Tuition & Refunds FAQ

Where can I find the tuition amount for my program?

On the website page for your program, check the Dates & Tuition section, and you will see the tuition amount for the session dates you have chosen.

How do I save my spot on my program?

Simply head to our online application to get started.

At the time of enrollment, you will need to pay your $600 deposit to hold your spot, as well as an application fee (typically $95-$145). Both the application fee and deposit are non-refundable.

As for paying the remainder of your tuition balance, it is typically due within 45 days of your deposit; however, see the payment schedules below for complete details.

Please note: GLA programs can be physically and emotionally demanding; applicants should be in good physical and mental health, as well as comply with COVID-19 protocols (such as required vaccination against COVID-19 for most programs as well as testing & distancing requirements.)

What is your refund policy?

Our refund policy is outlined below.

GLA Refund Policy Details:

• All payments are subject to the conditions of our refund policy on the date payment is received.
• If a student chooses to withdraw for any reason prior to the program start date, GLA must be notified in writing.
• Certain portions of the program fees are refundable depending on the date of the written cancellation request. Refunds will be calculated according to the date in which GLA receives this notification.
• If for some reason GLA is not able to grant acceptance into the program, everything but the application fee is refundable.
• The $600 deposit towards the tuition is always non-refundable, but can be transferred to another student and can be used as a lifetime deposit upon request. The application fee (typically $95) is always non-refundable & non-transferable.
• The non-refundable application fee amount varies depending on the date of application. Typically it is $95-$145 USD.
• If your full tuition balance is paid on time:  If you cancel out of your programs at least 60 days prior to departure and your full tuition balance has been paid on time, your family is eligible to receive a lifetime tuition credit for all payments received (excluding the application fee), in lieu of a refund payment.

GLA Program Terms & Conditions:

We may, at any time, modify these Terms and Conditions, with or without notice. Any such modification will be effective immediately upon public posting.

• Terra reserves the right to make changes, cancellations, postponements or substitutions as a result of changing conditions, safety considerations, the interests of the group, or emergency situations.
• In the event Terra decides not to operate a program for force majeure or safety considerations, Terra reserves the right to substitute such program with another program option of the same program theme.
• In the case of COVID or similar force majeure events, should safe program delivery be possible with social distancing measures only, GLA may need to add a ‘social distancing’ surcharge to cover additional costs associated with changes to program elements such as dorming, transportation or service projects. The surcharge would be in addition to the tuition of the program and apply to all currently registered and future students. If enacted, the established surcharge must be received in full 30 days prior to the program start date. Alternatively, in order to avoid such a surcharge, GLA may reduce program duration to cover extra costs. In such an instance, GLA would liaise with families before enacting any surcharge / program duration deduction with the objective of identifying the most suitable solution for all.
• Once on a program, if a Student chooses to leave the GLA Program, there will be no refund of the program fee. If the Student leaves the GLA Program prior to the end date due to parental request, personal reasons, behavioral issues, or mental health challenges, he/she will not be permitted to re-join the program. The Student’s removal is final.
• Students must treat their surroundings and materials with care. The Participant agrees to reimburse Terra for any property of GLA Program Staff or lodging facilities that is damaged, lost, or destroyed as a result of the Student’s actions.

**Exceptions CANNOT be granted to this refund policy. Travel insurance is recommended to help provide protection for your investment beyond our cancellation policy.

Refund deadlines for Summer 2022 programs: 

This refund policy applies to all programs beginning in June, July and August 2022.

• Cancellation notices received by December 15, 2021:
  • 100% of tuition paid, except the $600 deposit and the application fee, is refundable.
• Cancellation notices received December 16, 2021 to April 15, 2022:
  • 50% of tuition paid, except the $600 deposit and application fee, is refundable.
• Cancellation notices received after April 15, 2022:
  • None of the tuition or application fees are refundable.

Refund deadlines for Spring Break 2022 programs:

This refund policy applies to all programs beginning in March and April 2022.

• Cancellation notices received by December 15, 2021:
  • 100% of tuition paid, except the $600 deposit and the application fee, is refundable.
• Cancellation notices received December 16, 2021 to February 15, 2022:
  • 50% of tuition paid, except the $600 deposit and application fee, is refundable.
• Cancellation notices received after February 15, 2022:
  • None of the tuition or application fees are refundable.

Refund deadlines for open enrollment programs:

The refund policies listed above apply to all open enrollment programs during the dates and seasons referenced.

• For any open enrollment program with dates not listed above, please contact our Admissions Team at info@experiencegla.com or 1-858-771-0645 for details on our applicable refund policy.

Refund deadlines for custom group programs: 

This refund policy applies to all GLA Custom Group Travel.

• Cancellation notices received by ​5 months prior to program start date:
  • 100% of tuition paid is refundable, except ​$95 ​application fee
• Cancellation notices received by ​4 months prior to program start date:
  • 75% of tuition paid is refundable, except application fee
• Cancellation notices received by ​3 months prior to program start date:
  • 50% of tuition paid is refundable, except application fee
• Cancellation notices received by ​2 months prior to program start date:
  • 25% of tuition paid is refundable, except application fee
• Cancellation notices received less than 2 months prior to program start date:
  • None of the tuition or application fees are refundable

Refund deadlines for virtual internships:

Your registration fee is subject to the following Refund Policy.

• Fully refundable if:
  
  • (1) cancellation is received at least 30 days prior to the program start date AND
  • (2) cancellation is received within 72 hours of registration.
• 50% refundable if:
  • Cancellation is received at least 30 days prior to the program start date, but not within 72 hrs of registration.
• Non-Refundable if:
  • Cancellation received less than 30 days prior to the program start date.

If you are using any tuition credit as payment, we ask that you cancel at least 30 days prior to the program start date to retain full tuition credit.

Force Majeure:

Program cancellation, postponements or changes that occur due to an unexpected or uncontrollable event may be subject to Force Majeure. Such instances could be, but not limited to: acts of God, flood, drought, earthquake or other natural disaster, epidemic or pandemic, terrorist attack, civil war, civil commotion, or any law or any action taken by a government or public authority. If Force Majeure is enacted, Terra will aim to move the student to another program, if possible. If no alternative program is available, the family will be granted a credit for a future program. This credit will be transferable to any other sibling or friend. Where families demand a refund in spite of these circumstances, we will provide partial cash refunds only should our overall situation allow us to do so. The payout ratio will depend on the scale of the Force Majeure.

Are there deadlines and terms for submitting an application?

Yes. Please see below for details.

Deadlines & Terms for Submitting Your Application:

When the initial $600 tuition deposit and application fee is paid, the student’s space will be held pending availability.

However, GLA must receive the completed online application, and the signed waiver and consent forms, on the following timeline:

• For deposits made up until December 15, application and waiver documents must be submitted by December 31.
• For deposits made December 15 until May 1, application and waiver documents must be submitted within 2 weeks of the initial deposit date.
• For deposits made May 1 – May 15, application and waiver documents must be submitted no later than May 20.
• Applications received after May 15 require approval, as well as a completed application & full tuition payment for consideration.

If the online application and waiver forms are not completed within the above defined deadlines, GLA reserves the right to cancel the application and retain the deposit and any additional funds paid. Extensions can be granted in some cases if the program is more than 90 days from departure.

Your application will be reviewed upon submission. Any follow-up questions will be directed to the parents or guardians. Any follow-up requests should be completed within the above defined deadlines, unless otherwise specified, otherwise GLA reserves the right to cancel the application and retain the deposit and any additional funds paid.

If for some reason GLA is not able to grant acceptance into the program, everything but the application fee is refundable.

Required Signed Documentation:

Enrollment & participation in the program is contingent on both the participant and one legal guardian signing and agreeing to: COVID-19 Informed Consent, Waiver, Code of Conduct, Medical Consent form and any other required documentation that may become required under Terra Education, Inc. discretion with the evolving COVID-19 situation. All Terms & Conditions outlined including the refund policy will be upheld regardless of signature of required documentation. Neither program enrollment nor program participation will be permitted unless all requested documents are signed and returned. Terra Education reserves the right to cancel any applicants or deny participation of any enrolled students and retain the deposit and any additional funds paid if the requested documentation is not signed and returned in a timely manner specified by Terra.

Are there deadlines and terms for tuition payments?

Yes. Please see below for details.

Deadlines & Terms for Tuition Payment:

• For programs in spring and summer tuition is due in full within 1 week* of enrollment when the following conditions are met:
  • (1) the program session begins in 90 days or less
  • (2) the program session has met minimum student enrollment numbers
  • (3) the program has been confirmed to run by GLA
• If these conditions are met prior to 90 days from departure, tuition is due within 30 days of enrollment.

*Payment Plans: Available on a limited basis upon request.

Late Fees & Penalties:

A $100 late fee will be assessed if full payment is not received by the due date. Additionally, if your balance is overdue, GLA reserves the right to cancel the application and retain the deposit and any additional funds paid.

If your full tuition balance is paid on time:  If you cancel out of your programs at least 60 days prior to departure and your full tuition balance has been paid on time, your family is eligible to receive a lifetime tuition credit for all payments received (excluding the application fee), in lieu of a refund payment. This exception to the refund policy for extenuating circumstances is only open to those who have paid the full balance on-time.

Payment Plans:

Available on a limited basis upon request.

Payment by check:

When you provide a check as payment, you authorize us either to use information from your checks to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account or to process the payment as a check transaction (ACH transfer). A $25 fee applies to bounced checks.

Payment Method Discounts:

The following discounts are available if you make your balance payment via check or deposit: 8-day Programs – $20, 10-day programs – $30, 14-day programs – $50, 21-day programs – $70.

What are the deadlines for completing and turning in pre-departure documents?

All of the key dates and deadlines are outlined for your reference below.

Deadlines for pre-departure documents:

Pre-departure documents are required for participation. Upon acceptance, you will receive the necessary documents and instructions via email

• For all participants who enroll up until January 31st, pre-departure documents will be due by March 1st.
• For all spring participants who enroll up until December 31st, pre-departure documents will be due by February 1st.
• For all spring participants (beginning January 1st), pre-departure documents are due 30 days after acceptance into the program.
• For all summer participants (beginning February 1st), pre-departure documents are due 30 days after acceptance into the program.
• If your program departure date is closer than 60 days away, your pre-departure documents are due 10 days from acceptance until May 20.
• June 1 is the last date to submit required pre-departure paperwork unless approved.

If the required pre-departure documents are not completed within the above defined deadlines, GLA reserves the right to assess a late fee of $50 – $200 or cancel the application without refund. Extensions can be granted in some cases if the program is more than 60 days from departure.

Are there deadlines for changing programs or session dates?

Yes, there are a couple of deadlines you should take note of, outlined below.

Deadlines for changing programs:

• Until April 15th, students can change to available sessions (dates, program, countries) at no additional fee.
• As of April 16th, there is a $50 fee to change to an available session (date, program, countries).

Should I get travel insurance?

GLA includes secondary medical insurance and evacuation insurance during the program as part of your total program costs. However, purchasing a travel insurance policy is also recommended. See further insurance details below for guidance.

Insurance: Battleface

• We highly recommend purchasing a Travel Insurance policy to help protect your investment. We suggest battleface, a reputable provider with years of strong customer reviews and a reputation for great customer service.
• Secondary medical insurance and evacuation insurance during the program is included for programs located outside of the US.
• We CANNOT extend beyond our refund policy for personal injury, losses or acts of God or any other exceptions, however travel insurance may be able to provide additional coverage beyond our refund policy.
• We are not responsible for any insurance premium, terms of use or otherwise for any insurance policy you choose to purchase.

What is not covered by tuition?

Below, we’ve outlined a list of several items that will need to be paid for separately in addition to your tuition.

Items not covered by tuition, that you will need to pay for:

• International or domestic airfare to and from the destination country and/or city
• Entry passport / visa to the country (if required)
• Immunizations (if required)
• Multi-Country Flight Connections (if applicable)
• Airport taxes (if required)
• US health insurance for programs within the US, if a resident of the US
• COVID-19 testing, vaccination and any other COVID policy-related surcharges

Typical student expenses during the program also not covered by tuition:

• Snacks and soft drinks
• Souvenirs
• Laundry (when available)
• Public internet cafes

What do the program fees (tuition) include?

GLA programs are all-inclusive, except for airfare. We provide students housing, transportation, three full meals a day, secondary medical insurance and evacuation insurance. Students will bring their own souvenir money and extra spending money.

These items are included with your program tuition:

• Secondary medical and evacuation insurance
• Airport pickup by GLA staff
• Phone call home upon arrival
• All meals and purified water
• Lodging in GLA Home-Base
• All ground transportation
• All excursions and activities
• Experienced Program Directors
• Supplies for service project
• Pre-departure logistical support
• 24-hour emergency hotline
• Emergency cash-advance service

How do I redeem any tuition credits?

We have outlined some simple steps to follow if you received any tuition credit toward future travel.

For participants redeeming tuition credit from 2020: 

• Please select the box above “My trip is sponsored by an organization that will pay GLA directly”. In the “Sponsoring Organization” box enter the student name and credit amount that you’d like to redeem.
• Once you submit your application, your credit will be verified and discounted from your tuition balance.
• Credit received during the COVID-19 outbreak does not expire and is not subject to the refund policy, nor applicable for any refund at any time. However, any additional funds paid towards your balance are subject to the refund policy in place at the time of payment.

I am traveling as part of a Custom Group Travel Program. Is there anything else I should know?

Yes, there are a few special parameters involved in traveling with GLA for custom groups.

For Custom Group Programs: 

• Program is reserved for the group once deposits for each participant have been received.
• 12 is the minimum enrollment to run a program. If under 12, we will require a surcharge.
  • 10-11 students:  $200 per paying participant is added
  • 9-10 students:  $300 per paying participant is added
• Deposits due as soon as a Letter of Intent is signed or as agreed upon.
• Balance of the program fee is due 90 days before the start date of the program.
• A $100 late fee will be assessed if full payment is not received by the due date.
• Unless otherwise agreed upon, tuition excludes international airfare or entry visas (if required), laundry, airport departure taxes, or trip cancellation insurance.
• PLEASE HAVE YOUR FLIGHT ITINERARY APPROVED BY GLA CUSTOM GROUP TRAVEL BEFORE PURCHASE
• GLA does not book international airfare unless we’ve made special arrangements. Please contact Student Universe for assistance.

What methods of payment do you accept?

We accept several methods of payment that you can choose from.

Payment Methods:

• We accept MasterCard and Visa credit card payments.
• We accept US personal checks and money orders in dollars.
• Please contact us with any questions on payment or banking details.

Checks and money orders should be sent to:

Global Leadership Adventures
10509 San Diego Mission Road, Suite S
San Diego, CA 92108

Outside of the US and Canada: We accept the above forms of payment, except for personal checks.

Terms & Conditions for Payment:

All payments are subject to the conditions of our refund policy once the payment is received. Certain portions of the program fees are refundable depending on the date of the cancellation request. If a student chooses to withdraw for any reason prior to the program start date, GLA must be notified in writing. The refund will be calculated according to the date on which GLA receives this notification.

Is there an application fee?

Yes, there is a application fee due when you complete Page 1 of the application and save your space on a program. The application fee ranges between $95-$145 depending on time of year in which you enroll.

Do you offer any scholarships or financial aid?

Yes, GLA has set aside a finite pool of need-based scholarships under the GLA Scholarship Fund. In order to apply for a scholarship, students must submit a Financial Aid Form and copies of their parents’ income tax filings from the last two years, along with their program application. Unfortunately, GLA does not directly offer any full-fee scholarships. Full-fee scholarships are distributed through selected partner organizations.

Are payment plans available?

Yes, in many cases. Please contact us at 1-858-771-0645 or info@experiencegla.com for details.