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?
Academically
While you generally won’t be expected to cram for a test or memorize facts on a GLA program, many students find that they absorb all kinds of vocabulary, geography, history, and knowledge of cultures and customs. Dive into the environmental issues that threaten Costa Rica’s ecosystems, the factors that contribute to malnutrition in Peru, or the lack of access to health care in the Dominican Republic–AND learn what we can do to help.
Students who participate in our language immersion programs (Spain, Peru, Costa Rica, China, and Guadeloupe) have the added benefit of formal class time as well as real-world, community-based interactions that can really accelerate language learning in the aspiring polyglot.
Your Worldview
Some of the most common feedback from GLA alumni is “I feel like a different person–my point of view has changed so much!” Our programs use a methodology called ‘service-learning’ which combines community service with different kinds of hands-on learning: learning about social and global issues and personal leadership. In other words, it frames the volunteer work within a larger context – against the backdrop of the local community, the country or the world.
Your Confidence as a Leader
Leaders come in all shapes and sizes! Discover your own unique style and expand on it. GLA’s leadership curriculum facilitates the exploration and development of students’ unique leadership styles in a supportive and safe environment through activities designed to both nourish and challenge so that students can blossom into tomorrow’s leaders and changemakers.
Your Skills
Interested in teaching but have never spoken in front of a class before? Thinking about going into medicine and want some experience in the field? From lesson planning to wildlife surveys to medical intake, GLA students roll up their sleeves and learn from the experts (teachers, doctors, veterinarians, construction workers, marine biologists, etc.)! The best part is that no experience is required. We bet that you’ll pick up skills you didn’t know before, whether it’s how to take a person’s blood pressure, to safely wield a hammer, or even speaking up in a group.
With so many ways to grow, it’s no wonder that GLA was voted “#1 High School Abroad in the category of Growth” in Go Overseas’ Community Choice awards. If you’re looking for ways to stretch, transform, expand, or come into your own in any of these areas in the coming year (“new year new you?”) you’ve come to the right place.
Not sure which GLA program is right for you? Our team of Enrollment Advisors specialize in helping teens navigate our programs in order to choose one that’s a perfect fit! Call us today at +1-858-771-0645 to start your journey!