People to People and National State Leaders Programs

Nfm0609
Wed, 02 Feb 2011 18:02:04 +0000

I went on a program with Global Leadership Adventures to the Galapagos Islands last summer. Hands down, it was the best experience of my life. The staff was great; they were all down to earth, friendly, and I could really tell they enjoyed being around teens. The adventures were so much fun and I made 14 great friends from all over the world, all of whom I still keep in touch with.

We stayed with the same host family (more of a mini-inn, actually) as the People to People program did, and the differences between the two programs were pretty obvious. Although I have never been on a People to People program and in no way to I intend to denounce the program, I couldn’t help but notice everytime I saw the P2P students around the town, they looked miserable. They always sported their “uniforms” and it seemed like they weren’t given much freedom. Granted, some may think that when a teen is without a guardian or family while traveling, they see freedom as being “dangerous”… but with Global Leadership Adventures, (GLA) students, including myself, were able to safelywalk around town all together in a large group, or stay at the host family’s house. The town was extremely small and staff members had their own meetings after the group meeting, so when they met it was always in a location where they could keep an eye on us. Our group made some pretty hilarious memories duing these evening excursions.

Anyways, I think it all depends on what someone is looking for in a summer travel/volunteer abroad program. Both the P2P and GLA trips covered similar activities, but GLA’s cost is $3,195 instead of P2P’s cost, which is upwards of $7,000, as of last summer.

GLA is such a great way for high schoolers to meet new people and develop social skills while seeing and learning about the world. When I began staying with 14 people who I had never met or been in contact with, I was forced to branch out and break out of my shell. When I came back home, I found I was more outgoing and things that required being social (talking to companies, schools, etc on the phone, approaching peers ) no longer acted as barriers that kept me from getting what I wanted. I am now the person who always greets others, and I have become very outspoken. I learned how to voice my opinion and it has proved beneficial in class discussions and in life in general when I am interacting with peers and adults on a daily basis.

I definitely had an unforgettable experience on this trip, and I am going to Bali with GLA for 2 weeks in July this upcoming summer. There is no doubt in my mind that this trip will be anything short of incredible.

Anywho, I just wanted to recommend this program to all high schoolers. After all, how fair would it be for me to keep this marvelous program to myself? Feel free to private message me if you have any questions about the program!