First Time Travelers

Beginner-friendly trips designed for students new to international travel

15 HOURS+ COMMUNITY SERVICE

Programs offering 15+ service hours through immersive, on-the-ground projects

Limited Space

High-demand programs with limited spots for early applicants

Browse the full collection of travel programs

AMERICAS

AFRICA

EUROPE

PACIFIC

ASIA

Start with our three most-loved regions for first-time travelers. Perfect for high schoolers and parents who want a balance of adventure, safety, and meaningful impact.

SERVICE & IMPACT

Hands-on service programs focused on meaningful community impact

CULTURAL IMMERSION

Deep-dive travel experiences centered on language, culture, and local connection

LEADERSHIP & MORE

Programs that build global leadership, confidence, and real-world skills

Browse the full collection of Rustic Pathways travel programs.

TRENDING
Japan Greece Costa Rica
Italy Fiji Korea

High School Volunteer Travel: Service Programs That Make a Difference

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Transform your future through high school volunteer travel. Spend your summer on a student travel program protecting sea turtles in Costa Rica, mentoring students in Peru, or rebuilding homes in New Orleans.

These programs offer cross-cultural immersion, leadership development, and hands-on service learning.

Apply Now for Priority Selection

High School Volunteer Travel Alumni Testimonials

Rustic Pathways participants report lasting growth in 9 out of 10 student learning outcomes. 33% of Rustic Pathways alumni parents report their child is more independent six months after returning home.

Read testimonials from alumni below:

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“All the service we did in local communities and having the opportunity to connect with the locals was my highlight. The staff at the base house was a big highlight as well. Everyone was welcoming and loving from the moment we reached.”
– Megan I, 16, Kowloon, Hong Kong
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Being able to educate myself about the culture and history, spending time with friends and the trip leaders as well as being able to give back to the community through doing service. The trip was so amazing.”
– Jamie W, Ohio, USA
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“The itinerary itself was amazing. We were able to complete service while still immersing ourselves in the culture and the community, which was great.”
– Gabriela, 15, Redwood City, California, USA

Read what parents have to say about Rustic Pathways travel programs.

Browse Volunteer Travel Programs

Why Choose High School Volunteer Travel?

Volunteer work at food banks, local shelters and parks provides valuable experience, but international service programs offer deeper cultural immersion and skill development while making a direct impact.

Related: History of Student Travel

Benefits for Students:

  • Leadership Development – Build problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills in real-world settings.
  • Cultural Understanding – Engage in cross-cultural exchanges that foster global awareness and empathy.
  • College Application Boost – Stand out to admissions officers with global engagement and sustained service.
  • Professional Growth – Gain hands-on experience in teaching, conservation, public health, and social services.

Community Impact:

  • Sustainable Development – Partner with nonprofits for long-term community support.
  • Cultural Exchange – Learn from local leaders and form lasting connections.
  • Resource Support – Provide meals, education, and mentorship in under-resourced areas.

Best High School Volunteer Opportunities in 2026

Costa Rica: Pura Vida Service

Price: $2,495

  • Introduces students to community development, education and environmental conservation projects.
  • Supports local nonprofits and social services in rural areas.
  • Students gain valuable experience while participating in sustainability efforts.

[Learn More →]

    Ecuador: Wild Galápagos Eco-Service

    Price: $5,495

    • Focuses on marine conservation and ecological restoration.
    • Students assist in coastal cleanup and wildlife protection initiatives.
    • Offers a unique opportunity to gain new skills in biodiversity research.

    [Learn More →]

      Thailand: Thai Elephant Conservation

      Price: $4,395

      • Involves working with ethical elephant sanctuaries.
      • Teaches local youth about wildlife conservation and sustainability.
      • Provides a deep cultural immersion experience through community projects.

      [Learn More →]

      USA: Rebuilding New Orleans

      Price: $3,395

      • Supports post-hurricane infrastructure rebuilding.
      • Involves hands-on volunteer work repairing homes, schools and community spaces.
      • Offers students real-world experience in urban community development.

      [Learn More →]

      Find Your Perfect Volunteer Program

      Types of High School Volunteer Travel Projects

      Education & Youth Development

      • Teach English literacy programs in Thailand and Peru.
      • Mentor students in after-school programs in the Dominican Republic.
      • Develop ESL curriculum and digital literacy projects.

      Environmental Conservation

      • Protect endangered sea turtles in Costa Rica alongside local organizations.
      • Support rainforest conservation in Ecuador.
      • Work on marine conservation projects in Fiji.

      Public Health & Social Services

      • Organize nutrition and mental health awareness programs in Ghana.
      • Participate in water sanitation and hygiene education in Cambodia.
      • Provide support for underserved communities in the Dominican Republic.

        Program Costs & Financial Support

        2026 Pricing Guide

        Program Name Country Cost Days
        Hawaii: Surf, Snorkel, and Service USA (Hawaii) $3,395 8 Days
        Greece: Island Turtle Conservation Greece $3,495 9 Days
        Costa Rica: Surf and Service Costa Rica $3,495 8 Days
        Costa Rica: Pura Vida Service Costa Rica $2,495 8 Days
        Fiji: Sun, Sand, and Island Service Fiji Islands $3,995 16 Days
        Thailand: Thai Elephant Conservation Project Thailand $4,395 12 Days
        Thailand: Come With Nothing Thailand $6,995 23 Days
        Thailand: Marine and Rainforest Conservation Thailand $4,995 16 Days
        USA: Rebuilding New Orleans USA $3,395 8 Days
        Portugal & Italy: Surf, Service, and Culture Portugal, Italy $6,790 15 Days
        Costa Rica: Turtle Conservation Project Costa Rica $2,895 8 Days
        Ecuador: Wild Galápagos Eco-Service Ecuador $6,095 13 Days
        Peru: Sacred Valley Service Peru $4,195 12 Days
        Dominican Republic: Marine Life and Coastal Restoration Dominican Republic $5,595 16 Days
        Dominican Republic: Beachside Service Dominican Republic $2,595 8 Days

        All Service Trips include:

        • Accommodations (homestays, eco-lodges, dorms)
        • Meals & Local Transportation
        • Cultural Activities & Excursions
        • 24/7 Supervision & Emergency Support
        Apply for a Service Trip Scholarship

        FAQs About High School Volunteer Travel

        The best programs align with your interests, career goals, and skills. Options for youth volunteers include:

        • Education & Mentorship: Teach English in Thailand or Peru.
        • Conservation: Protect sea turtles in Costa Rica or work in South African wildlife sanctuaries.
        • Community Development: Build homes in Guatemala or assist with social services in the USA.

        A: Yes, high school students can participate in virtual volunteer opportunities.

        Programs offer leadership training and service projects, including addressing food insecurity, supporting shelters, and reducing food waste. Students interested in community outreach or nonprofit advocacy can engage in meaningful online initiatives.

        Climate Volunteer Positions

        A: Yes. Teen volunteer opportunities help with college admissions. Universities value students who demonstrate initiative, leadership and global awareness through service work.

        Service trips for teens can fulfill community service hour requirements.

        A: Volunteer abroad programs are safe for high school students. They include:

        • 24/7 in-country support & vetted host families
        • Medical partnerships with local clinics
        • Emergency response plans & security protocols
        A: To find volunteer opportunities, browse our Community Service Trips or take our Program Matching Quiz.
        See More Frequently Asked Questions