GoAbroad
School the World
Help Build Schools in Honduras, Panama, or Guatemala logo

Help Build Schools in Honduras, Panama, or Guatemala

by: School the World

4.5 (12)VerifiedSince 2009

School the World's Student Service Program provides an inspiring experience for high school students. While traveling to Honduras, Panama, or Guatemala, you experience a new culture, make new friends, fulfill service hours, and create lasting relationships with children in the community, all while building a school or a playground! Each group raises funds and participates in the final construction phase of a new school building or playground. Students spend most of the week in a community, working on the project, and interacting with the children, forming strong bonds through mutual learning. Cultural exposure and understanding are an essential part of our program. During their trip, students experience the beauty of the local culture. By participating, World Changers open their eyes and minds to the deep and complicated causes underlying poverty in rural communities. You walk away with first-hand insights into the realities of developing countries and experience the power of education in people’s lives. 2027 Dates • February 14-21 (Panama) • March 13-20* (Panama) • April 18-25* (Guatemala) • June 10-20* (Philippines) • July 6-13* (Guatemala) • July 21-29* (Honduras)

Program Highlights

Build a school and playground.

Bond with children and make new high school friends.

Experience a new culture.

Teach the children in their classroom.

Visit the homes in the community.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Guatemala
  • Panama
  • Honduras
Availability
Year(s) Offered: 2026, 2027Duration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • Summer
  • Alternative Spring Break
Age Requirement: 14-17
Types & Subjects
Focus Areas:
  • Community Service & Volunteering
  • Experiential Learning
  • Language Immersion
Causes:
  • Building & Construction Projects
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: Jul 08, 2026

Awards

hundrED Global Collection 2026Library of Congress Literacy Award WinnerCandid Transparency logoGreat Nonprofits 2021 Top-Rated List

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

4.5

Total Reviews

12

Incredible Experience!

July 08, 2026by: Sarah Preston - United States
5

Through my trips with School the World, I have had the opportunity to visit Panama twice and Honduras once. Both countries offered endless beauty, not only through their landscapes but through the people and communities I was fortunate enough to meet. My favorite part of each experience was the genuine kindness and welcoming nature of the communities we worked with. They welcomed us with open arms, shared their stories and traditions, and allowed us to build meaningful connections despite our different backgrounds. I loved being able to find common ground with people who had different experiences than my own and learn from their perspectives. These relationships and the connections I made are what made my time in both countries so memorable.

This was an amazing trip!

May 22, 2023by: Devon Headley - United States
4

I recently had the incredible opportunity to participate in a service trip to Honduras and this experience was amazing, leaving a lasting impact on both the local community and our team members. Our trip organizers ensured that we had a well-rounded experience by arranging cultural immersion activities and excursions. We explored the natural beauty of Honduras like going to the beaches and enjoying the food, traditions, and gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the community. I would recommend participating in this service trip to everyone. Not only will you contribute to the betterment of a community, but you will also experience personal growth, gain a broader perspective, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Incredible trip!

April 27, 2023by: Ava Towvim - United States
4

This trip was absolutely amazing. I loved getting to know new people, and gaining an understanding of another culture. I really felt like I had an impact in the community and I had so much fun with the other kids in the community while also learning more then I ever thought possible in only one week!

Going through some of the new school supplies with one of the girls in the community

Best experience

April 26, 2023by: Sam Blasbalg - United States
5

I learned so much about myself and others, and was so rewarded by the work. I had so much fun playing with the students as well! School the World is an amazing organization that makes it so easy to give back to the community and engage students in a fun, educational, once in a lifetime experience.

One of the best experiences of my life!

April 03, 2023by: Wheatley Evarts - United States
5

I was super nervous to go on this trip, but as soon as I met the people I was going with on this trip, I knew it was gonna be something to remember. I loved going through Panama City and exploring the markets and the culture, as well as getting to know the people in my group. But my absolute favorite part of the trip was going to the community. I loved hanging out with the kids during recess and after lunch. They brought such a smile to my face and I will never forget any of the memories I made with them. I also throughly enjoyed teaching in the classroom and seeing what their day to day school life entailed, as well as the shadow day. This was one of the best experiences I have ever had in my life, and one I will definitely not forget. I would recommend this trip to anyone and do it again!

Volunteer with a child

Incredible experience

April 02, 2023by: Ava Towvim - United States
4

It was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever done. I loved getting to know the kids and families during my trip. It felt so special being a part of something that could really make a difference in these kids lives. And everyday I was learning from and inspired by the people in the community. Despite the language barrier, I made strong connections with the kids in the community. I had so much fun blowing bubbles and playing with them, all the while learning so much from each of them. It was so fulfilling, and of course the sunsets at the beach and the day in Panama City were incredible as well. I’m so so glad that I went :)

Volunteer with students

Travel with School The World!

April 02, 2023by: Emma E - United States
5

I've gone on 2 trips with School The World now and have loved every minute of them. I loved playing with local children for recess, eating authentic food, making friends with the other high schoolers on the trip, practicing Spanish everyday in the community, and seeing all the hard work turn into a school at the end of the week! The staff at STW is amazing, and they make you feel so safe and at home. It's an incredible opportunity to see how people live every day in poorer parts of the world, & I'm so grateful I've had the opportunity to travel with STW twice now.

Amazing opportunity and very worth while!

April 01, 2023by: Julia Valcourt - United States
4

I had a wonderful time on my trip and it was an extremely eye-opening experience to a very rural community that had so much gratitude for our service and for the little things in life. I also made amazing friends that share a passion for service and I would go back in an instant!

helping local kids write their names on their new slide in their new playground

A life changing experience

April 01, 2023by: Caroline Koenig - United States
4

I loved traveling with School the World more than anything. This eye-opening opportunity was impactful to my personal growth and introduced me to a new part of the world. The impact our team left in the community will forever be recognized due to the friendships and bonds we made there as well as our dedication and persistance while building a classroom. I didn't want to leave when I was there and now at home I wish I could go back. School the World is something I would encourage everyone to take on. Its betters you in the best possible way and you feel so good about your purpose to help the children. Every single person has the ability to make the world a better place little by little if they choose too. School the World is where dreams come true.

I felt like I changed the world directly

April 01, 2023by: Emma Raphael - United States
4

I had a really great experience on my service trip, and felt like I directly impacted the community. I had an experience I would never have completed if it was not for this organization, and I felt like I was exposed to a new culture.

My amazing week in Honduras

April 01, 2023by: Quinn Kenny - United States
5

I had an amazing time in Honduras building schools with School the World. I felt so engaged the entire week and had the best time. Immersing myself in the community was my favorite part. Everyone I went on the trip with was great and made the trip so much better.

A trip that opened my eyes

April 01, 2023by: Sophie Iacono - United States
5

I feel past the fact that everyone knows they are going abroad to help build something and play with kids. Seeing the culture and getting to experience it was a main reason I wanted to go and glad I did. To see how this people live outside a textbook just shows life in different ways. Along with that I got to meet people other students that i’m still friend with today.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Guatemala
  • Panama
  • Honduras

Types and Subjects

  • Focus Areas
  • Community Service & Volunteering
  • Experiential Learning
  • Language Immersion
  • Causes
  • Building & Construction Projects

Availability

Years Offered: 2026, 2027

Duration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • Summer
  • Alternative Spring Break

Age Requirement

14-17

Guidelines

All Nationalities

This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Group

Program Cost Includes

  • Tuition & Fees
  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • All Program Activity Costs
  • Wifi Costs
  • Travel Insurance
  • Medical / Accident Insurance
  • Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Welcome Dinner
  • Group Meals
  • Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
  • Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
  • In-Country Transportation To & From Project
  • International Airfare
  • Guide / Chaperone
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
  • Pre-Departure Orientation
  • In-Country Orientation
  • Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
  • Letter of Recommendation
  • Certificate of Completion

Payment Terms

  • Payment Plan
  • Scholarships
  • Upfront Deposit

Refund Policy

Other

View Refund Policy

Accommodation Options

  • Group living
  • Other

Qualifications & Experience

      Accepted Education Levels

    • High School Freshman (1st Year)
    • High School Sophomore (2nd Year)
    • High School Junior (3rd Year)
    • High School Senior (4th Year)
    • High School 5th Year or More
    • Some high school, no diploma

    Application Procedures

    • Online Application
    • Essay
    • Written Application
    • Other
    • Phone/Video Interview

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What would the total cost of the trip be?

    The total trip cost is $3,950, which includes the $750 initial deposit.

    What are the total service hours?

    A total of 64 service hours will be fulfilled throughout the week.

    What accommodations are provided?

    Accommodations will be in hotels, with 2–6 guests per room; room requests are welcome.

    When do trips happen?

    Trips align with typical spring and summer school vacation weeks, with multiple departure dates available each year.
    Sample 2027 dates:
    • February 14-21 (Panama)
    • March 13-20* (Panama)
    • April 18-25* (Guatemala)
    • June 10-20* (Philippines)
    • July 6-13* (Guatemala)
    • July 21-29* (Honduras)

    * Subject to change.

    What are the deadlines for the trip?

    Applications are due 45 days before departure. Late applications may incur an additional $250 fee due to increased flight and administrative costs. We encourage students to register early in order to provide as much time to fundraise the trip fees.

    Interviews

    Read interviews from alumni or staff

    Sarah Preston

    Sarah Preston

    Participated in 2023

    Alumni

    As a high school student, there were not many opportunities to travel to a new place, experience a different culture, and step outside of my comfort zone. School the World immediately caught my attention because it combined my desire to explore the world with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. 

    Show Full Interview
    School the World

    School the World

    4.5Verified

    Ready to Learn More?

    School the World's Student Service Program provides an inspiring experience for high school students. While traveling to Honduras, Panama, or Guatemala, you experience a new culture, make new friends, fulfill service hours, and create lasting relationships with children in the community, all while building a school or a playground! Each group raises funds and participates in the final construction phase of a new school building or playground. Students spend most of the week in a community, working on the project, and interacting with the children, forming strong bonds through mutual learning. Cultural exposure and understanding are an essential part of our program. During their trip, students experience the beauty of the local culture. By participating, World Changers open their eyes and...

    Related Programs

    Browse programs you might like