GLA Refund Policy

Our refund policies for travel programs and virtual programs are posted below.

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.)

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-$145) 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 Travel 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 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.


>> Please also be sure to review GLA’s Tuition Policy page for additional details, terms and conditions.