Summer Springboard and Global Leadership Adventures (GLA) are both part of Terra Education, sharing a commitment to transformative, student-centered experiences, whether on a university campus or in communities across the globe.

GLA is a leader in experiential travel programs for teens, offering immersive summer experiences that combine community service, hands-on learning, cultural exploration and leadership development in destinations around the world. Their mission is to inspire young people to grow as global thinkers and changemakers by stepping outside their comfort zones and engaging meaningfully with local communities.

GLA’s travel internships are designed for high school students (ages 14–18) who want a less college-focused experience. Over the course of approximately three weeks, students travel abroad to locations like Costa Rica, Peru or Thailand, where they work alongside nonprofit organizations or social enterprises on projects tied to global challenges. These programs combine mentorship, leadership development and hands-on work in fields such as STEM, medicine, environmental conservation and business, allowing students to explore potential career paths while making a meaningful impact.