Global Citizen Adventure Corps

This trip was the highlight of my travel experiences because of the depth of experiences including art, history, religion, music and dance. The very personal connections GCAC has with the most prominent and talented artists in Salvador de Bahia. We saw the most famous Samba-Reggae Group, Olodum, up close and personal. Our opportunity to drum with and perform with Yaya Muxima allowed us to contribute to this group that organizes the community and supports women and children in what was once a slum area and now visited by artists and intellectuals. These include Jimmy Cliff, Paul Simon, and Michael Jackson. The group of women was intergenerational and contributed to our sense of joy and belonging. The African Dance lesson was magical and brought me back to classes I took many years ago. The leaders were communicative, knowledgeable beyond expectation, and responsive to the needs of the group.

Teaching English in Colombia was more than a trip—it was a heartwarming, life-changing experience. Through Bethel University Global Studies and GCAC, I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Colegio Americano, our sister school in Colombia, and help teach English to local students. But what made it truly special was realizing we weren’t just teaching—we were changing lives, and they were changing ours. Every day in the classroom was filled with laughter, curiosity, and connection. The students' eyes would light up when they learned a new word, and their excitement to share their own language with us was unforgettable. They were just as eager to teach us Spanish as we were to teach them English. The bond we built went beyond lessons—it felt like a family. One of the most heartwarming moments was when a student I’d been helping all week proudly stood up to read in English in front of the class. You could see the pride in their smile, and I’ll never forget that. Another one of my favorite memories is when one of the students asked to salsa with me at the end of class, it was such a sweet experience and an experience I could never trade for anything. Bethel University Global Studies and GCAC created a space for something truly meaningful—if you get the chance, take it. It will change you in the best way.

This trip was the most amazing trip of my life. The GCAC group was so welcoming and I have an amazing new family now. We got to emerse ourselves in their rich history and learn one on one with the people and their culture. We explored the religious aspects of Salvador as well as the music and multiple different styles of Samba. We learned their history through museums, music, dancing, and the amazing people and teachers we met. GCAC makes sure we are learning and to make sure it is something everyone will enjoy. It is a deep dive into what makes Salvador, Salvador. I got once in a lifetime fulfillment and experiences through this trip and lessons I will never forget!