education at a local village.

Guatemala: Children of the Maya™ – Enter into the culture of Guatemala, full of enriching knowledge and warmth, while also spending time in schools and assisting the development of education through volunteering.

Bali: Global Health Initiative™ – Study how science and tradition can come together to bring health and well-being to people of all cultures!

Dominican Republic: Global Health Initiative™ – This program will give you deeper insight into why healthcare in a community is affected by multiple components and how people can work together to address these topics and improve healthy living.

Ghana: Building Healthy Villages™ – Discover how people can be empowered to break poverty through healthy well-being, and you will also get to experience the joyous culture of Ghana.

Costa Rica: Animal Rescue Project™ – Share your compassionate heart for animals through volunteering with an animal rescue in the surreal landscape of Costa Rica.

Thailand: The Elephant Conservation Project™ – Embrace the mystic scenery of Thailand as you advocate for elephant care and learn about the conservation of these creatures.

Costa Rica: Spring Break Sea Turtle Initiative™ – Make a difference during your spring break through learning about the incredible sea turtles of Costa Rica and participating in conservation activities.

Costa Rica: Sea Turtle Initiative™ – If spring break wasn’t enough for you, participate in one of our summer programs in Costa Rica and learn how you can help change the future for these sea turtles.

Galapagos: Preserving Nature’s Wonders™ – Visit the famous Galapagos Islands and explore the natural beauty while taking part in the conservation efforts of the local animals.

Thailand: The Elephant Village Initiative™ – See what it is like to care for the beautiful elephant up close as elephant conservationists in Thailand share their passion with you.

South Africa: Social Entrepreneurship Initiative™ – If you are tired of simply hearing about issues throughout the world, then you will love this opportunity, a program where you will get the chance to brainstorm with people from all over the world and create ideas that will implement action and hope.

China: One Nation, Two Worlds™ – Experience the culture of China in-depth as you share not only language, but also a passion for learning and friendship with the local children.

Costa Rica: Spanish Service Adventure – Get a taste of the diverse beauty of Costa Rica while developing your Spanish language skills and gaining practical (and fun!) cultural experience.

Peru: Spanish Service Adventure – Adventure through Peru and actually use some of your Spanish language skills as you volunteer alongside local friends and learn about their stories.

Spain: Spanish Service Adventure – Take part in the passion of Spain as you dive deep into the Spanish language and culture and relish popular Spanish activities, such as dance and history.

Costa Rica: Surf and Sports Service Adventure – Surf along beautiful beaches and help others learn to love surfing as you lead a sports camp for kids and soak in the incredible gift of the ocean and the outdoors.

Dominican Republic: Sports Service Adventure – Volunteer through sport and break down cultural barriers as you bond with kids and help instill and support the value of sport activities in the Dominican Republic.

Dominican Republic: Building a Sustainable World™ – Prepare to not only learn about enhanced sustainability, but also put that sustainability into action as you serve the people through developmental projects on this gem-like island.

Costa Rica: Empowering Rainforest Communities™ – Spend your trip in the exotic rainforest and get the opportunity to study about the environment, learning how to help preserve it for the future (you may even get to zipline!).

Costa Rica: Protecting the Pacific™ – Explore the local coast and soak in its beauty and wildlife, while also helping to make sure the ocean continues to be enjoyable through conservation initiatives.

India: Service Through the Lens™ – Pack your camera because you will have the chance to share your adventure through mystic India, bonding with local people and learning how to be a steward through your photography.

Argentina: Land of Discovery™ – Spend time purposefully in Argentina and serve the hospitable people while absorbing the culture through adventures like kayaking and horseback riding.

Bali: Land of Discovery™ – Get ready to experience Bali like no one else as you tutor children in English and view the secrets of Bali that are only for those who go beyond the tourist resorts.

Fiji: Empowering Island Communities™ – Volunteer on one of the most scenic spots in the ocean and make incredible friendships, while learning to appreciate island life and community.

Peru: Service in the Sacred Valley – Discover the people of Peru and learn about daily living and sustainability for locals outside of the city while also having unforgettable adventures like whitewater rafting.

Tanzania: Heart and Soul of Africa – Stop dreaming about Africa and actually travel there as you get the chance to volunteer with African students, help develop educational facilities, and even experience a safari.

Thailand: Cultural Kaleidoscope™ – From tutoring children in language skills to flying by emerald forests to stepping into Thai culture, you will have a full and unforgettable time in Thailand.

Costa Rica: Beachside Service Adventure – Do not forget your sunscreen and get ready to dive into volunteering alongside local communities and kids, along with jumping into some water-filled fun.

Dominican Republic: Beachside Service Adventure – Be inspired by the people of the Dominican Republic as you work to encourage and help local communities while on the picturesque island.

Dominican Republic: Spring Break Service Adventure – Have a break filled with purpose and help people who are creating change for communities to continue the momentum through service projects (plus, you’ll be in the beautiful Dominican Republic!).

Peru: Amazon Service Adventure – Not only will you get to see the Amazon, hold wildlife, and participate in outdoor adventures, but you will also get to study how we can be working to be good stewards of the Amazon and its surrounding environment.

Now your only problem is deciding which adventure you most want to choose!

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Contributed by Addie Davis

Being a GLA alum comes with a lot of great opportunities. We know that you have thoughts on just about everything GLA-related, so we’ve compiled a fun list of ways that you can share your experiences!

1. Facebook.

Yes, we know you’re already on FB about to share a memory from four or so years ago. So while you’re there, why not like GLA’s Facebook Fanpage and introduce yourself to your GLA country’s group. You’ll make some new friends, and score a few likes on your latest profile pic!

2. Instagram.

We all know you have Insta, but whether you post weekly or only use it for DM’s, well that’s another story. Why not get creative on your account and post a picture you drew, or a photo of your GLA experience. Remember to hashtag #GLAambassador #myGLA and @GLAteens for extra credit.

3. Blogging and Vlogging.

More than likely there’s some famous blogger or Youtuber you follow, like Miranda Sings or Tyler Oakley. So why not take your own spin at it and create a blog. All you need are a few posts with a couple of photos each time. If writing isn’t your thing, then try a YouTube channel. Talk about your experience, what you brought with you, your favorite memory and more!

4. Parents.

Probably the last thing you thought of was talking to your parents to spread some GLA love. But hey, it’s a great option. You can ask your parents several questions during dinner or a family outing and transcribe them. Or write an essay about your experience from their point of view. And if neither of those options sounds fun, you can come up with your own idea! Talk about the world being your oyster. You can even have your parents post on the GLA Facebook group exclusively for parents.

5. Journal.

More than likely you recorded your experience when abroad, whether that was by writing, photos, or audio. Post seven days worth of journal entries online to your GLA country’s Facebook group and show others considering a program abroad what they might experience from a personal perspective. Make sure there is writing for each day, and maybe include a cool photo too!

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Contributed by Samantha Watkins