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Teen & High School Volunteer Programs Abroad

Teen and High School Volunteer Programs Abroad

There’s no better way to earn real-world experience and global understanding than volunteering abroad. Teens and high school students can benefit from a unique blend of benefits, including the development of empathy, leadership skills, and a deeper understanding of important issues.

A common issue among budding volunteers is a lack of time, but that’s what makes high school volunteering so valuable! Students have the opportunity to grow personally and professionally, while boosting their resumes for the future.

Why volunteer abroad?

Volunteering abroad offers a unique opportunity to travel with purpose, learn through experience, and make a lasting difference. Here’s why it’s an unforgettable journey:

  • Make a real impact – Contribute to meaningful causes like education, healthcare, wildlife conservation, childcare, and community development in under-resourced regions.
  • Gain practical experience – Learn valuable life skills such as communication, adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving — all outside the traditional classroom.
  • Broaden your perspective – Immerse yourself in a new culture, language, and way of life. Volunteering gives you a deeper understanding of the world and your role in it. 
  • Build lifelong connections – Meet fellow volunteers from around the world, collaborate with local communities, and form friendships that go beyond borders. 
  • Boost your resume or college application – Stand out with international experience that showcases leadership, initiative, and a strong sense of social responsibility. 
  • Travel Responsibly - Explore amazing destinations not just as a tourist, but as someone giving back. See the world through a meaningful lens and leave a positive footprint.
Why volunteer abroad?

Exciting Volunteer Opportunities for High School Students

Volunteering Solutions offers a wide range of high school volunteer abroad programs worldwide, spanning from Asia to Africa, South America to Europe. Our programs range from 1 to 24 weeks, ensuring that you can find the perfect opportunity no matter what your school schedule looks like.

Popular volunteering opportunities for high school students include: 

  • Childcare

Work with children in countries like India, Nepal, Thailand, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, and Peru. Help with daily learning, organize games, support staff, and even fundraise for essential supplies. You’ll have a hand in shaping the minds of tomorrow and improving children’s quality of life.
 

  • Teaching English Abroad

Support education initiatives by assisting in schools, helping students improve their English, and creating fun, interactive lessons. No TEFL certificate is required, so high school students are welcome to help out. Great for gaining experience in leadership and communication.

  • Short-term Specials

Volunteering doesn’t have to be a long-term arrangement. We offer several one- or two-week volunteer specials that combine experience with travel. Make a meaningful difference while exploring local culture and ticking off major attractions from your travel bucket list. 

  • Community Development Programs

Take part in creative, hands-on projects like teaching, school renovations, health awareness campaigns, and more. Perfect for students seeking variety, teamwork, and community impact.

  • Wildlife and Environmental Conservation

Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience and get up close and personal with some of the world’s most magnificent creatures, from pygmy elephants in Malaysia to sea turtles in Sri Lanka. Learn about the importance of conservation and how you can continue making the world a better place even after you return home. 

Exciting Volunteer Opportunities for High School Students

Who Can Become a High School Volunteer?

At Volunteering Solutions, we take the safety of our volunteers and participating communities very seriously. For this reason, you must meet the following criteria before being accepted for a volunteer position: 

  • You must be at least 17 years old at the time of joining your chosen program.
  • You should have an open mind, a positive attitude, and a willingness to adapt to a new cultural environment
  • Being proactive, flexible, and enthusiastic is key, especially when working with children, young adults, or within diverse community settings.
  • All high school volunteers are required to submit a clean criminal background check report before the start of the program.

No prior volunteer experience is needed, as long as you have a passion to learn, connect, and make a difference.

Who Can Become a High School Volunteer?

Safety Tips for Students Volunteering Abroad

It’s understandable to have safety concerns about high school students volunteering abroad, especially when it’ll be their first time travelling alone. That’s why it’s so important to choose a reputable volunteer organization that puts their safety and experience first. 

Volunteering Solutions can help teens and high school students make the most of their adventure by: 

  • Providing 24/7 support: Our project advisors are on hand to provide help with visas and packing before their trip, and we have team members in every host country for efficient, professional support whenever needed. 
  • Strict safeguarding policies: We have clear protection and safeguarding guidelines in place to protect minors and vulnerable individuals. 
  • DBS and background checks: Every member of staff, coordinator, and project partner working with teens are screened to ensure a safe volunteering environment for everyone. 
  • Safe accommodation arrangements: We carefully select housing options with safety, supervision, and accessibility in mind, especially when shared with other volunteers. 
  • Pre-departure guidance and in-country orientation: Each volunteer will receive detailed information on safety, cultural expectations and what to expect before travel, along with a welcoming orientation session.
  • Ongoing supervision: Young volunteers are supported on-site to ensure they feel confident and comfortable throughout their placement. 

Download our Comprehensive Guide to High School Volunteering Abroad and start planning your journey today!

Safety Tips for Students Volunteering Abroad

What do our past volunteers say?

“My experience in Arusha has been awesome. I have enjoyed a lot with all the volunteers, staff, and local people. I will always recommend this healthcare program. Also, the extra activities during the weekend were amazing, and the location was very good. The work at the hospital was wonderful because we could learn a lot and also do many kinds of different things. In Arusha, I met a lot of people and also made some incredible plans: with some friends, we made a Spanish omelet at a local Tanzanite home! Everything has been perfect. I wish I could come back because it has been one of the most wonderful experiences of my whole life.” - Jasjap, High School Volunteer in Costa Rica

 

“My experience in Arusha has been awesome. I have enjoyed a lot with all the volunteers, staff, and local people. I will always recommend this healthcare program. Also, the extra activities during the weekend were amazing, and the location was very good. The work at the hospital was wonderful because we could learn a lot and also do many kinds of different things. In Arusha, I met a lot of people and also made some incredible plans: with some friends, we made a Spanish omelet at a local Tanzanite home! Everything has been perfect. I wish I could come back because it has been one of the most wonderful experiences of my whole life.” - Christina, High School Medical Volunteer in Tanzania

Plan Your Volunteering Adventure Today!

There are so many benefits to volunteering abroad for teenagers and high school students. Not only will you boost your resume and stand out to potential educators and employers, but you’ll also learn invaluable life skills like empathy, teamwork and leadership. 

Check out our volunteer opportunities for high school students above and click ‘Apply Now’ to get the ball rolling on your most exciting adventure yet! We also have several family volunteering opportunities for those who want to create a bonding experience.

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