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
Click here to jump down to the most recent post!
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 13
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 13 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 games.
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 JUNE 14
Today was such a fun and exciting first day! We kicked things off with orientation and a few icebreakers, which helped everyone get to know each other and feel more comfortable right away. We also learned about the rules, what our upcoming projects will look like, and the incredible impact GLA has made in communities around the world. It was inspiring to hear about the difference we can help create during our time here. After that, we had a quick language lesson where we learned a few Indonesian words and phrases, which made us more excited to connect with the local culture.
The next thing we did was a scavenger hunt through the local town, giving us a chance to explore and work together while taking in our beautiful surroundings. One of our favorite parts of the day was meeting local Indonesian people, learning more about their culture, and trying some delicious exotic fruits. We wrapped up the afternoon with a swim test in the pool and finished the day with a yummy dinner shared with new friends. It was the perfect start to what is already shaping up to be an unforgettable experience!
-Avery and Giuliana
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 15
Today was an amazing experience that made all of us see Bali and the ways all humans contribute to the ever growing trash pollution in a new light. We split into two groups led by our leaders of the day to kick off our community service. Milly led one group to Maggi Farm food waste center to see maggots at work and Alisha led the other group to paddle board in the mangroves and collect trash.
By Milly:
We started off our morning with a yummy breakfast at 7, and took a (surprisingly fast) one hour bus ride to Magi Farm. When we got to the farm, we met its owner and listened to a presentation about how food waste and trash has affected life in Bali. In the US we have the privilege of not really needing to worry about what happens to our trash after we throw it out, but we learned that in Bali the government doesn’t really help with waste management, and even closed down a large landfill. We learned that at Magi Farm, people use maggots to get rid of food waste and make it easier to compost. After our presentation, we started making meals to later hand out to people who made a living from scavenging the trash sites. We ate a delicious lunch of rice, corn fritters, tempe, watermelon, and egg. After eating, we got a tour of the farm and learned about the different life stages of the Black Soldier Fly, the type of maggot used. We were then able to touch some of the maggots! After the farm, we stopped by the scavenger village and were able to hand out meals to the people. After that, we went to a convenience store and got to try some new candies. We then debriefed about what we learned and hung out for a little.
By Alisha:
Today we learned about mangroves and how they help the environment, but also trap trash that didn’t get sorted properly. We got the opportunity to go paddle boarding into the mangrove to clean up trash that had gotten tangled in their roots. It was an eye-opening experience to see how much trash was hidden behind the illusion of such a beautiful ecosystem. After we had to sort the trash into three different categories, based on the type of material that the trash was made out of. We accidentally picked up a few crabs in our trash and we named the smallest one Sebastian like the lobster from the Little mermaid!! Our group also spent time taking photos by the beach, tanning, and swimming in the water. On the way to our service and back to our homestay, our group had a very lively karaoke session to Disney songs.
Right before dinner, we were able to try on a traditional Balinese sarong with help from the local staff. After our yummy meal, we did a fun team building activity involving organizing items for space, and hung out until we went to bed!
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 16
After an early wake up and karaoke bus session, we joined Made, a local herbalist, in a highly rewarding sunrise herbal walk. We learned all about the water irrigation system used in rice paddies and the human and relationship-based philosophies utilized in traditional Balinese farming.
Afterwards, we visited a sacred water temple and learnt the traditional prayer methods of the local Balinese community. Still in a mindful state, we sat by the Temple’s Koi pond and listened to each other’s stories. We ate our lunch in the clouds, across from Gunung Batur, a famous volcanic mountain in Bali, and enjoyed- maybe a few too many- plates of delicious Balinese cuisine. We got to learn about and taste more herbs at a coffee plantation, as well as medicinal teas and the famous Luwak coffee.
Finally, after, a very packed day, we headed back to Homebase to prepare our plans for teaching the Balinese children later on in our adventure. We then disclosed the much sought after answer to the surprise the Leaders of the Day planned for the group. We closed with our daily sunset circle and shared and reflected on what we had learned. Selamat malam, dan sampai jumpa besok.
Esme and Mazie
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 17
This morning we went into town to check out how the locals celebrate the holiday of Galungan. We went the local temple after walking around the streets to see more of what the culture is like.
Traditional offerings and incense filled the streets while families woke up early to pray. Then, we made our way to the Uma Anyar Waterfall close by to swim which was refreshing and stunning.
The Bali Institute and Makadaya Impact Store whom partners with Global Leadership Adventures was next on the agenda. After learning more information of the increasing plastic and clothes waste we were given a tour of the 100% sustainable product line that the NGO carries in their store. From bamboo toothbrushes to natural leaf printed shirts, there was so much to shop from.
Following the tour we enjoyed gelato next door at arragato gelato while planning in groups for the upcoming teaching experiences in elementary schools.
A yoga instructor also came into the NGO to lead a class for us which was a very relaxing break.
Last thing of the night, we headed to play a heated game of futsal. Goodnight from Bali!!! Were exhausted.
-Rose and Tara
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 18
Today we split into two groups, one going to the magi farm and the other going to cleaning up the mangroves. The magi farm group woke up, ate breakfast, and got ready for the day. After breakfast, we left for the maggot farm. When we arrived, we listened to a presentation and learned about maggots and how they are used.
Next, we helped pack food for families in the community. After that, we learned even more about maggots and their importance. Later, we delivered the food packages to families, which was a meaningful experience. After which we returned to home base
For the mangrove community service group, we spent the day paddleboarding through the mangroves to help clean up the area. We collected trash and debris from the water to protect the local environment and wildlife. It was a fun and rewarding experience that allowed us to work together, enjoy nature, and make a positive impact on the community.
After community service we got the opportunity to visit the Royal Palace and meet a princess, who answered questions about her life and the royal family. We also got a tour of the palace and their home, where we learned about Bali’s history and traditions. It was a fun experience and a great way to learn more about the culture after giving back to the community.
After the palace we went back to home base and now are looking forward to going to Pemuteran!
Lily and Reese
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 19
We started off the morning with a 7:30 am breakfast with crepes, fruit, yogurt and some toast. After packing up all of our laundry and luggage we were ready to hit the road to Pemuteran. We divided into two buses and were ready for the couple stops allow the way! First we stopped at a lake that consisted of a beautiful scenic view of a mountain, many restaurants, a water temple, some local shops and many other photo ops.
After a few hours on the bus, it was time for a quick bathroom and snack break at the Indomart. Shortly later, we arrived at our new hotel in Pemuteran and got settled in very quickly, before making our way to the beach. We had some extra time, so we all decided to assist the local trash cleanup on the beach. We then split into two boats and enjoyed a scenic drive to Pemuteran Bay.
After we spent some time swimming and watching the beautiful sunset, we headed back to the hotel to get cleaned up and showered before dinner. For dinner we enjoyed chicken satee, rice, watermelon, salad and shrimp chips. We finished the night with a sunset circle to reflect on the week, pulse check and some games outside before heading to bed.
-Addie and Kenzie
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 20
Today was our first full day in Pemuteran! The day started off with an optional morning beach visit. We were able to do yoga, run, or just regret our choice of waking up early and continue sleeping on the beach. It was so fun, relaxing, and a really beautiful place to work out. Then we went back to home base and met up with the others that wanted to sleep in. After breakfast we went to a turtle hatchery where we learned the devastating effects global warming can have on turtles and how this organization is working to protect them. We also got to see so many cute baby turtles. After that we had a quick boba and matcha break which was greatly enjoyed. Then we went back to home base where we were able to finalize our teaching plans for later that day.
After lunch, we headed towards the school to begin our service there. As soon as we walked through the gates, we were greeted by a bunch of excited young kids. Our group focused on arts and crafts, while the other two groups taught vocabulary and sports. We taught the kids about winter and snow, and had them make paper snowflakes and bookmarks. The vocab group taught the kids basic English phrases, and the sports group played soccer, four corners, and had push-up competitions. The kids were so friendly, and we really enjoyed getting to know them. They also definitely enjoyed doing the 67 pose with us! We came back to home base after stopping at a few shops for jewelry and snacks, and hung out until dinner. After a delicious meal, we played a fun game where we got to know and understand ourselves as leaders. We used the color of Uno cards to determine how we would react to certain situations, and then met with people who chose the same color to talk about how we would react in real life. After our activity we got back to teaching prep for tomorrow!
Maddie and Milly
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 21
Today was another fun day in Bali! We started the morning by heading to the scuba diving center to get our gear fitted before our upcoming dive. On the way back, we squeezed in a little shopping and even got to see Balinese soldiers marching in formation to their base camp.
Later, we had a discussion about AI and our screen time habits. This discussion helped us reflect about how often we use our phones and the role technology plays in our daily lives. Afterward, we headed to the school, where the day was filled with laughter, smiles from both of us girls and the kids. The English group taught the students the months of the year and counted all the way to 100 together. The Art group helped the kids create animal masks, which many of them proudly wore for the rest of the day. Meanwhile, the Gym group kept everyone moving with exciting games that had the kids running around (they specifically loved sharks and minos).
After returning home for dinner, we split into two groups for our evening leadership activity. We reflected on the three people who have been the greatest leaders and influences in our lives and shared why they inspire us. To end the night, we walked into town to find some deserts. We met some lovely local people, shared smiles, and even danced together.
Tara and Avery
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 22
Today we had a late wake-up followed by a relaxed snorkelling session and practiced our duck dives and equalising in preparation for diving tomorrow. We learnt all about the sustainable coral preservation project led by BioRock and even got to see some of their structures under the water. In the afternoon, we headed to the local school for our final bittersweet teaching session. Energy was high and everyone enjoyed listening to Indonesian songs. In sports, we did a relay race, football and learnt an Indonesian game from our new friends. In art, we made cards in English for our parents, and in English class we made menus of our favourite foods. After a delicious Balinese dinner, we reflected on our teaching experience and what it had taught us. In our Leaders of the Day activity, we headed down to the beach for a fire-less campfire session, interrupted and regrouped by a mini rainstorm, which washed us back to home base, ready for another big day tomorrow.
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 23
One of our most exciting days in Bali was learning how to scuba dive! The day began with a safety lesson where we learned the rules of diving and how to stay safe underwater. After that, we headed to the pool to practice using the scuba equipment and get comfortable breathing through our regulators. Once everyone was ready, we split into groups and went out on a boat for the real scuba diving. It was amazing to explore the ocean and see marine life up close.
After scuba diving, we laid by the pool before going back to home base. Back at home base, we got dressed up for dinner at Reefseen. The evening was so much fun. The food was great, there was a live singer, and everyone was having a good time. By the end of the night, we were all singing along, dancing, laughing, and just enjoying being together.
from G and Lily
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 24
Early in the morning we dragged ourselves out of bed for a 6 am hike on Batu Kurtski Hill. We hiked a steep incline of stairs to the top of a temple that overlooked the entire village of Pemuteran. The sunrise was stunning, and there were even dogs running through the hills. We quickly hiked back to scarf down breakfast and prepare ourselves to leave Pemuteran. Soon we found ourselves hiking again, but this time it was to a waterfall called Red Coral. After taking some pictures but rushed back to be on schedule for lunch and to fit in an obvious stop at Indomart.
When we finished our road trip we were back in Ubud. We had some rest time to unpack or take a nap. Then we had dinner which was rice, stir fry, rice noodles and fresh fruit. After that we got all dressed up and ready for karaoke night! Karaoke was a blast! We were singing our hearts out and had so much fun. After a long day we headed back to home base to get all rested for our final day and surfing tomorrow!
Maddie and Mazie
