Make your summer one to remember by travelling, making a difference and meeting people from around the world! Our teen volunteer abroad programs are tailor-made for 15-18 year olds.
On our volunteer opportunities for teens, you can expect to:
- Be supported by in-country Projects Abroad staff. They 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 activities and local trips.
- Have a fixed starting and end date to your project. You’ll also get an itinerary, offering more structure that will suit anyone still in school.
All of our High School Special projects focus on providing you with an experiential education - education through experience. Help children learn through play, observe animals during a safari in Africa, or gain medical work experience for teenagers in busy hospitals.
So whichever youth 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.
Choose a High School Special
1-3 of 37 Projects
Volunteer with Children in Nepal as a Teenager
See this project- Price: €1,690 for 2 weeks
- Extra Weeks: €365
- Start Date: During school holidays
- Minimum Duration: 2 weeks
- Age: 15-18
Volunteer with Children in Cambodia for Teenagers
See this project- Price: €1,915 for 2 weeks
- Extra Weeks: €415
- Start Date: During school holidays
- Minimum Duration: 2 weeks
- Age: 15-18
Medical Internship for High School Students in Tanzania
See this project- Price: €2,290 for 2 weeks
- Extra Weeks: €440
- 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.
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 project for you. Most of our staff have been volunteers themselves, so they’re well placed to answer your questions, big or small.
or email:
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:
Our accreditations
