High School Community Service & Volunteering Programs in Australia

Cross the International Date Line and prepare to be stunned by the beauty of Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji on this ultimate service youth program in Oceania. First discover Fiji, the Land of Smiles and the unbelievable island destination you never knew you needed to explore. See the direct positive impact of your hard work and earn up to 20 hours in service credit as you help improve the facilities of a local island school. Know what it feels like to make a difference to the lives of the smiling school kids who you’ll come to see as little brothers and sisters over the course of the project. During our time exploring Fiji’s spectacular island chain, dive into crystal clear blue waters as you the swim with manta rays, reef sharks, exotic fish, and vibrant corals. Feel like a local as you explore limestone caves, cook a lovo, savor kava and visit indigenous villages.

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

At THINK Global School (TGS), the world's only traveling high school, students live and learn across four countries each year, gaining the skills, perspectives, and friendships needed to thrive in today's interconnected world. In an age of constant digital connection, TGS prioritizes authentic human experiences through real-world immersion and genuine cultural exchange. Students ages 16–18 experience life in up to 8 countries over two years while earning a fully WASC-accredited diploma. Instead of textbooks and lectures, students dive into project-based learning through TGS's innovative Changemaker Curriculum, tackling real-world challenges while drawing inspiration from each host country's culture, environment, and community. With a 4:1 faculty-to-student ratio, students receive individualized guidance from multicultural educators who act as mentors. Since 2010, TGS has called 34 extraordinary countries home, creating a truly global classroom. TGS uses sliding-scale tuition based on family circumstances, ensuring accessibility for qualified students from all backgrounds who have a passion for travel and a desire to improve the world.

Living aboard sailing yachts in small groups of 11 to 13 teenagers of similar ages, ActionQuest students discover the British Virgin Islands, learn new skills, earn certifications, and develop leadership abilities while having the time of their lives! Up to eight yachts sail together in a flotilla, allowing participants to connect with others from all over the United States and the world. Under the guidance of licensed sailing experts, participating teams will take charge of piloting and running their vessels. They will have a blast while earning certifications in sailing and scuba diving, and also learning marine biology, water skiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, navigation, and seamanship. Eleven distinct programs cater to students of all levels, and no experience is necessary to join our most popular introductory voyage. Although the program's emphasis is on everything above and below the water, the crew will also explore the islands, hike the mountains, and take in fiery sunsets during beach barbecues and parties.

Treasure close encounters with kangaroos, koalas, and many exotic animals as you journey through Australia. Our programs give numerous hands-on experiences, including caring for animals at the Australia Zoo, snorkeling amid coral reefs, and trying Aboriginal practices like throwing boomerangs. Our current program offerings include: Service and Adventure Down Under: You will enjoy Australia’s Sunshine Coast as you surf, look for koalas on the coastline, learn about Aboriginal culture, and tour the Australia Zoo. Wrap up the program with a snorkel cruise amid shipwrecks and coral reefs. Animal Conservation: You will learn about animal care at the Australia Zoo and a wildlife rehabilitation center. Kayak to search for dolphins and whales and enjoy other must-do adventures for animal lovers.

Join us for a transformative 21-day cultural immersion in Australia and Fiji. We start in Fiji with a warm welcome ceremony, engaging in hands-on cooking classes to explore the diverse flavors of Fijian cuisine. Our community service focuses on a meaningful meal program that empowers Fijian women and fosters connections through shared meals. Traveling to Viti Levu's scenic highlands, we immerse ourselves in traditional island life by participating in bamboo raft building and local farming activities. On Taveuni, we embrace “island time” with snorkeling, kayaking, and preparing traditional meals while learning local customs. Next, we head to Australia, beginning in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Here, we earn our SCUBA certification and experience breathtaking underwater biodiversity while staying on a liveaboard boat. Our adventure includes community service at a wildlife refuge, where we care for iconic Australian animals. We’ll also delve into Aboriginal culture in the Daintree Rainforest, learning traditional practices and the connection between the land and its people.

This program goes beyond ordinary high school travel programs and build cross-cultural community service summer trips perfectly geared to your interests and curiosities. Whether you’re looking to contribute to authentic service projects, experience exhilarating adventure, or develop your language skills, GoBeyond will immerse you in a new culture where you can make a meaningful difference while on the journey of a lifetime. Our high school community service summer programs proudly serve in many under-resourced communities and environments throughout the world. Explore our journeys in the British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Galapagos & Ecuador, Peru, Iceland, Spain, China, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Beyond experiencing the adventure of a lifetime and creating lasting memories, we believe our community service summer trips enable lasting positive change in the world. For over forty years, we’ve been transforming communities, environments, and students’ lives through meaningful, collaborative adventures and service that develop skills and a more sophisticated worldly outlook—ultimately shaping the person you become.