Safe and LEGIT teen abroad Volunteer program! Therapeutic too!

GLA was actually one of the first organizations we looked into. Honestly, we ended up reading other GLA reviews on other sites, which left us feeling a bit concerned. After MUCH research and cross comparisons, we chose GLA Dominican Rep Global Health. It turns out all of the negative reviews were left by people who did not fully read the registration process/had a child who could not adapt to change or third world accommodations/foods/weather/environment which were FULLY described on their website BEFORE and during the application process . Many other volunteer programs left kids unattended and with free time for MOST of the day and all weekend. Completely unacceptable for a teen. GLA makes sure teens are accompanied by mentors and directors at EVERY volunteer project and tours. On top of that, the kids were treated to delicious local meals 3 times a day(almost ALL served on sustainable non-disposable dishwear/cutlery!! even during off-site projects!!). Morning yoga and group discussions which turned out to be incredibly therapeutic. Their website and application process is incredibly organized and communication with staff was superb. If you are hesitant or nervous about finding a legit organization/service project to send your child to - search no further. My daughter came home with a great appreciation for life and the importance of giving to others. GLA changed her life for sure. She even came to find the spiders harmless and absolutely LOVED the beautiful little green lizards that paid her netted bed a visit daily :)