10 Best Volunteer Abroad Programs for High School Students

Ever dreamed of helping elephants in Thailand, diving with turtles in Australia, or practicing Spanish in Costa Rica? If you’re a teenager looking for a break from classroom studies and boring summer jobs, it won’t be too hard to get the go-ahead to participate in one of the best high school volunteer abroad programs!

Plus, you’ll meet awesome people from around the world, gain valuable leadership and communication skills, and expand your horizons for future endeavors. You’ll no doubt be #instacool when your family and friends back home see that you’re traveling the world and making a difference.

Like we said….#instacool. (And don’t forget that GoPro on high school volunteer programs!)

Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable summer, a semester abroad, or a gap year, you can’t go wrong with making a global difference! Volunteer high school programs abroad offer opportunities for environmental conservation, women empowerment, educating children, and more.

Why not also get a head start on beefing up your resume for college applications and future jobs, too?! Learning to surf in New Zealand, trekking islands in Africa, exploring the ruins in Peru, and relaxing on beaches in Argentina are all within reach.

GoAbroad, with the help of high school alumni, have gathered the ten best high school volunteer programs abroad to help you pick from the crème de la crème!

Here’s a sneak peek of the most-loved high school volunteer opportunities abroad this year:

10 best high school volunteer abroad programs

Editor’s note: This information on volunteer travel programs for high schoolers was accurate at the time of publishing. Please refer to each individual program for current data.

1. Cuba: Making History with ARCC—10

“Love this company. They do a great job ensuring that you will have a great time and meet amazing people. The activities and service experience are excellent—my favorite was going to people's homes to drop off food to needy families. It was a unique opportunity to see how people in Cuba really live and to touch their lives.”—Read more ARCC programs reviews here

Where? Cienfuegos, Havana, Santa Clara, Varadero
When? Summer
Why? Discover the tropical landscape of Cuba with its salsa music, turquoise waters, and delicious tamales with one of the best volunteer travel programs for high schoolers. Immerse yourself in the community that has been tucked away for six decades, where you’ll assist with the community garden and other volunteer projects. Plus, ARCC has more than 30 years of experience and is dedicated to their volunteers.
More info on ARCC programs

2. Shark Conservation in Fiji with Projects Abroad—9.88

“Becoming a volunteer at this program was one of the best decisions I've ever made. This is a real conservation project making a real impact! It leaves you feeling so fulfilled as you feel like you've really contributed. The staff go above and beyond to help you wherever they can and make you feel safe and organised before you arrive.” —Read more Projects Abroad reviews here

Where? Nadi
When? Year round
Why? Ready to experience your very own Shark Week in the oceanic landscapes of Fiji?! Then you’ll love these high school volunteer opportunities abroad smack dab in the Pacific Ocean with Projects Abroad. Work with scientists and researchers, provide education to the community, and plant mangroves to conserve these fascinating creatures. Projects Abroad provides plenty of support and a strong background, so you’ll be in good hands!
More info on Projects Abroad

3. Travel for Teens: Thailand Elephant Service and the Islands—9.85

“This trip was beyond amazing! I’m so glad I had the opportunity to go to such a diverse and beautiful country. The culture is as rich as the meals and the people are so kind and welcoming. I never expected elephants to have such an impact on me but they are such amazing animals. I think everyone should interact with them and learn more about how similar they are to humans. TFT was wonderful and so was this trip.”—Read more Travel for Teens reviews here

Where? Ayutthaya, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Mae Hong Son
When? 2019, 2020, 2021
Why? Create once-in-a-lifetime memories while you learn to take care of elephants in sanctuaries. After earning volunteer hours, you’ll see monkeys in the jungle, view scenic mountains while white water rafting, and learn how to cook Thai dishes. Plus, you’ll take an island-hopping cruise with a commendable program!
More info on Travel for Teens

4. East Africa Semester | Carpe Diem Education Gap Year—9.75

“There's nothing to be scared of. By the middle of the trip, you won't even want to go home! You will do so many amazing things and make so many incredible memories. If you can do it, do it!”—Read more Carpe Diem Education reviews here

Where? Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda
When? Fall, Spring
Why? Carpe Diem Education offers a variety of volunteer opportunities that will deepen your connections with the community: rhino conservation, women’s empowerment, building homes, and more! You’ll also canoe, trek islands, study music, and practice medication along the way. Three countries, one semester, and an unforgettable time!
More info on Carpe Diem Education

5. Summer Volunteer Projects with RSVP Caribbean in Jamaica—9.6

“Thank you very much RSVP Caribbean Volunteers Ltd!! It was an honour to be included in this well planned and executed experiential learning tour. Thanks for carrying me through beautiful Jamaica and giving me the opportunity of a lifetime!”—Read more RSVP Caribbean Volunteers reviews here

Where? Mandeville
When? Year round
Why? Not only will you be making a difference in the community, but you’ll experience it as well. From reggae to cooking to patois, you’ll immerse yourself in the Jamaican culture with classes. RSVP Caribbean also offers homestay accommodations and 24/7 support to ensure a memorable summer experience!
More info on RSVP Caribbean Volunteers

6. Costa Rica: Language, Leadership, La Pura Vida, & Sea Turtle with Global Works—9.6

“One of my favorite parts of the trip was how much exposure we got with the Costa Rican culture. Living with host families and working with the locals gave each individual first hand experience and built an understanding of different ways of life. The locals welcomed us with open arms and really made the experience unforgettable. I would recommend this program to anyone interested in working on their Spanish abilities and channeling their inner adventurous spirit.”—Read more Global Works reviews

Where? Alajuela, Arenal, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Monteverde, Nicoya Peninsula, Puntarenas, San Isidro del General, San Joaquin de Flores, San Jose, Tamarindo
When? 2019, 2020
Why? Explore cloud forests, take volcano tours, and learn to surf the beaches in Costa Rica on these epic high school volunteer opportunities abroad! From environmental conservation to community development to education, Global Works provides a variety of high school volunteer programs for participants. You’ll also have the opportunity to improve your Spanish with homestay programs and scavenger hunts while immersing yourself in the community.
More info on Global Works - Travel with Purpose

7. Incredible Teen Volunteering Abroad in Cambodia with IVHQ—9.75

“The whole program was excellent. All the IVHQ staff were friendly and happy to help. The living facilities were homely and sociable allowing you to make a great group of friends. We were served traditional Cambodian food which never disappointed and the placement was great. It was clear how grateful they were for our help and it was great to both teach and play with the children. The placement lasted in mornings only and we had weekends free allowing us to see Phnom Penh as well as visit other provinces in our free time.”—Read more International Volunteer HQ reviews here

Where? Phnom Penh
When? Year round
Why? Cambodia greatly needs volunteers to teach English, provide childcare, and support NGOs. Make lifelong friendships, experience epic weekend trips, and taste amazing dishes! International Volunteer HQ also provides affordable program fees, strong support, online training, and safety education.
More info on International Volunteer HQ

8. Pacific Discovery New Zealand & Australia Gap Year Semester—9.67

“Pacific Discovery planned out the trip incredibly, and everything we did was mind-blowing. The trip really allowed me to step outside my comfort zone and experience new things that I definitely would not be able to do at home. The program also really allowed me to explore myself as a person in a way that I never have before. I felt like I really grew through all the activities we did and through any hardships that we had (we had very few though). Overall, I had the time of my life and learned so much, especially with two incredible instructors, Beth and Stacey.”—Read more Pacific Discover reviews here

Where? Australia: Brisbane, Byron Bay, Crescent Head, Fraser Island, Hervey Bay, Noosa, Sunshine Coast, Sydney
New Zealand: Auckland, Christchurch, Nelson, Queenstown, Rural Areas, South Island, Taupo, Wellington, Whangarei
When? Year Round
Why? Education + Adventure = Worthwhile Fun! Pacific Discovery provides ample volunteer conservation opportunities while you trek mountains, forests, and beaches along the way! If you’re looking for a journey that will build skills and help you grow, it’s a win with Pacific Discovery.
More info on Pacific Discovery

9. VISIONS Service Adventures: Peru—9.58

“This past summer I had the amazing opportunity to spend a month in Urubamba Peru. This month not only let me learn the skills to help those around me, but it also shaped me into the person who I am today. The Visions program could not have been better planned and I could not recommend it more for anyone looking to go outside their comfort zone while making an impact on another community.”—Read more VISIONS Service Adventures reviews

Where? Urubamba
When? Year round
Why? Practice your Spanish in a town an hour outside of Cusco while working with indigenous farmers and constructing school facilities. On the side, explore the ruins of Machu Picchu, tour the Salineras Salt Flats, and dance the salsa! VISIONS boasts 30 years of experience with providing volunteer experiences for teens as well.
More info on VISIONS Service Adventures

10. Argentina: Community Service & The Great Outdoors with EIL—9.46

“My experience was amazing in every way shape and form. The whole thing was so well organized and my leaders could not have been more amazing people. I met the very best people, improved my Spanish and had THE most amazing time. I only wish I could do it over again!”—Read more reviews about The Experiment in International Living

Where? Buenos Aires, Posadas, Salta
When? Year round
Why? Change people’s lives with community service projects in the beautiful landscape of Argentina! You’ll have the opportunity to live with a homestay family, go horseback riding up the Chicoan Mountain, taste traditional barbecue, and raft down rivers too! Make friendships with locals while camping under the stars with this amazing program.
More info on The Experiment in International Living

[Browse ALL High School Volunteer Opportunities Abroad]

Find adventure with high school volunteer opportunities abroad!

Boat sailing on tropical water during the day

Found your calling for volunteer high school programs abroad? Time to get out there amongst it.

Nearly all corners of the world offer amazing volunteer programs for high schoolers! The question is where do you want to go to change lives and have an unforgettable experience?! The programs combine fun adventures and organized schedules to maximize your time abroad.

Enhance language skills, gain international experience, and explore new landscapes. Forget about what your friends are posting on social media because your meaningful travel experience photos will be the talk of the town when you volunteer abroad!

All of the volunteer high school programs abroad listed are authentic, credible programs that have received GoAbroad’s stamp of approval. Accommodations range from homestay experiences to guest housing, which will help ease any homesickness and culture shock. Programs also provide in-country support and safety education, so your parents or guardian can be rest assured that you’ll be in good hands. Spread your wings and fly with a volunteer high school program!

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10 Best High School Volunteer Abroad Programs (This Year)

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