Are you a high school student looking for a summer trip that offers more than a typical holiday? Are you looking to develop your skills, discover a new country, and improve your college applications?
Volunteering in Africa for teenagers with Projects Abroad might be for you.
We offer secure, structured, and impactful teen volunteer programs in Africa that are designed specifically for those aged 15 to 18 years old.
Our High School Programs are perfect for teens who are thinking of volunteering in Africa but who also want to do so safely, with local experts and immediate support.
Join a squad of like-minded teenagers from around the world, all passionate about making a real difference.
Whether you're looking for a conservation, community development, or teaching in Africa summer program, we have the perfect project for you. No matter what you do, as a teen volunteer in Africa, you’ll gain valuable experience while exploring this fascinating continent.
Discuss your dream teen trip to Africa >
Volunteer programs in Africa for high school students
1-3 of 11 Projects
Medical Internship for High School Students in Tanzania
See this project- Price: $3,275 USD for 2 weeks
- Extra Weeks: $600 USD
- Start Date: Summer/Winter Break
- Minimum Duration: 2 weeks
- Ages: 15-18
Conservation Volunteer Work in Kenya for Teenagers
See this project- Price: $3,875 USD for 2 weeks
- Extra Weeks: $700 USD
- Start Date: Summer/Winter Break
- Minimum Duration: 2 weeks
- Ages: 15-18
Medical Internships for Teenagers in Kenya
See this project- Price: $3,275 USD for 2 weeks
- Extra Weeks: $600 USD
- Start Date: Summer/Winter Break
- Minimum Duration: 2 weeks
- Ages: 15-18
Why should teens volunteer in Africa?
Africa is a huge, exciting, and diverse continent made up of over 50 countries. We have projects for teens in Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, and Botswana.
Like two-thirds of our teen participants, this could be your first time travelling abroad alone. When you volunteer in Africa with Projects Abroad, you’ll be supported from start to finish so that you’re never navigating a new culture alone.
As a teen volunteer in Africa, you can choose from working with children, conservation, medical and human rights internships, building, or football coaching.
All of our projects are focused on supporting communities, who you’ll work alongside. You'll learn from local people as you contribute to long-term and ethical initiatives on the ground.
When you come home, you’ll unpack more than a suitcase. You’ll have developed a new perspective on global issues, forged through cultural exchange, genuine connection and your meaningful volunteer or internship experience.
Contribute to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, get career clarity, and pick up skills and global citizenship that colleges and employers value. All while having fun and forming new, international friendships.
How old do you have to be to volunteer in Africa?
Finding organizations that fully supervise and guide you while you volunteer in Africa under 18 can be hard, but with Projects Abroad, it couldn’t be easier. Teens can volunteer in Africa with us between the ages of 15 and 18, and you’ll meet and work alongside others your age from around the world.
Not a teenager? Take a look at our Flexi Trips opportunities, which include trips to Africa, with fully flexible start dates.
Teen volunteering in Africa - real stories
Since 1992, we’ve helped over 140,000 participants travel the world responsibly. Here are some of their stories:
“My experience volunteering on the project aboard Tanzania was great. My host family, accommodation and other volunteers there created great company both during weekday and weekend activities. I enjoyed getting to know people from different backgrounds and cultures.
As a healthcare volunteer, I gained invaluable insights from working in the hospital. I was exposed to a variety of clinical settings and learned not only from the healthcare professionals but also from the patients themselves. While the language barrier posed some initial challenges, making the effort to communicate helped me grow in both understanding and confidence.”
What parents say about their children volunteering in Africa
“My son gained a tremendous amount from his time in Ghana with Projects Abroad, making new friends and learning a new culture. He is now looking at how to build bridges with Ghana after this fantastic experience.”
“Our 16 year old daughter has just returned from a conservation project in Kenya and absolutely loved it. She has made some brilliant friends from all over the world and embraced the entire experience with such positivity. The support before the trip was great and prepared her well…
… The trip itinerary was incredible and everyone was really well taken care of. They saw so much incredible wildlife - lions, giraffes, zebras every day.”
See more reviews like this on Trustpilot:
Let’s connect to discuss volunteering in Africa for teenagers
Ready to start your adventure? Contact your Project Expert today to discuss which service trips to Africa for high school students or other teen volunteering in Africa opportunities are the best fit for you!
What are the benefits of teen volunteering in Africa?
Embarking on volunteer programs in Africa for high school students is a significant decision that comes with a wealth of personal and professional rewards. Our structured youth trips to Africa are designed to maximise these benefits for every participant.
Read: How volunteering abroad can benefit your child's education
Improve professional skills
Gaining practical experience as a youth volunteer in Africa is an excellent way to boost your CV and develop professional competencies. You’ll learn to work in a team, take initiative, problem-solve in a new environment, and communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds.
These are skills that are highly valued by future employers and can give you a competitive edge. It’s practical work experience you simply can’t get in a classroom, laying the groundwork for future career success.
In fact, 93% of our participants in 2024 said they felt the skills and knowledge they developed with Projects Abroad will help them in the future.
Develop personal skills
As a teen volunteer in Africa, you’ll build confidence, resilience, and adaptability as you navigate a new culture and overcome small challenges. You’ll also develop your cultural awareness and empathy by working side-by-side with local people and understanding the world beyond your borders.
96% of our participants in 2024 said they now feel more confident when interacting with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
The hands-on experience you’ll get on a high school volunteer in Africa trip encourages independence and broadens your perspective like nothing else.
Give your college and job applications an edge
College admissions committees value applicants who demonstrate initiative, global awareness, and commitment to service, all things you gain as a teen volunteer in Africa.
Highlighting your experience with us shows you are proactive, mature, and committed to learning both inside and outside the classroom. This real-world experience is a standout addition to any personal statement and will give you proof of shadowing or service hours, and you might even be able to gain academic credit.
For example, 93% of medical participants in 2024 believe their Medical Internship improved their application to medical school.
Make new friends from around the world
One of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering in Africa for teenagers is the opportunity to meet and bond with other young people from around the world.
We understand that your desire to travel could be held back by a fear of the unknown. We know that the fear is real, but we also believe that the reward for travelling is much greater. When you step outside of your comfort zone, that’s where real growth can begin.
Each two-week program usually has between 15 and 35 participants aged 15 to 18, so you’ll meet plenty of people from different places. In fact, 99% of our participants in 2024 agreed that they were able to connect with new people and cultures.
Our High School Programs bring people together from across the globe, creating a diverse and supportive group environment. You’ll share an incredible experience, create memories, and forge friendships that will last well beyond your adventure.
Who are we?
Projects Abroad are a leading provider of international volunteer projects and internships and have been operating since 1992.
We offer the highest level of safety and support on the market, specialising in fully-supported teen travel experiences.
When you join our teen volunteer programs in Africa, you benefit from:
- 24/7 support and supervision from our dedicated destination staff
- a fully planned itinerary with volunteer work, relaxation, and adventure in equal measure
- safe, vetted, and comfortable accommodation with three meals a day and the necessary amenities
- a hassle-free experience that takes the stress out of from travel, allowing you to focus on personal development and making a meaningful contribution
Choose Projects Abroad for your teen volunteer trip to Africa to ensure an ethical, safe, and truly impactful experience.
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