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Last summer, from July 19 to August 1, 2024, I did Peru: Foundations of Global Health with Global Leadership Adventures. It was an unforgettable experience. I wasn't sure what I was getting into, but it ended up being one of those experiences that sticks with you. I got 35 hours of community service volunteering with MedLife, a non-profit that sets up pop-up clinics in these rural Quechua villages way up in the Andes. My friends and I, all of which I'd met on the trip, worked together to bring healthcare and some basic know-how to people who don't get much of either. It was such a real and candid experience.
Every day was different. Throughout the two weeks, I was involved in different sectors of healthcare such as triage, hygiene talks, education sessions, general medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy, shadowing doctors, and jumping in where I could. The first time I took someone's blood pressure in triage, I was a nervous wreck, but the nurse I was with just gave me this look like, "You got this," and it clicked. Everyone on the trip wants to see every student succeed. By the end, I was handing out meds in the pharmacy like it was no big deal after a few days of experience. We also taught children how to brush their teeth which might be a small thing, but you could tell it meant a lot to them since many didn't know how. The smiles, especially from the little ones, were core in deciding what I wanted to do in my future.
The people I met were one of the most unforgettable parts. I walked in not knowing anyone, and somehow I came out with friends I still talk and hang out with today. We'd laugh, mess up Spanish together, share similar passions, and just vibe after long days. It was this group that made me feel like I could handle anything. GLA set it up so I could push myself without freaking out, and I came back way more confident like... I know what I'm capable of now.
If you're thinking about GLA's Peru program, just go for it. It's not only about helping out (which is awesome) but about figuring yourself out and connecting with people and places you'd never expect. I'd do it again in a second, no question.
Global Leadership Adventures offers globally-minded high school students journeys that have often been called life-changing. Programs are offered in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean that build awareness of other cultures & educate students on important issues. Find out more!..(more)
On this program you will promote animal rights and gain pre-veterinary experience working alongside certified veterinarians and animal rescue experts. Not only will you do compassionate, hands-on work with lovable, furry friends at a dog rescue center, you’ll also learn about exotic wildlife species in a country known for its dedication to conservation. In your time off service, experience all the outdoor adventure and natural beauty Costa Rica has to offer. Find out more!..(more)
Are you ready to make a meaningful change this summer? Volunteer in elementary schools to help local children enhance their English skills. Contribute to each school's needs by participating in facility improvements. You'll split your time between teaching and campus refurbishment projects, while gaining valuable insights into education in Ghana. Plus, keep up with the kids as they invite you to play soccer and join in on schoolyard games after class!..(more)
Experience one of the most pristine natural environments in the world, where conservationist are working to protect this unique ecosystem. Volunteer alongside them to help preserve this UNESCO-designated heritage site. Besides volunteering, you’ll have the opportunity to see lava fields, snorkel with sea lions and see the world-famous Galapagos tortoises. Find out more!..(more)
Reexamine your ideas about health and community care. Discover the distinctions between public health and medicine, explore the seven essential components of human security, and grasp how healthcare influences development and community well-being. You'll gain practical experience by shadowing medical professionals in mobile clinics and hospitals and working on crucial infrastructure projects. ..(more)
Live in Cartago, land of volcanoes, beautiful nature and friendly Costa Ricans, and learn to speak the language from locals. These experiences enhance your language immersion, making sure you get plenty of practice and return home a more confident Spanish speaker. Finally, if you opt to stay for our Homestay Extension, you will live with a local family in a Costa Rican community for an extra week of language skill building as well as cross-cultural immersion. Find out more!..(more)
Global Leadership Adventures hosts a variety of programs in Greece. Situated at the southern tip of the Balkans along the Mediterranean coast, Greece is known for its majestic mountains and proximity to the sea. It is often celebrated as the cradle of Western Civilization and has produced some of the greatest minds in history. By joining a Global Leadership Adventures program in Greece, you'll immerse yourself in its landscapes, culture, people, and history. ..(more)
This program provides an opportunity to explore public health as a fundamental human right while contributing to vital health campaigns in a culturally vibrant region. Work alongside local healthcare professionals to assist remote highland communities through traveling clinics. In addition to gaining practical experience, students will have the chance to discover Cusco, go rafting in the Andes, and visit the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu...(more)
Volunteer in Costa Rica on a project that is most needed at the time of your arrival. This could be beach cleanup, beautification projects, or other initiatives that improve the community. Relax after a hard day’s work at our beautiful Home Base. You’ll also have the chance to enjoy water sports, fun in the sun and other activities with your new friends from all over the world. Find out more!..(more)
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In 2023, I participated in the GLA program: Guatemala: Global Health in the Land of the Maya. My primary motivation for joining this trip was the opportunity for service work. I had been set on pursuing a career in medicine, but I worried that my interest stemmed solely from the idea of it rather than actual experiences such as taking vitals and connecting with patients. I believed this trip would help me determine whether medicine was truly my passion. On our first day of service, things were quite hectic. We were tasked with running a free health clinic in a rural indigenous community, gathering medical histories, measuring vitals, and guiding people to different stations. Despite the chaos, the experience was incredibly rewarding. It felt like I was contributing positively to the world in a way I had never experienced before. Interacting with people that I never would have met without this program. Ultimately, through this program I decided that medicine was truly my passion and becoming a doctor was my dream. Furthermore, this program encompassed more than just service work. While in Guatemala, I went whitewater rafting, toured a coffee plantation, and took part in a traditional Mayan wedding ceremony, all while learning CPR and gaining insight into what practicing medicine is like in a different cultural context. The final piece in the puzzle that made this an incredible and amazing experience was the people involved. The staff was compassionate and attentive, ensuring that everyone was cared for and feeling their best with daily check-ups. The friends I made during this trip shared the same passion for adventure and I had the opportunity to visit them after this program! In summary, I would recommend this program to anyone seeking an extraordinary experience that can broaden their horizons in terms of adventure, perspective, and purpose.