Choosing the right service learning trip destinations depends on the goals of your high school or college group. Some regions are ideal for conservation or wildlife projects, while others emphasize education, cultural immersion, or infrastructure work. Rustic Pathways helps schools match destinations to learning outcomes so students can complete meaningful projects that truly serve local needs.
This guide highlights top service learning destinations around the world and links to programs that work well for school groups. Use it to compare regions, explore project types, and narrow down locations for your next student trip.
Contact us to speak one-on-one about locations, curriculum connections, and program design for your specific group.
Rustic Pathways students help protect baby sea turtles during the Turtle Conservation Project in Costa Rica.
Benefits of Service Learning Programs
Service learning blends real community impact with academic and social-emotional growth. Projects connect classroom concepts to on-the-ground work, giving students a clearer sense of purpose and global citizenship.
- Hands-on projects through nonprofit partners, schools, and community groups
- Clear learning outcomes linked to local needs and UN-aligned goals
- Mentorship from trained staff and local leaders with deep community ties
- Stronger purpose, confidence, and long-term engagement in service
How to Choose the Right Service Learning Destination for Your School Group
The best destination for your group depends on the type of project you want to complete, your students’ age,
and your school’s goals. As you review the regions below, consider:
- Project type: Conservation, education, cultural immersion, infrastructure, or a mix.
- Age group: Middle school, high school, or college—each location offers different levels of challenge and independence.
- Season and calendar fit: Some destinations have specific weather or project windows that align better with school breaks.
- Curriculum and learning outcomes: Choose destinations that reinforce units in social studies, science, world languages, or leadership.
Our team can help you compare options, understand project depth, and match destinations to your course or advisory goals.
Our Variety of Service Learning Trip Destinations
Rustic Pathways operates student programs across Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, the South Pacific, and the United States. Each destination offers distinct projects in conservation, education, infrastructure, and cultural exchange.
Whether you’re passionate about conservation in Costa Rica, cultural immersion in Thailand, or community development in Fiji, our programs connect students to impactful experiences. Use this guide as a starting point, then work with a Rustic Pathways Program Coordinator to customize the right itinerary for your school.
Tip:
Check the documents required for international teen travel
Latin America
Latin America offers accessible flights from the United States and a wide range of service projects. Highlights include sea turtle conservation in Costa Rica, community development in Peru’s Sacred Valley, and coastal restoration in the Dominican Republic. Ecuador adds rich cultural immersion and environmental initiatives.
Here are some of the best service learning programs in Latin America:
Costa Rica
- Pura Vida Service
- Young Explorers: Pura Vida
- Costa Rica: Surf and Service
- Costa Rica: Spring Break Surf and Service
- Costa Rica: Turtle Conservation Project (High School Students)
- Costa Rica: Turtle Conservation Program (College Students)
Rustic Pathways students work on infrastructure projects during the Surf and Service program in Costa Rica.
Dominican Republic
- Dominican Republic: Island Living and Eco-Service
- Dominican Republic: Marine Life and Coastal Restoration
Peru
Ecuador
Donate your time to working with Peruvian youth on meaningful education initiatives.
Africa
Service learning trips in Africa often focus on hands-on infrastructure work or wildlife and environmental conservation. In Morocco, students learn about Amazigh culture while supporting community projects. In Tanzania, home to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, groups contribute to conservation and education efforts. In Ghana, students support infrastructure and community initiatives. Other popular African destinations for school programs include South Africa and Kenya.
Here are some of the best destinations in Africa:
Morocco
Tanzania
Ghana
Rustic Pathways students enjoy working on a service learning project in an Amazigh community in Morocco.
Europe
Europe offers a wide range of international service learning opportunities. Programs blend environmental and animal conservation with social justice themes in destinations like Italy, France, and Spain.
Here are some of the best community service opportunities and destinations in Europe:
Italy
Greece
Italy & Greece Combo
Rustic Pathways students explore the park where they completed their environmental conservation work in Italy.
Asia
Asia offers high-impact projects in environmental and animal conservation, plus deep cultural immersion. Thailand is a top choice for middle school and high school students.
Thailand
- Thailand Adventurer
- Thailand: Thai Elephant Conservation Project
- Thailand: Ultimate Adventure
- Thailand: Come With Nothing
Students work on elephant conservation projects in Thailand.
Japan
South Korea
Japan and South Korea Combo
Students work together on a technology project during a Rustic Pathways Group Travel Program.
South Pacific
Australia and New Zealand add conservation and outdoor learning. Fiji is a favorite for leadership development and community partnership projects. Programs in the South Pacific often focus on environmental projects, cultural exchange activities, food service, educational exchange, and infrastructure.
Fiji
Work alongside community members repairing school facilities in Fiji.
Australia
United States
Stay closer to home while making a real impact. Many U.S. programs focus on environmental conservation, infrastructure, and education through partners such as the National Park Service, Special Olympics, and Feeding America. Habitat for Humanity also offers year-round youth opportunities.
If you want a U.S. destination that feels farther from most students’ daily lives, Hawaii and Alaska are excellent choices.
Hawaii
A student works on agricultural service learning projects in Hawaii. Rustic Pathways Aloha Service, Summer 2019. 2019 © Steve Boyle.
Alaska
Frequently Asked Questions
What are service learning trip destinations?
Service learning trip destinations are locations where students complete structured projects that meet local needs while learning through direct service and cultural immersion. Projects may focus on conservation, education, community development, or infrastructure.
Where can I find international student travel options centered on indigenous cultural exchange?
International student travel programs focused on indigenous cultural exchange are available through Rustic Pathways in destinations such as Peru, Australia, and Thailand. Students may live alongside local communities, learn traditional practices, and support education or sustainability projects. Programs typically last 1–3 weeks and emphasize ethical, community-led engagement.
How do I choose the right destination?
Start with your project goals, calendar, and student age range. Conservation and wildlife projects are strong in Costa Rica and Thailand. Peru, Morocco, Fiji, and Italy are strong for cultural immersion and community development. A Rustic Pathways coordinator can help match your goals to countries and timing.
Are programs available for both high school and college students?
Yes. Many destinations offer separate program tracks for high school students and college or gap year students, with age-appropriate leadership challenges, independence, and project depth.
How are safety and lodging handled?
Programs are led by trained local experts and staff with 24-hour support. Accommodations are vetted to Rustic Pathways standards, and each trip includes risk assessment, clear emergency protocols, and established medical support plans.
Can trips be customized for my group?
Yes. Itineraries can be customized to project type, calendar, budget, and learning outcomes. Groups can request specific themes or standards-linked objectives so that projects align with coursework or school-wide initiatives.
Next Steps
These service learning trip destinations give your students hands-on impact, cultural learning, and project-based outcomes aligned with your school’s goals. Once you have a short list of regions or countries that fit your calendar and curriculum, our team can help you refine the details.
Ready for next steps? Browse all service learning trip destinations on our programs page.
When you are ready, request a consultation to match your goals to the right project and country.
To view all Rustic Pathways student travel programs, please visit our program page.