Study Abroad High School Study Abroad and Teen Travel  Teen Volunteer Organizations
   High School and Teens

Teen Volunteer Organizations

Volunteer Service Abroad

Articles on Teen Volunteering Abroad
With Amigos de las Americas, Volunteering Makes a Difference by Kirsten Tobey
Teen Volunteering in the Dominican Republic with Visions by Jessie Feller
Taking Time Off to Travel and Volunteer in Nepal by Grant Florian
Volunteer Teaching in Mexico by Jackie Bello

Contact the volunteer program directors to confirm costs, dates, and other details.
Disclaimer


Pueblo Ingles TeenTown
100s of teenage Native English speakers are sponsored each summer to stay in 4-star resorts in Spain, conversing with Spanish school/college children who want to improve their English. Accommodation, food and a range of fun activities are offered in exchange for your conversation. It's a unique, enjoyable and very rewarding experience.

Cost: Free / Low-cost
Dates: Summer - June & July
Contact: Anglo Volunteer Department, Pueblo Ingles (Calle Rafael Calvo, 18, 4C, Madrid 28010, Spain).
Tel. (+34) 913 913 400. Fax: (+34) 913 910 112
Email: anglos@puebloingles.com
Website: www.puebloingles.com

Featured

VISIONS Service Adventures
Do you want to change the world while also changing yourself? Since 1989 VISIONS has set the standard for international community service programs for teenagers. Programs blend authentic service, cultural immersion, and adventurous exploration. Live in the heart of a host community whose members become friends. Experience a way of life different from your own. Days of service, exploration and deep immersion have a rhythm that push your potential as you and your peers work toward a common goal. You will emerge from VISIONS awakened, if not changed, by discovering, on many dynamic levels, another culture in the world community.

Dates: June, July, August and custom Spring Break programs
Cost: $3450 - $5500
Tel.: 800.813.9283
Email: info@VisionsServiceAdventures.com
Website: www.VisionsServiceAdventures.com

Featured

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 in USA: Call toll free 888-653-6028
Contact in UK: 01727 250250
Website: www.gviusa.com

Featured

Cross-Cultural Solutions
Cross-Cultural Solutions is a not-for-profit international volunteer organization that operates 2- to 12-week programs for volunteers 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: Cross-Cultural Solutions, 2 Clinton Place, New Rochelle, NY 10801;Tel: 800.380.4777 or 914.632.0022; in the UK call 0845 458 2781/2782; other countries call +44 (0) 1273 666392; Fax: 914.632.8494.
Email: info@crossculturalsolutions.org
Website: www.crossculturalsolutions.org

Featured

Amigos de las Américas (AMIGOS)
Volunteer in Latin America
Looking for an alternative to a semester-long study abroad program that still has impact? Amigos de las Américas (AMIGOS) offers 5-8 week summer volunteer programs in which students immerse themselves in a Latin American community, live with a host family, and collaborate on sustainable development projects. Participants will experience life-changing growth as they strengthen their Spanish skills, experience a new culture on a personal level, and work together with community members to accomplish shared goals. See the website for details about specific projects.

Contact: Amigos de las Américas, 5618 Star Lane, Houston, Texas 77057.
Tel: (713) 782-5290, (800) 231-7796. Fax: (713) 782-9267.
Email: info@amigoslink.org
Website: www.amigoslink.org

Featured

Teen Volunteer in Ecuador

United Planet
United Planet offers tailored volunteer abroad programs in five destinations for those under 18. The Teen Quest program combines language immersion, accommodation with host families, cultural activities and learning excursions. Volunteers may work in orphanages, after school centers, building homes or at environmental conservation projects. Destinations for 1-12 week Teen Quests include Romania, Costa Rica, Peru, Ecuador and Chile. Candidates 16 years and older can apply, or travel with family or a chaperon.

Contact: 11 Arlington Street, Boston, MA 02116. Tel. 800-292-2316
Email: quest@unitedplanet.org
Website: www.unitedplanet.org/teen-volunteering-abroad/

Featured

Volunteer for Teens in Costa Rica and Ecuador
Immerse yourself in a vibrant culture and improve your Spanish through service projects In Latin America! Learn new skills while you experience a new world and help those in need. Volunteers live with host families and assist with locally run volunteer projects in children's programs, education and the environment. Placements include room and board with carefully screened, welcoming host families. Our friendly and experienced staff in Costa Rica and Ecuador provide support and assistance throughout the program. Programs are open to participants ages 16+. Greenheart Travel is a division of CCI, a non profit founded in 1985 and run by friendly and seasoned travel enthusiasts who regularly participate in their own cultural exchanges.

Dates: Flexible, year round.
Cost: Costs begin at $900 for a two week placement including homestay, meals, volunteer placement, insurance, and 24 hour support and assistance
Contact: Greenheart Travel, 712 N. Wells St 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60654.
Tel: 1.312.944.2544 or toll free 1.866.684.9675.
Email: info@greenhearttravel.org
Website: www.greenhearttravel.org

Featured

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.

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

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 Leadership Adventures
Teen Volunteer Abroad Program in Brazil
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
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
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
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
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
A nonprofit organization committed to strengthening the global community through volunteer 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 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.

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

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

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.

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.

More Than English with Pueblo Ingles Volunteer with GVIVolunteer Abroad as a Teen with CCSVolunteer with GVIVolunteer Abroad with United PlanetVolunteer for Teens in Costa Rica