The new GLA Belize program is perfect for a teen still looking to find their passion in the summer before college begins.

Before beginning another four or more of school, more teens take a break and travel. While common in countries like Australia, this gap experience is a new endeavor to many in the US. These kinds of trips can not only lead to a new passion, but it can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. GLA’s Belize program is a great way to see the world and make a difference in a new community without delaying the start of college (something your parents will thank you for!).

When in Belize, there is the chance to see both its rainforest and Caribbean coast. Either can inspire an interest in environmental preservation and conservation. There are also many hikes to take and the chance to learn more about Belize’s Maya heritage, in case you were considering exploring a career in cultural anthropology. And who doesn’t want to visit the world-famous the Belize Zoo? You can even see a Kinkajou! Yes, that is animal; one that it is small and usually in the tropical forests found so plentifully in places like Belize.

Belize also gives the chance to make life-long friendships and connections with like-minded individuals – those who will have the greatest impact on your future major or career plans. Volunteer hours may also seem trivial to those who are focused on the future, but many budding careers began with a volunteer experience that was memorable and insightful in a way a classroom setting always isn’t.

So there’s no reason to not sign up. Living conditions are the perfect prep for college with dorm-style buildings. The memories made on the trip will last forever and be perfect to share with new college roommates. And just think of all the incredible pictures that will be taken! It’s the chance in a lifetime to travel abroad and make a positive impact in this world.

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Contributed by Samantha Watkins

Have you studied Spanish for a lifetime, but don’t want to study in Spain? Do you want the conveniences of Europe without doing what everyone else does? Well ,thinking south to GLA’s new Argentina program might be best direction for you to be heading.

For those who think this is hyperbole, let’s play a game. Imagine you are walking through a town square watching the locals sip coffee underneath the Baroque lined buildings. Are you in Madrid or Buenos Ares? Well it’s a trick question, you could be in both. From lifestyle to architecture and everything else in between, the Argentines take deep inspiration from their European compatriots.

If your ideal study abroad dinner consists of a rotation of pasta, sausages, endless desserts and copious amounts of wine then Argentina can cover you just as well as Italy, England, Switzerland and France—and sometimes even better. Argentinian favorites such as Asado, Empanadas, and Dulce de Leche add European sophistication to your palates with some South American intrigue. And while the vineyards of France are world-renowned, Argentine reds such as Syrah and Malbec have held their own in any world wine competition (though you won’t be drinking any wine while on your trip with GLA, you can appreciate its history and local cultural significance).

For many students, experiencing the local culture of their host country is just as integral as what they learn in the classroom itself and Argentina lends itself to European sensibility with a touch of Latin flair—no wonder many call Buenos Ares the Paris of the East. Many of the aesthetic qualities of architecture and fashion allow you to trace the integration of Spanish and other Euro centric influences from 17th century until today. The colorful neighborhood of La Boca in Buenos Ares for example is modeled after many of the architectural styles of Genoa, Italy.   When going out to watch a night of sports, both the fandom and play of either soccer (or football) and rugby equal many of Europe’s most talented clubs. Just remember to carry a shirt to cover up your blue and white painted chest for when you hit the town for a few Cervesas after the match. When in Rome; or Buenos Ares I should say.

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Contributed by Matt Zonis

Are you a sports enthusiast with a passion for adventure and community building?

Remember the first time you were introduced to your favorite sport? For many of us, we got inspired after playing with our friends or family. Sports connected us to our communities and gave us something to look forward to every week. Sometimes competing was stressful, but we always had our team to lean on and cheer us up. Now that we’re older, we realize that winning isn’t everything—bonding with others is. And although you may not consider yourself an expert, you know your sport well enough. Most importantly, we know how to make it fun.

That’s all you need 🙂

You may not realize this now, but your sport will allow you to connect you with incredible people from all over the world. Sports transcend language barriers. If you’ve ever visited the beach when traveling, you may have seen this. With only a soccer ball or frisbee, you can start playing with almost anyone. You might not even speak the same language! But you’ll be smiling and laughing all day because fun is universal.

Perhaps you’ve considered teaching your sport? Maybe you’ve also wanted to travel and experience a new culture?

As a teen, you have plenty of good options to explore. Even if you’re one of those hardcore athletes, you’ll benefit from going outside your comfort zone in this way. Teaching your sport and training in a new environment is a fantastic time. You naturally strengthen your foundation by discovering what’s most important.

But it’s hard to do this alone. We all need a team that’s experienced, supportive, and been there before.

If exploring a new culture and connecting through sports interests you, then definitely check out GLA’s new Ghana Sports Program! The two week program is run by amazing staff that love traveling, learning from other cultures, and contributing in a meaningful way. Your team includes like-minded teens that also want to create an active, unforgettable adventure in Ghana. When traveling, it’s actually quite difficult to genuinely experience and contribute to another culture. You often have to wait until you’re an adult in the US (most of us wait longer), and even then it takes time to really get to know people. Which is why it’s so helpful to get started by doing the right program whose values and culture suit you.

Consider this one of your few chances to dive into the lifestyle you’ve always wanted.

What’s your favorite sport and why? Feel free to share in the comments below!

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Contributed by Nick Fochtman

Global Leadership Adventures strives to send you to some of the most amazing places to do some of the most amazing things, and what better way to prove that than our Instagram account. In light of our #MyGLA campaign at @GLATEENS on Instagram, here’s a list of five noteworthy Instagram accounts and campaigns to toss a follow and spice up your feed with positivity, progressive thoughts and beautiful summer landscapes.

@NatGeoTravel

– National Geographic’s account focused strictly on the beautiful places all of you travel to is definitely one to check out. If you love beautiful landscapes and interesting travel pictures, this is definitely the account to follow. Tag a picture of your worldly travels with #NatGeoTravel to see if you can get your picture featured on National Geographic’s account

@AirBNB

– Airbnb has done wonders for the world of travel and temporary housing, but what’s even cooler is the way they use their Instagram account to highlight those who take part in sharing their home and those who stay in those homes. If you’ve been lucky enough to stay at one of Airbnb’s houses, take a picture with #AirBnb and you could have your picture shared on their account.

#LikeAGirl

– This is one seriously inspiring Instagram campaign to look into. The #LikeAGirl Campaign premiered in May 2014 and restarted it’s second bout in May of 2015. The campaign was started by Always feminine products and has a message deeper than any material object. #LikeAGirl is Always’ overtly successful attempt to bring awareness to the fact that doing things “Like A Girl” should no longer be seen as an insult. Tag a picture of yourself redefining this gender stereotype with #LikeAGirl to support their cause and women everywhere.

@TheGoodQuote

– This account may not have anything to do with travel and beautiful scenery, but it is full of positive vibes and good thoughts. Traveling can get difficult sometimes and what better pick-me-up than some comical, yet inspirational quotes from an IG account that only promotes positivity. Follow @TheGoodQuote and use #TheGoodVibeTribe on any of your pictures hosting positive vibes to be featured on one of their GoodVibe accounts

@JimmyFallon

– If you’re looking to follow a hilarious, progressive and genuinely interesting Instagram account, Fallon has you covered. Jimmy’s account is run by an extremely intelligent and fun team who strive to show his followers the best of Jimmy and the world he influences. Look to Jimmy’s account to see what new Instagram campaign he is supporting or possibly starting, you’re bound to find something great.

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Contributed by Joshua Schwartz

When traveling abroad there are many places to visit and lots of excitement, so why not share those experiences with others. Post those abroad pictures to Instagram to connect with fellow adventurers or to just share the selfies in front of the Eiffel tower. Check out the Instagram account @glateens for some incredible photos.

1. Posting photos of traveling abroad can inspire others to dream of one day going there too. It also lets your story be heard.

2. When posting photos, give tips on where to go, what places are a must see and of course the best food to eat.

3. A photo can even teach others about the new culture; what people do for fun or how to they get to and from work or school.

4. When posting a photo, tagging other people in it and the place will help connect to others. Find the people in the photo to tag and gain a few new followers and friends along the way.

5. Then there are food pictures; there can never be too many. The only thing that’s better than a sunset is the chocolate beignet for breakfast. Besides, if you didn’t Insta it, did you really eat it?

6. There’s also the saying that, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” It’s true. A picture can capture beauty in that instant, emotions felt, and friendships that will last a lifetime. When in doubt, post it.

7. Of course, travel abroad photos are sure to get ten times more likes, but they’ll also help recall the time spent in all the different places.

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Contributed by Samantha Watkins