PROGRAM PHOTO ALBUM
Thanks for the checking out the blog for this Global Leadership Adventures program!
Here are a few things to know and expect:
- Blog posts are written by onsite program staff and/or students and sent to our Headquarters team who will post the blog on this page.
- We typically receive 2-3 blog updates per week from each program, so please don’t be alarmed if you don’t see a blog post every day – that’s totally normal.
- Blog updates received late in the evening or overnight will be posted the following day.
- Blog updates received on weekends may not be posted until Monday.
- Due to many factors such as internet accessibility, program staff aren’t always able to send photos, so some blog posts may contain text only.
Thank you for your patience and understanding, and we hope you enjoy following along on these unforgettable adventures.
For frequently asked questions about the blogs, please visit our Program Blog FAQ page.
-The Global Leadership Adventures HQ Team
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BLOG POST FOR JUNE 23
Dear families,
We’re so happy to share that almost all of our students have arrived safely in Cusco! After a long day of travel, all flights went smoothly, and everyone is healthy, in good spirits, and excited for the journey ahead.
Once we gathered as a group, we had a little time to start getting to know each other and explore some of the charm that Cusco has to offer.
This marks the beginning of what promises to be an unforgettable experience. We’re so proud of how everyone handled the day—with patience, positivity, and a strong sense of adventure. Tomorrow, we officially begin our program and can’t wait to dive into all that’s ahead.
Thank you for your trust and support—we’ll keep you updated along the way!
Warmly,
Isabella & Diego
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 24
Hello everyone!
Today marked the start of our program, beginning with breakfast and followed by a series of orientation activities. We spent time getting to know each other better and exploring the core values of GLA, along with the code of conduct. Our discussions emphasized the importance of respect, integrity, and cooperation, especially when working with the local community. We reflected on the need to understand our own privileges and biased perspectives while learning from the people, culture, and systems here in Perú.
After lunch, we left for our walking tour of Cusco, led by Diego, who taught us about the Quechuan festival of Inti Raymi, a vibrant celebration that honors the sun through music, dance, and rituals. Along the way, we passed historical sites and monuments, including the twelve-angled stone, and had the opportunity to shop at a large local market.
Back at home base, we did our first leadership activity, which focused on self awareness and personal growth. We reflected on our strengths, weaknesses, and goals as a vital foundation for becoming strong leaders. By looking back on our past experiences and acknowledging our roots, we gained deeper insights into our identities and values.
We ended the day with dinner and shoutout circle, a time to highlight and celebrate each other’s contributions and moments of positivity from the day.
Warmly,
Chloe
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 25
Today was another adventurous day in Cusco Peru. Breakfast was at 7:15 in order to get ready for today’s activities. The main highlight of the day was the reality tour which was a six hour tour by van. This was led by Mateo one of our wonderful tour leaders apart of MED LIFE ( Medicine Education Development for Low Income Families Everywhere). The purpose of the reality tour was to grasp both major and minor issues in Cusco mainly in the rural areas. Mateo helped walk us through the why’s of every problem. For example the reason for lack of education was inqsufficient resources, inadequate training as teacher had to learn a plethora of Peruvian dialects to teach a wide variety of students, but most importantly the long distances and harsh conditions students face when traveling to school. We made four stops, one for development, one for education, and two for medical(the focus of this program).
After we headed to a place which translates to Moon Temple. Here we completed a small hike with two Shaman leading us to a small area which we preformed a hour long cultural ceremony. Following our ceremony we headed back to the hotel for a quick rest before a reflection of today’s reality tour. We were separated into small groups to describe living qualities and cultural qualities of Peruvian people in a drawing. We then discussed more in depth of what stood out during the tour, some commonly agreed upon descriptions were eye opening, and feeling fortunate with one’s current life. We then got an introduction from Heidy a leader at MED LIFE about what was expected during a clinic day. In summary, there are six stations in which students can volunteer. Dental, Educational, Triage, Pharmacy, Primary Health, and a second dental station specifically to help children above 3 years old apply fluoride and teach how to properly brush teeth. Finally we ate dinner at 6:45, did a shoutout circle and went to bed.
We are very excited for tomorrow,
We will let you know,
Aiden
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 26
Good night GLA families!
Today we drove through the Andes Mountains to visit a beautiful, remote village.
We provided essential care—ranging from dental education to agricultural support—that is critical to the lives of the Peruvian people.
We found the community to be incredibly warm and welcoming. They share the same desire we do: to improve each other’s way of life. It’s not just them benefiting from us, we gain so much by learning from their perspective and culture. We truly learned a lot.
We visited a mountain community where healthcare is deeply needed but not readily available.
I realized that many basic hygiene practices we take for granted are things they may never be taught, which can have a lasting impact on their lives and futures.
The nurses and doctors had a lot to manage, but their primary focus was to offer kindness and care. They handled the situation with incredible grace and dedication.
It was amazing to step out of our comfort zones and grow as individuals.
We took on leadership roles, sometimes by necessity, and that experience helped us bond and rely on one another’s strengths. We learned from each other and worked as a team to be more effective.
When we returned to home base, we treated ourselves to some well-deserved snacks and reflected on our day. We also learned about setting realistic goals as a way to track our personal growth and improve our communication skills.
Tomorrow we are going to a new community, we are experiencing different roles and learning a lot of skills. We are really grateful to be here.
We will keep you posted!
With love,
Marin
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 27
Hello everyone!
Today was the second day of clinical practice. After an early breakfast at 6:30 we took a 1 and a half hour bus ride to Huandar village near Pisac. The clinic was set up in an elementary school with many different stations to work. In total there were 6 stations which were dentistry, general medicine, toothbrushing, pharmacy, triage, and education. We did 2 new stations that weren’t done the first day. We learned new medical topics and got to practice in a controlled environment. We had lunch in the bus and then helped to break down and clean up the clinic.
After the bus ride back we had a short break for rest and relaxation. We then had a guest speaker to talk about early medical practices in Peru. We learned about the medicinal benefits of many plants such as the coca plant, which is a natural anesthetic. We learned from the drawings of Felipe Guaman Poma de Ayala which showed traditions from the past which had been preserved by his drawings. We then had another leadership activity about the people surrounding us. We were tasked with writing down the people closest to us and our favorite attributes about them. We also had to write 5 qualities about ourselves that we were most proud of. We learned about how we can become the people we want to be if we surround ourselves with people who have the qualities we want. We learned the importance of surrounding ourselves with the people who push us to be greater instead of pulling us down.
We are tired but very proud of what we are doing, tomorrow we are going rafting and ziplining and we are really excited!
We will keep you posted,
Alex
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 28
Today proved to be a well-deserved break from the service activities we’ve been involved with. Everyone had a blast during the white water rafting and zipline activities, activities which forced us to communicate and work together as a team. After breakfast, we headed into the bus, ready to take on the challenges of the day. Our adventure started with a ride to the white water rafting location, where our knowledgeable guides taught us everything from the meaning of different commands to the right way to get back onto the raft in case of a flip. We dove right in with enthusiasm, and were soon forced to navigate the unpredictable rapids that swept our rafts in all different directions. Making our way through the river proved to be more challenging than expected, but all the more fun. Our ride was filled with laughter and thrilled screams as we worked together to avoid rocks and make our way back to the location.
After we arrived, we enjoyed a delicious lunch of chicken, vegetables, and rice, before making our way to the zip line. Ziplining was a wild ride for everybody, as we were all tested in one way or another. We embraced the daunting activity with bravery and excitement, ending off our adventure on a successful note. We then headed back to the hotel, where we rested shortly before dinner. After dinner, we participated in a pulse check, where we anonymously gave feedback about the program. Finally, our day culminated with a shoutout circle, where we complimented each other about positive and memorable actions that occurred during the day. We can’t wait to embark on our last service clinic tomorrow!
Warmly,
Kailani
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 29
Hello everyone!
Today marked our last day of clinical work. We finished up with our last two stations in the town of Huaro, a little more than an hour away from home base. By now, we were becoming confident in our skills and using our previous knowledge to work quickly and efficiently with patients and staff.
We had a quick lunch in the bus like usual and helped clean up while discussing some of our accomplishments. We helped around 250 patients over the course of three clinics, improved our Spanish, and learned valuable information about healthcare and disease prevention.
After a quick break, we met as a group to practice our debate skills, discussing the implementation of a road through a rural village on the way to Machu Pichu. We discussed topics such as culture, environment, and economy- and generally the pros and cons of tourism.
The night finished off with dinner and some team games, where we relaxed and winded down for the night. Tomorrow, we get so much needed sleep and prepare for another amazing day!
Warmly,
Paige
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 30
Dear Parents,
As the group leader of today , I’m excited to share our day in Peru.
We started with breakfast at 8 AM. At 9 AM, we visited the Qoricancha Museum, a historic Inca site from the 1500s. The ancient building’s stonework was impressive, and inside, we saw detailed murals showing Inca life and beliefs. It was a great chance to learn about their rich history and culture.
After the museum, on our way back to the hotel at 12:30 PM, we stopped at a local market. The market was lively, filled with traditional Peruvian products like hand – woven textiles, pottery, and unique crafts. We also got to smell and see local foods, which added to our cultural experience.
After exploring the museum, the GLA group had a delicious lunch at the hotel restaurant, feasting on traditional Peruvian dishes. Post – meal, they took a short break in their rooms. After lunch, everyone participated in a leadership learning activity. Our instructor led everyone in a group discussion to help them discover their true selves, including having good friends point out each other’s shortcomings.
Soon, a Peruvian musician in colorful native attire arrived. He played the flauta chimu,, creating dreamy sounds, and then strummed the Charango with cheerful rhythms. The musician patiently taught the group to play. With some practice, they managed to play basic melodies, filling the room with joy and music.
Our GLA program priorities student comfort. After that, students have approximately one hour of rest time, followed by a series of leadership learning activities. Here, students communicate and showcase what they have learned and experienced over the past eight days through various means such as filming videos and writing articles. Below, we have included two poems written by students for parents to read.
Following this, students enjoyed dinner time. Of course, GLA also places great importance on students’ overall experience. After the regular shoutout circle, our teachers led the students to a nearby scenic restaurant, allowing them to experience and explore local specialities.
Everyone in the group stayed safe and engaged throughout the day. We’re looking forward to more discoveries. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
Best regards,
Nailiang Zhao
Poem 1
Before
Snowy mountains stood high.
The big river ran by.
In old towns, stones told tales.
People ate from clay bowls.
Llamas walked on the farms.
Women made colorful yarns.
Life was slow and warm.
Days were filled with calm.
After
Tall buildings fill the view.
Small shabby houses shake in the breeze.
Old dishes are locked in museums.
People work hard on big farms.
Mines make the land dirty.
Boats scare all the fish away.
Big ships take all the good stuff.
The mountains look tired and sad.
Poem 2
Before and After
Before I thought to be happy you needed a lot
But now I know to be happy you can have not
Before I didn’t appreciate what I had
But I see them happy with just a tad
I thought modern healthcare was needed in every place
But some of this herbal stuff works really great
Before I didn’t speak Spanish at all
But now my Spanish flows like a water fall
Before, Peru was just a far away land
But now Peru seems very grand
BLOG POST FOR JULY 1
Good afternoon from sunny Peru!
Today was nothing short of inspiring. As part of our community outreach, we had the privilege of visiting three homes supported by the incredible organization, MEDLIFE.
Each home welcomed us with open arms, and we were honored to deliver bags filled with essential supplies, bringing a little extra comfort to families who need it most. One of the most memorable stops was our first visit, where we met a wonderful woman named Brigida, who lives with a disability. She welcomed us with warmth and pride, sharing her handmade crafts with us. Her resilience and talent touched us deeply, and many of us chose to support her by purchasing some of her beautiful work.
Later in the day, we dove into Peru’s rich culture through a traditional music workshop in our very own home base. Surrounded by the rhythms and sounds of authentic Peruvian instruments, we learned about the role music plays in this vibrant society — and even had the chance to join in ourselves!
It’s been a day filled with connection, culture, and compassion. We’re so grateful for these eye-opening experiences, and even more excited to continue growing through service and cultural exchange.
– Aisha
BLOG POST FOR JULY 2
Today we were able to wake up later in order to be ready at 8:40 for breakfast. That was a luxury that did come around often. After being able to wake up later, we took a 15 minute bus ride to our location for our cooking class. There we spent 3 hours working hard to prepare our meal. Our meal consisted of steak, onions, tomatoes, garlic, salt, yellow pepper, potatoes and rice. We were able to prepare ourselves by cutting into correct shapes and sizes, cooking and boiling our food together, as well as preparing the dish. For dessert we made the fried doughnuts that were signature to Perú.
After our cooking session, we had a short walk back to the hotel (20-25 minutes), and when we arrived we had about 20 minutes to get ready for our dancing lessons. We started the dancing lessons, introduced to our two instructors, and they informed us about the three regions that this dance was going to come from. The first one being the coastal region, with the dancing not requiring any other materials, other than moving our bodies. The next region, mountains, involved where we stay in Peru, Cuzco, and we were given two different rope-like objects. The next dance was also in the mountains and represented a war between the angels and devils, with purple and red handkerchiefs, respectively.
After that, we moved to the final region being the forest. The forest included a dance about the anaconda, a snake found in the rainforest, and we surrounded it, moving all of our bodies to the music. Finally, we learned a bit of salsa which was very amazing to learn, as it is a popular way to dance. Following the dance lessons, we had a bit of a break leading up to our leadership activity, teaching us what true communication and working together really looked like. We learned that to work well as a team, you need to set aside your own personal goals and have one centralized goal that everyone can work towards. We then had dinner consisting of rice, steak, chicken, potatoes and more. We will be getting a lot of sleep, having breakfast at 8:20 before our bus ride.
– Michael Bubeck
BLOG POST FOR JULY 3
Today we woke up early and took a bus through the mountains to Andean Colors, a cultural weaving center. We started by feeding llamas and alpacas, each with its own personality. Then we watched how their fur is cleaned, spun, and dyed using natural materials like plants and insects — creating 12 distinct colors without chemicals. The process felt deeply connected to the land and full of generational knowledge.
We even tried weaving ourselves, which was much harder than it looked. Afterwards, we had a traditional Andean meal with dishes like quinoa soup and native potatoes — simple, filling, and tied to the region’s roots.
In the afternoon, we visited the Maras Salt Mines, where salt has been harvested since Inca times. The layered salt pools stretched across the mountainside, glowing white in the sun. It was a quiet, surreal place — a peaceful end to a day full of culture, craft, and history.
With love from Aisha Aiden and Chloe
See you in Machu Picchu!!
BLOG POST FOR JULY 4
Today was an adventurous and fulfilling day, the highlight being our trip to Machu Picchu. We are so grateful and humbled to have been in the presence of one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Our eventful trip started off bright and early, when we arrived to the train station to begin the journey. The two-hour ride took us from Tunupa to Aguas Calientes, where Machu Picchu is located.
We arrived to the beautiful mountain range, and took in one of the 7 th wonders of the world. Our tour guide educated us on the history of the structures surrounding the site. we traveled back to the town and did a little shopping. And after our long day, we make our way back Ollantaytambo and enjoy some food.
As we arrived at Machu Picchu, our temporary tour guide led our team down a rugged, uneven path. Every step was a struggle, and fatigue seeped into our bones with each climb. Yet, as Shakespeare put it in Sonnet 18, And every fair from fair sometime declines, By chance or nature’s changing course untrimmed.” When we finally reached the mountaintop, though we weren’t at the very heart of the ancient city ruins, the panoramic view of Machu Picchu unfolded before us. It was a moment that made every drop of sweat worthwhile. Just as Wang Wei described in “On Mission to the Frontier”, “In boundless desert lonely smoke rises straight; Over endless river the sun sinks round.” We captured countless memories with our cameras, reveling in the beauty and excitement of the moment.
After two hours on the train, we returned to Ollantaytambo. Following a hearty dinner, exhaustion overwhelmed us all. Then, after another two-hour bus journey, we finally made our way back to Cusco. The day had been a blend of arduous effort and breathtaking reward, a journey that would linger in our hearts, much like the timeless allure of Machu Picchu itself.
When the group arrived near Machu Picchu, the temporary tour guide led them along a rough, winding path. The trail was steep and rocky, making the hike challenging. Despite the fatigue, everyone kept going, motivated by the promise of the view. As Shakespeare wrote in Sonnet 18, “And every fair from fair sometime declines, By chance or nature’s changing course untrimmed,” they knew that effort would lead to reward.
At the mountaintop, though not inside the ancient ruins, they had a clear, expansive view of Machu Picchu. The sight matched Wang Wei’s description in On Mission to the Frontier: “In boundless desert lonely smoke rises straight; Over endless river the sun sinks round.” They spent hours taking pictures and admiring the historical site.
After a two – hour train ride, the group reached Ollantaytambo. They had dinner, but exhaustion remained. A two – hour bus journey then brought them back to Cusco. Tired as they were, the memory of Machu Picchu’s beauty made the long day unforgettable.
Best wishes,
Marin, Kailani, Nailiang
BLOG POST FOR JULY 5
Our last day was full of self reflection and closing activities. We started with a late breakfast and souvenir shopping. The local markets and shops provided plenty of fun and memorable objects to remind us of our amazing time in Peru.
After returning from the market and having a quick lunch, we all played some team games ranging from a charades like activity to cards and even hide and seek. These activities allowed for some much needed fun and time as a group before we depart.
Most importantly, we engaged in some leadership activities acknowledging our time together and individual strengths. We reflected on our growth, leadership skills, and future goals- while also taking the time to appreciate each other.
The night finished off with a yummy dinner and celebratory cake and ice cream provided by our wonderful kitchen staff. It is safe to say that this trip had an impact and we will forever remember the amazing adventures, impactful experiences, and strong friendships we made along the way. Thank you to all the people who allowed us to be here and guided us during our in Peru. We are so grateful for you all.
See you soon!
Paige, Michael and Alex
