GLA Dominican Republic Programs for Teens

My daughter returned absolutely glowing. She went to the DR, she wanted to stay there longer! She loved her mentors, loved everyone there, and made new friends. She said it was the best thing she has ever done!! And as a parent, the support was exceptional. This trip was my daughter’s first. Knowing how supported she was while there and how I was at home - I will not be nervous to send her or another one of my kids.

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As a parent you do a lot of research into these types of trips/experiences before agreeing And then a whole lot more in the lead up to and then the actual event. I cannot commend GLA administration and support staff for the support they gave me, a UK based parent Nothing to much trouble. Daughter had fantastic time Daily blogs amazing No doubt she'll be asking to next year. I can think of no good reason to say no.

The medical brigades were the most rewarding because I felt like my participation was having a direct impact on people who needed medical help. I loved being able to interact and communicate in Spanish with them. After seeing the conditions of those who don’t have a lot, I realized I have the resources to be my best possible self and I shouldn’t take them for granted.

GLA has given me countless opportunities to learn what it means to be a leader through the mentors group we have done that helped us reflect about ourselves and what values are we important to us and what qualities we show, to having the opportunity to be the Leader of the Day, taking on an active leadership role to encourage the group, bring the group together, and push others to be the best version of themselves that they can be. This GLA trip has also given me a lot of freedom in terms of showing initiative to bring the group together- which I took advantage of and came up with the idea to have fun team-building exercises and games at the beach to build a closer group and a sense of community. Back home at school and in my community, I will take back what I have learned about being a leader, where I will use the leadership skills I have built up on in my GLA trip to become a better leader and foster a closer and greater community.

During this trip not only did I make lifelong friends, but I also broadened my mind about things that I already was interested in like marine conservation, endangered species, and coral bleaching. We planted trees, picked up trash, and helped out a mangrove forest and all of these activities left me feeling like I was a part of something beneficial and it made me want to pursue something marine career wise!

This experience really helped to solidify my idea to help people in the future and pursue some sort of career in the medical field. It was an amazing experience that showed so many different perspectives for me to learn and take home with me to share with my family and friends. I’d really like to start volunteering at my hospital and I can use the leadership skills and actions I’ve acquired to help me conduct this.