In the course of my life and career, I have had the opportunity to travel to 38 different countries around the globe, primarily with musicians and know first hand, the direct impact travel can have on the enrichment of the human experience. I now have the pleasure of donating my time and resources towards a much larger goal with GCAC. I fully endorse the exposure of World presentation and experiences to young people, eager to learn about the many different cultures, foods, music, and lifestyles. I commend the efforts of Stacie Freeman and Dr Julie Hill for their leadership and passion for creating this unique platform to serve the underprivileged kids/students in rural West TN. The value of travel and world exposure has an impact on the student that will last a lifetime and to achieve the mission of building the true Global Citizen. Sincerely, Ed Sargent
My travel experience in Guatemala with Global Citizen Adventure Corps was outstanding! The trip itinerary, attention to details, and client service and support were second to none! I look forward to an ongoing relationship with GCAC and more great trips to come.
I have travelled many places, solo and with groups, but Global Citizen Adventure Corps provided one of the best trips I have taken. The leaders are knowledgeable, outgoing, and thoughtful. The places they visit are amazing. And the service element ensures you talk to people in the community and have a real feel for the culture. My next trip will definitely be with them.
Mrs. Freeman ran an exceptional travel study program. The accommodations were extraordinary. The cuisine was traditional and delicious. All of our excursions were authentic and involved with the local people. I've been on many travel studies, but never one so fun and immersive. I can't wait to go again!
I was lucky enough to be able to visit Guatemala with GCAC over Fall Break. I was exposed to experiences that I have never had before and ones that I could not describe if I tried. We volunteered at a school, were welcomed into a Guatamalan home for a cooking lesson, visited Mayan ruins, went ziplining, and hiked Pacaya volcano eating pizza cooked in lava to name a few. GCAC organized everything and made sure that we were partnered with people who could get us appropriate guides who gave us an unforgettable experiences. I have gone on many tours before but none with GCAC. From now on when I book a service learning trip or tourism trip, it will be through GCAC every time.
My daughter loved her trip and I was so glad she got to have an experience like this with a group of young adults her age and was able to share with classmates. Trip of a lifetime! With more to come.
Global Citizen Adventure Corps set up an amazing trip to Guatemala that I’ll never forget. We did some volunteer work and got to know the local people, who were super friendly and welcoming.
We also checked out awesome cultural stuff, like markets and historical sites, which helped me understand Guatemala’s rich history better. The staff made sure everything went smoothly, and the whole experience changed my perspective on global citizenship. I definitely recommend Global Citizen Adventure Corps if you’re looking for an adventure that actually means something!
GCAC is a small and mighty nonprofit with an excellent mission. Connecting young people to the rest of the world through travel and service learning makes a huge impact especially for youth who would not have the opportunity otherwise. I know this to be true because I experienced this first hand as a young person from an inner-city high school. It does make a difference! This is why I am proud to be a board member of GCAC and am dedicated to see this organization grow and continue to make an impact in the lives of young people in Tennessee and beyond.
I travelled to Cuba with this group last October. An awesome and educational experience! It is outstanding what GCAC offers students and individuals with their excursions to other countries! Highly recommend this to have a wonderful adventure!
I had the pleasure of traveling with a group of my students to Costa Rica with GCAC. It is hard to put into words how impactful this experience was for my students and myself. In one week's time, I witnessed my students grow and mature not only as individuals, but also as global citizens. On the day we left there was not a dry eye in the group! In such a short amount of time we had fallen in love with the country, culture, and people that are Costa Rica. We each gained a newfound appreciation for the environment around us and had our eyes opened to the importance of taking care of the wildlife and vegetation in our environment. The connections we made with the locals added a whole new depth to the experience. We were not just visitors to the country, but rather, we were completely immersed in the day to day lives of the "ticos." This was such a life-changing experience that I was already planning my return trip before we ever touched back down in the U.S.
GCAC is an exceptional global service learning provider, offering a transformative experience for participants through immersive, community-driven travel. Their programs allow students and volunteers to dive into service work that directly impacts local communities while also fostering personal growth and a deeper understanding of global citizenship.
One standout feature of GCAC is its commitment to inclusivity, providing scholarships to underrepresented and diverse demographics who might not otherwise have the chance to travel. This opens the door for students from all walks of life, helping them gain valuable perspectives on global challenges such as sustainability, poverty alleviation, and education.
GCAC goes beyond just travel—it creates meaningful, lasting partnerships with communities around the world. From working with local students to building infrastructure and addressing pressing needs, participants don't just visit—they leave an impact. The focus on cultural immersion helps participants learn about local traditions and develop a true appreciation for the places they serve, making the experience a deeply enriching one for all involved.
In a world where travel is often seen as a luxury, GCAC turns it into a force for good, empowering young travelers to be changemakers while also enhancing their own lives. This kind of purposeful travel is key to fostering a generation of leaders who are not only globally minded but also deeply connected to the communities they serve.
Serving on the GCAC board has been an honor. As a former Director of Community Engagement, I've worked with numerous nonprofits, but few have such a clear mission and passion as GCAC. The founders' vision of providing global experiences to rural youth and college-age students addresses a critical gap in our increasingly interconnected world. Their hard work and dedication are evident in the many students who return for second or third trips, as well as in the faces of the people they serve.
Traveling with GCAC is an experience like no other. You are on the move helping people and places, making a difference in the world around you, while learning about the culture you are making a difference in. These trips are amazing to go on and experience life with those you help, supporting their communities by your purchases (because you will come home with souvenirs), and just enjoying being in their presence in their world. I am so glad I finally got on a trip and hope for more in the future.
This group makes everything we do exciting. From sunrise to sunset and after I have enjoyed every part of my past 3 trip with this group.
Previous Stories
I traveled with Global Citizen Adventure Corps to Costa Rica. The trip brought citizens together from 16 yrs of age to 84 yrs. Each learned from the other, which made them act as a family. Now these same travelers are still communicating with each other and staying in contact with GCAC.
It was an incredible journey of learning about culture, organic agriculture and much more!! The leaders were very informative and made us feel very safe in our international travels! The ability to help and support through manual labor for an organization that helps restore central America’s animal diversity and rebuild the stability of their environment was educational and fulfilling! We also got to enjoy other activities such as making a journey through a market. The purchases supported the women of the area.
GCAC planned and executed a trip that not only allowed travelers to see and experience important tourist sites but more importantly, connect with and serve the people that inhabit the beautiful city of Oaxaca! There were so many opportunities to connect with and learn from people with different backgrounds and have meaningful interactions. Stacie and Julie are excellent planners and communicators - every aspect of the trip was well thought out with the travelers experience in mind. I can't wait to take another trip with this excellent and intentional organization!
This was a wonderful experience for me. It was my first time outside of the country and it truly changed my view on a lot of things. Especially some of the pitfalls of the U.S. on togetherness. Things in Costa Rica couldn't have changed without their government and the citizen acting in unison. I want to take this same unity back to the US and try to push for change in many different areas.
Traveling with this group was a moment I will never forget. Understanding what it means to be a Global Citizen and actually being a part of it, is something I will take with me for the rest of my life. I can’t thank this group enough for this and hopefully future opportunities.
I have traveled with GCAC twice within the year of 2023 and getting ready for a 3rd trip with them that should say everything in it’s self ☺️ I absolutely love this program I traveled in March to Costa Rica and May it was Columbia. Me personally it’s an eye opener and a reality check as well I wouldn’t travel with any other group than GCAC
I love this group!!!! I thinks it's an amazing experience to be able to travel to other countries and learn other cultures. To be able to help them and at the same time make a difference in the world. And bring back to the United States things we've learned.
GCAC has truly been a blessing. I say this because the experience that I have had this week has literally changed the way I do ministry and how I look at the world. They have introduced me to culture, community, and commitment. I say culture because of the way GCAC has intertwined cuisine and camaraderie. I say community because GCAC has brought together people of all backgrounds and diversity. I say commitment because GCAC has kept improving and using innovative approaches to learning. This is a great opportunity and I thank them for it.
I got to travel to Costa Rica and Colombia with Global Studies. Both of these were life changing trips for me! I absolutely loved it, and they gave me a new perspective! I am so thankful I got to be a part of it!
It is so important for students like me to be able to study abroad because it gives them the opportunity to learn about other culture that is not America and learn about how others live. Colombia is an experience like no other. I never imagined the impact one place could make on a person but it turns out that God had bigger plans for me when I went. I have been to Colombia 3 times. 2 of those times were with GCAC and the other time I was inspired to learn more about the culture and community in Cali, Colombia. In Colombia we volunteer at Bethel University's Sister School, Colegio Americano. While we are in Cali, Colombia we volunteer at the school and help the english teacher teach the students and after school we get the opportunity to see what Colombia has to offer such as the historical church La Ermita or the the beautiful site Pance. If I told that I could only go visit one place for the rest of my life I would without a doubt and no hesitation say Colombia. After the first time that I went to Colombia with GCAC, I prayed and prayed because my heart was moved by what I experienced at Colegio Americano that I decided to change my major to education. The students and teachers at Colegio Americano love like no other. The students are so eager to learn especially from American. They are so wager to learn about our culture just as much as I am to learn about theirs. Traveling is great in itself but being able to volunteer when you travel gives you more opportunity to see about the culture and community better than just the tourism view. This program gives me and others like me to travel safely and experience other cultures while getting an education and volunteering. This scholarship helped me travel to Colombia to volunteer at the place that has made a big affect on my life. Each time that I have been to Colombia it gets harder and harder to leave because the people love like to other. Colombia will always have a place in my heart. I hope that more students can experience it like I have. The picture show just a little bit about the trips to Colombia that I have made. The scholarship gave me the chance to find a place I love with all my heart and it will hold a place in my heart forever. Te amo much Cali,Colombia y Colegio Americano.
Gracias por mostrar a jóvenes universitarios y a voluntarios de todas las edades y profesiones, otros lugares, contextos y personas y por motivarlos a servir a los demás y cuidar nuestro planeta, y hacer todo esto de forma practica, segura y divertida.
Ha sido de crecimiento y oportunidad para conocer y concientizarme más acerca de las necesidades de otras culturas, pero también, acerca de todas las opciones que puede haber para servir y ayudar en estas. Compartir con jóvenes que tienen grandes sueños y entre esos sueños, servir más a las personas, me motiva para continuar mi labor misional en donde Dios me quiera tener.
I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to travel to Guatemala. I have visited here before and worked with a ministry group called clubhouse guatemala, so when Ms.Stacie mentioned that she was taking a group, I was like count me in. I love Guatemala because the people are so kind and they all love each other. Coming from a small town, it is amazing to see how other people live. It’s very humbling to me because everyone here is so happy and thankful for everything they have and not everyone here has the opportunity to go to school. There are many kids who just know at a young age that they will eventually work for the rest of their lives and for only one dollar a day. Many people in America don’t know that there are other people around the world that actually have to work to survive, which is why it is good to travel. I think that we as students don’t actually know how good we have it. I hear students complain all the time about their dorms or how much they don’t like class. Here in Guatemala, some people are living in a one room, bamboo built, house and they still have a smile on their face. If students in the dorm were told they had to move into a one room shack, they would have a stroke. I believe that traveling to Guatemala truly humbles me and reminds me that I am more than blessed to be who I am, have the things that I have, and participate in the things that are available to me.
Had a wonderful trip to Guatemala. Helped show school children dental hygiene. The people of Guatemala are amazing. I learned so much under the leadership of Stacie and Julie. Truly a blessing.
The memories made on this trip are irreparable it’s hard to believe we were only hear for a week I have met so many amazing people from Guatemala and made great friends on this trip from bethel I love this country and the people and am definitely visiting again.
This program is amazing. We got to meet new people make new friends we got to go look at the way that people live life in the poorer part of the world and when you have seen what all we have seen it is very humbling . It gives you a second perspective on life and that we shouldn’t take things for granted.
I know that God placed me here in Guatemala from the moment I stepped into the Seminary. I have loved every second of this experience and have truly been nothing but grateful. The people here are so thankful for what they have or are given no matter the value. I have made friends inside Guatemala City, Antigua, Panajachel, San Juan, and San Marcos that I will remember for the rest of my life. I can not be more appreciative of this experience and how much it has taught me. I will definitely be back here in Guatemala to hopefully make a greater difference in the lives I have met and already began to impact. I can’t thank Global Citizens Adventure Corps enough for the scholarship that helped me achieve this dream and experience that has changed me forever! I am forever grateful to the city of Guatemala and GCAC that made this amazing experience achievable for me!
The GCAC is a fantastic organization that allowed me and other students, adults and friends to learn and support other cultures. It has allowed me to be more involved with the world and forge bonds that can never be broken. Their scholarships provide opportunities for young adults who usually cannot afford to travel and allows everyone a chance to serve and become well-rounded adults.
GCAC is an amazing organization that gives back to the community led by a passionate team of members who aim to make the world a better place. The opportunities and care GCAC provides to clients is unmatched!
GCAC has fantastic leadership and a mission I can stand behind. No one else is intentionally creating international service opportunities for students in rural communities to develop and change the world.
GCAC is amazing! Through their programs, you can truly see how travel can open minds and doors. I know because engaging with a culture as a respectful and humble guest will create space within yourself, to explore ways of thinking and knowing — hopefully as a benefit to all — and this is at the center of GCAC's values!
Study abroad changed my life and, as an educator, I have seen it change the lives of other students. Living and working in different cultures enlarges your world view and helps you understand other people. But the costs can be prohibitive. Global Citizen Adventure Corps makes it possible for more students to travel and participate in service learning opportunities regardless of their economic status. GCAC presents opportunities that open up the world.
My involvement with Global Citizen Adventure Corps has been transformational . I have rediscovered the innate sense of curiosity and adventure that we as human beings share through my experiences with GCAC.
Global Citizen Adventure Corps offers real world travel with meaningful service components for underserved students and community members in rural West Tennessee. I found this to be a truly rewarding investment. The organization is lean, with little overheard so that the maximum amount of resources can be devoted to GCAC's richly cultivated experiences. And these are life changing experiences for young people who may never have venture outside of their own counties or states. I used to donate to a major university, but I find this innovative organization a much more worthy investment.
The core team at GCAC is one of the most outstanding factors for this non-profit. The heart, vision, passion, and commitment they have to serving traditionally 'under-served' young people by giving them the gift of cultural immersion and travel is truly inspiring! The goals and vision they have for building cultural bridges and expanding the minds and hearts of young people who otherwise might not have the opportunity to experience anything outside of their own communities has my vote any day!
From my personal experience growing up in rural NW Tennessee, I learned travel was the antidote to ignorance, and it allowed me to see myself and others in a new light...we are all the same with a uniqueness that creates our diversity which makes everything better. I want to help more young and mature people have this experience! This is why I volunteer and support GCAC!!
Having grown up in rural America, I know first hand the lack of travel and scholastic opportunities for students. Global Citizen Adventure Corps is addressing this need by offering affordable options to students, oftentimes with scholarships. I'm proud to be a donor so I can see in real time how my gift impacts students who might otherwise never have a chance to experience another culture.
As a local journalist in West Tn, I interviewed co-founder Stacie Freeman and her traveling students several times. I have been amazed at the ability of the organization to forge strong partnerships in country and support local students by offering resume-enhancing opportunities. The fact that students get college credit and the local communities benefit from the required community service makes GCAC a win/win. With the addition of co-founder Julie Hill and her array of contacts worldwide in the arts arena plus the nonprofit status, I think great things will continue to come out of GCAC.