Location
  • Ecuador
    • Galapagos
Length
1 - 2 weeks
Need-based funding, General grants/scholarships, Payment plans
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Direct Enrollment
Timeframe
Summer
Housing
Lodge
Language
English
Age Min.
14
Age Max
18

Pricing

Starting Price
5699
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Domestic Airfare Airport Transfers Meals Transportation
What's Included (Extra)

Tuition includes a domestic round trip group flight from Quito to the Islands

What's Not Included
Airfare Travel Insurance
Sep 08, 2024
Sep 10, 2024
20 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

When it comes to incredible natural environments, Ecuador's Galapagos Islands just can't be beat. Known for their biological diversity, the islands were made famous by Charles Darwin and continue to be an important research and preservation site today. Spend two weeks this summer working alongside local organizations to help maintain these unique island ecosystems and get up close and personal with the unique creatures that call them home. Explore Ecuador's historical capital city before setting off for the islands, where you will learn more about the challenges that both wildlife and human communities face.

Program Theme: Animal & Wildlife Conservation
Service Hours: 26

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Visit several of the Galapagos' diverse islands, as well mainland Ecuador
  • Swim and snorkel in waters full of undersea life
  • Spot blue footed boobies, giant tortoises, sea lions and marine iguanas
  • Volunteer on projects supporting wildlife and the local community
  • Visit the Equator line in the colonial city of Quito

Program Reviews

4.85 Rating
based on 27 reviews
  • 5 rating 88.89%
  • 4 rating 7.41%
  • 3 rating 3.7%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Growth 4.8
  • Support 4.9
  • Fun 4.75
  • Housing 4.7
  • Safety 4.95
  • Program Selection 5
  • Pre-departure Help 4.35
  • In-program Support 5
  • Impact on Student 4.35
  • Value 5
Showing 1 - 8 of 27 reviews
Default avatar
Zoe
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Galapagos Islands: A once in a lifetime exerince I would highly reccomend!

Before my trip I was nervous, but by the first full day, I was so glad I went! My group connected quickly, and we all built our teamwork skills early on when we worked at Rancho Primicias and helped clear land for Giant Tortoises. We painted a mural at a school, which turned into a bit of a paint war, learned salsa from some very patient and kind professionals (we then proceeded to break out into salsa dancing every spare minute we got), and snorkeled with sea lions! Our guide Wilson taught us to dive for sand dollars and toss them to the sea lions, who would then play with them and balance them on their noses! In the evenings we did leadership activities, and had a mock debate about a real issue in the islands, and often broke into smaller groups to have meaningful discussions led by our mentors. The downsides for me were that I felt some social exhaustion from being around so many people all day every day, doing activities without many breaks, and I didn't like a lot of the food. There's only one option, so if you don't like it, that's it. I brought some snacks from home, so that helped, and the mentors did a check-in after the first week where we could put in any requests we had. However, what they can do is limited. Be ready to try lots of new foods and eat them even if you don't like them. Despite and also because of these issues, I feel that I grew as a person, a friend, and a leader. Several months later I am still in touch with my roommates from the trip, and will always remember the meaningful lessons from my mentors, who were incredibly supportive and welcoming.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Guinea pig! I didn't like it but many others did, and I'm so glad I tried it! They served it to us whole, and our groups ate several guinea pigs. We had fun goofing off and waving the tiny little arms with claws on the end. It was a great experience to have, and I now have a perfect fun fact to share with people!
Pros
  • Made lasting frienships
  • Saw incredible animals in their natural habitats
  • Practiced going out of my comfort zone
Cons
  • Homesickness
  • Not liking some of the food
14 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
anne-sophie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A wonderful experience

I made a lot of friends that I’m still in contact with and found out about different cultures throughout those friends. I loved the Galapagos and it’s surroundings it was a wonderful destination. The staff and the locals we were in contact with were super nice and understanding. I really felt at ease even with my language barrier and all the staff and students were super supportive. The food was really nice and I felt safe throughout the whole travel. I felt secured because everything was planes in advance a we had access to the itinerary so we knew what to expect. I a 100% recommend travelling with GLA. It’s a must experience to do at least once.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I wouldn’t stress as much as I did before end because everything went smoothly and wonderfully. I was really anxious at first but I quickly found out every thing was going to be fine.
Pros
  • Meetings
  • I developed a lot of my confidence
  • New experiences
Cons
  • Having to pack under a certain weight
  • Food portions were sometimes small
  • I found talking in Spanish hard and we only got one Spanish lesson
15 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Sonja
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Galapagos- best trip decision ever!

I was debating about going on this trip because it was such a big commitment. But, it was the best trip decision I've ever made. Along the trip I made the closest friend's I've ever had in just the span of two weeks, something I was never expecting. Aside from the social scene making it always fun, the empierces I had and new things I learned were so impactful. I saw tortoises, blue footed boobies, and snorkeled with the sea turtles and seals. The food and culture was also amazing to be immersed in.

Pros
  • Making new friends
  • New foods
  • Snorkeling/ unique activities
Cons
  • Sickness because of new germs
  • dislike of different food
56 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Joey
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Exceeded expectations

I was EXTREMELY apprehensive about sending my 14 year old daughter off on a trip without me. I panicked when I hadn’t heard from her on day one (even though the GLA staff had told us that we may not). I contacted the hotline and within moments my daughter called me and as if she were just having too much fun to talk she said, “mom, I’m alive”. She gave the trip, the counselors and the itinerary rave reviews. She has made a couple
Of lasting friendships and definitely came home with more confidence. She is very eager to go on another GLA trip!

Pros
  • Team building
  • Sight seeing
  • Lasting friendships
58 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Laura
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fantastic experience, awesome program

Both of my sons have participated in this program, traveling to the Galápagos with GLA for two weeks. One went alone, and the other with a friend. They both had an amazing time and highly recommend it. From the student's perspective, the trip is a great chance to push themselves outside their comfort zone and experience some real independence, traveling internationally without their family. Successfully negotiating flights, connections, and immigration solo is a real confidence builder. In country, the group becomes their family. GLA does an incredible job of building camaraderie (my eldest still communicates with his group years later), ensuring the students are safe, and keeping parents informed of their childrens' activities. From the pre-departure planning through the trip, I always felt that my children were in capable, organized hands. My kids learned a lot and experienced much, and got service hours to list on their college applications as a bonus--plus teens are really excited to be involved in preserving such a unique and important place. An incredible opportunity, grateful to GLA for all they do to open up the world to teens.

Pros
  • Organized and well managed
  • Great activities and educational components
  • Service to the community
Cons
  • My younger son was disappointed that they spent half their time on Santa Cruz Island rather than one of the less inhabited Galápagos Islands, as my elder son had.
  • None otherwise!
57 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Pam
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Global Leadership Adventures

Review part 2
My daughter, traveled to Ecuador, and Galapagos the summer of 2017.
She had an amazing trip and now is taking her second GLA trip this spring break 2018. GLA staff was great. I recommend GLA for teens who are independent, spirited and looking for a way to give back to the world. It was a truly amazing experience that has changed her for the better.
Pam Prast, mother of 15 year old traveler.

What would you improve about this program?
Its awesome!
96 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Pam
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Global Leadership Adventures

My daughter traveled to Ecuador and Galapagos the summer of 2017.
She had an amazing trip and now is taking her second GLA trip this spring break 2018. GLA staff was great. I recommend GLA for teens who are independent, spirited and looking for a way to give back to the world. Although I am just a parent and didn't get to go myself it was amazing to see the oppuertunity spark her interest.
Pam Prast mother of 15 year old traveler.

114 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Ella
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

GLA Galapagos

This summer I spent two weeks with amazing staff, students, and guides on the beautiful islands that are the Galapagos. This experience was my first time traveling alone, and i have to say it couldn't have been better. Everyday we would do community service work, with purpose and pride, just like the staff had taught us. We also got to experience the culture and beautify of these islands though many fun activities like hiking, snorkeling, beach walks, spending time in the town, and more. The staff had extensive knowledge and were more than willing to answer questions, goof around, and participate with students. Future participants be aware, you will come back changed. Seeing one of the last places on earth that is virtually untouched will change you, it changed me. To see how elegant nature is without human interaction has made me want to fight even more to protect it. I cam home wondering what more I could do, and swear of the impact my everyday actions have. This trip will change you, and 100% of that is for the better.

What would you improve about this program?
It's far too short. I would love to spend even more time with these amazing people in such an amazing place.
100 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers