Road Less Traveled vs Global Leadership Adventures

<p>I'm considering a service trip this summer and looking at these two providers. I haven't decided on destination yet but I'd like to know whether anybody has experience with both providers and can compare them - or if you looked at both and decided on one of them, what were your reasons?</p>

<p>One difference I note is price - GLA tends to be significantly cheaper for similar trips. For example, the trip to Peru (which I am considering) is $1000 less for GLA (its also 4 days shorter - 21 vs 25 - but still, $1000 is a lot of money for 4 days)</p>

<p>Thanks for any input</p>

<p>Hi! My name is Ellie and I am an ambassador for Global Leadership Adventures. Last summer I went on the Costa Rica trip for 10 days. I can honestly say that those were the ten best days of my life. Global Leadership Adventures does an excellent job of combining service with cultural learning and incredible excursions. On my trip, we went white water rafting, ziplining and horseback riding in addition to our daily service and local speakers. We even got to take salsa lessons! This summer I have the privilege of going on another GLA trip to Tanzania for two weeks. Based on my experience, I would DEFINITELY recommend Global Leadership Adventures. The service component is so rewarding because you work with the same children every day and develop close bonds not only with the school children, but also with your peers on the trip. If you want an experience that is wonderful in every way with excellent people then I say go with GLA! I hope this helps you :)</p>

<p>Hey deaddog! I actually went to Peru with GLA just last summer. Not only was the trip inspirational and educational, but it was so much fun! I researched a number of other programs before I landed on GLA, and just as you noticed with “Road Less Traveled,” GLA is the price to beat with all of them. Plus, GLA provides a unique community service experience that helps to submerse ones self in the culture, while giving back to one’s host community! I can’t say enough good about Global Leadership Adventures, and I highly recommend that you try it out! Thanks for your question!</p>

<p>I went to Costa Rica with GLA last summer, but I just looked at the Road Less Traveled website and it looks so cool!</p>

<p>Hey deaddog, I read over your question and answers and wanted to provide you with the link to our main website so you could get more information, [Teen</a> Volunteer,High School Study Abroad | Global Leadership Adventures](<a href=“http://www.experiencegla.com%5DTeen”>http://www.experiencegla.com) Are you interested in any other countries besides Peru? There are a few different options for you, there is a detailed day by day itinerary too!</p>

<p>Why is it that whenever anyone posts a thread about Global Leadership Adventures, representatives always pounce onto them? It’s like they constantly monitor the forums for anything GLA-related.</p>

<p>On-topic: If you’re looking for something academic, don’t choose either Global Leadership Adventures or Roads Less Traveled. They seem more like the pay-your-way-in type of programs. I requested a catalog last year from them and chose not to attend, and went to CTY instead. They keep on emailing me asking about my application status and if I wish to apply this year. IMO, a reputable summer program should not have to store interested applicant’s data in their computers and email them every year to check if they’re applying again.</p>

<p>I also noticed that everytime someone asks a questions about GLA, there’s many similar replies and they’re all ambassadors. Thanks for your clear and straight froward reply. Can you tell me about your experience with CTY and why you chose to go with them instead?</p>

<p>Hi estellaarias. CTY is a summer program for academically gifted and talented students. If you get in, you spend three or six weeks over the summer taking an accelerated high school level class (some of which can count for credit at your high school). While the classes are the main component of CTY, the part that most students relish the most is the relationships and bonds that are formed. Since you have to take the SAT at an early age to get in (to be labelled as gifted & talented), everyone there is a self-proclaimed nerd. It is a haven for some students who may come from schools where it’s not cool to be a nerd or to be smart. The fact that you all live together, eat together, and go to class together, really fosters wonderful lifelong relationships. </p>

<p>If you’d like more info please feel free to message me. I am not part of CTY’s recruiting staff or anything like that – just a student. Many other CTY students have had similarly positive experiences like me. There is also a Facebook group for CTY students (prospective, current, and alumni students). </p>

<p>CTY '11
CTY '12
(Hopefully) CTY '13</p>

<p>-Kevin</p>

<p>My daughter’s friend did a trip with Global Leadership Adventures. She liked it but felt like it was more a vacation than anything else. My daughter traveled with Loop Abroad and she totally LOVED it - plus they have lots of financial aid if you need it. I don’t know about Road Less Traveled though… never heard of it. Good luck! You can’t choose wrong as long as you find a way to get something out of the experience :)</p>