Growing wild

Volunteer opportunities for teens

Duration: 2 weeks
Age: 15-17
25+ years experience
25+ years experience
+30,000 participants
+30,000 participants
1:6 participant to staff ratio
1:6 participant to staff ratio
British standards compliant
British standards compliant

So you’re looking for an exciting adventure that empowers you to make a difference in the world? You’re in safe hands with our award-winning range of volunteer opportunities designed for young people looking to challenge themselves. Contribute to ethical on-the-ground conservation initiatives that run all year round.

We offer teen volunteer programs in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America, focusing on wildlife, marine and environmental conservation.

Under 18s brochure
We've got amazing programs tailored for young adults.
Critical science

Critical science

You'll contribute to vital conservation research targeted at protecting the earth's most valuable ecosystems.
Ethical engagement

Ethical engagement

Using the UN's SDGs as a framework, we've made a commitment to positive, constructive and sustainable impact.
Beautiful adventures

Beautiful adventures

You'll spend your days exploring some of the world's most breathtaking, exhilarating and remote wildernesses.

Overview
Locations
Adventure
Health and safety
Leadership
FAQs
Funding

Volunteering for teens is a transformative experience that offers young adults the chance to: 

Have an adventure with a group of like-minded people

Get involved in real-world conservation efforts and join exciting outdoor adventures like hiking and camping. This is your opportunity to make unforgettable memories while actively making a difference in saving our planet.

Experience diverse cultural settings

Get ready for an incredible adventure that will broaden your horizons and allow you to see the world in a new way. Plus, you’ll get to explore incredible destinations and have tons of fun along the way. 

Contribute to crucial conservation efforts

Join a team of conservationists and unleash your inner eco-warrior. You’ll get to participate in hands-on projects, such as tracking animals and restoring habitats, that directly contribute to the conservation of our planet.

Level up your personal and professional game

Team up with a group of volunteers from around the world, and cultivate invaluable interpersonal, leadership and communication skills that will set you up for success in every part of your life.

Learn what it means to be a global citizen

Experience different cultures, connect with people from every corner of the world, and leave your mark by contributing to sustainable change. Get ready to redefine what it means to be a young trailblazer on a mission to change the world.

Set yourself apart from the crowd on university and job applications

Make your application shine! Real-world practical experience shows admissions officers and employers that you’re not just passionate, but also proactive when it comes to making a positive impact in the world. 

Apply for the ASDAN or Duke of Edinburgh Award

After completing your teen volunteering program, you’ll gain a major competitive edge in your UCAS applications for university (UK only). Don’t miss this opportunity to increase your chances of securing a spot at your dream university.

Volunteering for teens with GVI includes

Wildlife, marine or environmental conservation project work

Get ready to unlock epic experiences. Dive into the depths of marine ecosystems, track elusive wildlife through breathtaking landscapes, or contribute to important environmental initiatives. 

Community development project work

Engage in hands-on activities, cultural exchanges and team projects that make a difference. From school renovations to supporting education and healthcare initiatives, be a force for positive change.

Adventure activities like white-water rafting, ziplining and surfing

Take part in thrilling adventures! Feel the rush as you navigate through exciting rapids, soar through the treetops and catch some epic waves in the ocean.

Language lessons, traditional dances and cooking local dishes

Get ready for an awesome cultural adventure. You’ll have the chance to learn new languages, give traditional dances a go, and become a pro at cooking up tasty local dishes.

Learning about international sustainable development

Through engaging talks by local experts who really know their stuff, you’ll gain insights into global issues, innovative solutions and the importance of sustainable practices. Get ready to flex your brain muscles!

Accommodation in nature

Living at one of our bases set among beautiful landscapes, you’ll wake up each day to stunning views. With a squad of global adventurers, you’ll make the kind of memories that stick with you forever.

Three delicious meals a day

Mealtimes are not just about food. They’re moments to kick back with your crew and share stories about the day’s adventures. It’s a chance to bond, connect and have a good time while enjoying some seriously tasty eats.

All transport, including airport pick-up and drop-off 

Throughout your volunteering journey, we’ll take care of all transport needs. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride as we take you to incredible destinations.

Support throughout your trip

When you join a GVI teen program, safety and support take centre stage. Our dedicated team implements strict safety protocols, and prioritises your well-being at every stage of your journey.

Teen volunteer summer programs 

So you’re almost through the essays, assignments and exams of another academic year. You’re thinking about the future, but you’re also in need of some well-deserved fun. How can you spend your summer break doing something meaningful that also allows you to make new friends, learn skills and travel abroad?

Well that’s easy. GVI offers award-winning summer volunteer programs abroad that are perfect for high school or college students looking to make an impact in the world. These summer volunteer opportunities fit perfectly into any full-time student’s schedule and offer ample opportunity to experience some of the world’s top travel destinations. 

Summer is the perfect time for teens to volunteer, offering a blend of volunteering, cultural and language immersion, skills training and adventure activities. To read more testimonials from other high school students about their teen volunteer experience abroad, view our high school testimonials.

For educators looking to help their students, you can find more information on volunteering for teens as a group on our school groups volunteer programs page

High school students

For those between the ages of 15 and 17, the first step in securing your spot in a summer volunteer abroad program is getting permission from your parents or guardians. 

There are a number of resources available on our website that’ll describe what our summer volunteer opportunities are all about – like our parent pack, which will fill your folks in on everything they need to know about our volunteer abroad summer programs. You’ll also find parent testimonials that can give your parent or guardian a taste of how safe and beneficial GVI’s summer volunteering programs abroad really are. 

Have a look through some of our best summer abroad volunteer programs in this article: Volunteer summer programs for high school students.

And if your parents or guardian is still unsure about letting you participate in a summer volunteering program, you can show them this article: Should I let my teen volunteer abroad?

We could even set up a meeting with yourself, your parents and a GVI alumni or staff member to give you a first-hand account of what volunteering for teens over summer is like. 

Gap year programs 

For those teens who have graduated high school, and who are looking for an adventure as well as extensive personal and professional development before committing to a four-year institution, we also offer teen volunteer opportunities across our gap year programs. 

GVI is a proud member of the Gap Year Association.

 

See what other parents & participants say

Read reviews and recommendations from all over the world.

Our teen volunteer programs

Planet

Conservation

under-18
Dolphin and Whale Conservation Teen Volunteering in the Canary Islands

Explore the island of Tenerife when you join a group of like-minded teen volunteers working to co...

under-18
Sea Turtle Conservation and Adventure Teen Volunteering in Thailand

Thailand is calling! Chase wild adventures alongside teens from a...

under-18
Elephant Conservation Teen Volunteering in Thailand

Explore the beautiful forests of Chiang Mai and get up close with...

under-18
Sea Turtle and Marine Conservation Teen Volunteering in Greece

Ready for an incredible Greek adventure?

under-18
Rainforest and Wildlife Conservation Teen Volunteering in Costa Rica

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in Costa Rica! Work alo...

under-18
PADI Advanced Open Water and Marine Conservation Teen Volunteer Program in Mexico

Take the next step in your professional diving career by earning ...

under-18
PADI Diving and Marine Conservation Teen Volunteering in Mexico

Earn your PADI Open Water Diver qualification while exploring the...

under-18
African Wildlife Conservation Teen Volunteering in South Africa

Step into the world of wildlife conservation! Learn to spot preda...

People

Community Development

under-18
Community Development and Sea Turtle Conservation Teen Volunteering In Thailand

Join an international group of like-minded teens to learn about and contribute to the United Nati...

under-18
Himalaya Trek and Community Development Teen Volunteering in Nepal

Join a team of international teen volunteers in Nepal to contribu...

Testimonials

Lily
Under18 Participant
Josh
Under18 Participant
Megan
Under18 Participant

Download our parent pack

Parent info pack

GVI is a parent-run organization – family is at the heart of what we do. We’re incredibly serious about child protection, health and safety, and we care deeply about making learning more engaging. After over two decades of experience, we have discovered that if you give young people age-appropriate challenges and support, they quickly start to forge a path that is uniquely their own, personally fulfilling, and aligned to the well-being of our global community.

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