NPCA Into The Travel Business

The National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) has selected San Diego-based Discover Corps (a division of Terra Education) to operate a new program, “Next Step Travel.” These two-week trips allow individuals to travel and volunteer abroad in the Dominican Republic from October 27 – November 9, 2012, February 16 – March 1, 2013 or May 11 – May 24, 2013 or in Guatemala from October 6 – 19, 2012, March 9 – March 22, 2013 or April 20 – May 3, 2013. Individuals will work alongside Returned Peace Corps Volunteers living in those countries while learning first-hand about sustainable development projects being implemented by volunteers in the field. Participants will also get the opportunity to volunteer themselves.

Terra Education is best known for its division called “Global Leadership Adventures” that offers service-learning programs for high school students. Upon hearing of the launch of “Next Step Travel,” several parents reached out to share their thoughts and opinions. “When I saw my daughter’s photos and heard about her Global Leadership Adventures experience, I wished I could have been there. Now, with the launch of this program, I will finally get my turn for an amazing trip,” says Liz Steyer from San Francisco, Calif., and a mother who has sent two of her children on GLA programs.

“GLA was a pivotal experience for my son’s journey into adulthood, and I am thrilled to learn that Terra Education is now offering adult programs,” says Jane Gutman, whose son participated in a GLA program prior. Harriet Baker, mother of a previous participant, has always been “envious of her son’s experience in Tanzania,” and hopes to have the opportunity to take part in a service-based trip of her own one day.

The NPCA will officially announce the launch of this new program at its annual gathering on June 29 in Minneapolis, with hundreds of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers present.

About Global Leadership Adventures: With roots tying to the African Leadership Academy, Global Leadership Adventures was founded in 2004. GLA offers international community service programs for teen volunteers. Programs are open to students from all over the world between the ages of 14 and 18.