Testimonials

 

….from 2011 Global LEADers

 

Hear directly from 2011 students! Watch this video to hear testimonials students on our 2011 experiences share their thoughts on “Why Global LEAD?”
 

 

….from community leaders

 

“I have traveled extensively in my lifetime, even serving as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, but when my granddaughter returned from Global LEAD she came back with stories of adventures that took me decades to experience.”

- Andrew Young (former Mayor of Atlanta, United States Congressman, US Ambassador the United Nations, civil rights leader)

 

“What separates the LEAD study abroad program from any other is its aspect of service … To see the tears in the teachers’ eyes when the project was completed combined with the excitement of the children to see their new school was a highlight of the trip.”

- Coach Vince Dooley (former head coach of UGA Bulldogs for 25 years, former UGA Athletic Director, participant and supporter of Global LEAD since its inception)
 

….from students

 

“Just as there are moments that define a life, there have been moments on this trip where I have felt so incredibly happy, so incredibly alive. Whether standing on the jagged rocks on the top of Table Mountain looking out at the picturesque expanse that extends as far as the eye can see or looking a Great White Shark in the eyes as it lashes against the side of your cage or even the time where you laugh uncontrollably with a new friend, the Global LEAD experience has had such a profound effect on me. It has shaped my vision, sparked my love of adventure, and developed my passion for service. I felt so alive.”

-Tim Rood (Global LEAD Cape Town 2011 Family Member from the University of Georgia)

 

“Global LEAD instilled in me the confidence and motivation to do great things in life. The leadership and service course taught me important values and life lessons which will serve as an inspiration to seek a greater purpose.”

- Brooke Ray (Global LEAD Cape Town 2010 Family Member from the University of Georgia)

 

“Last summer taught me some incredible things about myself and about the world and I know now that Global LEAD helped to get me on the right path. This trip changed my life, and I hope that it will impact others like it did for me. I am so lucky to have met you and to have heard your stories. It’s with the lessons from Greece that I will be able to step into the next part of my life with confidence.”

- Meredith Broudy (Global LEAD Greece 2010 Family Member from the University of Georgia)

 

 

“Today was filled with experiences that cannot be expressed through words or photographs. From hiking the active volcano to the laughter and feeling of pure excitement, the day was amazing. Oia was the most breathtaking town in the long list of interesting places in which we have been able to stay and explore. It was an adventurous day with a speculator close that I will cherish for many years to come.

- Catherine Crawford (Global LEAD Greece 2011 Family Member from Birmingham Southern College)

 

“To the Global LEAD Staff: Robbie, Court, Jo Jo, Dustin, Preston and Matt, y’all are simply incredible. Y’all are clearly doing something right. You have pushed us, making the sky our limit. You have encouraged us and loved on us like you have known us our whole life.

 

To the prospective student that is unsure of where to study abroad: If you had the opportunity to not just go but LEAD, why would you consider anything else? My best advice for you is to do it like us, don’t ask questions, and most importantly GO and LEAD. Even if you have to start saving up now, do it. Go Global LEAD, or don’t go at all.

 

I am ecstatic and anxious to be the change I wish to see in my community back home. I cannot wait to light another candle and fill more buckets. I have seen the indescribable reward in “doing for one what you

wish you could do for all.” I am thankful. I have a permanent smile on my face because of this life changing opportunity in Cape Town, South Africa.”

- Shelby Ausband (Global LEAD Cape Town 2011 Family Member from The University of Mississippi)

 

“We all took the time to reflect and think about where we want our lives to go, how we are going to get there, and how we want to be remembered. What better place to dream than the most beautiful island in the world, Santorini. Some of us want to be known for the way we love and serve others, some want to be known for living a life less ordinary but we all seemed to have the common theme of wanting to make an impact on the world in our own unique way. We hope to take everything we have learned on this trip

and put it into action as soon as we return. Just like every other day we have had, it will be one we will all remember for a lifetime.

- Courtney Dunnigan (Global LEAD Greece 2011 Family Member from Wake Forest University)

 

 

….from parents

 

“Thank you and your entire team so very much for the fabulous job you all did with the Cape Town program. Our daughter had the most amazing experience and it far exceeded both her and our expectations.

 

We never felt disconnected or that she was even that far away via the African cell phone, the LEAD blog and her own personal blog. We learned more about her daily life and thoughts on her Cape Town blog than we have since she lived under our roof in high school. It was delightful to see her personal growth. And the last two days have been filled with conversations about the people she met and their friendships in addition to classwork and fun. Thank you for providing such a safe and wonderful learning opportunity for our young adults. We are most grateful.”

- Cammy Williams (mother of Cape Town 2011 student from the University of Texas)

 

“Thank you for your vision and leadership and for taking care of our wonderful young adults!”

- Debi Starnes (mother of Greece 2011 student from the University of Georgia)

 

 

“My daughter could not stop talking about her experiences, about all that she saw and learned and felt during the 5 weeks. I, too, am so glad we decided to make the “leap” and want to thank you for being her leader, adviser, teacher and friend. I know if she had the chance to make the trip all over again she’d go in a heartbeat. It was everything and so much more than she even dreamed it could be – incredible lifelong memories and lessons. Keep up the good work”

- Jenny Smith (mother of Greece 2011 student from the University of Tennessee)

 

“I just want to say thanks for offering this GREAT program. Carey is having a wonderful time and working very hard. Every time we skype, email and/or read her blog, I feel she has grown in ways that cannot be measured. I truly feel this 5 week will be the best 5 weeks of her 19 years! I have shared details of the program with countless friends, neighbors, coworkers (and of course our family) and everyone is so impressed. You guys are doing a great job. Keep up the good work. I hope her sisters will have the opportunity to take part in this program as well.”

- Kate McKay (mother of Cape Town 2011 student from the University of Georgia)

 

“I want to tell you how much I appreciate the opportunity you’ve given my son. I can tell through our communications how much he has grown the past 6 weeks, how much his eyes has been widened and what a lifetime of memories he has acquired. I know that this would not have been possible without the efforts that you have put into setting up and carrying out the past weeks. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

- Paul Harris (father of Greece 2010 student and later Global LEAD Marketing intern from the University of Georgia)

 

“Just wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude to you and the staff of Global LEAD. I can’t wait to hear all about the amazing activities and people she has met. I can’t wait to see her and hug the wonderful young woman I know she is! I’ve had two daughters attend the Global LEAD program, and I can honestly say it’s worth every penny! My daughter learned to appreciate the luxuries of her world, to empathize with the needs of others, to serve in a way that promotes individual responsibility and honesty, and most importantly she’s learned how to value herself.”

- Jenni Thompson (mother of Cape Town 2011 student from the University of Georgia)

 

“We are so impressed with every aspect of your trip from the planning to the execution. You have done something amazing for these young people. My daughter is having the time of her life and the trip of a lifetime! Thank you for what you have put into this for all of us. I’m dying to go to Cape Town just reading about your trip.”

- Dell Paschal (mother of Cape Town 2011 student from Wake Forest University)

 

“Just a quick note from a happy dad… Thanks for all of your hard work in preparation for this trip, and in getting them home safely. It seems that this has been the trip of a lifetime for Hannah, and we are really glad that she caught wind of this trip several months ago, and asked us if she could go. Something about it had the ring of uniqueness about it, and we feel fortunate that she was able to go on this particular trip. Thanks again, and many happy returns.”

- Kirk Alexander (father of Greece 2011 student from the University of Georgia)

 

 

“Thank you for keeping us all in the loop. Sounds like you are doing an amazing job. Our kids are getting the experience of a lifetime!!! You all get an A+++ in communication.

 

As a parent, you spend a lot of time instilling values in your children and hope they understand and choose the right paths in life. To have all of these life lessons affirmed by what the leaders of this program are teaching is more than I can ask for. Thank you for your time and talents.”

- Sonthe Burge (mother of Cape Town 2011 student from Auburn University)