GLA Peru Programs for Teens

Saying I loved my GLA experience is an understatement. I would say it has been my most life-changing, impactful and unique experience to date, and I find myself reminiscing and reflecting on it often. I was reluctant to go at first, I’d never travelled alone or been to South America, I wasn’t a sleepaway camp kid either, so this was very out of my comfort zone. From the very first dinner we had together, my leaders were welcoming, supportive, and authentic, they made me feel so included and comfortable with a new and unfamiliar environment. My local leader was knowledgeable about the area, and answered all the questions I had which allowed me to have a new perspective on my environment. Throughout the 2 weeks I was on the program, we spent 4 days in clinics, shadowing medical professionals, visited Machu Picchu, went whitewater rafting, and explored Cusco. My favourite part was the clinic days, although I wish we could’ve done more than just 4 days. This was where I could do my most hands-on work, and see the impact I was making in real time. Connecting with patients I was treating - despite our linguistic and cultural differences – was so special, it truly changed my life. While I was initially worried about the language barrier, I was quickly shocked at how easy it became to collaborate with others despite linguistic barriers. The doctors and patients were flexible and patient with me, and tried their best to help me when I was confused. At the end of the 2 weeks, I was shocked at the amount of spanish I had learned, including complex medical related phrases too! When I got home I was able to show off my skills to my whole family who were all pleasantly shocked at how much I’d learned. I also had the wonderful opportunity to spend lots of time with the children of the villages, who were so funny and kind. They welcomed us into their homes so graciously, played games with us, and gave me the most loving goodbye hug I’ve ever received. Talk about amazing, Machu Picchu was breathtaking. We had a knowledgeable guide to share his insight with us, which made the experience so unique and special. On our journey to Machu Picchu, we got to explore the towns of Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes. On top of all the amazing planned experiences, we also had plenty of time to explore Cusco and all it has to offer. Some evenings, if we weren’t too tired from the day’s activities, we would go on a walk around the city. We wandered the streets, markets, and town square. These activities gave me time to bond with others in my group, and build friendships. Some of my favourite memories come from these impromptu outings. In 2 short weeks, I made some of the best friends I’ve ever had, and to this day I wear a matching bracelet bought at San Pedro, Cusco’s famous market, with my best friend from the program. I am endlessly grateful for the learning, growth, and experience I had with GLA, it was truly life-changing in the best way possible.

Photos

This was my daughter's first trip out of the country by herself. I was nervous. GLA staff was patient and helpful. We read all the materials and spoke to alumnae. On faith, we sent her on her way. The experience was eye-opening, character-building, fun, busy, productive, impactful and powerful! At the end of her trip, we picked her up at the airport and one of the first things she said is, "I want to go again." She made lasting connections with peers and mentors and had experiences that could not be replicated here. I am grateful to GLA staff for their dedication to safety, quality of programming, focus on culture and leadership and personal development. I highly recommend this program.

Photos

Mentors were awesome. Always super helpful and supportive through the entire trip. There were a few days that I was unwell. They were all amazing when helping me out. Cesar was amazing and a great guide through this amazing country. Fernanda was exceptional, she was always there for us for moral support or just to have a great meaningful conversation with.

I learned how to work better in a team, i strengthened my endurance, gained a more open mind and was more grateful for what I have. The Home Base was perfect and beautiful, and the staff were so positive and really made the experience!

All the staff were great. My mentor was always very comforting, and I always felt safe going to her with any problems. Staff were some of the kindest most pure and caring people I have ever met, and I will really miss them all. I felt such a good authentic connection with all the staff. I realized how lucky I am and how much of an impact can be made my the smallest acts.

Hi, do you like experience was absolutely eye-opening. I gained such a new perspective of the world and will go about my life differently from now on. My mentor in mentor groups lead it so well. He is the perfect mix of being an authority figure and still someone who represents the campers and doesn’t put themselves on a pedestal. I learned a lot from him learning about his life. Through the service work, I felt more connected to the world and felt like I was really making a difference

I loved all the mentors and felt they all treated me with respect and kindness. I really enjoyed the debate activity, it made me think on my feet and I thought about things differently after. I got to experience how other people live and a new perspective

GLA is a great way for students to make lifelong friends, grow in their leadership journey, serve something that is greater than them, and explore the world. I saw a new perspective on life, and saw the difference that I can make by just interacting with the locals.

I learned a lot about a different culture and how they live and because of that I can compare it to things in my life and see the changes/differences. I also think it opened my eyes to a lot of things.

My experience at the "Perú: Foundations of Global Health" trip has been surreal. I've made friends that have given me life-changing advice and learned about how people in Perú live, and their cultures/tradition. This trip has definitely put me outside my comfort zone by surrounding myself with strangers on my first international trip. The clinics have taught me that Healthcare is a right which everyone deserves and it has cemented my interest in medicine. I learned problem solving and leadership skills that will help me in the long term, as well as in these crucial upcoming highschool years. Thank you for this opportunity.

I have always wanted to travel to Latin America and Peru has always been a bucket list item for me as I want to become fluent in Spanish and so getting to practice it and speak it with the local people and even our mentors and GLA staff was a good experience for me. I learned so much about the lack of education in Peru and it makes me feel very grateful about the education that I have. I grew as a listener and a team player as most of what we did took team work and working together to accomplish tasks. I also believe that my mindset shifted I now feel more appreciative of the life that I live and the experiences that I have been able to have including this one and I will cherish each life experience since I have now realized that the life I live is not possible for a lot of people around the world.

Think that the friends I made and the people I met made the biggest impact on me. I met so many people from different walks of life that opened my eyes up to what I am not usually used to. It was fun and interesting to hear different perspectives and live in someone else shoes. I’ll never forget the friends I made on this trip and hope to stay in contact with them.

Being able to participate in activities in areas not bogged by tourists and commercialized towards tourists was the most interesting part of the experience, it gave a better perspective on the true culture. The trip to machu picchu was extremely interesting, our tour guides were amazing.

I really enjoyed the debate that we did. I felt like it was something that was meaningful to the world. It’s something that’s actually happening in the world and it was nice to hear everyone’s opinions on the topic. I also enjoyed the community service as we were helping the girls. The sites, like Machu Picchu, were great also as we learned so much more about their culture. It’s something you could never get out of a history classroom.