Projects Abroad staff take a group of school and college students on a temple tour during the weekend in Cambodia, Asia.

Overseas Volunteer Programmes for High School Students

Help students to discover what they’re capable of by sending them on a volunteer trip to a developing country

Encourage students to discover what they are capable of by helping them join one of our overseas volunteer programmes. They’ll travel to a developing country, meet people their own age, and become part of ongoing efforts to make a difference. 


For 15, 16, and 17 year olds, we strongly recommend our High School Specials. On one of these programmes, volunteers can help children learn through play, roll-up their sleeves and help on a building site, shadow lawyers and business professionals, and so much more.


Whatever volunteers choose to do, they’ll be contributing to long-term, sustainable solutions to specific problems. They can also focus on gaining hands-on work experience to enhance their CVs and university applications. 


Our High School volunteer programmes abroad help students grow personally. It provides them with the opportunity to hone their soft skills like communication and problem-solving. And when they’re not working, they’ll be able to explore in a group setting and experience the culture. Volunteers will have support from our in-country staff 24/7, so they don’t have to worry about any of the details. We’ll take care of everything.  

Choose a High School Special

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1-3 of 36 Projects

Teenage volunteers doing work with children in Nepal, do an activity with children on the playground.
Volunteer with Children in Nepal as a Teenager
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  • Price: $3,230 NZD for 2 weeks
  • Extra Weeks: $705 NZD
  • Start Date: During school holidays
  • Minimum Stay: 2 weeks
  • Age: 15-18
Projects Abroad interns working at an outreach during our medical internship for teenagers in Nepal
Medical Internships in Nepal for Teenagers
See this project
  • Price: $3,755 NZD for 2 weeks
  • Extra Weeks: $830 NZD
  • Start Date: During school holidays
  • Minimum Stay: 2 weeks
  • Age: 15-18
Teenage volunteers working with children in Cambodia use weekends to explore local attractions.
Volunteer with Children in Cambodia for Teenagers
See this project
  • Price: $3,605 NZD for 2 weeks
  • Extra Weeks: $755 NZD
  • Start Date: During school holidays
  • Minimum Stay: 2 weeks
  • Age: 15-18
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Can't find what you're looking for?

We’d be happy to talk about creating a custom project for you. Most of our staff have been volunteers themselves, so they’re well placed to answer your questions, big or small.

09 801 2518

or email:

to start planning your project

What can high school students do abroad?

We have high school volunteer options that can fit each student’s interests and goals. Our staff are available to help find the project that’s the best fit for them.


Here are some of our most popular options for young volunteers and interns:



We’ve seen an increase in young people travelling and choosing to use their time to help those in need. Joining a High School Special is a great way for you to team up with a group of people and work towards achieving a collective goal.

Projects Abroad volunteers travelling during their school and college years work to plant mangroves in Fiji.

Overseas Volunteer Programmes for High School Students During the Summer

Summer is the busiest time of the year for us. We recommend planning ahead to make the most of a summer holiday and book a place on the preferred trip. When schools close for the summer, it’s as easy as packing a bag, hopping on a plane, and traveling to a developing country.


Our Summer High School Specials take place over fixed dates throughout December and January. Whichever programme is chosen, expect to:


  • Meet, travel, and work with young people of a similar age
  • Live with a local host family or in shared accommodation
  • Take part in fun, worthwhile activities at the placement
  • Do cultural and tourist activities in a group
  • Have support from our staff 24/7 during the trip
A teenager volunteering abroad over her summer holiday conducts a blood sugar test for a Sri Lankan woman during a community outreach.

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