Well, the title is pretty self-explanatory.
How is Colby’s GES program different from other study abroad programs with a focus on language? What would you learn in Colby’s program that you wouldn’t learn somewhere else? How would a prospective student contribute to the program?
Any answers or experiences are appreciated. 
Well one difference, compared to the more typical junior-year semester abroad, is that the students in the GES are in their first-ever semester of college. In a way, you could maybe think of it as an extended (semester-long) small group orientation program! There is a lot of bonding among the students in the group.
Other colleges and universities are now also offering first-semester abroad programs for entering freshmen, but I think Colby is probably one of the first to do this – I gather they’ve been doing it for 35 years, or more.
My son did the GES this past fall. It was a good experience - not necessarily life-changing, and not yet known whether it might be seen as a defining moment in his college career – but a good experience.
edited to add – link to my thread from last year discussing this program: http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/1874899-first-semester-abroad-p1.html