Health, Safety & Risk Management FAQ
How does GLA prioritize safety and mitigate risk for student travelers?
At Global Leadership Adventures, we value the health, safety and security of students and participants at the highest level.
We believe students should step outside their comfort zones through overseas travel, though we remain invested in managing the risks of doing so. We have developed and actively enforce our 5-Point Safety System, a set of rigorous standards that support the safety, health and well-being of students on every program.
We are very proud of our record on student and staff safety over our many years of operation.
Have you had an independent review of your Safety & Risk Management policies and procedures?
Yes, we have.
Asking an organization for details on its commitment to safe practices is an absolute must! Third-party reviews are a crucial aspect in maximizing safety practices, as they provide an outsider view of our internal practices and policies.
As the safety of our staff and students is our top priority at GLA, we solicited a review from the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), a long-time expert in the field of risk management in the context of outdoor leadership programs. For nearly a full year, a team of reviewers examined multiple components of our organization, from the enrollment and screening process to staff training practices to our activities and policies in the field.
Suggestions stemming from this review process have been a key component in continuing to uphold GLA’s already high safety standards in an ever-changing world.
What is the process once my child arrives in-country? How will I know they have arrived safely?
All students are required to call home upon arrival at their destination. Our team will make you aware of any updates, major schedule changes, or emergencies in the very rare event one occurs.
We are able to relay urgent messages between students and parents via our 24/7 helpline while programs are in session and through our in-country staff.
We also periodically update student blogs with real-time photos and accounts of student experiences so you can stay apprised of what’s happening on the ground.
What kind of health and safety certifications do GLA program staff have?
All GLA International Directors and Mentors are CPR and First Aid certified.
On select destinations, depending on remoteness and identification of need, staff will also obtain a WAFA (Wilderness Advanced First Aid) certification, WFR (Wilderness First Responder) certification, or lifeguard certification.
Staff also receive training on epinephrine administration.
Are there clinics or hospitals available in the event a student needs medical attention?
Of course. We thoroughly identify the nearest and most accessible hospitals and clinics and have plans in-place in the event a student needs medical attention, including minor illnesses.
GLA staff will always inform a parent or guardian if professional medical attention is sought.
Do you have an emergency response plan?
Yes we do. GLA provides 24/7 support and a helpline while programs are in session. GLA has a plan in place for all kinds of situations, including emergencies, even though they’re incredibly rare in occurrence. We accomplish this through diligent risk management and by identifying proper health and support facilities within vicinity of our programs. Our internal team participates in annual crisis-level training to ensure we remain prepared to manage any incident that may come with utmost excellence and care.
What kind of medical and evacuation support do you have available?
GLA provides secondary medical and evacuation insurance to all students. Professional medical and mental health support is also available to our teams around the clock should specialized guidance be needed.
What happens if there is a public health issue in our destination country?
GLA follows the Centers for Disease Control status for updates to all destinations as well as the State Department. We watch any potential public health issues in place before students arrive and work closely with our local team members to deeply understand the status of the situation in their home countries before making any final decisions.
If a program country is deemed unsafe for travel, GLA will actively consider canceling the program and in the event of a cancellation, we will move students free of charge to an alternative program.
What about COVID-19? How is that being managed on your programs?
We prioritize the safety of students, staff, and local communities, and our framework is regularly updated based on health authority guidance and our Medical Director. Before the program, we strongly encourage COVID-19 and routine vaccinations, and ask everyone to limit exposure to sick individuals. If a student shows COVID-like symptoms, they should take a rapid test and inform GLA if positive, discussing potential late arrival or rescheduling. During the program, masks may be required for certain activities as designated by the community, so students should bring enough in the event they are asked to wear one. Enhanced cleaning and sanitation measures will be in place if there are positive cases, and symptomatic students may be tested and isolated if necessary. We emphasize flexibility and transparent communication, providing updates as situations evolve. Additionally, a 24/7 emergency line is available for all families.
How about healthy eating while on-program?
Meals are prepared fresh daily by staff at our Home Base or by vetted restaurants. Meals include a healthy mix of grains, vegetables, fruits, and protein.
Will students have access to clean drinking water?
Always! Students will have access to unlimited safe drinking water while on-program.
Where can I learn more about your safety and risk management policies and procedures?
We’re here to help! You can learn more by checking out our 5-Point Safety System and our 24/7 Support & Emergency Response sections on our website.
You can also speak with an Admissions Coordinator at 1-858-771-0645 who would be happy to answer your questions.
