Teens who are looking for a volunteer experience abroad often wonder if they are old enough to attend. GoEco puts volunteers’ safety first. We require that all volunteers be at least 15 years of age in order to travel and attend a program alone. Teenage volunteers who are 15 are eligible to join one of our three Under 18 programs that are specifically designed for those aged 15-17. Teen volunteers who are 16 or 17 may join additional programs. All teen volunteers must have written consent from their parents or legal guardian.
All volunteers under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult in order to participate in a volunteer program abroad. Click here to view a list of our most family-friendly volunteer vacation experiences.
The benefits of volunteering during high school
High school students benefit from volunteering abroad. Participants can gain new skills, many of which are necessary for college preparation. Teen volunteers will gain international experience, broaden their view of their world, meet new friends and learn how to work in a team to solve real-world problems.
While being a counselor at a summer camp is the traditional teenage experience, a volunteer abroad experience is more fulfilling than another summer spent at a local camp. Rather than supervising children all day, volunteers find themselves in more leadership and teaching positions. Volunteers who join educational programs abroad will gain valuable teaching skills besides learning how to engage in positive, cultural exchange with other foreign students.
Wildlife and marine conservation volunteers can live their dream of getting up-close with exotic wildlife species while learning highly scientific skills such as how to conduct proper research, and how to assess their findings. All of our Under 18 programs place a strong emphasis on data collection and research.
Besides growing personally and gaining new academic skills, teenage volunteers will boost their resume by helping local communities abroad. Volunteer abroad experiences are unique and dynamic, which is exactly the extracurricular activity that university staff search for in student applications.
Supervised programs
GoEco’s teen-specific, Under 18 programs are highly supervised by professional teams of well-trained staff members. Teens on these programs go on supervises, group excursions and learn about the local culture.
The local staff are available 24/7 to assist volunteers with anything they may need, and the GoEco Operations Team has an emergency phone line as well. At GoEco, we are constantly monitoring our programs and in contact with local staff, so you can be sure that your child is being looked for, and in good hands.
For nervous solo travelers, we can recommend specific airlines and flights to group participants together on our Under 18 -specific trips (excluding in Ireland). Recommended airlines will offer a chaperone service; airline-provided flight chaperones who will accompany volunteers on their flight from their city of departure to their program.
Top volunteer programs for high school students who are looking to do good in the world
Maldives – Sea Turtle & Marine Conservation for Teenagers
A structured two-week conservation adventure on the island of Naifaru. Teens support sea turtle rehabilitation, join coral and seagrass learning sessions, snorkel pristine reefs, and participate in sustainability projects.
Highlights include snorkeling with sea turtles, beach clean-ups, cooking classes, island tours, games nights, and more.
Best for: Marine lovers, ocean explorers, first-time volunteers.
Age: 15–17.
Kenya – Climate Change & Wildlife Expedition for Teenagers
A powerful two-week experience mixing education support, climate action, and wildlife conservation. Teens volunteer in kindergartens, plant trees, join wildlife monitoring, paint murals, and participate in eco-workshops with Kenyan youth.
Safaris, boat rides, Maasai cultural exchanges, bonfires, and group activities make this a transformational experience.
Best for: Teens passionate about community engagement and conservation.
Age: 15–17.
Costa Rica – Sea Turtle Volunteering & Adventure Tour for Teenagers
A dynamic journey combining volunteering with travel through San José, Arenal, and the Nicoya Peninsula. Teens join turtle protection patrols, plant trees, support community projects, and explore volcanoes, rivers, and rainforests.
Activities include night walks, home-cooked meals with locals, river safaris, cultural workshops, and reforestation work.
Best for: Students who enjoy wildlife, nature, and immersive travel.
Age: 15–17.
Thailand – Elephants & Community Building for Teenagers
Based in Hua Hin, this program blends elephant conservation at Asia’s first fully chain-free sanctuary with school renovation projects and cultural activities.
Teens help prepare food, clean enclosures, support construction tasks, take Thai cooking classes, visit waterfalls, explore night markets, and enjoy beach days.
Best for: Teens who love animals, teamwork, and cultural immersion.
Age: 15–17.
Bali – Sea Turtle Conservation Expedition for Teenagers
Live on the tropical island of Nusa Penida and contribute to one of GoEco’s longest-running marine conservation projects. Teens help care for sea turtles, clean tanks, support hatchling releases, and join island excursions.
The program also includes snorkeling, cultural orientation, beach visits, movie nights, and a trip to Nusa Lembongan.
Best for: Teens interested in hands-on wildlife care and island culture.
Age: 15–17.
Portugal – Azores Social Impact & Eco Adventure for Teenagers
A meaningful and creative program on São Miguel Island combining youth support, sustainable farming, and digital storytelling for NGOs. Teens volunteer with local children, work in organic gardens, and develop media projects for partner organizations.
Adventure days include canyoning, whale watching, 4×4 tours, volcanic cooking experiences, and thermal springs.
Best for: Creative teens, future changemakers, socially engaged students.
Age: 15–17.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, these diverse volunteer programs offer teenagers a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful conservation and community work across the globe. From the lush rainforests of Costa Rica and the vibrant marine life in Bali to the cultural richness of Thailand, Kenya, and Ecuador, each program provides a blend of hands-on environmental work, cultural immersion, and adventure. These experiences not only contribute to vital conservation efforts and community development but also foster personal growth, global awareness, and a sense of responsibility among young participants. By joining these programs, teenagers are not just embarking on a journey to different parts of the world; they are becoming part of a global effort to protect our planet and its diverse cultures, while gaining invaluable life skills and memories that will last a lifetime.
