Make your summer one to remember by travelling, making a difference and meeting people from around the world! Our teen volunteer abroad programmes are tailor-made for 15-18 year olds.
On our volunteer opportunities for teens, you can expect to:
- Have a fully-supervised programme from the minute you arrive in-destination to the moment you depart.
- Be supported throughout by Projects Abroad in-country staff who help everyone settle in and make the most of the project, even if it’s your first time abroad.
- Volunteer or intern alongside other people your age and get to know them through projects, cultural activities, and excursions.
- Have a fixed starting and end date to your project. You’ll have a set itinerary, offering more structure that will suit anyone still in school.
- Receive a certificate at the end of your programme and a reference letter on request.
All of our High School Special programmes focus on providing you with experiential education, as well as making a positive impact in the community. Help children learn through play, conduct important environment research on a safari in Africa, or gain medical work experience for teenagers in busy hospitals.
Our most popular High School Special projects for this summer are:
Childcare & Community in Ghana
Childcare & Community in Cambodia
Wildlife Conservation in Botswana
Diving & Marine Conservation in Mexico
Rainforest Conservation & Animal Rehabilitation in Peru
Sea Turtle Conservation in Sri Lanka
Whichever teen volunteering opportunities overseas you join, you'll learn by doing. Tell us your interests, and we’ll help you find a volunteering opportunity for high school students that best suits you.
Do you need inspiration from our former volunteers and interns? Check out our High School Special testimonials.
Are you looking to get some more UCAS points whilst gaining a Level 3 Diploma? Check out our brand new International Volunteering Diploma to find out how you can take advantage of this exciting course that fits perfectly with our High School Special programmes.
Choose a High School Special
1-3 of 41 Projects
Volunteering with Wildlife in Botswana for Teenagers
See this project- Price: £2,170 for 2 weeks
- Extra Weeks: £395
- Start Date: During school holidays
- Minimum Duration: 2 weeks
- Age: 15-18
Medical Internships for Teenagers in Kenya
See this project- Price: £1,670 for 2 weeks
- Extra Weeks: £295
- Start Date: During school holidays
- Minimum Duration: 2 weeks
- Age: 15-18
Volunteer Work with Children in Ghana for Teenagers
See this project- Price: £1,570 for 2 weeks
- Extra Weeks: £295
- Start Date: During school holidays
- Minimum Duration: 2 weeks
- Age: 15-18
What are High School Specials?
Our High School Specials are set trips made specifically for groups of 15-18 year olds.
By volunteering abroad as a teenager, you can expect to:
- Work on projects proven to have a sustained positive impact on the local community.
- Meet and work on your project alongside teens from around the world.
- Have Projects Abroad staff on hand to assist.
- Go on organised trips and take part in social activities.
Each of our volunteer opportunities for high school students is created to give you a safe and well-supported experience.
On a personal level, you will:
- Step out of your comfort zone and engage with a group of diverse people from around the world
- Develop soft skills like communication, teamwork, and time management
- Improve your problem-solving skills through different situations
- Get a better understanding of global issues
We’ve designed our teenage volunteering projects to fit into school holidays. They give you just the right amount of independence as you step out of your comfort zone. You'll spend your whole project with the same team, giving you time to get to know everyone and make lasting friendships.
Curious about how much of an impact you can really have as a youth volunteer? Read our blog post about the difference our teenage volunteers made in 2018.
If you don’t think volunteer work for teens is right for you, and you want a more flexible and independent experience, take a look at our Flexi Trips. You can read our full list showing the types of volunteer trips we offer here.
My time in Peru, even if short, was very sweet and left me memories that I will always remember! I went alone, something which I was scared about at the beginning, but actually turned out to be the best option and really helped me with my confidence. On my program, I had the chance to meet some really wonderful people, who I still talk to this day. - Jordana B, Childcare & Community High School Special in Peru
What will I gain from volunteering overseas as a teenager?
All our trips are designed to help you make the most of your time abroad and your volunteer project. Previous volunteers from High School Specials talk about:
- Safety and security of travelling with a trusted organisation with decades of experience.
- Benefits of working with in-country staff who know the local community well.
- Developing confidence, skills and friendships.
- Having a unique experience to talk about at school, job applications, and higher education.
- Learning about other cultures, less developed countries and the challenges they face.
Summer volunteer programmes for high school students abroad
Summer is the busiest time of the year for us. We recommend planning ahead to make the most of your summer holiday and book a place on the trip of your choice. When schools close for the summer, you can pack your bags, hop on a plane, and travel overseas.
Our High School Specials take place over fixed dates throughout the summer months of June, July, and August. We also have winter dates in December and January. Whichever project you choose, expect to:
- Meet and work with young people your age
- Live with a local host family or in shared accommodation
- Take part in fun, worthwhile activities at your placement
- Do cultural and tourist activities with your group and our staff
- Have support from our staff 24/7 during your trip
Join one of our volunteer opportunities for young people and discover what you’re capable of!
Can’t find what you’re looking for?
We’d be happy to talk about creating a custom teen volunteer abroad project for you. Most of our staff have been volunteers themselves, so they’re well placed to answer your questions, big or small.
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Get in Touchto start planning your project
Not quite what you're looking for?
Take a look at the following pages where you'll find other types of trips:
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