Meeting people from around the world during my GSA program in Greece and Italy taught me a lot about myself, my values, and the way I connect with others. Being exposed to unfamiliar cultures pushed me outside my comfort zone and allowed me to grow. Through these interactions, I became noticeably more confident and outgoing, especially when approaching people I had never met before. I also felt a strong sense of pride in being Canadian, as people were consistently warm, welcoming, and curious about where I was from. This openness made it easier for me to initiate conversations and approach people with confidence.

One of the most meaningful lessons I learned was how much I value listening to others’ stories. I realized that I genuinely enjoy learning about new people and hearing about their lives, even when their experiences are difficult or painful. Listening to these stories reminded me that everyone struggles in one way or another, often in ways that are invisible at first glance. Exposing myself to these harsh realities helped me become more grounded and compassionate by encouraging me to recognize my own privilege and develop empathy for others. I learned that growth comes from acknowledging others’ struggles, demonstrating understanding, and providing a safe environment where they feel comfortable to share. A moment that stayed with me throughout the program was meeting a mother and son who owned a small outdoor fruit market. Although they did not have much money, they were the happiest people I met. They greeted my friends and me with genuine smiles and asked us questions about our lives. We had such warm and open conversations and my friends and I made an effort to stop by their market every day during lunch because seeing them became a meaningful part of our day. These interactions showed me that happiness is not defined by wealth, but by human connection, kindness, and gratitude. Despite the language barrier, we were able to communicate through patience, gestures, and effort, which helped me become a better listener. Instead of feeling frustrated, I focused on understanding them as clearly as possible, strengthening my ability to listen with empathy and care. This lesson became even more evident one evening when I was studying for my Advanced Functions test at a cafe in our hotel. After hours of studying, the servers noticed my work and brought me a free drink as a kind gesture. The four of us began talking using Google Translate. Although communication was difficult at times, we laughed through the misunderstandings and bonded over our shared curiosity about one another. I shared stories about my school life in Canada, while they spoke about their university experiences, jobs, and families. This moment taught me how easily people can form meaningful connections through openness and kindness, even without a shared language.

Overall, meeting people from different cultures taught me that true understanding comes from listening with patience and empathy. This experience will influence how I approach future classrooms and new environments by making me a more confident communicator and a more attentive listener. It showed me that it is possible to form meaningful connections despite cultures, languages, and background differences.

Thanks to Student Ambassador Eden G. for writing this blog!

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!

When on a Global Summers Academy program, you will have the opportunity to explore some amazing locations while learning experientially! On my program to London and the Greek Islands doing English, I learnt that it’s important to experience the location you’re in, but also to stay on top of your work so it doesn’t pile up. Global Summers Academy programs build valuable life skills, such as time-management, independence and studying
wherever you might find yourself. Learning doesn’t stop when you step outside the classroom – so here’s how to study on the go!

My first tip would be to arrive prepared! Bring pencils, pens, and a highlighter if you wish. Don’t forget some paper, your laptop, and any materials your teacher asks you to bring. A pro tip: make sure to download any notes, videos or lessons before heading on the road!

Secondly, make sure to use your free time to get work done efficiently – don’t procrastinate! There are amazing things to see and memories to make. Getting work done ahead of time means you’ll have more time to spend exploring, instead of assignments piling up.

Thirdly, study with your friends and classmates! Everyone is in the same boat (sometimes literally) so make sure to talk out concepts you want to learn more about or are confused about with your new friends. Get classmates to review your work, too! Having another set of eyes on your project might help you come up with new ideas. Also, you can always ask your teacher for help: if you have questions, are confused, or need any extra
support, your teachers are there to help you succeed!

Next, spend time on buses, ferries, or planes finishing up projects or homework – that way, when you get to your destination, you can focus on exploring! When studying in transit, it’s a good idea to bring noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds, and download music or soundtracks you like to listen to while studying. For example, if you like to listen to ambient noise while working, you can block out the chatter of your surroundings, listen to ambient noise, and focus on your work!

Make sure to get good sleep, hydrate and eat well, especially if you’re moving between time zones. This will allow you to be more focused and have more brain power for some incredible learning experiences! Moreover, waking up early to finish up work is super helpful – you get an early start to your day, and can make the most of your time travelling.

Finally, applying your location to your work is an amazing way of delving deeper into its culture! Download videos to deepen your knowledge on new concepts you’re covering – it could help you extend your understanding and find more connections to your course work! Watching the local news can also help make connections between your course and the country (or countries!) that you’re exploring! In my English program for example, I connected studies of current events in Greece to the myths we studied in class. Using your own experiences is another great way to appreciate and apply some of the awesome memories you’ve made!

You will have so much fun and learn so much on your Global Summers Academy program, no matter what subject you explore or location you visit! Make sure to implement some of these tips for some excellent ease of studying. Happy travels!

Thank you to Student Ambassador Kayleigh E. for writing this blog post!

Hands on learning is the best way to learn! Being places and actually doing things helps me understand school subjects better than any textbook, and taking grade 12 Classical Civilizations on my Greece program with Global Summers Academy this summer proved this to me. Textbooks can teach you information but they can’t make you feel like you do when you actually see it for yourself. When I was in Greece, I wasn’t just reading about ancient civilizations, I was walking around the places where ancient people used to live. My teacher explained the places we visited and knew so much about the history. Going to museums while learning about what we were seeing made the lessons more exciting and easier to remember than anything I’ve ever learned from a regular lesson in a classroom.

Another reason why hands on learning is great is because it keeps me interested and not bored. When I’m reading from a textbook my mind sometimes wanders and I have to reread things to try to learn the information. But in Greece, I was surrounded by the real life history I was studying. When our teacher brought us places, he told us interesting stories and had us do scavenger hunts to discover new things. It was so much fun!  Learning while actually looking at the artifacts made everything easier to understand, I got to take cool photos and will remember this for the rest of my life.

Throughout the course, me and the students also had to teach the class. Each of us got to research an ancient site and create a presentation where we taught the rest of the class about the place we had learned about. While I felt like I understood a lot from doing my research, actually being there really made me understand it even more. I couldn’t believe how big, beautiful and ancient these places were. I felt like my presentation came to life because I could point to the different parts of the Ancient Angora while explaining them. Textbooks will show small pictures or give descriptions, but standing in front of the sites from thousands of years ago makes the information real. Being there to explain the things I had learned made me
feel like everyone was interested in my presentation way more than when I used slides in a classroom.

My experience in Greece also proved that hands on learning creates learning that I won’t forget. When there was something I didn’t understand, I could ask my teacher right away. This helped me remember the museums, the historical sites, and the artifacts. I also found that I had more questions than I would in the classroom. Usually I just listen and take notes but in Greece, I was actually curious about things and wanted to know more. Feeling interested in learning is not something that happens to me when I’m at school.

Overall, hands on learning helped me understand more than any textbook ever could. Seeing artifacts, museums, and ancient sites was way more interesting because I was there, experiencing it all for myself. Being there doesn’t just teach you information, it gets you interested and helps you to actually understand it. Hands on learning is hands down, the best way to learn!

Thank you to Student Ambassador Noam G. for writing this blog!

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!

This past summer, I had the opportunity to go on the Global Summers, Rome & the Greek Islands program. This experience unexpectedly changed my relationship with school, and motivation. On the program, I spent three weeks studying Grade 12 Advanced Functions. At first, it sounded almost contradictory. How could something as intense as grade 12 math fit into a summer filled with excursions, tours, new cities and beach days? But that balance between travel and learning is actually what helped me find my motivation again!

Before going on the program, I was feeling extremely burnt out. During the regular school year, I was taking nine courses at once. School had started to feel repetitive, and the motivation to study and focus didn’t come naturally anymore. However, my experience this summer completely shifted that. One of the biggest differences was the small class size. Instead of being one of the many students in a crowded classroom, there were only six of us. My entire class worked together closely, helping each other through difficult problems, and answering each other’s questions. This allowed us to genuinely motivate each other to keep going, and work towards success. Learning became collaborative rather than isolating, which made a huge difference in how engaged I felt.

The structure of the program also played a major role. Classes moved at a quick pace, which forced me to stay focused and keep up with the material. At first, it was a bit challenging, but eventually it actually helped me regain momentum. There was no time to procrastinate or fall behind, as I knew each class would be about a new topic. This fast pace forced me to be motivated, as I had to work to learn the new material to ensure I would not fall behind the next day. The speed of the class also allowed me to feel more accomplished at the end of each day, knowing I had stayed on track while also experiencing a new place, which is extremely motivating.

Another major factor that helped me find motivation again was the long breaks built into the schedule. After classes, we went on excursions, explored historic cities, and spent time at the beach. These breaks gave me something to look forward to and helped prevent burnout. Instead of feeling exhausted by school and then having more work to do later, I felt refreshed, energized and ready to do more learning after our adventures!

Finally, due to such small classes, there are many opportunities to speak one-on-one with teachers, which was also incredibly motivating. Having direct access to support allowed me to ask questions freely and gain a deeper understanding of the material. It made learning feel more personal and less intimidating, which boosted my confidence and motivation.

Overall, my summer abroad truly helped me find motivation again. I wanted to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience, and that meant giving my education my all. I wanted to explore new places while also succeeding in the classroom. Embracing this is truly what helped me find
my motivation again!

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