At Global Leadership Adventures, we’re excited that many of our students boldly embark on our journeys alone, diving headfirst into the unknown. Thankfully, the magic of travel and collaboration quickly forges strong bonds among strangers, often leaving students surprised by how well they know each other by the program’s end.

But there’s another pattern we’ve noticed: students who travel with friends or family members, like cousins or siblings, also experience transformative effects on their relationships.

A GLA program with friends is about more than just getting photos together for the ‘gram. Here are some of the biggest impacts we’ve seen on students who travel together:

Shared Growth

Traveling together provides a special chance for mutual learning and growth. While often our friendships and siblinghood come with a lot of shared experiences, there’s nothing more bonding than a shared challenge.

As students tackle the new, the unknown, and their comfort zone together, they can lean on each other for support, deepening their relationships and making the experience and life after the trip all the more rewarding.

It also goes without saying that the siblings, cousins and friends who travel together are also creating lasting memories in some of the most important years of their lives. While life after college sends us all down new and exciting paths, the experiences and nostalgia for that summer abroad with GLA will always be there to tether you together.

Comfort and Confidence

Having someone familiar by your side can make anywhere feel like home. It’s that difference between arriving at a social event alone versus with a friend – you’ll warm up eventually, but with someone you know, you hit the ground running. Traveling together boosts your confidence, allowing you to engage more comfortably and embrace the experience from the start.

Also, having a built-in support network helps you deal with setbacks and challenges more effectively. When things get tough, you always have someone you’re comfortable with to help you persist and develop resilience and adaptability along the way.

Continued Impact

The shared experiences on a GLA program don’t end when the trip does. Students often return home with a new sense of purpose and passion for a new interest, hobby or cause, and are more motivated to make a difference in their own communities, inspired by the teamwork and insights gained during their travels.

Having someone close who shared that experience with you is one of the best ways to keep that passion alive. It’s why we always encourage our students to stay connected, both with each other and GLA – it’s the small everyday actions of individuals that are the seed impact in our world, but there’s nothing more impactful than doing it together.

As you consider your next big adventure, remember that the journey is always more memorable with someone by your side. Whether you’re looking to strengthen bonds with loved ones or create new friendships, a GLA program offers the perfect opportunity for both. Ready to embark on a transformative experience with your friends or family? Explore our upcoming programs and sign up today!

James Townsend
Writer
Global Leadership Adventures