15 Volunteer Abroad Programs for High School Students
Volunteering abroad as a high school student offers a meaningful way to explore the world while helping meet community needs. These programs give you a chance to work on projects in areas like education, healthcare, environmental conservation, and social development. Instead of only learning from textbooks, you’ll gain experience with global issues and learn what it takes to make a difference in different settings.
Beyond the service aspect, volunteering abroad helps you build independence, adaptability, and cultural understanding, qualities that can stand out on your college applications. It also offers a glimpse into possible careers, from teaching and public health to sustainability and nonprofit work. In this article, we highlight 15 volunteer abroad programs for high school students that combine learning with meaningful impact.
1. GVI Marine Conservation Expedition in Seychelles
Location: Mahe, Seychelles
Cost/Stipend: Approx. £3,295 (scholarships and grants up to £10,000 available)
Dates: Rolling start dates; typically 2–12 weeks between June–August
Application Deadline: Applications accepted until May 31 (priority for early applicants)
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–17 with a strong interest in marine science and conservation; no prior diving experience required.
During this expedition, you’ll join GVI’s field researchers at a marine base in Mahe to collect and analyze ecological data that supports the Seychelles National Parks Authority. You’ll learn scuba diving and use marine survey methods to track coral reef health, fish biodiversity, and seagrass density. You’ll gain technical exposure to species identification, underwater data collection, and sustainability reporting, skills valued in marine biology and environmental science. Beyond research, you will engage in workshops on global climate policy, leadership, and conservation ethics. The program combines rigorous fieldwork with structured reflection, helping students understand the link between data-driven conservation and policy action.
2. Arcos Journeys Abroad: Cultural and Volunteer Programs
Location: Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru, and Spain
Cost/Stipend: Approx. $3,500–$4,500 (includes tuition, housing, excursions, and insurance)
Dates: Multiple sessions, typically June–August (2–4 weeks each)
Application Deadline: March 15 (priority), rolling admission until full
Eligibility: High school students aged 14–18 interested in global studies, Spanish language, or community work.
Arcos Journeys Abroad offers a range of summer volunteer and cultural immersion programs focused on community engagement and sustainability. You may work on service-learning projects like reforestation in Costa Rica, assisting local artisans in Mexico, or supporting rural education initiatives in Peru. Each program blends language immersion, cultural workshops, and hands-on volunteering to foster both global awareness and leadership. You’ll also attend guided excursions to historical and ecological sites, participate in reflective discussions on global citizenship, and gain practical intercultural communication skills. The programs are ideal if you are looking to combine travel with meaningful community impact and language development.
3. Global Works Community Service Travel Programs
Location: Multiple sites worldwide, including Fiji, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, and Peru
Cost/Stipend: Approx. $4,000–$5,500 (includes housing, meals, excursions, and insurance)
Dates: Multiple summer sessions, typically 2–4 weeks from June–August
Application Deadline: March 1 (early), rolling until spots fill
Eligibility: High school students aged 14–18; no prior volunteer experience required.
Global Works’ community service programs connect you with grassroots projects focused on education, healthcare access, and environmental sustainability. You may assist in constructing schools in rural Latin America, engage in coral reef restoration in Fiji, or work on youth literacy programs in Puerto Rico. You’ll develop leadership, cross-cultural communication, and project coordination skills through structured service learning and guided reflection sessions. The programs integrate service with cultural exploration, including local homestays, language immersion, and site visits to historic and ecological landmarks. This balance of community engagement and experiential learning makes Global Works ideal for students seeking meaningful, globally conscious volunteer experiences.
4. Projects Abroad High School Specials
Location: 19 global destinations, including Ghana, Cambodia, Peru, Nepal, and Mexico
Cost/Stipend: Approx. $3,500–$5,000 (includes accommodation, meals, insurance, and local transport)
Dates: Runs during school holidays, typically June–August (2–4 weeks per session)
Application Deadline: Rolling; early applications recommended by March 1
Eligibility: Students aged 15–18; no prior experience required.
Projects Abroad’s High School Specials provide a structured and supervised international volunteering experience tailored for teens. You will engage in community projects such as teaching English, assisting in healthcare clinics, supporting childcare centers, or contributing to wildlife and environmental conservation. You’ll gain practical experience in cross-cultural collaboration, project planning, and social impact assessment while working toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Alongside volunteer work, you will take part in cultural excursions, workshops on global development, and weekend activities, ensuring a balanced and educational overseas experience.
5. The Experiment in International Living: Summer Abroad Programs
Location: Ecuador, Costa Rica, France, Japan, Morocco, and more
Cost/Stipend: Approx. $6,000–$8,000 (includes tuition, housing, meals, excursions, and insurance)
Dates: June–August (3–5 weeks, depending on location)
Application Deadline: Early bird deadline November 3; final deadline March 15
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18; open to all academic backgrounds.
The Experiment in International Living offers immersive, service-oriented programs that help you explore global issues through direct engagement and intercultural learning. Depending on the destination, you might support wildlife conservation in Ecuador, assist with community education in Morocco, or join sustainability projects in Costa Rica. You will live with host families, collaborate on service projects, and develop cross-cultural communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills. Beyond volunteering, the curriculum includes reflective discussions, cultural excursions, and guest sessions with local experts. Each program is designed to promote global citizenship and personal growth through impact and meaningful connection.
6. Volunteering Journeys: Global Community and Conservation Programs
Location: India, Sri Lanka, Costa Rica, Nepal, Peru, Cambodia, South Africa, and the Maldives
Cost/Stipend: Approx. $1,600–$2,500 for 2–4 weeks (includes accommodation, meals, and orientation)
Dates: Rolling start dates, typically June–August for summer cohorts
Application Deadline: Rolling; early applications recommended by April 1
Eligibility: Students aged 15–18; interest in global issues, sustainability, or animal welfare preferred.
Volunteering Journeys offers immersive volunteer opportunities focused on community engagement, wildlife protection, and sustainable development. You can choose from a range of field-based projects like supporting women’s empowerment in India, aiding sea turtle conservation in Costa Rica, or helping with education and healthcare initiatives in Nepal. You’ll gain practical insight into grassroots project management, ethical volunteering practices, and cross-cultural collaboration. Programs include comprehensive orientation, 24/7 on-ground support, and cultural excursions designed to deepen understanding of local communities and ecosystems. The organization’s alignment with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals ensures that every hour of volunteering contributes to long-term social and environmental impact.
7. Broadreach Summer Adventures: Conservation and Service Programs
Location: Caribbean, Costa Rica, Bahamas, Fiji, and Belize
Cost/Stipend: Approx. $5,000–$6,500 (includes housing, meals, diving certifications, and equipment)
Dates: June–August (sessions range 2–4 weeks)
Application Deadline: Rolling; early application recommended by February 15
Eligibility: High school students aged 14–18 with an interest in marine biology, animal science, or environmental studies.
Broadreach offers immersive international programs combining adventure travel with conservation-focused learning. You can dive into marine biology research in the Caribbean, assist in sea turtle rehabilitation in Costa Rica, or participate in coral reef restoration projects. Each expedition blends hands-on volunteer work with scientific field study, earning participants PADI certifications or introductory research training. Through guided mentorship, group projects, and leadership workshops, you’ll learn teamwork, data collection, and sustainability principles. With a strong academic foundation and a B-Corp certification, Broadreach ensures safety, educational depth, and meaningful service in every program.
8. International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ): Teen Volunteer Abroad Programs
Location: 50+ countries, including Costa Rica, Tanzania, Nepal, Bali, Fiji, and Peru
Cost/Stipend: Starting at $20/day (includes accommodation, meals, and local support)
Dates: Flexible start dates year-round; popular sessions June–August
Application Deadline: Rolling; early registration advised by March 1
Eligibility: Ages 16–18 for teen programs; under-18 applicants require parental consent.
IVHQ offers impactful, globally recognized volunteer abroad programs that immerse high school students in community development, education, conservation, and healthcare work. You can choose from hundreds of projects, such as teaching English in Nepal, sea turtle conservation in Bali, or childcare in Tanzania. Each placement provides structured supervision, cultural orientation, and safety support while encouraging leadership, empathy, and cross-cultural collaboration. The organization’s B-Corp certification and 100% carbon-neutral model ensure responsible volunteering. With flexible durations and low-cost options, IVHQ makes international volunteering accessible for motivated high school students seeking meaningful impact and cultural learning.
9. GoEco: Volunteer Abroad for Teens
Location: Costa Rica, Thailand, South Africa, Greece, Peru, and Madagascar
Cost/Stipend: Approx. $2,000–$3,500 (includes accommodation, meals, and on-site support)
Dates: Sessions typically run June–August (2–6 weeks)
Application Deadline: Rolling; early application recommended by April 15
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18; no prior volunteering experience required.
GoEco’s teen volunteer programs provide immersive, ethical service opportunities in conservation and community development. You can protect sea turtles in Greece, care for elephants in Thailand, assist in youth education projects in Costa Rica, or join marine ecology surveys in Madagascar. Each project blends structured volunteer work with field learning, fostering teamwork, leadership, and global awareness. Programs include cultural excursions, skill-building workshops, and dedicated mentors to ensure student safety and engagement. Recognized globally for sustainable tourism and responsible volunteering, GoEco offers high schoolers a chance to make a measurable environmental and social impact while exploring diverse cultures.
10. African Impact: Teen Volunteer Programs in Africa
Location: South Africa, Zambia, Zanzibar, Mozambique, Kenya, and Zimbabwe
Cost/Stipend: Approx. $1,950–$3,850 (includes accommodation, meals, in-country transport, and training)
Dates: Rolling sessions with main intakes June–August (2–4 weeks)
Application Deadline: Rolling; early application advised by March 15
Eligibility: Ages 15–18; students interested in wildlife, healthcare, or community development.
African Impact offers hands-on volunteering experiences where you can contribute to conservation, education, and gender equality projects while exploring Africa’s most biodiverse regions. As participants, you might track lions and elephants in South Africa, assist in public health clinics in Zambia, teach English in rural Zanzibar, or help empower women through skill-building workshops. Every project combines fieldwork with cultural immersion and guided mentorship, giving you practical skills in research, teamwork, and sustainability. The organization’s 20-year legacy and SDG-aligned framework ensure ethical engagement, measurable community outcomes, and a deeply transformative experience for young volunteers.
11. Maximo Nivel: High School Volunteer and Study Abroad Programs
Location: Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru
Cost/Stipend: Approx. $1,800–$2,500 for 2–4 weeks (includes accommodation, meals, insurance, and excursions)
Dates: Rolling start dates; summer sessions typically June–August
Application Deadline: Rolling; early applications advised by April 1
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18 participating through school-organized or group travel.
Maximo Nivel’s High School programs allow students to volunteer abroad while developing academic and cultural skills. You will engage in service-learning and community development projects, such as supporting education initiatives, improving local infrastructure, or assisting in environmental conservation efforts. Each program blends structured volunteer service with Spanish immersion, cultural excursions, and leadership development. The organization’s strong safety framework, academic integration, and bilingual team support make it a trusted choice for educators and families alike. Through guided, practical experiences, you’ll learn teamwork, intercultural empathy, and the importance of responsible global citizenship.
12. Global Volunteers: High School Service-Learning Abroad
Location: Greece, Peru, Nepal, Cuba, Tanzania, Ecuador, Italy, and St. Lucia
Cost/Stipend: Approx. $2,800–$3,500 for 1–2 weeks (includes accommodation, meals, transport, insurance, and local supervision)
Dates: Year-round; peak sessions June–August
Application Deadline: Rolling; early applications encouraged by March 1
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18; open to school groups or individual participants.
Global Volunteers offers short-term, academically aligned service-learning programs where you get to contribute to community development projects worldwide. You may teach conversational English, assist in childcare, tutor in math and science, or help maintain local facilities. Each program integrates direct service with cultural learning, reflective discussions, and measurable development outcomes. You can earn up to 40 community service hours per week, supported by professional on-site staff and cultural mentors. With partnerships in over 130 institutions since 1984, Global Volunteers provides one of the most reliable and educationally rigorous volunteer abroad options for teens seeking to make a global impact while developing critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership skills.
13. Global Leadership Adventures (GLA): Service-Learning Adventures for Teens
Location: Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Peru, Guatemala, Ghana, Tanzania, South Africa, Greece, Italy, Spain, Japan, Thailand, Bali, and more
Cost/Stipend: Typically $3,800–$6,900 for 1–3 weeks (tuition includes lodging, meals, excursions, on-site staff, and medical/evacuation insurance; airfare extra)
Dates: Spring Break (7–10 days) and Summer sessions (10–21 days) running June–August
Application Deadline: Rolling; Early Admissions priority by November 1 (fee waiver period), best to apply by March 15 for summer placement
Eligibility: High school students (generally 14–18); no prior volunteer experience required
GLA designs teen-only, fully supervised programs that combine community-led volunteer work, field workshops, and adventure outings. Depending on the site, you might support youth education, assist with public health outreach, contribute to sea turtle or wildlife conservation, or join environmental stewardship projects with local NGOs. You’ll practice structured leadership through “Leader of the Day” rotations, develop intercultural communication, and learn basic impact documentation (e.g., project logs, reflection journals, and simple metrics). Programs use a Home Base lodging model and a 5-point safety system, with local partners guiding service so projects are ethical and context-aware. Notable features include themed tracks (medicine & public health, animal & wildlife, community development, language immersion), expert staff mentors, and weekend cultural excursions that connect service to place.
Young Founders Lab
If you’re looking for an incubator program that helps you build a startup or nonprofit in high school, consider the Young Founders Lab!
The Young Founders Lab is a start-up boot camp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. In this program, you will work towards building a revenue-generating start-up that addresses a real-world problem. You will also have the opportunity to be mentored by established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X.
You can access the application link here!
Image Source - Global works