PROGRAM STAFF SEASONAL JOBS
Apply for open staff positions with Global Leadership Adventures
We are Global Leadership Adventures (GLA), a well-established organization committed to delivering life-changing journeys for high school and middle school students. Our mission is to inspire the next generation to realize their potential to transform the world and their role in it. We proudly operate our global travel service-learning programs and internships for teens in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the United States.
GLA has welcomed and trained hundreds of staff from all over the world to lead superior-quality trips. For more than a decade, program leaders (Directors & Mentors) have been carefully selected from a pool of highly-qualified, well-traveled, passionate educators seeking a fulfilling summer experience abroad — now we are also excited to welcome staff who are interested in leading meaningful programs in the U.S.
GLA is committed to increasing diversity in our staff and recognizes the benefit of having a diverse, inclusive work environment. We actively encourage those from equity-seeking groups to apply. We believe in the value of diverse perspectives and experiences represented in our leaders.
Why GLA?
See what makes working at Global Leadership Adventures unique in this video! Join us to create meaningful change through travel— Together, we contribute to empowering future leaders, education, animal conservation, supporting communities, and fostering environmental stewardship. Make a difference while experiencing personal and professional growth in a journey that transforms lives, including your own!
Staff Reviews From GLA Families
Testimonials From GLA Staff
This experience was extremely enriching. I met students who gave me a lot of hope for marine conservation and saw students who grew significantly during their trip. The team was made up of incredible people, and I felt very fortunate to have their trust, as none of the positive results would have been possible without the trust we always showed.PAMELA T.
INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR BELIZE 2024
This is my 3rd summer with GLA and I really enjoy working for the organization. I have all positive things to say about employee satisfaction and care. The company is ready at any given time to provide me guidance and support which is great. Special mention to my program mangers and International directors from the past (Yente, Lauren, Luis, and Andrea) for always believing in me and motivating me to grow as an individual.MUSHAHID
INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR, TANZANIA 2024
I think the program staff team on the ground with the on call, primary, secondary, etc. did a fantastic job. I felt very supported by my Program Manager, even with the small unimportant questions. Per usual, GLA does a great job with organization, staffing, programming and all together as a first year International Director. I felt prepared.ANDREW
INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR, COSTA RICA 2024
Open Staff Positions
INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR
International Directors collaborate with the Local Program Director (from the host country or region) to facilitate a positive summer experience for Mentors and participants. Program Directors work to maintain the safety and health of each student, ensure program logistics are properly coordinated and implement GLA’s service-learning leadership curriculum. Communication, teamwork and flexibility are critical throughout this process. Local Directors are responsible for managing, supporting, and guiding local team members in their roles.
MENTOR
Mentors participate in all aspects of programming alongside students, including community service and excursions. Mentors facilitate activities implementing GLA’s service-learning leadership curriculum, as well as discussion and reflection sessions to help students process their experiences. Mentors will facilitate discussions directly with a small group of students regularly and occasionally lead activities with larger groups of students.
LOCAL DIRECTOR
The Local Director (LD), a representative of the host country and community, has deep knowledge of the local culture and program site. Their primary duty is to ensure the safety of students and staff upon arrival. The LD handles itinerary planning, budgeting, transportation, reservations, and coordinates cultural activities to enrich the program experience. They participate in daily staff meetings to provide updates or address changes. The LD also oversees the hotel/Home Base, liaises with community organizations, and arranges service projects, ensuring all tasks are well-resourced for the program's duration. Additionally, they clarify the roles, responsibilities, and benefits for local partners.
Frequently Asked Questions
We will begin interviewing for positions in November 2024. The hiring process has multiple steps, including two to three interviews and careful placement – this can take 3-4 weeks, depending on our capacity. Communication will mainly be done via email; please remember to check your spam folder for a response from us regarding the status of your application.
Fill out and submit an online application. You will be asked to upload a cover letter, resume and two references, as well as to respond to scenario questions. Applicants who do not complete the entire application process will not be considered. If you experience any issues or do not receive a confirmation email from GLA, please email staffsupport@experiencegla.com.
Note: Your cover letter should highlight your experience in facilitating experiential education programs (in-person or virtual), youth development and leadership, and any experience you have living/traveling the country or region where you are interested in working.
*Global Leadership Adventures is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex — including sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local law.
International Directors collaborate with the Local Program Director (from the host country or region) to facilitate a positive summer experience for Mentors and participants. Program Directors work to maintain the safety and health of each student, ensure program logistics are properly coordinated and implement GLA’s service-learning leadership curriculum. Communication, teamwork and flexibility are critical throughout this process. Local Directors are responsible for managing, supporting, and guiding local team members in their roles.
All new Directors must attend in-person Director Training from May 28 – June 1, 2025
- Read and prepare questions on all resources provided by GLA
- Lead one awesome team building activity or workshop
Plan for and prepare for the program:
- Participate in introductory and planning calls with your Local Program Director
- Complete all mandatory online training modules prior to the summer
- Participate and/or lead introductory and planning calls with Mentors
- Co-lead In-Country Training with Local Program Director
Work to establish positive team dynamic with Local Program Director, Mentors, and all support staff:
- Support Mentors in their own professional development by conducting goal-setting sessions, check-ins and providing feedback both throughout the summer and at the end by completing a Staff Performance Evaluation
- Live alongside students; you are responsible for the students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week while programs are in session
- Protect the health and safety of students at all times
- Facilitate the implementation of GLA’s service-learning leadership curriculum
- Guide students through personal growth experiences
- Resolve student discipline issues
- Provide constructive feedback for further program and curriculum development
Communicate with GLA headquarters and parents/guardians:
- Manage parent/guardian communication, as well as communication with GLA HQ
- Contact parents/guardians as needed when issues arise on program regarding their student
- Utilize the appropriate summer communication protocol for providing updates
Mentors participate in all aspects of programming alongside students, including community service and excursions. Mentors facilitate activities implementing GLA’s service-learning leadership curriculum, as well as discussion and reflection sessions to help students process their experiences. Mentors will facilitate discussions directly with a small group of students regularly and occasionally lead activities with larger groups of students.
Mentor responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
Participate fully in GLA Mentor Training:
- Read and prepare questions on all resources provided by GLA
- Participate in introductory and planning calls with your team
- Complete all mandatory online training modules prior to the summer
- Attend In-Country Training 5 days before the start of your program
Work to uphold a positive group dynamic:
- Live alongside students; you are responsible for the students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week while programs are in session
- Protect the health and safety of students at all times
- Work as part of a team to implement GLA’s service-learning leadership curriculum
- Mentor and counsel students through personal growth experiences
- Provide constructive feedback for further program and curriculum development
NOTE: International Directors must be available 7 days prior to the program start date. Mentors must be available 5 days prior. Both are required to stay two days after the program end date.
Responsibilities include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Project management and project risk mitigation, ensure and prioritize safety of projects.
- Coordinate sufficient and appropriate projects for participants (ages 14-18). Number of participants will vary by session.
- Update Program Administrator/Regional Director of content changes that affect company resources.
- While programs are in session, lead daily meetings briefing all international staff on project progress. Delegate responsibilities to International Staff as appropriate.
- Submit all receipts, confirmations, recommendations, and feedback within 7 days of program conclusion
- Make sure Terra Program Standards are upheld in respect to food, transportation, housing, and general safety of sites, excursion providers and natural environment.
- Collaborate with the International Director to ensure all components of the program operate smoothly.
- Confirm reservations with local providers
- Alongside the International Director, create backup plans for programmed activities
- Collaborate and coordinate with local drivers to ensure daily transportation of staff/students
- Assist in resolving/communicating programmatic/student/staff dynamic or logistical issues as they arise.
- Ensure that Home Base is always aware of food restrictions, and participants’ allergies and that food is sufficient for all students and staff
- Emergency On-Call System Support
- Create an emergency evacuation plan for the assigned site.
- On-call shift expectations: be accessible by telephone and/or email 24 hrs/day while programs are in session.
To view the Spanish language version of this job description, click here.
- Bachelor’s degree or several years of experience working within the experiential education field
- A minimum of two years of experience working with teens; either teaching in a classroom or in an alternative education or childcare setting
- Two years of experience working with middle school students for our middle school program
- Mastery relating with teenagers
- Extensive international travel experience or cross-cultural experience for our non-U.S. programs
- Extensive regional or thematic experience for our U.S.-based programs
- Flexibility – our staff have the ability to find comfort in the discomfort, no matter their location
- Exceedingly personable and positive demeanor
- Strong interpersonal communication skills and cross-cultural awareness
- Collaborative in nature; skilled in problem solving
- Staff must possess the ability to actively participate in all elements of the program’s experience – the position requires a lot of physical and emotional stamina, with a focus on safety and risk management
- Ability to talk things out and a willingness to express your professional opinions while considering your personal feelings and the feelings of your colleagues
- Natural aptitude to motivate and energize students in a variety of settings and situations
- Ability to confidently lead an ice-breaker activity
- Directors: CPR and First Aid Certification
- Mentors: CPR and First Aid Certification
- Proof of medical insurance for U.S.-based programs
- Some programs require a wilderness certification (Wilderness Advanced First Aid or Wilderness First Responder); some programs require a Lifeguard certification.
*Note: GLA does not accept online CPR/First Aid certifications. Certifications must be attained prior to staff’s contract start date and will be at the expense of the candidate.
- Fluency in Spanish for programs in Spanish-speaking countries
- Advanced language skills in a language of the country where you are interested in working
- Wilderness certifications as mentioned above for programs in remote locations; an additional stipend is offered for staff certified as a WFR or WAFA
- Lifeguard certification as mentioned above for water-based programs; an additional stipend is offered for staff certified as lifeguards
- Extensive experience in the country or region where you are interested in working
- Experience working with animals and familiarity with veterinary care for our animal and wildlife programs
- Strong biology or environmental background – for biologically and ecologically diverse programs like the Galapagos
- Master’s degree in a field related to the program theme
- Strong athletic background for our sports-based programs
- Ability to swim, hike, surf and keep up with teens
Interview Process
We will review your application, cover letter and resume. If your application is selected, we will invite you to a first-round interview via Zoom, a video conferencing platform. After the first interview, candidates who are selected to move forward in the interview process will have to complete one to two more interviews, depending on placement, before they are offered a contract.
References and Background Check
We will contact your references. Assuming all goes well, you will be offered a position and then we will run a background check on you. Once the check comes back clear, you’ll begin the onboarding process!
- Competitive stipend with a base rate of $550/week for Directors and $400/week for Mentors
- Base rate eligible for negotiation based on experiential education field work with similar organizations in the industry
- Living expenses (food and lodging), including days in between program sessions
- Roundtrip airfare or ground transportation to your program site
- Additional stipends for safety certifications: WFR ($200), WAFA ($150), Lifeguard ($150)
- Flexibility to extend travel plans before or after contract dates
- Medical and evacuation insurance for the duration of your contract (non-U.S. programs only)
- Experiential education work experience alongside like-minded individuals
- Professional development and networking opportunities
- Five-day professional training with fellow staff members (Directors only)
- The ability to make an impact on students and local communities
NOTE: Staff will be paid through Deel Global Payroll Inc. Each staff member is responsible for creating an account and choosing their preferred withdrawal method, our accountant team will provide candidates with the instructions.
- We hire on a rolling basis
- Please let us know in your application the following:
- Relevant in-country experience (and proficiency in the language) of the program destination.
- Professional experience or strong interest in the program’s thematic area
- Highlight any relevant degrees you may have and facilitation experience
- If you have any questions about the position, the hiring process or you are not sure yet to apply, please email our Hiring Coordinator at brayan@terraeducation.com
