Volunteering for Teens: High School Specials

Hassle-free overseas volunteer trips for teenagers

Make your summer one to remember!

As a teen volunteer abroad, you can travel, make a difference, and meet people from around the world! Our teen volunteer abroad programs are tailor-made for 15 to 18-year-olds.

On our volunteer opportunities for teens, you can expect

  • A fully-supervised program from arrival to departure.
  • Support from our staff who help everyone settle in, even if it’s your first time abroad.
  • The company of other teen volunteers who you’ll get to know through projects, cultural activities, and excursions.
  • Fixed start and end dates. You’ll follow a set itinerary, offering a structure that suits school students.
  • A certificate of completion and reference letter on request.

Our High School Special volunteer projects provide experiential education while making a positive impact in communities.

You could help children learn through play, conduct research on a safari, or gain medical work experience in hospitals.

Our most popular High School Special projects include:

On all our youth volunteering opportunities, you'll learn by doing. Let us help you find your perfect volunteering opportunity for high school students.

Take inspiration from other young volunteers and interns

View High School Special testimonials >

Want to gain academic credit while working towards a Level 3 Diploma? Check out our International Volunteering Diploma to find out how this exciting course fits perfectly with our High School Special programs.

Choose a High School Special

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1-3 of 36 Projects

A high school student takes a child's blood sugar measure on our medical internship in Peru
Medical Internship in Peru for Teenagers
See this project
  • Price: $3,175 USD for 2 weeks
  • Extra Weeks: $600 USD
  • Start Date: Summer/Winter Break
  • Minimum Duration: 2 weeks
  • Ages: 15-18
A doctor explains how to take healthcare measures on our medical internship for high school students in Tanzania
Medical Internship for High School Students in Tanzania
See this project
  • Price: $3,175 USD for 2 weeks
  • Extra Weeks: $600 USD
  • Start Date: Summer/Winter Break
  • Minimum Duration: 2 weeks
  • Ages: 15-18
Volunteers work with children and help protect the environment in Ecuador on our project for teenagers
Conservation Work and Volunteer in Ecuador
See this project
  • Price: $3,775 USD for 2 weeks
  • Extra Weeks: $700 USD
  • Start Date: Summer/Winter Break
  • Minimum Duration: 2 weeks
  • Ages: 15-18
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What are High School Specials?

Our High School Specials are volunteer abroad trips for teenagers. We’ve tailor-made these trips for groups of 15 to 18-year-olds. They come with a set itinerary, giving structure to help you make the most of your experience.

What makes High School Specials perfect for teenage volunteers?

  • They run during the school holidays
  • They last 2-4 weeks, giving you enough time to make a difference
  • They offer a mix of pre-planned activities and independent travel
  • You’ll work with a group of young volunteers, forming long-lasting friendships

By volunteering abroad as a teenager, you can expect to

  • Leave a sustainable positive impact on local communities. 
  • Meet and work on your project alongside teens from around the world.
  • Enjoy the constant support of Projects Abroad staff.
  • Join organized trips and social activities.

On a personal level, you will

  • Safely step out of your comfort zone
  • Engage with a group of diverse people from around the world
  • Develop soft skills like communication, problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork
  • Gain a deeper understanding of global issues

Want a more flexible and independent experience? Take a look at our Flexi Trips for anyone over 16.

My time in Peru, even if short, was very sweet and left me memories that I will always remember! I went alone, something which I was scared about at the beginning, but actually turned out to be the best option and really helped me with my confidence. On my program, I had the chance to meet some really wonderful people, who I still talk to this day. - Jordana B, Childcare & Community High School Special in Peru

Read more: The impact of high school volunteers >

Volunteers paint a jungle gym in Kenya on a volunteer abroad program for 17 year olds.

What are the benefits of volunteering overseas as a teenager?

Our trips exist to help you make the most of your time volunteering abroad.

All our teenage volunteers enjoy:

  • The security of traveling with a trusted organization with decades of experience.
  • Working with in-country staff who know the local community well.
  • Developing confidence, skills, and friendships.
  • A unique experience for university and job applications.
  • Learning about other cultures and the challenges faced overseas.

Summer volunteer programs for high school students

Summer is the busiest time of the year for us. Book a place ahead of time to make the most of your summer holiday.

When schools close for the summer, you can pack your bags, hop on a plane, and travel overseas.

Our High School Specials take place over fixed dates throughout the summer months of June, July, and August. We also have winter dates in December and January.

Whichever project you choose, expect to:

Join one of our volunteer opportunities for young people and discover what you’re capable of!

Want to join a volunteer abroad trip for teens?

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