Volunteering Abroad for Teens

Hassle-free overseas volunteer trips for teenagers

Make your summer one to remember! As a teen volunteer abroad, you can travel, make a difference, and meet people from around the world! Our teen volunteer abroad programmes are tailor-made for 14 to 18-year-olds. On our volunteer opportunities for teens, you can expect:

A safe and fully-supervised programme from arrival to departure.
Support from our staff who help everyone settle in, even if it’s your first time abroad.
The company of other teen volunteers who you’ll get to know through projects, cultural activities, and excursions.
Fixed start and end dates. You’ll follow a set itinerary, offering a structure that suits school students.
A certificate of completion and reference letter on request.
An amazing experience that will give your university or job applications an edge

Our Teen Programmes provide experiential education while making a positive impact in communities. You could help children learn through play, conduct research on a safari, or gain medical work experience in hospitals.

What We Do

Childcare & Community

Conservation & Environment

Medicine & Healthcare

Sports Coaching

Law & Human Rights

Building & Archaeology

Culture & Adventure

Explore the world with other teenagers in a safe and supported environment. Choose from a range of programmes to improve your university application, learn new skills, and connect with welcoming cultures — all while having the time of your life!

Choose a Teen Programme

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Frequently asked questions

What are the eligibility criteria for Teen Programmes?

More than half our Teen Programmes are available to participants aged 14 to 18. However, to adhere to local requirements, the remaining projects start from age 15 (with two from 16).

View project eligibility by age >

Looking for school group trips abroad?

Imagine your students stepping outside the classroom and into a world of adventure, cultural immersion, and meaningful service.

Our inspiring school group trips offer exactly that, providing unforgettable experiences designed to broaden horizons, foster personal growth, and ignite a passion for making a difference.

Explore School Trips >

What are your most popular Teen Programmes?

Our most popular Teen Programmes include:

On all our youth volunteering opportunities, you’ll learn by doing. Let us help you find your perfect volunteering opportunity for high school students.

What are Teen Programmes?

Our Teen Programmes are volunteer abroad trips for teenagers. We’ve tailor-made these trips for groups of 14 to 18-year-olds. They come with a set itinerary, giving structure to help you make the most of your experience.

What makes Teen Programmes perfect for teenage volunteers?

They run during the school holidays
They last 2-4 weeks, giving you enough time to make a difference
They offer a mix of pre-planned activities and independent travel
You’ll work with a group of young volunteers, forming long-lasting friendships

By volunteering abroad as a teenager, you can expect to:

Leave a sustainable positive impact on local communities.
Meet and work on your project alongside teens from around the world.
Enjoy the constant support of Projects Abroad staff.
Join organised trips and social activities.

On a personal level, you will:

Safely step out of your comfort zone
Engage with a group of diverse people from around the world
Develop soft skills like communication, problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork
Gain a deeper understanding of global issues

What do Teen Programme participants say about their experience?

We survey our teen participants regularly to improve the experience for others and to learn more about how their high school special benefited them personally.

Here’s what they had to say:

73% were travelling abroad alone for the first time
99% said they feel now more confident when interacting with people from different cultures and background
98% said they now have a better understanding of global issues and challenges
93% said their medical internship improved their application to medical school or university
98% said they are now more likely to see themselves as global citizens
98% said they felt that the work they did had a positive impact
96% said they were now more confident handling life’s challenges
97% said the new skills / knowledge they gained will help them in future

Read: Beyond the bucket list: the personal growth behind international volunteering

What are the benefits of volunteering overseas as a teenager?

Our trips exist to help you make the most of your time volunteering abroad.

All our teenage volunteers enjoy:

The security of travelling with a trusted organisation with decades of experience.
Working with in-country staff who know the local community well.
Developing confidence, skills, and friendships.
A unique experience for university and job applications.
Learning about other cultures and the challenges faced overseas.

Summer volunteer programmes for high school students

Summer is the busiest time of the year for us. Book a place ahead of time to make the most of your summer holiday.

When schools close for the summer, you can pack your bags, hop on a plane, and travel overseas.

Our Teen Programmes 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
Join cultural 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!