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2-4 Weeks High School Community Service & Volunteering Programs

299 2-4 Weeks Community Service & Volunteering Programs for High School Students

Arcos Journeys Abroad

10

2

Community Service & Spanish in Buenos Aires

Discover the wonders of the "Paris of South America" while supporting grassroots organizations in Buenos Aires. This program is the perfect combination of two weeks of Spanish Immersion and two weeks of community service. Your engaging Spanish classes taught by local instructors will give you the language skills, confidence and cultural knowledge to excel in your community service placement. Volunteer placements include assisting with after-school programs for youth and working with community support groups such as soup kitchens. This program includes an excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Colonia, Uruguay, spending a day with Argentine cowboys on a Gaucho Ranch, and fun tours of the most iconic neighborhoods of Buenos Aires including La Recoleta, La Boca, San Telmo, and Palermo. Immerse yourself in cultural activities including an Argentine cooking class, tango class, and tango performance. Contribute the local community, learn about yourself, and make connections to last a lifetime! This is a great program for high school students looking to complete their community service hours. A basic level of Spanish is recommended for this program.

AFS-USA

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AFS Intercultural Programs: High School Abroad in Panama

Study abroad in Panama to skyrocket your Spanish by living with a host family and attending a local high school. With one of the highest literacy rates in the region, you will be surrounded by peers who are eager to learn and teachers who are eager to help. Your local volunteers will also organize activities that may include trips to the San Blas islands on the Caribbean coast and the Panama Canal. Along your journey, you’ll notice the vast diversity of Panama. You’ll pass areas that are bustling commercial centers, as well as lush tropical landscapes dotted with small villages. No matter where you are, you’re likely to find colorful markets with fresh fruit juice carts lining the streets. Each region in Panama also hosts its own festival with music and dancing. The whole community takes part in the preparation and celebration. Panama is an ideal place to step outside of your comfort zone, become a cultural insider, and engage in an exciting new adventure.

CIEE High School Abroad

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1

CIEE HS Summer Abroad: Leadership & Service in Mohammedia

This program is based out of the American Language Center (ALC), a non-profit with over 30 years of experience working with local NGOs on cross-cultural exchange. Through the ALC’s myriad outreach programs, work with local youth, collaborate with Moroccan peers, and learn to look at complex issues from multiple perspectives. You’ll pack a lot into these three weeks, and options abound. You might mentor underprivileged youth at a local community center, help lead hands-on learning workshops, tutor English in after-school programs, or help plan and run environmental projects at local schools. Hot topics make for interesting discussions: immigration, indigenous communities, women’s rights, the perception of Islam in America, and more. With students from local high schools, engage in conversations designed to make you think. You’ll also work in teams to tackle social issues in creative ways. Living with a homestay family, you’ll get a warm welcome and a rare glimpse of Moroccan traditions. Together you’ll shop, prepare meals, and gather around the family table. In your free time, you can dabble in Moroccan pottery and play soccer, ping pong, or volleyball at the city beach.

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Travel For Teens

9.84

19

Travel For Teens: Thailand Elephant Service and the Islands

We will explore the historical city of Chiang Mai, basking in the down-to-earth charm of this northern gem, shopping at local markets, enjoying a traditional Thai massage, and seeing lavish historic temples. Get ready to spend a day white water rafting down the mighty Pai River, taking in the scenic mountain surroundings and enjoying each other's company on the quiet river banks. Next, get ready for the Southern islands as we swap the jungle for the beach! We will swim, snorkel, scuba dive (optional), trek, and relax through this idyllic part of the world on the tropical island paradise of Koh Phi Phi and Krabi. Finally, jump into the bustling hub of Southeast Asia, Bangkok. Explore culturally historic icons, including the Royal Palace, Emerald Buddha, and Ayutthaya, before immersing yourself in the fast-paced street food scene, savoring pad Thai, and hunting for a bargain on Khao San Rd.

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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

9.77

77

Top Animal Welfare Volunteer Programs & Internships Abroad

GoEco offers more than 60 wildlife and animal conservation volunteer opportunities and internships worldwide! Our programs focus on the welfare and conservation of various species, both wildlife and domestic animals. We offer volunteer opportunities and internships at wildlife rescue centers, wildlife sanctuaries, wildlife reserves and animal shelters. All of our programs are vetted and are in line with our ethical values - only ethical and supervised interactions are allowed. A few examples of our offers include working with rescued sloths in Costa Rica, rehabilitating vervet monkeys in Malawi, observing and collecting data on Africa's Big Five species and doing survey dives with whale sharks in Mozambique, just to name a few.

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Abbey Road Programs

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0

Odyssey: Greek Islands Adventure | Summer Program for Teens

This exciting adventure will take our students to some of the best destinations on the Greek islands and mainland Greece, introducing them to one of the oldest, richest, and most awe-inspiring cultures of the world. Our students will marvel at the natural beauty of Crete and the Cycladic islands, washed by the turquoise waters of the Aegean sea, the colorful seaside villages, and some of Europe’s most spectacular beaches. They will learn about Greek history, mythology, and culture in a fun and engaging way, based on our Experiential Learning Method. The students will also participate in community service projects with our Greek partners, protecting animal habitat and fighting deforestation, sea pollution, and climate change. Key Details: Dates: July 10 - July 24 Locations visited: Crete, Santorini, Naxos, and Athens Housing: Hotels and student apartments

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MAXIMO NIVEL

9.5

2

Summer Camp in Costa Rica - Spanish Camp!

Develop your Spanish skills in Costa Rica with the Maximo Nivel Spanish Camp. Maximo Nivel Summer Spanish Camp is a full-immersion experience that integrates the Spanish language into all aspects of the program, including community service, sports, cultural activities, and tourism. You receive 3 hours of Spanish classes per day before heading out to different cultural activities and tours in the afternoon. Activities include museum visits, national park tours, creative workshops, recreational games, and more. This unique experience helps you develop a better sense of the world and grow into a true global citizen. Spanish Camp is an experience you remember forever! Every day, Spanish campers immerse themselves in the Spanish language while participating in a variety of activities and events around the capital city of San Jose and the beach towns of Manuel Antonio and Quepos. During weeknights, planned activities include salsa lessons, bonfires, karaoke, game nights, and movie nights, as well as quality time and Spanish language practice with your host family. On weekends, you take part in exciting cultural adventures and nature tours led by our professional guides.

International Medical Aid (IMA)

9.96

168

Top Rated Program High School Abroad in Ecuador 2025
Global Health & Pre-Medicine Internships Abroad | IMA

IMA offers an opportunity to enhance your medical and healthcare knowledge with International Medical Aid's Pre-Med and Health Fellowships. Crafted for pre-med undergraduates, medical students, and high school students, these fellowships offer a unique chance to engage deeply with global health care in East Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. Shadow doctors in underserved communities, and immerse yourself in diverse healthcare systems through our extensive network of public and private hospitals. IMA, a nonprofit organization, is deeply invested in the communities we serve, focusing on sustainable health solutions and ethical care practices. You'll be involved in community medical clinics, public health education, and first responder training, addressing the root causes of disease and illness alongside local community leaders. Beyond clinical experience, explore the beauty of your host country through cultural excursions and adventure programs during your free time. Join IMA's fellowships developed at Johns Hopkins University and step into a role that transcends traditional healthcare learning, blending clinical excellence with meaningful community service.

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Reach Cambridge

9.78

27

Reach Cambridge International Summer Courses

Join us for the experience of a lifetime! Reach Cambridge offers students aged 14-18 from across the world the unique opportunity to prepare for their future staying in university accommodation in the beautiful University City of Cambridge. We offer a diverse range of subject courses taught by expert tutors, complemented by engaging workshops and lectures. Each course is specially designed to complement high school studies while offering a glimpse of university-style learning. We offer a varied daily program of inclusive, fun activities and weekend excursions to other famous cultural highlights within the UK, such as London, Oxford, and Brighton. Join our truly international community of students and make friends from around the world in a safe and positive environment. Applications are now open for 2026! Please visit our website to check offers and apply. Choose your program: Two weeks Sunday 5th July - Saturday 18th July 2026 Sunday 19th July - Saturday 1st August 2026 Sunday 2nd August - Saturday 15th August 2026 Four weeks Sunday 5th July - Saturday 1st August 2026 Sunday 19th July - Saturday 15th August 2026 Six weeks Sunday 5th July - Saturday 15th August 2026

Global Leadership Adventures

9.8

64

Top Rated Program High School Abroad in Costa Rica 2025
GLA Costa Rica - Volunteer Programs for Teens

Travel to Costa Rica and make a difference in a subject area you are passionate about! Choose from program themes ranging from Public Health and Medicine to Animal and Wildlife Conservation to Language Immersion and everything in between. GLA's offerings include: - Animal Rescue & Veterinary Project - Beachside Service Adventure - Marine Conservation & Sea Turtle Expedition™ - The Ultimate Adventure - Medicine & Healthcare Discovery - Middle School Service Adventure - Ocean & Wildlife Conservation Adventure™ - Sea Turtle Initiative™ - Spanish Service Adventure - Surf, Sports & Sustainability ™ - The Initiative for Children ™ - Spring Break Service Adventure - Costa Rica Internship: Career Exploration In Environmental Stewardship Costa Rica is known for its serene tropical surroundings and leading ecological conservation efforts. It comprises five percent of the world's biodiversity, making it Central America’s "crown jewel" and an unbeatable location for natural and cultural exploration.

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Go Abroad China Ltd.

9.83

112

GAC Chinese Language Immersion Program

Master Mandarin in China with Go Abroad China's 22-year legacy. We offer four program types tailored to your goals: -University Program – Study at top partners like SJTU, Peking University, and BLCU with expert-led classes and accredited credits. -Small Group Program – Learn in intimate classes of 10-15 students with flexible durations and Business Chinese tracks. -Homestay Program – Achieve authentic fluency through daily life with a vetted local family, combined with formal instruction. -High School Program – Safe, supervised cultural immersion for ages 13-18 with interactive classes, peer exchanges, and workshops. All levels welcome—beginner to advanced. Choose one week to a full academic year, add one-on-one tutoring or HSK prep, and earn transferable credits. Our all-inclusive support covers visa, housing, airport pickup, cultural activities, and 24/7 assistance. Learn more than a language—gain a global perspective.

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ActionQuest Summer Adventure Programs

9.85

47

ActionQuest BVI Summer Adventures for Teens

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.

Rustic Pathways

9.89

38

Top Rated Program High School Abroad in Thailand 2025
Thailand Adventures and Service with Rustic Pathways

Play games with Asian elephants, snorkel in crystal blue waters, and immerse yourself in village life as you explore a country known for its warm people. Our programs take you off the beaten path for an unforgettable journey through Thailand. This includes: Thailand Adventurer – Travel from the mountains to the beach and Chiang Mai to Bangkok as you go rock climbing, snorkeling, and rafting. Plus, interact with Asian elephants. Thai Elephant Conservation Project – Learn how to be an elephant trainer while doing hands-on tasks at an animal sanctuary. Come with Nothing – Dive into service projects at three remote villages in Northern Thailand, and then spend time with your host families as you learn about local life in this culturally immersive program.

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Global Works

9.7

10

Costa Rica Teen Travel Programs

Global Works specializes in teen service trips and educational experiences to Costa Rica for high school and middle school students. These student travel programs have been our most popular over the years for good reason. Incredible biodiversity and a welcoming culture make Costa Rica an awesome choice for a summer adventure. Global Works offers volunteer programs in different focus areas. We offer opportunities for community service, Spanish immersion, cultural exchange, pre-med and public health, wildlife, adventure travel, and a middle school-focused program to this special corner of the globe. Program Options: * Costa Rica: Service & Sand (15 days) * Costa Rica: Wildlife Adventure (17 days) * Costa Rica: Intro to Pre-Med & Public Health (17 days) * Costa Rica: Middle School Service Adventure (10 days)

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Putney Student Travel

9.57

7

Service & Community Immersion in Costa Rica

Live and volunteer in a rural Costa Rican community on this immersive high school service program. Begin at a rainforest ecolodge near Lake Arenal, where you learn about sustainability, explore jungle trails, and prepare for your project work. Settle into your host community to partner with local residents on meaningful construction and agricultural initiatives, practicing Spanish as you cook meals, play fútbol, and join local events. Cap your journey on the Pacific coast, where you celebrate your accomplishments while rafting, hiking, snorkeling, or surfing in warm tropical waters.

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Westcoast Connection

10

4

Thailand Elephant Service & Adventure - 25 Days

Volunteer and experience Thailand while immersed in this meaningful and life-changing program. Spend rewarding days caring for the country’s beloved gentle giants at a sanctuary. The Thailand Elephant Service and Adventure program is led by our friendly staff, who are available to provide guidance and reflection on the impact of our work. They also promote the value of empathy and cultural sensitivity. This program includes thrilling adventures across Thailand to make the summer experience even more memorable! Explore the bustling canals of Bangkok and nearby floating markets, and chill on the beach in Railay Bay. Meaningful service, incredible adventures, and new friends? A perfect recipe for the summer of a lifetime! Please note that a limited number of participants depart on day 15, while the teens on the 25-day program continue to Krabi.

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Expanish

9.2

5

Young Adults Summer Program in Barcelona

Discover the magic of Barcelona this summer with Expanish! Our Young Adults Spanish Immersion Program invites students aged 16-20 to one of Europe's most iconic cities for a unique blend of language learning, cultural exploration, and personal growth. Whether you choose to stay with a local host family or in a student residence, this program offers an unforgettable opportunity to improve your Spanish, make friends from around the world, and experience life like a local. Ages 16-20 | 1-4 Weeks | July Start Dates Choose Your Experience: Day Program Spanish classes + activities Ideal for locals or families in the city Overnight Homestay: Live with a local family Full cultural immersion Overnight Residence: Stay with fellow students Great for independence & community

ARCC Programs

9.6

5

Australia & Fiji: Island Village Initiative

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.

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GoBeyond Student Travel

9.75

8

GoBeyond - Global Community Service Adventures for Teens

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.

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Where There Be Dragons

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7

Cambodia: Learning Service & Community Building (Summer)

Known for the incomparable ruins of Angkor Wat, Cambodia evokes images of overgrown jungle temples, bright orange-robed monks, and lush rice fields. Examine issues of human rights and international development: witness Cambodian youth's optimism, unpack the legacy of the Khmer Rouge, and gain insight into Theravada Buddhism firsthand. Our summer abroad course begins in the overgrown temples of the Angkor civilization, which hold the secrets to the ecological and architectural wonders of a culture that ruled much of Southeast Asia for nearly a thousand years. Continuing past the floating villages of Lake Tonle Sap, we gain insight into the effects of dams on the ecology of Cambodia’s largest body of freshwater and discuss environmental issues critical to food security. We continue to Battambang, where we meet with dedicated NGO representatives who work on education, child rights, and anti-orphanage tourism initiatives. In Phnom Penh, we confront the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge genocide, build empathy with the Cambodian people, and gain context around Cambodia’s present-day political landscape. We end in the coastal village of Kampot.

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Latest Program Reviews

Its Not Just A Trip - China Program Alum '25

February 06, 2026by: Lucy Paradise

Program: China: Mandarin Language Intensive (Summer)

10

My name is Lucy, and I had the incredible opportunity and privilege to go on a Dragons trip, specifically the China Language Intensive, in the summer of ’25. I truly believe that anyone who has the chance to do a Dragon's trip should go for it. Knowing what a great privilege it was, I can say it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done, something that will stay with me forever. The program is beautiful, raw, and so full of meaning. You get to connect with people and experience life in a way you never have before, and it stays with you. It’s impossible to choose a single “favorite” part of the trip, but the homestays were definitely a highlight. In the village of Nanyao in Lijiang City (Yunnan Province), I remember meeting my homestay mom and dad and feeling slightly hesitant at first. Despite the language barrier, their hospitality and kindness needed no translation. I felt right at home almost immediately. I made lifelong friends who feel like family, and I still have all their contacts. I cherish memories of playing soccer, cooking meals, and spending time with my homestay siblings; I think about them all the time. Kunming was amazing as well, an urban homestay full of energy, busy yet organized. I loved taking the Kunming Metro every day to and from Mandarin class and Independent Study. I even learned to play a traditional Chinese instrument, the guqin. My homestay parents were so sweet. One of my favorite memories is simply making dumplings with them, talking, heading down to the back entrance of the bottom floor to see kittens just outside the complex, and sharing family meals. Our instructors on this trip in particular let us do stipend meals often, a chance to practice the language, manage foreign currency, and spend independent time with your group, whether all twelve of us went together or split into smaller ones. Everyone was inclusive because everyone wanted to be there; the group was so tight-knit. Every meal felt special, even when it was just street noodles or hot pot (my favorite). My instructors, Rosalyn, Cy, and Martina, were incredible. They made me feel supported, inspired, and seen. I learned so much from them about language and culture, but also about perspective and slowing down, appreciating absolutely everything while you’re in a place that can feel new and, at times, intimidating. I carried my Canon camera everywhere (my neck still remembers it), but I’m so glad I brought it. The photos mean everything to me now; I look back on them frequently and fondly. This trip was especially meaningful because I was adopted from China. Returning as a young adult to learn, explore, and connect felt incredibly empowering. I even turned 18 on the trip, which was really fun. One of the biggest takeaways is how it helped me feel more connected to where I come from and deeply grateful for the people who shared their lives with me. Dragons changed the way I see the world. If you can do it, you absolutely should. It’s not just a trip—it’s an experience that will change you for the better. Be eternally grateful if you get the chance to go on one.

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