Discover the myths and modern realities of the American West. While in Utah, you’ll not only realize the state’s uniqueness but also see how its diverse ecosystems have crafted its renowned landscape. You’ll spend much of this program outdoors, from a trip to Arches National Park to extended time along the Colorado River, exploring the wilderness.
50+ Photos From Hawaii: Maui Island Service Adventure
Embark on an extraordinary adventure where excitement and purpose converge in the captivating landscapes of Maui. This program encourages you to adapt to Maui’s dynamic needs, creating a lasting impact while enjoying exhilarating experiences. Also, plunge into the Pacific Ocean’s clear waters for snorkeling, surfing and catamaran trips!
Click here to see all the amazing photos on this program!
Catching Up with 4x GLA Alumna Scarlett Walker
We recently caught up with Scarlett Walker, a four-time Global Leadership Adventures alumna, to hear how her experiences abroad shaped her journey from a nervous first-time traveler to a confident young leader. From Costa Rica to Thailand, Greece to the Dominican Republic, Scarlett embraced each adventure with an open heart—and came away transformed.
Ready, Set, GROW!
Most would agree that traveling abroad is a great way to get out of your comfort zone and push your personal boundaries. But did you know that all of GLA’s programs promote personal growth in more ways than one?
Making a Whale of a Statement About Single-Use Plastics
GLA teens have the benefit of getting to work alongside our local partners on meaningful projects that bring change to communities and inspire us all to be better global citizens. Bodhi Surf & Yoga, in the Bahia Ballena area of Costa Rica, is one of those partners.
Our partnership with Bodhi brings two GLA program offerings to our students: Costa Rica Protecting the Pacific and Costa Rica Surf & Sustainable Service. Both programs offer students the opportunity to become “ocean guardians,” and stewards of environmental action to protect our oceans and natural habitat through various volunteer projects and initiatives.
Bodhi Surf & Yoga has teamed up with local community leaders and organizations to create Bahia Ballena Libre de Plastico (Bahia Ballena Free of Plastic initiative). One of the problems that the initiative is addressing is the environmental issues that are caused by single-use plastics and what solutions can be created in order to mitigate the environmental damage that convenience plastics create.
Since 2016, several companies in the area have made operational changes to start refusing and reducing single use plastics. GLA students had a unique opportunity to assist in creating a stunning visual reminder of the immense waste caused by single use plastics when they assisted in repurposing 3,494 single use plastic water bottles into 9 x 5 meter (approx 30 feet x 16 feet) humpback whale sculpture.
While the project was completed back in 2017, it still serves as a profound statement of the peril that faces our environment due to waste and reminds us all to do our part to reduce plastic waste across the globe.
The bottle whale has even been on tour all over Costa Rica to raise awareness about single-use plastics and their detrimental effect on the ocean and environment. The photos below were taken while the sculpture was on display at a local mall in Costa Rica’s capital city of San José.
There are many resources out there to learn about things you can do to reduce your plastic use at home and within your community. Reusable water bottles, using metal or bamboo straws, and bringing your own reusable shopping totes are all great and easy ways to start making a difference!
Related Programs:
Costa Rica: Protecting the Pacific View Program Page | Download Sample Itinerary
Costa Rica: Surf & Sustainable Service View Program Page | Download Sample Itinerary
