Choosing the right country for a service learning project or volunteer abroad trip depends on what project high school students want to pursue. For example, some service learning trip destinations are more suited for cultural activities than animal conservation.
At Rustic Pathways, we manage the tiny details of group service learning trips to create meaningful service working opportunities anywhere around the world. Contact us to speak one-on-one about trip locations.
Rustic Pathways student help baby sea turtles during the Turtle Conservation Project in Costa Rica.
Benefits of Service Learning Programs
Service learning programs offer a great chance to make a real difference while learning about different cultures. These programs allow high school students and college students to engage in hands-on work that creates a positive impact in communities.
By partnering with nonprofit organizations, local schools, and community service projects, students learn how to meet community needs while contributing to the world in meaningful ways. Participants often report that their experiences inspire long-term connections and year-round involvement, whether it’s through volunteer work or school service.
Our Variety of Service Learning Trip Destinations
Rustic Pathways offer service learning trips across a diverse range of destinations, providing students with valuable opportunities to engage with communities and environments worldwide.
From the blooming landscapes of Latin America to the lively cultures of Asia and Africa, each location offers one-of-a-kind projects that encourage personal growth and global awareness.
Whether you’re passionate about conservation in Costa Rica, cultural immersion in Morocco, or community development in Fiji, our programs connect you to impactful experiences. Dive into the article for a closer look at the life-changing adventures that await in these incredible destinations!
Latin America
Latin America is a favorite for service learning tours due to its proximity to the U.S. and the wide variety of service learning opportunities. In Costa Rica, students can contribute to turtle conservation efforts, a key focus of environmental conservation programs.
Projects in Peru, such as those in the Sacred Valley, allow groups to address infrastructure needs and support local communities. Destinations like the Dominican Republic and Ecuador also offer immersive cultural experiences while enabling participants to support social and environmental challenges. Whether it’s planting native trees or working on community projects, these trips provide vital lessons in community-building and sustainability.
Here are some of the best programs in Latin America:
Costa Rica
Costa Rica: Spring Break Surf and Service
Rustic Pathways students work on infrastructure projects during the Surf and Service program in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica: Turtle Conservation Project (For High School Students)
Costa Rica: Turtle Conservation Program (For College Students)
Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic: Island Living and Eco-Service
Dominican Republic: Marine Life and Coastal Restoration
Peru
Ecuador
Ecuador: Wild Galápagos Eco-Service
Donate your time to working with Peruvian youth on meaningful education initiatives. Copyright: © 2014 Rustic Pathways
Africa
Service learning trips in Africa often focus on hands-on-work in infrastructure or animal conservation. Morocco in northwestern Africa is one of the most popular trip destinations for teens. In this nation teens can learn about the indigenous Amazing culture, while engaging in infrastructure service learning projects.
Tanzania in southeastern Africa that’s home to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is also a great choice for students. Likewise, Ghana in west Africa, which features safari opportunities like Tanzania, is a good option for infrastructure service learning opportunities. Other popular African destinations for school programs include South Africa and Kenya.
Here are some of the best destinations in Africa:
Morocco
Tanzania
Tanzania: African Wildlife and Environmental Conservation
Tanzania: Culture and the Crater
Ghana:
Rustic Pathways students enjoy working on a service learning project in a Amazigh community in Morocco.
Europe
Europe has many international service learning trip opportunities for growth outside the classroom. In Europe, the focus is not only on issues like environmental and animal conservation but also on social justice service opportunities in popular destinations like Italy, France and Spain.
Here are the best community service opportunities and destinations in Europe:
Italy
Greece
Greece: Island Turtle Conservation
Italy & Greece Combo
Italy & Greece: Cultural Immersion and Turtles
Rustic Pathways students explore the park where they completed their environmental conservation work in Italy.
