See the world, build your skills, and make new memories
Join other teens aged 14 to 18 from around the world on a fully supported international trip that will:
- develop your skills
- contribute to positive global initiatives
- forge new friendships
- make unforgettable memories
- immerse you in a new culture
Choose from conservation, medicine, childcare and more as you take your learning outside the classroom. Enhance your global perspective, support your university and job applications, and stay safe with 24/7 support in-destination!
Learn more about High School Specials >
140,000+ participants since 1992
Adventure with Purpose.
- Don't just see a country, become part of its community. Our projects offer cultural immersion that goes beyond typical tourist spots
- Develop skills that boost confidence. Build your independence, teamwork, and problem-solving, along with skills specific to your field
- Universities and employers value global citizenship and service. An international volunteer experience is a powerful addition to CVs and personal statements
- Bond with other teens from around the world over a shared purpose, forming friendships that last a lifetime
Looking for more of a traditional tourist experience, still packed with learning opportunities? Our new Culture and Adventure projects could be perfect! Check them out in the project list below.
Find Your High School Special
1-3 of 47 Projects
Volunteering with Children in Cambodia for Teenagers
See this project- Price: £1,750 for 2 weeks
- Extra Weeks: £350
- Start Date: During school holidays
- Minimum Duration: 2 weeks
- Age: 14-18
Diving & Marine Conservation in Thailand for Teenagers
See this project- Price: £2,795 for 2 weeks
- Extra Weeks: £400
- Start Date: During school holidays
- Minimum Duration: 2 weeks
- Age: 14-18
Medical Internship for High School Students in Tanzania
See this project- Price: £1,995 for 2 weeks
- Extra Weeks: £290
- Start Date: During school holidays
- Minimum Duration: 2 weeks
- Age: 14-18
What will I get out of these projects?
High School Specials are not just a holiday. They are designed specifically for teen participants to grow their skills and see the world with the full support of our staff.
You’ll build practical skills and knowledge in the field you choose, which can be vital in deciding whether a career is right for you and giving you an edge in your university applications.
Additionally, independent travel like this is the perfect opportunity to enhance your global mindset, adaptability, and confidence - all transferable skills that will stay with you for life.
In fact, we sent a survey to all our participants in 2024 and here are some of the highlights:
- 99% said that they were able to connect with new people and cultures
- 93% said the new skills/knowledge they gained will help them in the future
- 94% believe they now have a better understanding of global issues and challenges
- 92% said travelling with Projects Abroad was better than travelling alone as a typical tourist
- 96% of medical participants felt their internships enhanced their experience of studying medicine and healthcare
Read more: The personal growth behind international volunteering
How do High School Special programmes work?
At their core, our High School Specials give you the chance to travel overseas with other teens to support communities in need. You’ll be fully supported by our staff on the ground from the moment you arrive until you return home.
Think of it as Adventure with Purpose, immersing yourself in a different culture while contributing towards global initiatives. You could help teach English to disadvantaged children, preserve and monitor endangered species, construct essential buildings for communities in need, and much more.
Our High School Special programmes run for two weeks and take place on fixed dates during the school holidays.
Your programme includes everything you need:
- All accommodation, food, activities, and in-destination transport
- A completely stress-free and organised experience
- 24/7 in-country supervision from arrival to departure
- A genuine opportunity to create a lasting impact
How do we keep you safe?
We believe that no other provider offers the same level of safety and security to their participants that we do.
Since 1992, we've taken care of every aspect of safety while more than 140,000 participants travel abroad with us.
Some of the ways we keep you safe are:
- 24/7 in-country support
- Fully-vetted, highly-trained staff and hand-picked accommodation
- Expert supervision - with a staff-to-teen ratio of 1 to 8
- Comprehensive pre-departure training on your own personal webpage
We follow up-to-the-minute guidance from the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) (as well as officials in other countries) regarding safety.
We also devise comprehensive risk management strategies and train our local staff on crisis management plans so they know what to do in any situation.
We're here for you every step of the way. From the moment you start planning your trip to the day you head home, we'll be here to support you.
Read more: 10 Ways we keep you safe when travelling abroad with us
What are the requirements?
Our programmes are designed for teens aged 14 to 18 who would like to gain experience, therefore no prior experience is required to join.
We’ll ensure you’re prepared, supported, and ready to go.
There are also no language requirements for our High School Special programmes, as our staff speak English in all the countries we work in. You won't need to know the native language; but you will pick up some phrases while you’re there!
Wondering if a programme is right for you?
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Hear from participants
“Absolutely life changing.
The only complaint I have is that it wasn't longer.
Volunteering in Cambodia and meeting like-minded individuals is a priceless experience I absolutely encourage you to attend a project or even better send your kids here.”
Nathaniel, Community Work in Cambodia
“The whole two weeks was a beautiful, fun, rewarding experience. I often find myself wishing to be back.”
Alice W, Childcare and Community Work in Ghana
“I really did feel like my volunteering in Kenya had a small impact on something greater, but I would be so happy if the impact I made was even a tiny fraction as big as the impact Kenya had on me.”
Esme Medical Internship in Kenya