Hi there, my daughter will be a rising junior this summer and wants to travel abroad with a program that offers service with an emphasis on child development/education. We have found GLA (Global Leadership Alliance) and they have an interesting option called Costa Rica: Initiative for Children. There is just something about GLA that comes across as just an overpriced touristy experience… thoughts on that impression? Are there other programs we should look into that specifically offer service that focuses on childhood development and education? I have also looked into Rustic Pathways, Putney, Road Less Traveled, and Dragons. Would love to know about other programs or to hear any input on the ones already mentioned. Thanks!
Look on mysummeradvisor.com. There is a tab for study abroad programs with information about lots of programs. There is a review of a GLA program in Africa on the site now. I knew a girl who also went to Africa with GLA and thought it was very rewarding.
You might also look at an organization called China Care which is part of Half The Sky Foundation. My daughter volunteered in a orphanage in China with this group. The trip was very well organized. She worked with children recovering from surgery (cleft palate is a common surgery performed).
@BelleofAmherst , thanks for that link. I think the more we look at different options the more the GLA children’s Initiative seems to make the most sense. It sounds like a really well run program that focuses on child development. Also, the fact that it is in a Spanish speaking country is an added bonus. She is very excited to go on this Global Leadership Adventure program! Thanks again for responding.