High School Community Service & Volunteering Programs in South America

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.

Spend a year or semester in el corazón de Sudamerica (the heart of South America) learning Spanish and immersing yourself in Paraguayan daily life. By living with a host family and attending a local high school, you’ll get an inside look at Paraguay’s fusion of Spanish and indigenous Guaraní cultures. You may catch sight of Guaraní indigenous people selling feathered headdresses in city plazas or pass locals riding through the streets in horse- or ox-drawn carts. As a country experiencing rapid change while remaining true to its cultural traditions, you will have the opportunity to experience both the ancient and the modern. This is your chance to participate in local customs like the asado (a traditional barbeque) and become an integral part of your community. Paraguay just might be South America’s most untouched, natural gem; making it an ideal place to step outside of your comfort zone, become a cultural insider, and engage in an exciting new adventure.

Peru Service is one of our most spectacular trips for teens finishing grades 9, 10, 11, and 12. It offers the opportunity to perform meaningful service helping the local communities of Misminay and Urubamba while exploring the most iconic sites of this South American gem! Your rewarding days of service will be spent on projects ranging from aiding in construction projects and farming to teaching English as a second language. The rest of your time will be nothing short of transformative as you experience the unique atmosphere of the Sacred Valley. Drink in the mountain culture of Cusco as you see the mix of Inca and Colonial architecture around the Plaza de Armas and the temple of Coricancha. You will also peruse vibrant handicraft markets and marvel at the mesmerizing Inca city of Machu Picchu. Service, culture, incredible sights, and adventure. What more could you ask for in a Peruvian summer?

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.

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.

Strengthen your Spanish skills and experience life in both the Andean highlands and the Galápagos Islands on this language immersion and service program. Join a welcoming host community outside Quito to support agriculture and construction projects while learning Spanish through daily interaction and guided language activities. Live with a local family, share meals, and participate in community traditions that deepen your connection and cultural understanding. Explore the cloud forest and visit Cotopaxi National Park for breathtaking hikes and horseback riding across the páramo. Then fly to the Galápagos to snorkel with sea lions, observe giant tortoises and iguanas up close, and learn how conservation efforts protect fragile ecosystems unique to these volcanic islands.

On the Ecuador: Galapagos & Andean Service Adventure program, immerse yourself in a meaningful homestay with local families on mainland Ecuador. Participate in impactful community service and cultural exchange. Work alongside community members, as well as visiting and learning from an indigenous community. Then, explore the biodiverse and historic Galapagos Island. Snorkel with penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas, and colorful tropical fish. Learn about the conservation efforts of a unique ecosystem! Hike one of the largest volcanic craters on earth at Isabella Island. Visit and interact with a giant tortoise breeding center. Traveling to Ecuador is truly the adventure of a lifetime!

Stand in the shadows of the majestic Andes mountains, connect with warm-hearted indigenous peoples and their culture, and take a selfie with a llama! Peru offers the opportunity to trek majestic trails, explore ancient ruins, visit rural villages, and engage in meaningful community service and genuine connection with the locals. Sacred Valley Service – Step into the past and marvel at the breathtaking landscapes and architectural wonders of Machu Picchu. Plus, engage in service projects that contribute to the well-being of local communities in the Sacred Valley. The Andes to Amazon – From Machu Picchu to the Amazon Rainforest, discover ancient civilizations, connect with the locals in small mountain communities, and give a helping hand to service projects that will benefit rural areas long-term. Andes to Amazon College Program – This is the college version of Andes to Amazon, open to students ages 88-22.

Embark on a transformative 19-day service-learning program in Ecuador, where we delve into the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon and the unique ecosystems of the Galápagos Islands. Our adventure kicks off with hands-on conservation efforts, including participating in an Amazonian reforestation project aimed at restoring critical habitats. We’ll gain firsthand experience in wildlife rescue, collaborating with local NGOs to rehabilitate endangered species and contribute to vital environmental initiatives. As we explore the lush landscapes, we’ll whitewater raft down the Río Napo and zipline through the Mindo Cloud Forest, soaking in the natural beauty around us. Our time in the Galápagos will be extraordinary, as we snorkel alongside sea lions and other marine life, while engaging in essential land rehabilitation projects to combat invasive species and preserve native flora. With 25 hours of community service dedicated to protecting Ecuador’s ecosystems, we will develop practical conservation skills and cultivate a deeper appreciation for biodiversity. Join us for this unforgettable journey filled with adventure, learning, and meaningful contributions to the environment!

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.

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!

Experience South America's natural beauty and cultural richness in this summer volunteer program. Work on diverse community service projects alongside locals in Quito and the Amazon Rainforest and unwind in the spectacular Galapagos Islands. When not volunteering, explore Quito – the first city declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Straddle the Northern and Southern Hemispheres at the same time. Be one of the privileged travelers to visit the Galapagos Islands, where we explore the home of Darwin’s theory of evolution and observe many endemic species of animals, including the giant land tortoise. Not to mention the breathtaking views of the dense rainforest and rushing waterfalls in Baños. This program will awaken your sense of adventure as we whitewater raft and snorkel past stingrays, sea lions, sea stars, and more in crystal blue waters! Please note that a limited number of participants depart on day 12, while teens on the 18-day program continue to the Galapagos Islands.

Track a tapir and Andean bears in a cloud forest. Study primates and rainforest ecology in the Amazon. Then get ready to explore the Galápagos, one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world, on this 20-day adventure for high school students 16 and up. Tropical ecosystems exhibit an amazing degree of biodiversity and species richness, and this program brings you into the heart of it all - the Andes Mountains, the Amazon Rainforest, and the Galápagos Islands. Conduct biological surveys while you track Andean mountain bears, jaguars, and the elusive tapir. Head into a remote part of the Amazon jungle where the world's most biodiverse region is right at your fingertips. Snorkel and explore the pristine islands of the Galápagos Archipelago, home to the widest array of flora and fauna on the planet. We are offering two sessions for 2026 (while space lasts): June 22 - July 11, 2026 July 13 - August 1, 2026

Celebrate Peru’s unbelievable diversity: travel along tropical waterways, live with Quechua families in the high Andes, and explore the threads of past and present in the land of the Inca. Dragons Peru summer abroad program offers students the opportunity to dig into critical development issues by living with families in remote indigenous communities and exploring seldom-visited regions of the sacred Andes Mountains and lush Amazonian forests. Dragons Peru summer abroad course is a rugged and challenging journey through the folds of time, offering exposure to critical development issues of today through the lens of the cultures, communities, and stunning backdrops of the past. It is ideal for students who want to develop wilderness and leadership skills while engaging in hands-on service and in an inspection of the critical development issues facing Latin America. Expect to live closely with remote indigenous communities and trek through awe-inspiring terrain as you discover profound new relationships with yourself and the world around you. We have 4 and 6-week options available for this program.

Home to the incredible Andes Mountains, Peru features a diverse landscape, plus traditions and culture that have survived for centuries. GLA offers several programs for teens in the Cuzco and Sacred Valley areas, focusing on volunteer and educational opportunities and cultural exploration. From treks in the highlands to a day with llamas to river rafting adventures, there's something for everyone here. Depending on the program you select, you'll experience different activities and work toward separate learning objectives. - Service Expedition in the Sacred Valley (14 or 21 days): Lend a hand on various projects that improve the lives of those who call the Sacred Valley home. - Foundations of Global Health (14 or 21 days): Assist with public health initiatives in rural highland communities. - Internship: Career Exploration In Sciences & STEM (21 days): Earn college credit and complete a project in this intensive internship experience, with a focus on engineering and sustainable development.

Alzar School brings students to the intersection of engaging academics, cultural exchange, and outdoor adventure. Spend a semester split between the mountains of Idaho and Patagonia, Chile. We are a semester school for highly motivated high school sophomores and juniors. Challenging and engaging academic coursework is essential to building the skills needed to lead change. Our courses are made more relevant and powerful by connecting to student experiences and the places we explore. Living internationally broadens perspectives, and deep personal growth can be found through challenge in the outdoors. This whole-person approach to education, combined with the benefits of living in a small community, leads to tremendous outcomes. Throughout your entire semester, you will gain tangible leadership skills and discover how you can use this knowledge to take action to improve your communities.

Discover Ecuador’s natural wonders, from the majestic Andes mountains to the lush Cloud Forest and the Galápagos archipelago. Encounter seals in their natural habitat, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, hike volcanic landscapes, and immerse yourself in the country’s vast biodiversity. Begin your journey in Quito, Ecuador’s vibrant capital, exploring gold-adorned churches, colonial architecture, and the equator line, where you can stand between hemispheres. Discover the Mindo Nambillo Cloud Forest in the Chocó Andino region, home to 600+ bird species, and join local conservation efforts by planting native trees and maintaining forest habitats. Immerse yourself in Andean culture during a week-long homestay in Riobamba, where you’ll practice Spanish, cook traditional Ecuadorian dishes, and support local community projects. Then, explore the legendary Galápagos Islands, a living laboratory of evolution. At the Charles Darwin Research Station, learn about ongoing biodiversity and conservation initiatives. Enjoy unforgettable experiences such as snorkeling, swimming in lava grottoes, visiting turtle-hatching sites, and observing rare tropical wildlife.

Our homebase in the Sacred Valley of the Inca has welcomed VISIONS groups for 25 years. You will help Quechua indigenous communities on a lifeblood project: water. Add your name to the legacy of miles of water canals constructed with humble farmers whose crops and livelihoods would otherwise be in peril from the increasing drought conditions. The days are joyful and fun working together, and there's also plenty of time for exploration: Machu Picchu, ancient ruins, sprawling markets, chocolate-making workshops, and more. - Spanish Immersion & Indigenous Cultural Insights - Andes Mountains, Hikes to Ruins, Artisan Markets - Irrigation Canals, Adobe Construction, Time with Kids

Amigos de las Américas (AMIGOS) is a non-profit organization that provides service and cultural immersion programs in Latin America and the U.S. for students ages 13–19. During our summer projects in Paraguay, volunteers immerse themselves in local culture by living with a host family, strengthening their Spanish, learning Guaraní, forming cross-cultural friendships, and contributing to meaningful community initiatives. Each volunteer works on a community service project alongside local peers and community partners. Our relationships with local and international organizations - built over 60 years - enable authentic engagement in communities across the region. Since our founding in 1965, more than 30,000 alumni have completed our programs with greater social awareness, stronger leadership skills, and a passion to make meaningful change! Get in touch with our team to learn more about AMIGOS!

Learn, serve, and lead with Bright Light Volunteers in a country of your choice. Our Global Service Learning (GSL) program is designed for passionate middle and high school students, exposing them to various aspects, including cultural and social, of their host community. Participants not only broaden their knowledge but also develop a deeper understanding of local, national, and global issues. They gain insight into the interdependency and interconnectedness of people and communities, becoming equipped to act responsibly and effectively toward a more just and peaceful world. Additionally, they develop a range of skills outside a conventional classroom environment. If you’re interested in joining our movement and becoming a global citizen, get in touch with us today for more information.