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 30
We’re so happy to finally have this group here on the program with us! Our staff team has been excitedly preparing and awaiting. All 14 students in the group have arrived safe after their long journey.
The bonding has been pretty instantaneous amongst the group with our bus ride back from the airport full of laughter and songs.
When we arrived at home base we shared a Balinese dinner and learned some new words. After dinner students connected with their roommates. Most were ready for an early night to recover and prepare for tomorrow’s “Amazing Balinese Race” where they will explore the local area and learn a lot about the culture here.
What a great start to this journey!
Students will have busy days fostering in-person community. To keep you looped in, we’ll send regular blogs and be available as a staff support team 24/7.
Our blogs will start with myself Amanda, International Director, and Gustavo, Mentor, as authors then transition into student written narrative.
Thanks for trusting us with your teens, it’s really an honor to work with them.
Amanda and Gus
BLOG POST FOR JULY 1
Om Swastiastu!!
Today we started the morning at 7:30am with breakfast which was very delicious. Immediately after we jumped into orientation that went over GLA rules and policies and created a community agreement that will be followed for the next 20 days.
In the afternoon students had a language lesson in which they learned how to say basic phrases/words in Indonesian. Later on students then were split into three teams for a scavenger hunt. During the hunt each team talked to various locals in order to learn more about Balinese culture and norms while also exploring the city.
Towards the evenings students began to slow down and the leaders of the day led sunset circle and appointed the leaders of the day for tomorrow. The evening ended with students talking, playing cards, and heading off to bed.
Overall today was filled with fun and students continued to grow closer to one another! See you bright and early tomorrow morning.
From your leaders of the day: Daniella & Jacob
BLOG POST FOR JULY 2
Today was packed! We started the morning bright and early by leaving home base for a walking tour of the rice paddies around Ubud, learning about medicinal plants, visiting an herbal shop, and tasting fresh lemongrass tea. Afterwards we went to a sacred Water Temple. Then we then had lunch overlooking a beautiful volcano, followed up by a tour of a Balinese coffee plantation. We got to try 15 different coffees and teas, as well as a coffee made from a type of cat poop! When we got home we had our mentor groups and our leaders of today organized a few really fun rounds of Mafia. Good night from Bali! 🇮🇩
-Leaders of the Day, Xander & Jameson
BLOG POST FOR JULY 3
GLA Today started out like any other (with a delicious breakfast), and ended with what most thought was so spectacular, it could have been our entire trips finale – a royal dinner with a Balinese princess. Winding back the clock, post breakfast we headed promptly to a traditional Balinese Banjar, or community centre. Here we learned how the woodworkers, whose spiritually powerful art never fails to impress us, create their sculptures. We even got to try it ourselves when we carved our names into a wooden plaque! We also learned to make Balinese offerings and play traditional instruments called Gamelans.
After lunch and some gelato, we headed to the royal estate for our tour and dinner. Everyone was especially surprised at how down to earth and articulate the princess was, and we were exited to learn she related to us in more ways than previously imagined. Aside from our adventures and tangible experience, we all continue to feel a deeper social satisfaction: the relationships we have continuing to grow and flourish. Through our mentor groups and free time together, this is truly becoming the essence of what makes GLA a life changing endeavor.
– Jonah & Nikki
BLOG POST FOR JULY 4
Today we split into two groups to participate in learning about and supporting the trash cycle here in Bali.
One group explored the mangroves and learned how they help the environment in multiple ways. For example, helping beach sediment stay together, cleaning the air and water, absorbing carbon, and much more. We first got to go paddle boarding in one of the mangrove systems and pick up the trash trapped by the roots and random pieces in the water. Throughout the trip, we were constantly seeing leftover trash in a truly stunning experience. We then headed back to the beach where we accidentally caught a fish in one of our trash baskets. We then learned and sorted through the different types of plastic and saw how much of it was not recyclable or reusable. We then spent the rest of our time at the beach, swimming, relaxing, and exploring local shops.
The maggot group went on a quest to a maggi farm which makes maggots to compost food waste and emmet less methane. We got a tour of the farm and made food for ourselves and others with local Balinese people. After making the amazing food the group traveled to a scavenger village and gave out 100 meals. The maggot group bonded more and had fun holding a hundred maggots in our hands and even adopting one special friend we named Jerry.
After that, we headed back to home base where we played some competitive games of tips in the pool and finished the day off with some futsal at a local arena.
Tomorrow will be another great day with each group swapping activities.
– Asher and Ben
BLOG POST FOR JULY 5
Today we switched activities: the group that attended the maggot farm and scavenger village yesterday went to clean up trash from the mangrove forest and vice versa.
The maggot group went to a magi farm where we learned about the largest landfill in Bali called Suwung landfill. It stretches over 80 acres and holding roughly 1,200 tons of waste per day. We spent time learning how tourism contributes to this landfill, and how its recent closure is an issue for people that rely on its contents for income. We then learned how maggots are a much more sustainable way to dispose of natural waste, and were able to explore the maggot farm.
Later in the day we packaged food and headed to a scavenger village (a village that relies on landfills to source their income and construct their homes). There we handed out 100 meals in hopes that the people could use their money on other essentials.
The mangrove group went to the beach to pick up trash from the mangroves. It was very interesting because they got to meet someone who is very involved with the mangroves and is also a business owner. We had the opportunity to plant trees in the water to help the forest thrive. After that, we sorted trash the trash we collected and learned that most trash can’t even be recycled (large plastic companies made up the recyclable sign to make people think they were doing good). After that we decided to hang out on the beach for the rest of the day and walk around the beautiful beaches of Bali.
– Zoe and Max
BLOG POST FOR JULY 6
Today our group made our way to a gorgeous water fall just a short walk from our home stay. After climbing the pathway to it, we swam in the refreshing water and sat right under the waterfall. While looking at the spectacular view we noticed a few monkeys playing in the trees. Everyone was so excited and taking pictures and videos of the big monkeys and their babies too.
After our excursion we went back to home base to prep for teaching. We broke off into groups and brainstormed ideas on ways to teach English to the kids.
After that, we went the PKP community centre where we showed the kids some of the sports and art activities we had brought with us. In return, they shared some of their local traditions and activities with us. We then formed a big dance circle and had so much fun dancing together. After that, we went down to the garden and cleared out an area to plant plants that are used for offerings and cooking. Shortly afterwards, we went up for dinner. While we were eating, they taught us some of their local dance moves, and some of us even joined in and learned them. And then we went back to the home stay and celebrated Jacob’s birthday and had so much fun for the rest of the night.
– Mimi and Jude
BLOG POST FOR JULY 7
Today we hit the road to Pemuteran! We started the day off with a lovely breakfast and then loaded up all of our luggage. With a long bus ride ahead of us some of us slept and others just talked for a while. Then we made our first stop of the day at the water temple. We walked around the temple’s and took lots of pictures and some of us stoped and had delicious snacks. After we left the temple, we went straight to the shops and got some sovereign’s to take home. After lots of bargaining we went down the road to a restaurant to eat a delicious lunch. Sharing lot of laughs at lunch and eating great food, we got back on the buses and continued our road trip.
Another hour of driving went by and we stopped at supermarket and got lots of snacks for the next few days. We finally arrived at our next home stay and winded down with a walk to the beach. We hoped on boats and headed it to sea to jump in the water and enjoy the sunset. We had an incredible of Java Island, and it’s volcanos that rise through the clouds! Then we headed back to the home stay to enjoy a lovely home cooked meal made by the staff. We ended the night off with a memorable mentor group and then said our goodnights and were off to rest!
Love your leaders of the day – Julia and Abby
BLOG POST FOR JULY 8
Today we had an incredible first art class with the kids here in Bali! The kids and gla students have been looking forward to this, and it truly exceeded all expectations. There’s something so special about connecting through creativity, especially when language might be a bit of a barrier at first. We decided to kick things off with a super fun and personalized activity. Each child got to draw their name and then came the really creative part, for each letter in their name, they drew their favorite item that started with that letter. You could see their little minds whirring, thinking of all sorts of wonderful things! From “A” for “apple” to “K” for “king” it was a fantastic way to blend art with a little English vocabulary and personal expression. The sheer joy on their faces as they shared their drawings was just priceless.
In their other classes, the kids learned the names of different careers, school subjects, and clothes in English, and got to play charades with their friends to guess which job they were impersonating. In their sports class, the kids played soccer and freeze tag all day. It was amazing to see the kids having so much fun, and getting to bond with them as teachers!
We finished off the day with a beautiful sunset boat ride, where our group got the opportunity to swim in the Bali Sea. We had an incredible of Java Island, and it’s volcanos that rise through the clouds! 🙂
-Your L.O.D.
Jameson & Nikki
BLOG POST FOR JULY 9
Today our group went snorkeling in the morning on the beach in Pemuteran! Before getting in the water, we learned about how electric currents are used to help grow the coral reefs and how climate change and human activity are effecting coral growth. After getting dressed in snorkeling gear we made our way to the water and swam around exploring the different kinds of colorful fish, purple starfish, and breathtaking coral. We swam around the electric structures used to help grow coral and the sea urchins and sea slugs. After that we all got mojitos and smoothies on the beach before going back to home base to enjoy a delicious lunch.
After lunch we began preparing for our second day of teaching! Everyone was working together in groups to make sure the kids had a great day. We got to the school after preparation and had an amazing time teaching them English and playing games! When we got back to the house we played card games and had a delicious dinner, mentor groups followed dinner and it was such a great time to get closer to eachother. After mentor groups we went to sleep !
Mimi and Xander
BLOG POST FOR JULY 10
Today the group started out with a hike up around 1,000 stairs. The group saw the view of Pemuteran. After the hike the group all stopped for boba and went back to home base. Teaching started at 1:45 our group separated into their classes and enjoyed the final day of teaching our students. The English class played this or that where the class split up to cheer for the answer they thought was best suited for them. The art class switched into their creative mindset and drew there favorite things or animals. All the kids had a blast doing sports and playing long games of football, hacky sack, sharks and Minos, and London bridge is falling down. Then we ended the school day of with handing out certificates of appreciation to all the students. We said or goodbyes and gave out lots of hugs to all the kids with tears in our eyes and went back to home base. Then we started winding down the night with a delicious dinner and mentor groups.
-Julia and Ben
BLOG POST FOR JULY 11
Today we started off with a hike in West Bali National Park during which we learned about different types of trees and mangroves as well as seeing many monkeys. We even got to plant mangrove seedlings! After the hike, the group headed back to home base for lunch. Following lunch, the group had a GLA activity in which we discussed AI and its benefits and downsides, sharing our own perspectives on how it impacts our daily lives.
After the activity, we headed straight to the beach, stopping for boba on the way. We spent the afternoon playing volleyball and soccer, swimming, and relaxing on the beach. Some of us also got smoothies to enjoy while at the beach.
Around 5pm, we headed back to home base from the beach in order to be ready for dinner and mentor groups.
From your leaders of the day: Daniella & Max
BLOG POST FOR JULY 12
Today we went scuba diving! We started out the day by going to the diving academy to learn the different signals. We then went to the pool and tried on all of the gear and learned all of the tricks needed to go diving. After that we went to the beach and started the dive. We saw many different types of ocean creatures, including clownfish, multiple types of starfish, multiple beautiful coral structures, and more. Some of us were even lucky enough to see octopus, cuddlefish, and pufferfish. We were out there for almost an hour seeing all the different types and species of marine life.
After Scuba diving many of us spent time in the ocean and on the beach, while others walked to get drinks at a beach front restaurant. Later in the day we walked to get boba from a shop near by, then went to home base and got ready for a beautiful dinner by the beach. At dinner we danced, laughed, and a few of us even sang. And after a wonderful night we all headed back and got packed up for our travel day.
– Asher and Zoe
BLOG POST FOR JULY 13
Hi Everyone!
Today was our second travel day and it was from Pemutran, back to our original home stay at Ubud. Our bus ride started at 9:00am and we got to Ubud at 4:00pm. We stopped about 2 hours in to go on a short walk to a very sight seeing waterfall. We took lots of pictures, and just lived in the moment. After the waterfall, we drove to stop for a nice lunch. Lunch included a wide variety of interesting drinks and a conclusion with a very much needed stop at indomart. After indomart, we finally headed back to our home base at Ubud. We had some swim/chill time by the pool, until we ended our day with dinner and our long awaited mentor groups.
Abigail and Jonah
BLOG POST FOR JULY 14
Today the group woke up at 7:45 to break our fast. Then we headed over to a Balinese family compound to learn some awesome recipes. The group cooked mushroom soup, tofu and Tempe, chicken skewers, grilled tuna wraps, and stew. Safe to say it was delicious. We ate our wonderfull food then went to Bali Institute headquarters. We did some activities designed for NASA initiates to learn teamwork and sharing our ideas. Then we got some gelato (very good) and were lead in an hour long yoga session. We ate a delicious dinner of chicken, eggs, rice, tempe, and veggies. We then left the institute to head back to homebase, where we did our mentor groups, and then headed off to bed to conclude another great day in Bali.
Ben and Jacob.
BLOG POST FOR JULY 15
Yesterday we woke up early and left to catch the bus to Amed. On the way, we stopped for a trek to a local Indigenous village that is known for its weaving and intricate fabric designs. It took about two hours to hike there. Before we reached the village, we had lunch at a local farmer’s house. Once we arrived, we walked around the village and learned about their traditions and way of life. We also saw how they make knitted items using traditional methods.
After that, we got back on the bus for another hour and a half to where we were staying in Amed. We unpacked, went for a swim, had dinner, and then spent the evening playing pool and relaxing together. It was a long but enjoyable day.
-L.O.D. Jude & Jameson
BLOG POST FOR JULY 16
We started the morning off at a black sandy beach and went snorkeling! Then headed back to home base for some lunch. After some free time at home base we hung out and painted cups made out of glass bottles. Then as a group we discussed balinese education, culture, and lifestyle. After our debate we got ready for dinner and headed out. The food was scrumdilyomsious and the vibes were flying high. Then we walked home and had mentor group, then packed up to head back to Ubud.
Your leaders of the day,
Julia and Zoe
BLOG POST FOR JULY 17
Today we woke up bright and early ready for our 4 hour roadtrip back to Ubud. Our first stop was to a beautiful water temple. After exploring the temple and walking around some of the groups stopped for ice cream and lemonade and once we finished we played cards. Then we had a small walk to a restaurant called Karma for lunch where we gathered to eat and celebrate Xanders birthday with a yummy oreo red velvet cake! Once we arrived back in Ubud we had a meaningful GLA activity where we talked about people who were important in our lives and the impact they have made. To finish the night off we had a amazing dinner, and to top it all off there was yet another cake for xander ensuring he had an amazing birthday.
-your leaders of the day xander and nikki
PS. A lot of you parents were mentioned by your kids as people who are important and inspiring for this group of students to grow as leaders. It was really sweet.
– Amanda
BLOG POST FOR JULY 18
Today we started out the morning by having a delicious breakfast and loading into the bus together. After the long bus ride, we finally arrived to white water rafting! After buckling into our life vests and helmets, we were off! We paddled through the rapids and looked at the beautiful scenery and waterfalls while trying to not fall in the river. After, we all gathered for a beautiful lunch together before returning to homemade. Back at home base we had free time to shower, play cards, and read.
After our hefty amount of free time, we left homebase for a surprise activity of karaoke. The karaoke place consisted of many snacks and drinks, and microphones. From Party in the USA to Riptide, everyone had a great time singing and giving their all into the music. Everyone was loud, excited, and energetic. We ended up getting back pretty late so the bus ride back consisted of sleeping and quietness. Today was a great 2nd to last day, and now we are getting ready for our last.
Abigail and Mimi
BLOG POST FOR JULY 19
Happy last day in Bali!
Today we headed straight over to the beach after breakfast. After a quick bus ride we got to the beach and started our surfing lesson. Everyone had a great time with most of us catching multiple small waves and eventually trying to ride bigger waves.
After surfing a group of us walked around and bought drinks and snacks, of course stopping at Circle K along the way. We then had lunch on the beach and played our favorite card game Pablo. Around 1:30pm we got back on the bus and started our ride home. The bus ride was full of music (thanks DJ Xander) and conversations as we soaked in the last moments of this three week program.
We then had some downtime, which many of us used as a much needed nap time before getting ready for dinner and closing activities. We then had the signature GLA appreciation circle which made many cry. The night ended with brownies and donuts for everyone.
See you at home soon! From your leaders of the day: Daniella and Asher.
BLOG POST FOR JULY 20
Today we all said goodbye and headed home. After a life changing trip with bonds that I’m sure will last far beyond Bali we all said our goodbyes. As a person who has done similar trips, but never GLA, I truly believe that GLA builds bonds between friends that you can’t experience elsewhere. In just three weeks I got to know many people on this trip better than I know my friends back home, and I will truly miss every single one of them. Love you guys!!
– Zoe
