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About Us
Mission
History
Staff
Location
Why Go With GLA
What Students and Parents are Saying

OUR MISSION      top of page
Our mission is to offer a study abroad program for Adventist high school students that facilitates cross-cultural understanding and enrichment by providing a unique opportunity for:  cultural immersion, intensive language study, travel excursions, personal and spiritual growth, and building life-long friendships.

OUR HISTORY       top of page
Global Language Adventures was founded in 2001 by Janet Blackwood to meet the need for a study abroad program specifically designed for Seventh-day Adventist Christian high school students. 

OUR STAFF        top of page
Global Language Adventures offers outstanding student services.  From application assistance to full on-site support in Costa Rica, our staff strive to help students make the most of living and studying overseas.
Janet Blackwood – Founder and On-Site Director: 

An educator for almost 20 years, Janet has taught all levels from kindergarten through college and has traveled extensively, having visited, lived in, and/or worked in over 30 countries.  She earned undergraduate degrees in Spanish and Education from Walla Walla College and an M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Portland State University .  As well as being “mom” to students in the GLA program, Janet teaches Bible , U.S. History, and English classes in the Semester and Academic Year programs, and coordinates and supervises all student activities. She can be reached at golanguage@hotmail.com or cell phone 541-570-0211.

Judy Blackwood – Admissions Coordinator:  

Judy is the person who answers your phone calls and processes your application materials.  Her own experience living overseas for several years and being the mother of an exchange student means she understands the kinds of questions you are likely to have.  If you need application materials, or have questions about the status of your application, you can phone her at 541-259-6819 or e-mail her at jblackwood1@juno.com.

Cheri Wolcott – Accounts Coordinator:

Parent of a GLA alumnus, Cheri is the person who can help you with any questions you may have about your account.  You can contact her at 503-663-1305 or e-mail her at chericott@gmail.com.

Aileen Alvarez – Language Center Director:

A native of Costa Rica , Aileen coordinates all aspects of the Spanish classes for GLA students and is available to assist them with any questions they may have while on campus.

Teachers - Our teachers are experienced, dedicated and caring individuals carefully selected and screened. Our teaching staff are talented university professors and instructors, high school teachers, and advanced graduate and undergraduate students. We maintain a minimum ratio of 1 staff member for every 12 students.  All Spanish classes are taught by native-language speaking teachers.  They use the communicative method of teaching which combines all aspects and skills of language such as grammar, conversation, vocabulary, pronunciation, reading, listening and writing.  The method is interactive in a way that makes language learning interesting, meaningful, and fun.  Teaching materials have been especially designed and developed for each ability level.


OUR LOCATION       top of page               See Campus
All Global Language Adventures programs take place on the joint campus of Central American Adventist University and Instituto Centroamericano Adventista (ICA), an Adventist high school (see Campus) which provides instruction to approximately 300 students in grades 7-11.  The campus is located approximately 1 mile north of Alajuela , Costa Rica's second largest city.  The campus is on a large property surrounded by tropical flowers and fruit trees.  All Spanish classes are located in the University’s Center for Language Learning.

 WHY GO WITH GLA?       top of page

·        On-site staff
Our on-site staff are enthusiastic, knowledgeable professionals who help students adjust to the academic and cultural differences of a new country.  The on-site director’s job incorporates a variety of student services.  These include helping students resolve academic problems, responding to student emergencies, or being a listening ear during a bout of homesickness.  Each student’s experience is facilitated by our on-site staff from the moment we meet them upon arrival at the airport, until they return home. 

·        On-site orientation
Global Language Adventures provides a complete orientation in country.  Students spend time in the first few days after arrival getting to know one another, the on-site Director, and their teachers.  They also become acquainted with the area around the school and are taken on a tour of Alajuela and San Jose . The policies of the school and GLA are explained and students are given information on cross-cultural adaptation. 

·        Affordability
Global Language Adventures provides the lowest cost study abroad program specifically designed for Adventist High School students.  Compare us to other study abroad programs and we think you’ll find that GLA programs usually cost hundreds or sometimes even thousands of dollars less.

·        Classes
GLA offers classes for all levels: beginner to advanced.  Upon arrival in Costa Rica students take a language placement test.  Based on the results, they are placed in classes that coincide with their language ability.  All Spanish classes are taught by native-language speaking teachers.  They use the communicative method of teaching which combines all aspects and skills of language such as grammar, conversation, vocabulary, pronunciation, reading, listening and writing.  The method is interactive in a way that makes language learning interesting, meaningful, and fun.

·        Location
We operate in a rural setting in one of the most beautiful corners of the world.  Besides being recognized as one of the most ecologically diverse places on our planet, Costa Rica is also known for having a strong democracy, a high standard of living, and one of the world’s best health care systems. 

·        Periodic Progress Reports
The on-site director is in contact with each student’s parents throughout their stay in Costa Rica . 

·        Airport Pickup/Drop off
At the time of arrival the on-site director will be waiting at the airport exit doors and will be holding a sign that says Global Language Adventures.  Departing students are escorted to airline check-in.

WHAT OUR STUDENTS AND PARENTS SAY ABOUT US       top of page
Read about the some of the GLA students and parents have said about Global Language Adventure.