Teen Volunteer Organizations

Volunteer Service Abroad

American Jewish World Service
Volunteer Summer
AJWS Volunteer Summer is a dynamic, hands-on summer experience for current high school juniors and seniors, college students and recent college graduates (ages 16-25) that combines rewarding volunteer work with study of social justice and sustainable development, all from a Jewish perspective. Volunteers work with communities in Honduras, Guatemala, Ghana and Thailand. Following the summer, the experience continues through the yearlong domestic program, which includes educational retreats, public presentations, and local volunteer opportunities.

Contact: ajws.org

Amistad Institute
Spanish & Volunteer Programs
Camp in Costa Rica for high school students.

Contact: info@amistadinstitute.net, www.amistadinstitute.net.

CareUSA
Runs CARE Corps Teens, a year-long U.S. based volunteer program for teens who want to help fight international poverty. Culminates in a week-long trip to one of the countries where CARE works in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Contact: info@care.org, www.care.org

Central American Service Expeditions
Students! Travel way beyond the beaten path to rural lodges in Costa Rica which are owned and run by local communities. Support sustainable development through adventure travel and service with real people in real communities.

Contact: Matthew Cook, Central American Service Expeditions, Interlink #508, PO Box 02-5635, Miami, FL 33102. Phone in Costa Rica: +011 506-839-0515. Email: info@serviceexpeditions.net. Website: www.serviceexpeditions.net.

Cross-Cultural Solutions
Cross-Cultural Solutions is a not-for-profit international volunteer organization that operates 2- to 12-week programs in Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Peru, Russia, Tanzania, and Thailand. Internship programs are also available. People 18 and older can apply to participate. Program fee.

Contact: www.crossculturalsolutions.org

Earthwatch Institute
Teen Teams
Through teen expeditions, teens ages 16 and 17 can connect with leading scientists, learn new skills and appreciate the power they have to change the planet.

Contact: info@earthwatch.org, www.earthwatch.org

Free the Children
An international network of children helping children at a local, national, and international level through representation, leadership, and action. The FTC web site offers resources for peacebuilding, international education, and social justice conferences and events. FTC is the umbrella organization for Leaders Today, www.leaderstoday.com, which offers unique international volunteer trips for teens to engage in service learning, teach English, build primary schools, and work alongside community members. Different trips are offered each year. Program fee.

Contact: 233 Carlton Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5A 2 L2, Canada, Tel. 800-203-9091 or 416-925-5894; info@freethechildren.com, www.freethechildren.com.

Global Citizens Network
Sends short-term (approx. 1-3 weeks) teams of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds into communities in other cultures where participants immerse themselves in the culture and daily life of the community. Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Homestays or other local accommodations provided. . A portion of the program’s cost is donated to the community project. Airfare is not included. Fundraising is encouraged.

Contact: 30 N. Howell St., St. Paul, MN 55104; 651-644-0960 or 800-644-9292; info@globalcitizens.org, www.globalcitizens.org

Global Routes
A nonprofit organization committed to strengthening the global community through voluntary work overseas. Its emphasis is on cross cultural exchange and understanding. It offers a four- to six-week summer program focused on community service projects and volunteer teaching jobs abroad. The cornerstone of its student program is a two- to three-week homestay in a remote rural village. Language requirements apply for certain programs. Locations include Belize, Ecuador, Kenya, Thailand, China, Ghana, Mexico, Costa Rica, Guadeloupe, Peru, Dominican Republic, India, St. Lucia. Program fees apply. Financial assistance possible for those who qualify.

Contact: One Short St., Northampton, MA 01060; 413-585-8895; mail@globalroutes.org, www.globalroutes.org.

Global Leadership Adventures
Teen Volunteer Abroad Program in Brazil – Summer 2008
Join us on the northeastern coast of Brazil for a life-changing journey this summer. This unique 3-week community service program will give you chance to experience the vibrant culture of Fortaleza while taking part in inspirational volunteer work with children. On the weekends explore neighboring beach and mountain areas. The program is open to 15-18 year-old students from around the world.
Teen Volunteer Abroad Program in Ghana – Summer 2008
Explore the heart and soul of Africa on a life-changing journey this summer. This unique 3-week community service program will give you chance to immerse yourself in the rich culture of this fascinating country. Learn percussion, weaving, dance, and tribal languages, and take part in inspirational volunteer work with local grassroots organizations. The program is open to 15-18 year-old students from around the world.
Teen Volunteer Abroad Program in Cape Town – Summer 2008
Join us on the beautiful coastline of South Africa for a life-changing journey this summer. Explore leadership first-hand in a country about to celebrate its 15-year anniversary of transition from Apartheid to democracy. Be a part of the projects that are transforming communities and, on weekends, soak in the natural beauty of this region. This unique 3-week program is open to 15-18 year-old students from around the world.
Teen Volunteer Abroad Program in India – Summer 2008
Join us in rural India for an unforgettable journey this summer. Experience India’s long history of social activism and resilience first-hand by taking part in inspirational volunteer work. On weekends, discover more about the richness and variety of Indian culture through exciting excursions and workshops. This unique 3-week program is open to 15-18 year-old students from around the world.
Teen Volunteer Abroad Program in Costa Rica – Summer 2008
Join us in the natural paradise of Costa Rica for a life-changing journey this summer. Explore leadership first-hand in this peaceful country, known for its remarkable leaders and fascinating polital and social policies. Take part in inspirational volunteer work and explore the country’s many parks, rivers, beaches, rainforests and wildlife. This unique 3-week program is open to 15-18 year-old students from around the world.

Contact: info@experienceGLA.com, www.experienceGLA.com

Global Routes
Offers overseas volunteer work opportunities for high school students in Belize, Ghana, Mexico, China, Guadeloupe, Peru, Costa Rica, India, Thailand, Ecuador, and Kenya.

Contact: mail@globalroutes.org; www.globalroutes.org.

Global Vision International
Through an international network in more than 20 countries, GVI offers opportunities for volunteers (including gap students who are at least 18 years old) to participate in projects or expeditions. Its volunteers, expedition members, and students come from all different backgrounds and ages. Program fees apply and vary depending on the project or expedition.

Contact: info@gviusa.com; www.gviusa.com

Global Volunteer Network
Places international volunteers in Alaska, China, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ghana, India, Nepal, New Zealand, Romania, Russia, Thailand, Uganda and Vietnam. Projects last from 2 weeks to 6 months. $350 application fee plus program fees starting at $400. Minimum age of 18.

Contact: Global Volunteer Network Ltd, P O Box 2231, Wellington, New Zealand; 800-963-1198; fax 011-644-569-9081; info@volunteer.org.nz; www.volunteer.org.nz.

i-to-i
In 27 countries, i-to-i offers hundreds of humanitarian and preservation projects. People 18 and older can apply. Program fee.

Contact: 800-985-4864, www.i-to-i.com.

International Cultural Youth Exchange
Short- and Long-Term Volunteer Programs Worldwide
Long-term projects abroad run for 6 months or a year in a wide range of countries. Placements could vary from working with children with Down’s Syndrome in Mexico City looking after child war victims in Vietnam. No previous experience is necessary; we are just looking for enthusiastic individuals who want to experience something new and exciting.
Many short-term programmes are available. Alongside worldwide short-term placements, we have fully-funded European placements with exciting opportunities such as working with children in Italy or in an orphanage in Russia. We can help you to find a project to suit your interests and to use the skills you have or wish to develop. No experience necessary, just passion and motivation.

Contact: icye@icye.org; www.icye.org.

International Volunteer Program
The International Volunteer Program offers service and cultural exchange opportunities in Europe (France, Spain, UK), the U.S., and Costa Rica. The only age requirement is to be 18 when participating; some language mastery also is required.

Contact: 678 13th St., Ste. 100, Oakland, CA 94612; 510-433-0414, layne@swiftusa.com; www.ivpsf.org.

Living Routes
Programs based in eco-villages around the world to help students gain the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to build a sustainable lifestyle.

Contact: 79 S. Pleasant St., Suite 302, Amherst, MA 01002; 888-515-7333, 413-259-0025, fax 413-259-9355; info@LivingRoutes.org, www.LivingRoutes.org.

Pueblo Ingles
Native English speakers from 13-18 years old volunteer to help Spanish teens improve their English skills at this summer camp with a cultural twist. A fun-packed week of activitites help you get to know some really interesting Spaniards and others from around the world. You pay for your return flight to Madrid and all other expenses are covered such as the accommodation and all meals.

Contact: Rafael Calvo 18, 4ª, Madrid 28010, Spain. +34 913 913 400; anglos@puebloingles.com; www.morethanenglish.com/kidsandteensen/index.asp.

Students Partnership Worldwide
Students Partnership Worldwide recruits and trains young adults (at least 18 years of age) as volunteer “Peer Educators.” Participants lead programs that impact health and environmental issues in Africa and Asia.

Contact: Faith House, 2nd Fl., No. 7 Tufton St., London, UK SW1P 3QB; 011-44-207-222-0138; spwuk@gn.apc.org; www.spw.org.

United Planet
As part of its non-profit mission to promote peace through enhancing cross-cultural understanding and friendship, United Planet has created one to 52 week volunteer and learning journeys to more than 50 locations worldwide. People 18 years and older can apply.

Contact: 11 Arlington Street, Boston, MA 02116. Tel. 800-292-2316; quest@unitedplanet.org, www.unitedplanet.org.

Volunteers for Peace
Short-term volunteer projects in over 90 countries. Placement fee starts at $250 for a 2-3 week project.

Contact: 1034 Tiffany Road, Belmont, VT 05730; 802-259-2759; vfp@vfp.org; www.vfp.org.

YMCA International, 5 West 63rd St., 2nd Fl., New York, NY 10023; 212-727-8800 ext. 4303 or 888-477-9622; agorsuch@ymcanyc.org, www.ymcainternational.org. The YMCA Global Teens Program engages teenagers (15-19 years old) in group travel experiences with a focus on service learning and the development of leadership skills and cultural competence.  Throughout a three-week experience, Global Teens participate in volunteer community service, home stays, interaction with teens from the host country, and a variety of cultural experiences.Scholarship assistance is available on a need basis.  YMCA also offers support and resources to assist participants in their own fundraising efforts. The YMCA Go Global Program, www.ymcagoglobal.org/index.shtml, has placements all over the world and the work volunteers perform consists of, but is not limited to, environmental and health education, camping, teen leadership, childcare, swimming instruction, English lessons and computer training.