Teens relax at their South African placement on a volunteering opportunity for 15, 16, 17 and 18 year olds

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 programmes are tailor-made for 15 to 18-year-olds.

On our volunteer opportunities for teens, you can expect:

A fully-supervised programme 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.

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 organised 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

Volunteers paint a jungle gym in Kenya while volunteering abroad under 18.

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 travelling with a trusted organisation 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.

A volunteers spends time with the children in Cambodia after joining volunteering opportunities for high school students with Projects Abroad.

Summer volunteer programmes 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:

Meet and work with young people your age
Live with a local host family or in shared accommodation
Take part in fun, worthwhile activities at your placement
Join cultural activities with your group and our staff
Have support from our staff 24/7 during your trip

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