High School Community Service & Volunteering Programs Abroad

Travel to Costa Rica for a program rich in community service and eco-adventure. Experience the traditional town of Atenas, surrounded by verdant mountains. Immerse fully in the Costa Rican culture by living with a local family and engaging in community service projects and afternoon cultural workshops. Travel for eco-adventure to the beautiful region of La Fortuna, at the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano. Trek through the rainforest to a breathtaking waterfall and go on a zipline canopy tour through the jungle. Perform trail work at a private reserve and see exotic wildlife such as sloths, howler monkeys, and toucans. Travel to Manuel Antonio beach on the Pacific coast for surf lessons, white water rafting, and hiking through the national park. Learn what sustainable tourism and eco-adventure are all about! A basic level of Spanish is recommended for this program.

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.

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, you’ll 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. Mentor underprivileged youth at a local association whose mission is to integrate youth into their community. Run arts and crafts workshops, help tutor English for after-school programs, and take part in planning and implementing environmental activities with local public schools. 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. Added bonus; you’ll also have access to all the ALC’s clubs and offerings — from sports, music, and movies to public speaking, debate, and Model UN.

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.

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

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.

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.

Join us for the experience of a lifetime! Reach Cambridge offers students aged 14-18 from all over the world the unique opportunity to prepare for their future in the beautiful and inspiring 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 also 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 Stratford-upon-Avon. 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 2025! 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

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.

Go Abroad China (GAC) has 22+years of experience offering immersive Chinese language programs to students from over 50 countries. Join over 1,500 participants who have studied Mandarin at top universities like Tsinghua, Peking University, and BLUC. GAC’s program combines expert-led classes, personalized tutoring, and interactive language exchanges with native speakers and flexible options: 1 week to 1 year, beginner to advanced levels, small groups, or one-on-one tutoring. Customize your study by your preferred university, program intensity, and dates. Live like a local with homestay housing, stay in shared apartments with Chinese peers, or choose international dormitories on campus. Engage in cultural electives, guided tours, social events, and networking opportunities. For a comprehensive package starting at $1,980, we handle every detail—from visa sponsorship and accommodation to cultural immersion and 24/7 assistance. We understand that every learner's goals and schedule are different, which is why we offer fully customizable package options. Learn Mandarin, explore Chinese culture, and gain lifelong skills with GAC’s trusted immersion program.

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.

The Girls Leadership Academy for Service & Sport (GLASS) is designed specifically for high school female athletes. Our one-of-a-kind curriculum is woven through sports, service, and global engagement. Hosted on our private campus in Costa Rica, each 10-day GLASS session includes: Sports-performance training Service-learning projects Leadership development workshops Mentorship from former college athletes International adventure GLASS is designed to help high school female athletes unleash their full leadership potential on and off the playing field.

GVI offers a variety of opportunities for young adults between the ages of 15 and 17 to gain first-hand experience in cultural immersion, marine and wildlife conservation and community development. This is a great way to become a global citizen with a better understanding of prevalent social and environmental issues. It’s also a gateway to improving your future education and employment opportunities, as you acquire soft and hard skills in your chosen GVI focus. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to dive in the oceans of Greece, visit the jungles of Costa Rica, or the rolling Incan valleys of Peru, all while contributing to sustainability, this is for you. This is an opportunity to connect with a network of people who share similar passions for sustainability, while also expanding your knowledge of different linguistic practices and cultural customs. Each project is aimed at reaching sustainable objectives that align with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

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. Ocean and Rainforest Service – Explore Thailand’s vibrant ecosystems as you snorkel pristine reefs, learn conservation techniques in ancient rainforests, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of a unique seaside community. 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.

It's the kind of ocean expedition that aspiring marine biologists dream of—17 days on a live-aboard floating classroom: sailing, diving, and exploring the fascinating waters of the Caribbean. Set sail for a one-of-a-kind adventure with a small group of marine science enthusiasts just like you. You'll be part of a crew of seafarers whose curiosity about the ocean, marine species, and the role of marine parks will lead the team deep into the Caribbean's underwater realm. Chart a course for St. Bart's where you'll earn your PADI Open Water or Advanced Open Water certification. After studying and refining your skills, it's time to hit the water and observe the underwater species and phenomena the Caribbean is known for. Lessons aboard the yacht truly come to life when you dive below the surface and witness what you've just learned. In Saba, marvel at pinnacles rising 100 feet from the ocean floor and dive among groupers, jacks, sea turtles, and alien-like corals. In just 17 days, you'll see and do more than you ever thought possible and leave with lasting friendships, incredible memories, and a desire to build upon all that you've accomplished.

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)

Travel to Costa Rica this summer for a teen community service program you won’t forget! Work alongside some of our long-standing service partners on projects such as building infrastructure in the Central Valley. The trip uses a service-learning framework tailored for high school students, wherein our staff provides guidance and reflection on the impact of our work and promotes the value of empathy and cultural sensitivity. When not volunteering, participants go off on exciting adventures like learning to surf, zip-lining over the forest canopy, enjoying whitewater rafting, and more! Fall in love with the Pura Vida lifestyle and all things Costa Rican in this 10-day program.

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.