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Global Brigades stands apart in a few key ways. Our Holistic Model approaches sustainable development and healthcare as interconnected — addressing health, economic, and educational needs together, rather than treating them as separate issues. Unlike programs that end when volunteers go home, we maintain an on-the-ground team that works with communities year-round, long after a brigade’s visit ends. Our work goes beyond medical clinics to include public health, water, and economic infrastructure projects, all designed to build lasting local capacity. We stay engaged with each community, providing ongoing support until they’re ready to transition to a relationship focused on monitoring long-term impact. 

Global Brigades Academy is designed for students ages 14-18 to travel to Central America, West Africa, or Southeastern Europe for a 7–10 day service and cultural immersion programs. Students work on projects that support health, economic, and educational outcomes in under-resourced communities. Summer Academy students must be 15 or older — no prior experience or specific skill set is required.

“Summer Academy” programs are open to individuals as well as chapters of 3 or more students, and include 1 free faculty chaperone, with an additional free faculty spot for every 4 more students. “Custom Date- School Group” Academy programs require a minimum of 10 students, and include 2 free faculty chaperones, with an additional free faculty spot for every 7 more students. There’s no maximum group size — it depends only on lodging availability, and we’ve hosted groups of 80 or more! Scholarships are also available for larger groups.

Student safety is Global Brigades’ top priority and the single most important factor in choosing a project or community. Every partner country follows established safety protocols designed to minimize risk and ensure any emergency is handled quickly and professionally. For details on safety precautions, emergency procedures, and insurance coverage, see the Safety and Security section of this packet and on our website.

Service hours typically range from 20–40, depending on your program’s length, location, and the project involved. After your program, you’ll receive a Community Service Certificate documenting your total hours and the tasks and projects you completed. If your school or civic organization requires additional documentation, we’re happy to provide it.

As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, student contributions support Global Brigades’ Holistic Model of international development. Once a student meets their fundraising goal, they’re eligible to join an Academy program and see their efforts put into action on the ground. This funding covers each student’s ground transportation, food, lodging, insurance, and project contributions, as well as the costs of program implementation — including equipment, supplies, translators, and support staff. Visit our parent organization’s financials page to learn more about how funds are used.

Global Brigades works closely with local partners to prepare for each program — from allocating staff and supplies to planning project timelines around your group’s arrival. Cancellations, especially with little notice, can directly affect these communities’ ability to plan and deliver services effectively. Our cancellation policy is designed to balance fairness to participants with our responsibility to the partners and communities who depend on these programs. Because of this commitment, our cancellation deadlines help us honor our obligations to these communities while still offering you fair options for refunds or transfers. For full policy details, visit our Refund and Cancellation Policy.