Did you know that besides running an extensive number of programs for high school students each summer, GLA also runs programs designed specifically for middle school students?

This summer, students ages 13-14 can join a service learning adventure program in Costa Rica’s Central Valley region.

Choose from two thematic tracks: Community Development & Children or Animal & Wildlife Conservation.

The track you choose will shape your experience. There are so many benefits of joining an international service learning program before entering high school.

Get a jump start on travel.

You only have four opportunities to attend a summer high school program abroad–why not add another? Many of our alumni tell us that they wish they had started sooner and had the chance to explore more countries, become immersed in more communities, and had more unforgettable adventures with new friends.

When it comes to travel-friendly locations, Costa Rica is hard to beat as far as natural beauty, accessibility and safety. While there are still areas of need, this peaceful country boasts a low crime rate, clean drinking water and an impressive educational system. Learning to travel safely at a young age is an important step for any future jetsetter!

Learn about yourself.

After attending a GLA program, 96% of our student travelers say that they better understand themselves and have a better feel for what they want to do after high school.

Travel presents unique opportunities for growth: whether it is navigating the airport, practicing leadership skills within the group or mustering up the courage to ride the zipline, stretching the limits of your comfort zone is a healthy way to expand your self-knowledge and build confidence.

Learn about the world.

In an increasingly interconnected world, experiencing other ways of life is a necessary step in becoming a global citizen. Practice your Spanish (or get a crash course!), experience Tico culture through cooking and dance classes and work side-by-side with local community members on projects that are meaningful to them.

There’s no time like the present.

Things come up: summer jobs, family events and gatherings, changes in finances, internship opportunities, global pandemics…any number of things can waylay even the best-laid plans to travel abroad “someday.” Travel while the traveling is good!

It’s never too early to become a leader.

Leadership looks different for each of us, and the early teen years are the perfect time to start discovering your own personal leadership style and putting it into practice.

Through meeting with local leaders, engaging in staff-led discussions and testing their skills as Leader of the Day, all GLA programs emphasize the importance of developing leadership abilities in the next generation.

These skills carry forward into high school and beyond!

Click here to learn more about GLA’s Middle School programs.

Jenica Pistone-Donahue
GLA Content Team