Global Shore Opportunities

I fell in love with Guatemala at 15, and knew being part of the Summer Program was something I wanted to do. I was part of the Summer Program in 2016; when I applied, I had no idea just how much my life would be impacted in four short months. Yes, the work is difficult, but so incredibly impactful and worth every effort. Living within a tight-knit community taught me so much about myself, and God worked in my life in amazing ways! If you're wondering about applying, I definitely encourage you! God will do amazing things in you, and you'll learn how to lean on God in a whole new way.

It was incredible to see the way this organization runs and the difference it is making in the lives of so many!

Global Shore Opportunities changed my life for the better and inspired me in a more passionate pursuit of our Heavenly Father's love for me. I participated in the GSO summer program in 2017 and was touched by how the Holy Spirit was/ is working through GSO that I committed to another wonderful 10 months as an English teacher in their school in Guatemala. I highly recommend GSO for young and old, so allow God to use YOU to change lives and to show YOU his plans for your life!

I did Global Shore's summer program in 2017 and it was one of the best experiences I have had. I learned and grew so much as a person and in my relationship with God during the Ontario portion of the program, working on a farm and living in community with the other students. It was extremely challenging, but through discipleship and prayer I learnt so much about God. The summer program leaders were wonderful mentors and having done the summer program themselves were able to help us through the challenges.The school was a whole other experience and was truly inspiring. As someone who is studying to be a teacher, i think they have a really awesome model of education. The teachers are deeply invested in the lives of their students and have rich relationships with them. Each day is started with worship and prayer as an entire school. It was the best way to start the day!If you want to experience cross-cultural missions, I highly recommend the summer program! God used it to teach me so much about His will and His amazing love and it was really cool to see the ins and outs of an organization that is living out the gospel and doing missions in a responsible and impactful way.

Really wonderful organization!

I do NOT recommend this organization to anyone. The owner and founder does not care for his workers or for the well being of those on the Global Shore Summer Program. I wish someone warned me before I went on the program just about the lack of training the staff has, the negligence by the founder and the unnecessary stress that the members of the Global Shore Summer Program face.I had two friends that while on this program (and as a result of this program) had developed mental health problems. It was terrifying. These were two people who I have known for more then 2 years, and because of this program, they changed into people that I didn’t even recognize. You go through a lot of stress when you’re waking up at 5 am everyday and having to work 10+ hours for 2 months, while living in community.The response by the Global Shore Staff and GS Founder to this daily show of stress and exhaustion was neglect and blame that “Oh you brought these mental health issues into the program, we are not responsible for these issues, but you should get back to work.” Or something along the lines of: “I have done this program In the past and have gotten through it, so toughen up, this is your life, and go back to work.”Almost everyone who I know who has done this program and completed their time with Global Shore has talked about experiencing some level of burnout or immense exhaustion due to this program. This is incredibly hard when needing to return to university in September.As someone who has experienced this program, devoted their summer to this organization, and has worked alongside this organization. PLEASE consider for your own mental health, stability, and happiness, working with another organization. There are so many other programs and schools out there that you can teach in! Volunteers are always in demand!If you like to hear more about my experience (there's so many more stories!) feel free to contact me!

I completed the Summer Program in 2016 and I can honestly say this organization is incredible. All of the people involved, in Canada and Guatemala, are kind, compassionate and filled with joy. The work on the farm is challenging but the personal and spiritual growth that comes from it is worth it. Experiencing the farm aspect in Ontario and the school aspect in Guatemala was such a wonderful opportunity to see the ins and outs of this organization. I can't say enough good things about this organization and the Summer Program. This program truly changed my life and I am so thankful to still be a part of the organization through student sponsorship!