We hired mature and experienced leaders.

Our average leader was 24 years old and had a wealth of experience working with teenagers and traveling. All of our leaders love soccer, and many of them played in college. Above all, we hired people who are smart decision makers, impeccable problem solvers, and constant thinkers about the well-being of each student. Experience and leadership were cornerstones to our hiring process. 

All Woza Leaders attended a rigorous leader training.

Before departure, we required all leaders to become certified in Wilderness First Aid, a two-day intensive course complete with hands-on learning and practice. Rarely were these first aid skills used for any more than treating scrapes and bruises, rather the extra training motivated our leaders to take a proactive approach to risk management and safety. In addition, all leaders attended a 10-day intensive training before every summer. Led by Woza’s Directors, leaders participated in seminars ranging from group dynamics to risk management and trip logistics. Our proactive approach to training allowed us to share Woza’s core values with our leaders and ensure that their leadership approach resulted in the highest quality programs possible.  

Our leaders are accomplished. They have:​

• Lived in Swaziland, Brazil, Ethiopia, Tanzania, South Africa, Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico, Chile, New Zealand, Australia, Colombia, Argentina, Nicaragua, Portugal, Peru, Ecuador, Canada, and Uganda

• Graduated from top colleges such as Yale University, Amherst College, Carleton College, Northwestern University, Kenyon College, Colby College, Middlebury College, Haverford College, Wesleyan University, Hobart & William Smith College, University of Washington, and Connecticut College

• Won NCAA National Championships

• Served as the Captains of their high school and college varsity, and club soccer teams 

• Led trips of teenagers abroad for multiple summers and gap year programs

• Currently, coach youth club and high school teams