On the Grand Tour of Europe, you really get to experience all kinds of weather. Some things I packed were lifesavers, some would’ve been useful, and a few I didn’t need at all. Even though you might think Europe is always sunny, it does rain sometimes. Having a small, packable raincoat made those rainy days way easier and also worked as an extra layer on the cooler nights in Switzerland. My water bottle was another must-have, it was small, easy to open, and had a handle, so carrying water around was super convenient. Refilling it at the hotel before heading out guaranteed fresh water and saved me from buying bottles everywhere. I also seriously underestimated how much walking we’d do, so comfortable shoes were a lifesaver on long hikes and city tours. On days when we didn’t have time to go back to the hotel, my running shoes kept my feet comfortable and safe, even after walking all day. For clothes, I brought just a few pairs of shorts and pants and switched up my shirts each day. Having a mix of dressy, casual, and tank tops made packing between cities way easier. Finally, I’m super thankful I brought things to do on the bus. You’d think the views would be enough, but 4–6 hours is a long time. I had a journal, coloring books, and some books to read, which kept me busy and also helped me reflect on my program and write down memories I’ll look back on later.

There were also times I wished I had packed a few more things. On the first night in Barcelona, friends I’d met on the plane had an UNO game ready to play. That made me realize I should’ve brought cards or games to play with others between activities or after dinner. When it comes to shoes, I wish I’d packed more universal options, plain black and white shoes that could match anything. Even though my friends were happy to share, having my own would’ve been way easier. I also wished I had brought more casual clothes. I only had a few, but a couple more would’ve made mornings simpler and helped with extra excursions. Longer clothes were easy to throw on and covered knees for churches, which was perfect. Even though I didn’t have everything, I managed fine, and with clothing stores everywhere, I could grab what I needed if I wanted.

I also packed a lot of stuff I honestly didn’t need. I packed seven pairs of shoes. Most of them just sat in my suitcase, taking up space and weighing me down. I also brought way too many toiletries. I mean, I didn’t even use half of them, and by the end, I realized I could’ve just packed the basics and been fine. Europe has many different types of stores with all types of toiletries. My advice would be to buy the majority of your stuff over there. I brought a ton of clothes and had some outfits I never even wore, and a lot of times I just wore the same things over and over because they were easiest to mix and match. Packing lighter would’ve made moving between cities so much easier, and honestly, it would’ve made my bag feel way less like a nightmare to carry around. Lesson learned: you really don’t need to overpack, and it’s better to have space for souvenirs or last-minute stuff you pick up along the way.

Thank you to Student Ambassador Alivia M. for writing this blog!

I can’t even begin to describe how important it is to stay organized and stress-free while travelling and learning at the same time. At first, it can feel overwhelming trying to balance schoolwork with being in a new environment, but with the right habits, it becomes part of the experience rather than a challenge. I realized early on that staying organized wasn’t about being perfect but about creating small routines that made everything feel more manageable. Things like keeping track of assignments, planning out my time, and staying on top of my responsibilities allowed me to fully enjoy where I was without constantly feeling behind or stressed.

One of the most helpful strategies I used was creating a simple daily plan. Whether it was writing things down in a notebook or keeping notes on my phone, having a clear idea of what needed to get done each day made a huge difference. Even during busy travel days, I would set aside a small amount of time to review what I had learned or prepare for any upcoming assignments. This helped me stay on top of my assignments without feeling overwhelmed. It also gave me a sense of control, especially when everything else around me was new and constantly changing.

Another important factor in staying stress-free was not overloading myself. While it can be tempting to try to do everything, explore every place, and go out every night, I learned that balance is key. There were moments where I chose to take a break, rest, or simply enjoy a calm night in the hotel. This actually helped me be more productive later on. By giving myself time to recharge, I was able to stay focused and enjoy every moment, which made both travelling and learning more enjoyable.

Staying organized also meant keeping my stuff in order. Whether it was notes or photos, having everything in one place saved me from unnecessary stress. It made it easier to find what I needed quickly and kept me from falling behind. Even simple habits, like organizing files or keeping track of deadlines, made a big difference in how smoothly everything went throughout the experience.

Finally, maintaining a positive mindset played a huge role in staying stress-free. Things don’t always go exactly as planned when you’re travelling, and that’s okay. Delays, changes, and unexpected challenges are all part of the experience. Instead of letting these moments create stress, I learned to adapt and stay flexible. This mindset allowed me to focus on what I was gaining rather than what wasn’t going perfectly. It made the entire experience feel more rewarding and less overwhelming.

Overall, staying organized and stress-free while learning and travelling is about finding what works for you and sticking to it. Small habits, a balanced mindset, and the ability to adapt can turn what seems stressful into something incredibly enjoyable. By staying on top of responsibilities while still allowing yourself to fully experience your surroundings, it becomes clear that it is possible to succeed academically while also making the most of every moment along the way.

Thank you to Student Ambassador Amelia W. for writing this blog!

When I signed up for my summer abroad with Global Summers Academy, I was extremely excited about all the new cities and cultures I would experience, but also very nervous about being away for a month. My program to Italy would mark my first time in Europe, travelling without my family, and being away from home for over a week. Coming from a smaller town in Ontario, I also worried about making friends in a new class and unfamiliar environment.  

Although it was a difficult task to step outside of my comfort zone, I made it my goal to be present in the moment, embrace every opportunity and make the most of my time abroad. In fact, I can confidently say it ended up being much easier than I anticipated.  

As soon as I stepped into the airport, I was greeted by other students from my program, as well as the friendly teachers and coordinators. The next day, I introduced myself to others in my class, and eventually, I got to know every individual – no matter if they came from Toronto like me, Calgary, Vancouver, or even California! However, there was one particular group of girls that I truly connected with and was lucky enough to room with in four out of five Italian cities. I made so many memories with these girls, from dancing in the streets of Florence to swimming in the Sardinian seas and wandering the Spanish Steps late at night. Our friendships grew so close that I still get together with them regularly! 

I also challenged myself within my grade 12 English course. Throughout the course, my classmates and I were tasked with making a documentary based on any part of the program; I chose the mental and physical benefits of Italian culture, but my friends chose to talk about the coastal cities, or even rating gelato! This assignment forced me to step outside of my comfort zone in the most fun way as I learnt about and experienced different traditions, cuisines and livelihoods of Italians. I remember interviewing my friends, asking them about their authentic pizzas in Rome while we had the best meal of our lives, or taking pictures of the busy streets in Siena we walked every day. ‘La Dolce Vita’ was one phrase that Italians used to describe their slow, sweet way of life, and this phrase became an outlook we all took away from our program. 

Overall, my ability to try new things – even if I was not super comfortable – allowed me to grow so much as a person during my summer abroad. I gained immense perspective and appreciation for all the world had to offer, and I became more confident in myself and my abilities. My time with Global Summers Academy was truly a gift that I was so lucky to experience, and I urge every student to sign up for at least one course abroad. No matter what program you pick, you’re guaranteed a summer of quality learning, lasting connections and once-in-a-lifetime memories. 

Thank you to Student Ambassador Abigail C. for writing this blog post!

Learning how to use the Metro in Europe as a teen was an experience that seemed simple at first, but ended up teaching me much more than I would have expected.

At first, it was just about getting from one place to another, as we needed a way to navigate a new, vast environment not only efficiently but independently. As I started to figure out schedules, stations, and routes, it became more than just transportation. Learning to use the Metro boosted my confidence and helped me learn how to handle unfamiliar situations. When I first encountered the Metro, it felt very overwhelming; the station was crowded. and everything was in a language that I didn’t understand. The first handful of times we took the Metro, it was comforting to have the safety net of the teachers and Program Manager. After we got the basic concept, we were able to explore the city in small groups.

At the beginning, I was very dependent on my phone; I would constantly be checking directions and double-checking everything before we went anywhere. The dependence on my phone made me realize I didn’t fully trust myself yet, but the Metro forced me to confront that feeling head-on, as there was no other option. As time went on, everything became familiar; the maps were easier to follow, and I started to learn patterns on how to navigate this new situation. With each successful trip, the next one felt easier. I checked my phone less and relied more on my memory. This shift showed me how my confidence is built through experience and repetition, not just understanding.

Using the Metro also taught me how to stay calm under pressure; there were moments where things didn’t go as planned. Trains were delayed, or we were heading in the completely wrong direction. At first, these mistakes were stressful and embarrassing; however, I learned that in these situations, panicking never helped. I had to pause and think through the situation before making any decisions. Whether this meant switchig train lines or retracing steps, each problem became manageable once I stopped overthinking every part of the situation. These experiences reenforced the idea that mistakes are not failures, but a crucial part of the learning process.

The most important lesson I think the Metro taught me was independence. Being trusted to navigate the system on our own gave me a sense of control and responsibility. I wasn’t relying on an adult to guide me or fix things if something went wrong. Knowing that I could get myself where I needed to be, even in a complex foreign city, made me feel more capable overall. The independence I learned extended far beyond transportation; it made me feel confident in my ability to adapt to new environments and challenges.

In the end, learning how to use the Metro in Europe was about a lot more than just transportation around cities, but it was about personal development. It taught me independence, patience, and resilience. It showed me that meaningful growth comes from stepping outside of my comfort zone, even if it is in small ways. Most importantly, it taught me that I am more capable than I give myself credit for. What began as a useful skill turned into a lesson about self-trust and confidence that I will carry with me throughout my life.

Thank you to Student Ambassador Lauren S. for writing this blog post!

Your teenage years are that strange in-between stage where everything feels uncertain. You are no longer considered a child, yet not quite old enough to be taken seriously as an adult. You’re still discovering yourself, shaping your values, building your identity, and constantly trying to understand where you fit in the world. And for many teens, that discovery happens in familiar places like your hometown, your school, and your social circles. But when you step outside of that environment and travel, something shifts. At least, it did for me. Travelling as a teenager didn’t just show me new places. It changed the way I see myself, others, and the world.

When you travel young, you’re exposed to differences before your worldview settles into something rigid. You see how other people live, think, celebrate, communicate, and handle themselves. Suddenly, the “normal” things you grew up around don’t feel so universal. I remember walking through the streets of Europe for the first time and realizing how deeply culture shapes everyday life. How people greet each other, how they eat, how they treat time, community, and even strangers. You realize that the world is so much bigger than your school hallways or your TikTok feed. And instead of being intimidating, it becomes exciting. It opens your mind.

Travelling also forces independence in a way that few teenage experiences do. When you’re away from your parents, your routine, or your comfort zone, you learn to take responsibility. It could be navigating airports, adapting to new foods, managing your own money, trying to find your way around a new city, talking to strangers, and making decisions on the spot. You can’t rely on your parents anymore, and you have to trust your own abilities. You discover that you’re capable of more than you thought. Every small challenge, like figuring out the metro system, trying to communicate with people who don’t speak your language, or dealing with unexpected situations, builds confidence and resilience. I returned home from my Global Summers Academy program with a quiet sense of “I can handle things” and that will stay with me.

Another transformative part of travelling as a teen is meeting people whose lives are nothing like yours. Whether it’s other students on the summer program, locals you interact with, or people your age from different countries, you start to see that there isn’t just one right way to live or to grow up. Conversations become lessons about culture, identity, family expectations, dreams, and values. You begin to notice similarities that transcend borders, as well as differences that challenge your assumptions. These interactions make you more open-minded, more empathetic, and more aware of how complex people really are.

Travel also teaches gratitude. When you come from a comfortable country like Canada and visit places where people have less access to things you consider “normal” in your life, it humbles you. You develop gratitude for the smaller things you used to take for granted, such as your home, your friendships, your freedoms, and your routines. I remember coming back from Italy and being incredibly grateful for our drinkable tap water, air conditioning in most public spaces, free public Wi-Fi almost everywhere, and free public bathrooms! But at the same time, you also gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty in diversity. You collect small moments that stay with you: sunsets, street markets, conversations, inside jokes, unfamiliar meals, dancing in the streets, and lots of other memories that don’t fit into photos.

Most importantly, travelling as a teen changed how I see my future. It made the world feel accessible. It made careers, studies, friendships, and opportunities seem less limited by geography. Suddenly, studying abroad, working internationally, or building a global network didn’t feel impossible; it felt natural. It made me consider studying abroad for my post-secondary education, something I never would’ve thought of doing before. Travel opens doors you didn’t even know existed.

In the end, travelling as a teenager isn’t just about seeing new places. It’s about seeing yourself differently. It’s about becoming curious, confident, and connected to the world in a way that shapes the adult you will become. And once you experience that, you never quite return to who you were before, you return better.

Thanks to Student Ambassador Shakira P. for writing this blog post!

When I got the amazing news that I would be attending a Global Summers Academy program, studying history in Portugal and Spain, I was beyond excited. I couldn’t wait to travel to destinations I had never seen before, learn new things about the world I never knew, and make connections with a group of people who I had never met. I knew the memories would be meaningful and lasting. Amidst all of the excitement, there were thoughts in the back of my mind of anxiety. As someone who had never been away from home for more than a week, and never been across the ocean, I was very nervous in the weeks leading up to my program. In the past I’ve struggled with anxiety, so I was expecting the nerves to come, but I was determined not to let them get in the way of this once in a lifetime opportunity.

I decided to make myself as prepared as possible for my program. I made sure to read over all of the messages and packages that I started receiving leading up to the program. I was comforted by the many reassuring messages detailing how everyone is nervous being away from home, and that GSA staff is there to help 24/7. I gradually became less nervous as I could remind myself that what I was feeling was normal, and there would be people to support me if I needed them.

What I was most nervous about was my first night. I find that at night, emotions are always heightened and the first night staying in any new environment can be tricky. When I got settled in with my roommate after a busy and exciting first day, we talked about how we were feeling. I learned that it was also her first time away from home for that long and that she was nervous too. This made me feel less alone and reassured me that I was not the only one in my situation.

One thing that helped me with my first sleep on the program was how quickly our program leaders got us adjusted with the time difference. As soon as we landed in Lisbon, Portugal we went on a beautiful walking tour of the city, immediately immersing ourselves into the environment without time to worry about our nerves. With the time difference and the busy day, by the time night rolled around I was too tired to be nervous. The only thing keeping me awake was my excitement for all of the days to come.

As the program went on I would sometimes feel homesick, or feel a little nervous in new destinations, but wherever I did, I knew I had people to count on. I couldn’t be more grateful for the amazing staff on my program who were friendly, genuine, and easy to talk to. As the days went on the group of students felt like family. I was afraid to talk to any of my classmates about how I was feeling and nine times out of ten they felt the exact same way.

I could not be happier that I decided to push myself out of my comfort zone by studying abroad with GSA. As I now prepare for university, I have my GSA experience to look back on to remind myself I am capable of being away from home for long periods of time. I could not be more grateful that I got this opportunity to face my fears while making lasting memories and friendships and traveling the world.

Thank you to Student Ambassador Lily N. for writing this blog post!

When people ask what a typical day looks like as a Grade 11 or 12 student on a Global Summers Academy double-credit program to Europe, I never quite know how to answer. The truth is, there really isn’t such a thing as a typical day: every single one is different, exciting, and full of surprises. But if I had to describe what a more “normal” day looked like, one without excursions, transfers, or tours, it would probably go something like this.

We’d wake up around 7:30 a.m. and head down for breakfast at the hotel we were staying in. Depending on where we were, that might mean  croissants in France, yogurt in Greece, or espresso in Italy. After breakfast, we’d start morning classes until about 11:00 a.m. The schedule was flexible; sometimes we finished early, sometimes later, depending on what needed to be done. And when I say “classroom,” I don’t mean your typical setup. Classes were held in hotel lobbies, conference rooms, or even outside by the pool. There’s nothing quite like writing an essay while overlooking the Mediterranean!

After morning classes, we’d head out for lunch, usually exploring nearby cafés or grocery stores. Ordering in another language became part of the adventure. Afternoon classes were often independent work periods, giving us time to get assignments done at our own pace. Some people liked studying by the pool, others in quiet corners of the hotel or local cafés.

Once the work was done, it was free time until our nightly meeting and dinner around 8:00 p.m. On weekdays, we could explore until 11:00 p.m., and on weekends, until 12:30 a.m. Whether it was exploring, shopping at local markets, or getting a little lost on the metro, there was always something new to discover.

Of course, not every day followed that routine. Some days were transfer days, when we moved from one destination to another. These days were long; buses, trains, ferries (that occasionally ran late), but they were filled with lessons in real-world travel. My advice: don’t waste them! You can get work done while waiting and still make memories navigating European transit with your friends.

Then there were excursion days, which were always a highlight. On these days, there were no classes, just adventure. We’d head out early for a full day of sightseeing, walking tours, and exploring. After a morning tour and lunch, we’d often get free time to wander on our own, take photos, or grab gelato before heading back. And if you decided to stay behind, there was always plenty to do: swim, shop, relax, or catch up on schoolwork.

No matter the day — class day, transfer day, or excursion day — one thing was always true: there was never a dull moment. The staff encouraged us to make the most of every opportunity, and we did exactly that. We explored, learned, got lost, and made memories that will last a lifetime.

If you ever get the chance to join a Global Summers Academy summer program, take it — and remember, you can sleep when you get home.

Thank you to Student Ambassador Maggie A. for writing this blog!

Traveling is one of my biggest passions, and I never expected a school summer program to become one of the biggest reasons I’ve seen the world. After going on my first Global Summers Academy program to Costa Rica in 2023, I realized nothing else could compare. The experience I had was so different from anything I’ve ever done and shaped me into the person I am today. There are so many reasons I’ve chosen to travel with Global Summers Academy more than once, but a few especially stand out: the independence I gained, the friendships I made, and the mix of school and travel. 

One of the biggest reasons I returned for my 2nd and 3rd years was the confidence I gained from these programs. Traveling and even just being without my family or people I was familiar with used to make me nervous, but Global Summers helped me gain self-confidence and independence. The teachers and Program Managers always made me feel welcomed, safe, and supported while also giving me the freedom to explore, try new things, and make decisions on my own. Being able to be independent, whether it was budgeting my money spending, keeping my hotel room organized and clean, and keeping up with my studies, really helped shape the young adult I am today. 

Another reason I went back is the friendships. I never expected to meet so many people I would stay in touch with and become extremely close with. But there is something about traveling together, living together, figuring out subway routes, and exploring new cities that makes unique, unbreakable bonds. On my first program, I expected to meet new people, but I did not realize how close we would actually get. By the end, it felt like we had our own little family. For my second and third year I continued to meet people from all over Ontario, who I keep in touch with to this day.  

The mix of school and adventure is also something you don’t get anywhere else. Global Summers makes learning feel exciting, not like a regular classroom. Instead of memorizing information, you are seeing it firsthand and living it. If you’re studying history, you could be standing in places where the event actually happened. Or if you’re studying biology, you could see the animals and their habitats firsthand. Everything becomes easier to understand when you’re right there, seeing it for yourself.  

In the end, the reason I’ve traveled with Global Summers for three years is simple. Each program has changed me for the better. I have come home more confident, more open-minded, and more connected to the world. It never feels like a repetitive experience; each destination offers something new, but the same feeling of support and excitement always stays the same. I know these are experiences I’ll carry with me long after the summer is over, and that’s why I keep going back. 

Thank you to Student Ambassador Avery K. for writing this blog!

Travelling to a new country with people I had never met comes with the expectation of maturing in many ways. For me, this meant becoming much more comfortable and confident being independent. I was eager to experience the program and see what I would learn about myself in an unfamiliar environment. Before travelling, my days were structured and routine, where my tasks no longer felt challenging or new. The spontaneity and adaptability of travelling taught me to trust myself, rely on my instincts, and take care of myself. I had to learn how to balance multiple priorities that were important to me, such as connecting with other students, exploring new cities, and managing my schoolwork. I realized that I was responsible for the kind of experience I would have, which made me more conscious of the control I had. Arriving to class on time became something I saw as meaningful rather than a chore, because punctuality proved I could manage myself and wasn’t dependent on others.

Learning to navigate the transit systems was an important lesson that taught me about my problem-solving skills. When exploring a foreign country, it is vital that I knew how to get around without relying on my phone or my friends. Understanding the Metro system and bus routes allowed me to trust myself and made me more eager to see every corner of the cities we visited. The confidence I felt in my independence ensured my safety and made the experience more enjoyable because I felt secure in my capabilities. Every time I got to class on time, took the right train, or completed an assignment by the deadline, I felt proud knowing I had done it successfully while being outside my comfort zone.

The curfew was another expectation that strengthened my independence. The opportunity to explore a new city on our own time was a privilege that maximized the enjoyment of my experience, and it was during this free time that I felt truly independent for the first time. Respecting the curfew and seeing it as a way to keep us safe helped me realize how much I had matured. The trust we were given showed me how much of our enjoyment was in our control. Communication also proved that independence isn’t about doing everything alone but about being aware and accountable. Asking questions or talking over plans with the teachers didn’t make me dependent; instead it showed me I was conscious of my responsibilities.

Being prepared for every situation is another skill I learned. Hot days and long walking tours can take a toll, and relying on someone else for water or money made me feel unprepared and guilty, especially if it delayed the class. Waking up a few minutes early to pack my bag and double-check I packed everything became a habit, and a rewarding one at that. While traveling, I realized the importance of keeping track of my belongings. At home, losing something is a small inconvenience, but abroad, it disrupts the day for me and possibly the group. Double-checking outlets and drawers on travel days and noting when I needed to replenish sunscreen became habits, and I felt more prepared because of it.

Thank you to Student Ambassador Raya K. for writing this blog post!

When preparing for an amazing summer experience, budgeting is one of the smartest things you can do before you leave. You may think you came prepared, but those smaller day-to-day costs can sneak up on you. Things like lunches, souvenirs, clothes, snacks, or even an unexpected craving for gelato can really add up if you’re not careful. Learning how to plan my spending ahead of time helped me make the most of my summer program because I wasn’t constantly worrying about running out of money. Here are some of the best tips and tricks to help you manage your spending wisely so you can enjoy your program stress-free and still come home with great memories (and maybe a little money left over)! 

First, set a realistic budget for yourself before you leave. It’s easy to tell yourself you’ll “just figure it out once you get there”, but having a plan made a huge difference for me on my second summer abroad. Start by thinking about what you’ll likely spend on each day: lunches, snacks, souvenirs, small personal items, or outings with new friends. Once you’ve listed everything, estimate how much you might spend per day. For example, if you plan to spend around $20 to $25 a day on food and little extras, multiply that by the number of days you’ll be away. This gives you a ballpark idea of how much pocket money to bring. It’s better to slightly overestimate than underestimate because there will always be something that catches your eye, as well as prices in tourist areas are often higher than at home. 

Next, divide your spending money into categories or “mini budgets.” For example, you could decide to have a food budget, a souvenir budget, and an emergency budget. Some of the people I met liked to use the envelope method, which is putting a set amount of cash into labeled envelopes for each category or week of the program. This can help you visually track how much you have left and stop you from overspending early on. If you prefer digital tools, there are plenty of apps that can help you organize you expenses and show you where your money is going. The key is to regularly track your spending so you don’t accidentally go through your budget too fast.

Another trick is to be mindful of how often you eat out. Eating at restaurants or cafes every day adds up quickly. Try finding inexpensive “hole in the wall” spots where you can get a filling lunch for a good price, as well as buying snacks, fruit, or breakfast items from a supermarket, can save a lot of money over time. Plus, it gives you the change to try local foods more authentically and affordably.

Lastly, avoid converting money too often or using your card for small purchases. Transaction fees can also add up! Keep any cash in a secure spot (like a locked suitcase or a hotel safe) and only carry what you need for the day.

Budgeting might sound restrictive, but it’s actually the opposite; it gives you more freedom. When you know you’ve planned well, you can say yes to experiences without worrying about running out of money. The Global Summers Academy programs are life-changing opportunities, and with a little financial planning, you can focus on enjoying every moment exploring new cities, meeting new people, and making memories that will last long after the summer ends!

Thanks to Student Ambassador Brooks M. for writing this blog post!