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October 23, 2019 by Jenica Pistone-Donahue

Día de Los Muertos: Food & Family in Latin America

Día de los Muertos has both indigenous origins from the Aztec, and Catholic origins from the Spanish conquistadors’ All Saints and All Souls Day. The holiday started out as an indigenous celebration of life, in a culture which believes to this day that death should be marked with festivities because the person who dies simply passes on to a better existence and should be accompanied by friends, family, food and spirit on that journey.

While Mexico is perhaps most well known for its celebrations, many other countries throughout Central & South America and the Caribbean celebrate their version of the holiday(s) as well–each with its own special components unique to place.

Peru

Like many countries in Central and South America, Peruvians celebrate the dead over a span of two days: Dia de Todos los Santos Vivos (All Saints Day) and Dia de los Santos Difuntos (All Souls Day). In Peru, November 1st is dedicated to food and feasting, while the second brings visits to loved ones’ graves. Friends and family feast at home on their departed loved ones’ favorite dishes on the first; on the second,  families move the celebration to their cemeteries to continue the party with food, drinks and music–some communities will even spend a night of revelry in the cemetery. November 2nd is dedicated to sharing memories of or legends about the departed and honoring their spirits.

Ecuador

Ecuadorians’ special spin on the holiday is that they adorn the graves of their ancestors with colada morada, a spiced berry and purple corn flour drink popular in the region, as well as sweet bread shaped like babies and decorated with icing and colourful toppings. They are filled with dulce de leche and are reportedly to DIE for (pun intended). Sound delicious? You can find some recipes on our Pinterest page.

Guatemala

In Santiago Sacatepéquez, just outside of Antigua, a huge celebration is held each year. Here the cemetery fills to the brim as visitors bring flowers, typically marigolds, to the graves of their loved ones. Barriletes Gigantes (giant kites) are flown on site and can be seen for miles around. They can be almost 50 feet in diameter and are hand-painted or embroidered throughout the year in preparation.

Brazil

Brazil’s take is a bit more somber. Called “Dia de Finados” this day is reserved for introspection and contemplation of life and those lost. It is tradition to visit cemeteries early in the day; some even give up meat or alcohol as a show of respect.

 

Interest in the customs of these countries piqued? Check out our 14- or 21-day programs in Peru, Guatemala, Ecuador, Brazil, or other countries in Central America & the Caribbean! 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

October 8, 2019 by Jenica Pistone-Donahue

New Global Service Learning Programs

Peru: Llama & Animal Service Adventure

Llamas and alpacas and vicuñas–oh my! If these cuties make your heart skip a beat, you’re in the right place. In addition to exploring Peru’s picturesque natural formations and iconic monuments (Rainbow Mountain, Machu Picchu), you’ll learn from indigenous herding tribes to care for these adorable yet utilitarian native creatures. Volunteering with animals in shelters or wildlife conservation centers will earn you a whopping 45 service hours.

This might be the program for you if…

  • you love animals — specifically, llamas, alpacas, and other camelids
  • you’re a fan of cooler weather: Peru is in winter mode during our June, July, and August
  • outdoor adventure is your jam — there is a trek included on this program
  • you’re looking for a community service-heavy experience

Check out additional Peru program offerings!

 

Hawaii: Sea Turtle Marine Conservation™

Introducing GLA’s first US-based program! Sure, the island of Maui may be a popular tourist destination, but it’s also a hotspot for conservation efforts. Several species of sea turtle call Maui home, but the fishing industry, climate change, and ocean debris (litter) pose a serious threat to their habitat. Learn about these challenges & how to help. You’ll also get a taste of the classic Hawaiian experience:  luaus, beach time, and the natural wonders that make this island so special!

This might be the program for you if…

  • you don’t have a passport and are a US citizen
  • Moana is your spirit character
  • you’re an animal lover
  • you’re looking to explore Hawaii from a different perspective

Into marine conservation? See other program options here!

Morocco: Cultural Kaleidoscope™

Ask any seasoned traveler and they will tell you that Morocco is unlike any place in the world: bright, bustling souks, incredible dishes rich with spices, desert landscapes, and brightly-colored and uniquely shaped doors. Through the service work and 10 hours of Modern Standard Arabic instruction, you’ll get to experience this country in a way that many travelers will not. Explore several cities throughout the country, each with different customs, aesthetics, and traditions.

This might be the program for you if…

  • you are an avid language learner or want to practice your Arabic with locals
  • you’re an adventurous eater or open to trying new foods–Moroccan food is a treat for the taste buds!
  • dry weather > humidity
  • you’re looking to experience something far from your cultural norm

Interested in language immersion? Check out these alternate language-heavy locations! 

 

Thailand: Hospital & Health Initiative™

Thailand is perhaps best known for its ornate temples, elephant population, incredible dishes, and picturesque beaches; in this program, you’ll experience all of these things and more! It is also a prime location for observing what healthcare looks like in Thailand and learning from professionals in the field. Whether you are passionate about public health or are interested in exploring what it’s like to spend time in a medical care setting, this is a great way to explore Thai culture while making a difference.

This might be the program for you if…

  • you’re an aspiring physician, nurse, or healthcare worker
  • new religions and eastern philosophies intrigue you
  • you enjoy city living, as this program is based in Bangkok
  • you’re a foodie–authentic Thai dishes are out of this world!

Thailand calling but public health isn’t up your alley? Check out our animal- and education-based programs!

Philippines: Climate Action Island Adventure

Our world is changing–with record temperatures worldwide and extreme weather, the issue of climate change is a global one. In the Philippines, the effects of rising temperatures and intense storms is particularly apparent due to the island nation’s geography and development. Explore the caves, beaches, and waterfalls that you’ll work to help conserve.

This might be the program for you if…

  • you’re comfortable in the water — we’ll spend time in the ocean, river, and a waterfall
  • you want to learn more about, or are already passionate about, taking steps to slow climate change
  • natural beauty appeals more to you than an urban landscape
  • you don’t like to leave home without your GoPro — this program is very active!

 

Costa Rica: Spring Break Beachside Service Adventure

Want to do something meaningful with your Spring Break this year? Excellent! Ten days in Costa Rica will fly by, as the days are filled with the perfect combination of community service, coastal adventuring, and leadership/team-building workshops. Each year, we hear from students who are amazed at just how much can be accomplished between school terms.

This might be the program for you if…

  • Spring Break is prime travel time & best fits your schedule
  • you’ve always wanted to stay in an ecolodge
  • you embrace the “pura vida” lifestyle
  • packing a ton of service and adventure into 10 days sounds like…well, an adventure!

Want to check out your Spring Break options? We got you! See our March & April programs here. 

 

Our Enrollment Advisors are experts in all things GLA and can help you narrow down which program is the best fit for you based on your interests and summer schedule, as well as go over enrollment and payment options. Feel free to reach out at info@experiencegla.com or give us a call at (858) 771.0645.

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

June 19, 2019 by Jenica Pistone-Donahue

Student Op Ed: Thoughts on Pride Month

 

 

Max Preuninger is three-time GLA alum (Thailand: In & Beyond the Classroom™, Ghana: Children of Africa™, and Tanzania: Children’s Education Adventure) and Ambassador of the Year 2018. He is an advocate for LGBTQ rights and active in his community in Bryant, Arkansas. Read his bio and interview here! 

**************************************************************************

Pride month is hands down one of the best and worst months of the year. It can be difficult to find reasons to celebrate when only certain parts of the LGBT community are really accepted by society, and it can be difficult to feel allowed to celebrate when we have so many brothers, sisters, and everyone in-between who are criminalized across the globe. It can be a month that reminds me of the unique challenges that I’ve had to face that maybe my straight, cisgender peers haven’t.

Despite that, pride month is like a safe-haven. While this contrasts heavily with the extravagant events of pride month, June reminds me of rainy days where I can sit by a window with a fuzzy blanket, enjoying a good book. It’s a comforting feeling where I’m able to pause and realize that things really aren’t so bad. Pride month is a time to remember every person and event that has contributed to another movement for equal rights and to be proud of your own place in that history, because believe it or not, every person in this community is making history in their own way.

Pride month isn’t supposed to be about fear of persecution or failure or discrimination. Pride month means overcoming enough of that fear to see that there are thousands of people that you don’t even know standing behind you, ready to lift you off your knees and dust you off time and time again. It’s all about being able to realize what you’re a part of. Sometimes, it’s hard for me to comprehend the amount of love and support that radiates so heavily from the smiles of people when I say “Happy Pride!” after seeing a rainbow pin.

Pride month is different for everyone. For some, it’s another year of building the confidence to come out, for others it’s celebrating another year of being able to be unapologetically themselves. The energy that comes with pride month’s celebrations of love, acceptance, and equality really allows allies and members of the community to desire equality for those who are yet to be granted it across the world. It’s a perfect balance really, refueling the community halfway through the year to remind us all of the support we have from each other while simultaneously reminding us that this fight isn’t over.

For me, it’s a reminder that we’re still making progress. We’re here. We aren’t invisible–I’m not invisible. It reminds me that we can’t forget to fight for others simply because we’ve gained more equal rights. It just gives me hope for my future and the future of the world really, being able to celebrate and want the same things with people I’ve never even seen before.

Filed Under: Be Bold!, Uncategorized

April 11, 2019 by Ashley Welter

We ❤️ Elephants! Photo Highlights from GLA Thailand

Did you know that all three of our Thailand-based programs have an elephant component? These majestic creatures are very ingrained in Thai history, culture, and tourism, and learning more about them is a must. (Plus, they’re incredibly cool animals!) Check out the highlights below from our Thailand programs!

Thailand: In & Beyond the Classroom

This program has a 14-day and a 21-day option, and while the main theme of the program is Children & Education, one of the adventure components is a full day spent at a local elephant sanctuary! During this day trip, students have a chance to assist in taking care of the elephants, bathing the elephants in the river, and observing and assisting with feeding time.

Visit Program Page | Download Sample Itinerary

            

Thailand: Elephant Sanctuary Project

One this 14-day program, students spend one week volunteering at an elephant sanctuary and one week teaching English in a local primary school. During the week at the elephant sanctuary, students work with locals who have committed their lives to promoting healthy relationships between humans and elephants. Service projects include helping by harvesting organic elephant food, feeding the animals and helping with daily tasks of the sanctuary.

Visit Program Page | Download Sample Itinerary

 

Thailand: Elephant Conservation Expedition

Our Elephant Conservation Expedition is a 21-day program, and it actually has THE MOST elephant interaction out of all 3 programs! Unfortunately we don’t have GLA photo highlights just yet because it’s a brand new program for summer 2019, but there’s no doubt in our mind that we’ll have tons of amazing photos to share once the program begins!

Visit Program Page | Download Sample Itinerary

Filed Under: Uncategorized

April 9, 2019 by Jenica Pistone-Donahue

Combating Domestic Violence Through Outreach with Jillian Myers

“It really inspired me to do more to help girls like them, or help girls in my own community become more aware of the issue.”

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Gamechangers, Uncategorized

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