Life on Campus FAQ
What is the campus experience like on your travel programs?
GLA operates all travel programs under our proprietary Home Base model, with specialized lodging particular to each program experience.
Click here to learn more about the GLA Home Base.
Will male and female students live in the same facilities?
Students and staff will live in the same facilities, but will always have gender segregated rooms.
Are there laundry facilities on site?
Laundry is not available on programs shorter than 14 days in length, so students are asked to pack accordingly. Each country has slightly different laundry facilities, but in general, students’ laundry will be done once a week on longer programs.
What if a parent needs to contact a student?
We encourage students to unplug from their cell phones to fully immerse themselves in the program experience. Parents can follow along with their students’ experience through our program-specific blog, which gets updated regularly. Students will have access to their cell phones at least one time a day (usually in the evening and overnight) for more flexible connections. If a parent needs to talk with their student urgently, they will have access to the phone numbers of our staff on the ground, or parents can reach out to our 24/7 emergency and support hotline for immediate support.
Will students in the program be supervised?
Yes. We believe that supervision is important for student safety. We are proud of our experienced staff and both the policies and procedures we have in place for supervision. GLA policy is for no student to ever be by themselves at any point in time outside the established Home Base. Students may be with staff members, in groups or assigned to a buddy.
Do you have a safety and risk management plan?
Safety is a top priority. The primary goal of our experienced staff is the safety and welfare of the students. We take great pride in working to provide safe environments for students to explore these beautiful cultures and learn from one another. Upon acceptance into a GLA program, each student will receive a confirmation packet, which includes the Student Code of Conduct. The Student Code of Conduct acts as a contract between student and GLA. This contract must be signed by each student and their parents, and returned with the final payment. All rules are designed to put each student’s well-being first, while still giving them the freedom to make the most of their experiences. For more information, check out GLA’s 5-Point Safety System™.
Can you make dietary accommodations?
We try to accommodate our students’ dietary needs, such as providing vegetarian, no pork, no fish options, and are sensitive to the importance of retaining a vegetarian, Kosher or Halal diets. However, some needs may be difficult to accommodate, particularly when traveling. We encourage you to contact us if you have questions about specific dietary concerns.
Can you make religious accommodations?
While we strongly encourage students of all faiths to join Global Leadership Adventures and contribute to the diversity of the student body, students cannot skip any part of the program, except for medical reasons. That includes observance of the Sabbath or other religious holidays. Unfortunately, GLA programs are unable to provide avenues for worship, though we can accommodate some personal time on-campus for spiritual reflection. We can accommodate most religious dietary needs, please check on specific program details to learn more.
Will student-athletes be able to prepare for fall sports?
We recognize the importance of athletic training for many students, particularly for those who are preparing for fall sports and for those whose sports contribute to their college admission prospects. Although the GLA experience will greatly contribute to students’ development in many ways, it is not a sports program and does not allow for serious training. Our schedule includes a modest amount of free time most days; students can use this time to train at the Home Base. Some of our programs offer a more intensive physical experience and may be best fit for student athletes. If you’re interested in learning more about our program offerings that contribute to fitness goals, please give us a call and we can guide you accordingly!
What is the policy for electronics and internet access? (Phones, cameras, Wi-Fi, etc.)
GLA strives to create an environment that encourages students to unplug and forge connections between fellow students and the local community. Cell phones, electronics, and Wi-Fi access create distractions that affect students’ ability to be present and fully process their experience abroad. With that in mind, GLA has developed the following electronics and internet policies in place.
