Global Citizen Adventure Corps

When we walked up to the top of Mt. Pilatus, I got to look down and see the landscape; it all looked so small and all of a sudden I felt so small and, in a way, unimportant. But the more I sat and looked around, the more I realized that I’m not unimportant because I am the most important person to myself. I think that other people should realize what an investment the GCAC program is, it’s an experience that will not soon be forgotten. I will use the things i’ve learned on this trip for the rest of my life and i’m so grateful for that. I think that global citizenship is an investment because not only is it an amazing opportunity but it can open so many new doors that we’re not even visible before. I think people should give trips by GCAC a try even if traveling is a big fear or if it does not seem feasible. If they cannot be a part of the trips they should try to learn about how helpful the idea of global citizenship is.

One amazing memory I’ve experienced was the boat ride in Paris. I got to see the Eiffel Tower and other amazing things. This is just one experience I’ll never forget. This whole trip has helped me to grow and connect.

One of the most unforgettable highlights of my trip to Europe was soaking in the breathtaking views from the Swiss Alps. Experiencing glaciers and snow in July was nothing short of mesmerizing, and it's a moment I'll always cherish.

An amazing memory I had on this trip was being able to interact with different people around the world and obviously the scenery. I may never be able to see those people again but I was intrigued to hear their stories as to why they are in Europe today. Others need to know about GCAC is that they offer something nobody else can do for you. The opportunities and experiences that come along with GCAC is something I will cherish forever. One reason I think this is true is because you learn so much with GCAC than you would just going with family . For instance in London I learned a cat was almost elected prime minister, in Paris photographs don’t do justice as to how big and beautiful the Eiffel Tower really is, and in Switzerland they have the 3rd highest mountain in the world and it usually snows all year around on that mountain. Go on a trip with GCAC you will not regret it. You will do so much in a short amount of days but it is all so worth it. I saw sides of the Palace of Versailles that would take people days to see and I saw it all in one day and I am truly grateful to have to done it with all my new friends and of course the chaperones

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.

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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.

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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!

I cannot recommend GCAC highly enough! Planning a trip to Cuba felt daunting, given all the potential challenges, but the team at GCAC turned my worries into excitement. Their extensive knowledge and well-established relationships made the entire journey feel effortless and enjoyable. From start to finish, they took care of every detail, allowing me to immerse myself fully in the experience. I’ve shared my wonderful experience with countless friends and family, encouraging them to consider planning their next adventure abroad with GCAC. They truly made my trip unforgettable!

GCAC provides condensed programs that are easy to schedule with a perfect balance of hands-on volunteering, deeply meaningful cultural immersion, and delightfully curated excursions. The small group size and highly experienced leaders and local guides make for a trip that doesn't feel rushed or crowded. My trip was packed with enrichment in arts, culture, history, local life, food, and many opportunities to make local connections. Could not have asked for a better experience!

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The sights and locations were plentiful and enlightening. The addition of guides to further our knowledge were so very enriching. Our team leader—Stacie—was very alert to our needs. As a 78 year old, she made important, spontaneous decisions for the older crowd.

The perseverance of the Cuban people is made visible in the parade of classic cars continuing to serve as transport to wide-eyed visitors too accustomed to their throw-away worlds. In a matter of days this program introduces learners to the beauty and harsh realities currently evident on the streets. With opportunities to engage in long conversations with families who welcome you into their homes, you leave a country known for beaches, music, rum and cigars with an even greater appreciation for its people. Ag, art, music, and history lovers be forewarned - you’ll go for your interests and leave with bags and hearts full to overflowing!

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Cuba has long been on my short list of travel destinations. GCAC allowed me to not just go to Cuba, but to truly experience Cuba. From marveling at the past and present mystique of Havana on an extraordinary guided walking tour to getting my hands in the dirt and enjoying a sumptuous farm-to-table feast at an organic farm in Vinales, the days were filled with historical information, meaningful interactions, incredible sights and extraordinary people. I cannot imagine a better trip to one of the most beautiful and interesting places in our hemisphere.

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I’ve been traveling with this group quite a bit and it never ceases to amaze me in the memories that can be made. Visiting spots such as the Louvre, Versailles, Normandy, Notre Dame, the Effie tower, and a dash of Disney and more made the week worth every moment. Getting to learn while seeing the sights make it even better!

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We, my wife and I truly had a wonderful time in Paris and the other locations featured in the GCAC France trip. I rate the experience as unforgerable. Loved the trip to Normandy and we were filled with emotion as we toured the American cemetery at Normandy.

My husband and I traveled to Paris as community members with Bethel University and GCAC in March, 2025. Our travel, accommodations, activities and local sightseeing were all arranged in advance. The excellent professors and tour guides made French history and culture come alive in this beautiful city! I highly recommend traveling with GCAC!!

The trip to Cuba was life changing. Meeting with locals and getting to know them gave them a prominent place in my heart that will last the rest of my life. In addition, the details of every piece of the trip were impeccably planned and executed which served to bring the group into a cohesive, friends-for-life relationship. I can’t imagine a more thoroughly enjoyable experience at any price, but especially at the very affordable cost of this one! I am so thankful for the opportunity to participate in this trip with the greatest leaders and co-travelers one can imagine. For every person who might read this review - do yourself a favor!

Setting off to Guatemala I knew they lacked the funds America has. But being there and meeting families I saw how much they live without, yet still have so much happiness and love to give towards one another and outsiders. Their connection within runs much deeper than most America families; great grandparents, aunts and uncles, brother and sisters, husbands and wives, and cousins all living under one household not because it is just how they are able to survive such a poor economy. But, because their heritage is such an important factor to their lives. Seeing moms and daughters making art on clothes and blankets from the methods taught by their mothers before them with love and respect for their history was truly an eye opening experience.

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After previously traveling to Honduras, I decided that I would also like to serve in Guatemala. During this trip I learned so many things. I loved the experience, the culture, the people, the ones I traveled with, and just being able to give to others. I believe that I have been called help those in need. I am blessed enough to be able to help those in need so why would I not? And in the end, I get so much more from them than they get from me. I am blessed and honored to be able to participate in these trip and I hope I can go on many more in the future. I believe the biggest blessing from this trip was going with my mom. She has been there for all of my firsts so I was blessed to be able to see her first time out of the country.

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It is amazing to realize the things we take for granted because it is understood or so easily accessible to us, as American citizens, such as healthcare, hot water, safe water to drink, just flushing the commode is even a commodity if they are even lucky enough to have one. Heath care is something we just take for granted because it is something we have done and just know to do. In other parts of the world, this is not something that is taught. The importance of having hot water to be clean. The importance of brushing your teeth. Having a place, a center or clinic, to go to and learn about how important it is to take the right medications and see the doctor regularly for newborns. The people are always happy, smiling, inviting, and willing to talk no matter what their situation is. They appreciate any help that we as GCAC can give. They are also very curious about our culture and our knowledge on many different things. GCAC does an amazing outreach. A service that provides help to many different people in many different areas of the world. It is an eye-opening experience to be on a trip with GCAC that I feel many would love to take. It isn’t all work and no play but it is a lot of work with you reaping benefits from it as well. I think in many cases that the traveler will gain more than the recipient. To experience the real thing of helping people that need something a simple as a water filtration system from two 5 gallon buckets or make an herb garden from recycling jugs or just painting a wall that they need painted, something so easy that does not seem like a lot to you can mean the world to someone else. You learn so much about other cultures and ways of life in those cultures that you will appreciate where you live and how to improve their situations. GCAC is an outreach that is absolutely amazing in the things that they do and provide in the places they go to. You will have a great experience helping out the world and memories you will remember forever.

This was the first trip to be held both in Europe and longer than 7 days. I spent 10 days moving around various parts of the country, exploring the cities, seeing all the landmarks, etc. With crossing this milestone, this trip has made an impact on my life.