AJO FAQ FOR SCHOOLS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the GLEAD Program?
GLEAD (Global Leadership, Exploration, and Academic Development) is a cross-cultural travel and leadership program for high school sophomores and juniors. It offers students hands-on learning in South Africa through academic enrichment, service learning, cultural immersion, and personal growth experiences.
Who is the program for?
The GLEAD Programme is designed primarily for secondary/high school students, typically ages 13–18, who are preparing for college or university and want to build leadership skills, gain global exposure, earn service hours, and strengthen their academic and personal profiles.
It is ideal for students who are curious, open-minded, and ready to step beyond the classroom through meaningful cultural immersion and hands-on service learning.
We also offer customised programme pathways for university students, with a deeper focus on academic enrichment, cultural intelligence, global leadership, and service-based learning aligned with higher education outcomes.
Whether a student is preparing for college or university, GLEAD provides a powerful opportunity to grow in confidence, cultural awareness, and leadership—skills that matter long after the journey ends.
Where does the program take place?
The program is primarily hosted in Cape Town, South Africa, with curated excursions to surrounding areas. Students will stay in safe, modern accommodations and experience a variety of educational, cultural, and leadership-focused activities.

We also offer the option to include Johannesburg in the itinerary for an expanded experience that explores South Africa’s economic hub, additional historical sites, and vibrant urban culture. This optional extension can be added based on your group’s preferences and learning objectives.
Is the program safe?
Yes. Student safety is our top priority. We work only with vetted local partners and guides. Our team is based in both the U.S. and South Africa and provides 24/7 support on the ground. Students are always accompanied by trusted adults, and we stay in secure accommodations in well-regarded areas.
Do students need to speak another language?
No. The program is conducted in English, and local guides and staff also speak English. French-speaking guides can be arranged if needed.

What’s included in the program cost?
✅ Lodging in secure, student-friendly accommodations
✅ All educational and cultural excursions
✅ Daily meals and transportation within South Africa
✅ Reflection journals, learning materials, and certificates
❌ Flights, visas, and travel insurance are not included—but we can assist in arranging or guiding you through the booking process to make travel smoother for your group.
What makes GLEAD different from other travel programs?
GLEAD integrates mindfulness, academic enrichment, and leadership development in every activity. Students don’t just travel—they reflect, journal, and grow through guided mentorship, hands-on service, and meaningful dialogue. In today’s competitive college landscape, it’s also a powerful résumé-builder, strengthening applications through real leadership, global experience, and verified service. It’s a journey that prepares them for both college and life.
How does GLEAD support college readiness?
Students leave with:
- Service hours
- Journal entries and reflections for college essays
- A digital portfolio
- Real-world experience and global perspective—all highly valued by universities.
What’s the time difference between South Africa and the rest of the world?
South Africa operates on SAST (UTC+2) year-round, so the time difference depends on where you’re traveling from and whether your country is observing daylight saving time.
For common locations:
- United States: South Africa is typically 6 to 9 hours ahead, depending on the U.S. time zone and time of year.
- United Kingdom: South Africa is 1 to 2 hours ahead, depending on the season.
Even with the time difference, we ensure students can stay in regular contact with family and school staff during the day. Our on-ground team supports scheduled check-ins and communication windows, so parents and schools remain informed while students fully engage in the programme.
🚰 Is the water safe to drink?
Yes! Even though South Africa’s drinking water is regarded as some of the safest in the world—and locals routinely drink it—you can drink tap water in urban areas like Cape Town with confidence. That said, bottled water will always be available for students throughout the programme.

What if a student gets sick or injured during the trip?
Student well-being is our top priority. In the event of illness or injury, students will be taken to a trusted, nearby medical facility. Many U.S. and U.K. health insurance plans offer international coverage or reimbursement, and we assist families in confirming coverage or securing short-term travel insurance prior to departure. Our on-site team is trained to manage medical needs and will keep parents and school representatives informed throughout.
How do you ensure student safety during the program?
Safety is at the core of our program.
We:
✅ Partner only with vetted local guides, drivers, and accommodations
✅ Stay in secure, reputable areas
✅ Provide 24/7 on-the-ground ÀJÒ support staff
✅ Ensure school staff members (teachers or counselors) are present throughout the program, including during excursions and overnight accommodations
✅ Maintain detailed emergency protocols and daily check-in procedures
No student is ever left unsupervised. We work closely with school administrators and parents to provide peace of mind and full visibility before, during, and after travel.
🦟 Is malaria a concern in South Africa?
No. Cape Town and surrounding regions are malaria-free, so there’s no need for malaria medication. This makes the destination even more ideal for families, solo travelers, and wellness-conscious individuals.
Will schools, teachers, and parents be kept informed?
Absolutely. We provide comprehensive pre-trip orientation materials for teachers, school leaders, parents, and students. This includes packing lists, travel guidelines, daily schedules, health forms, and safety information. Throughout the trip, our program coordinators maintain open communication with schools and families, and we encourage regular student check-ins.
How do I enroll or learn more?
You can:
📲 Message us on WhatsApp: +1 (240) 381-6367
📅 Or Schedule a Discovery Call to speak with our team

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FAQ!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS