IFRE Volunteers

Summer Volunteer Programs for High School Students

Expand your mind with these excellent programs designed to be suitable for high school volunteers

  • Be confident that your volunteer work makes a difference, even if it isn’t immediately obvious.
  • Gain experience, new friends and a greater understanding of the world by living like a local in a foreign culture
  • Unparalleled high reviews and ratings, Guaranteed lowest program fees in the US – starting from $100 - $200 per week.
  • 18 countries, 200 projects and thousands of happy volunteers since 2006,. Contact us for more information.
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Exciting and Affordable Summer Volunteer Programs for High School Students Abroad

Are you ready to break with tradition during your summer vacation from high school? Interested in seeing more of the world while contributing to a project which changes people’s lives?

Both things and more are possible when you choose to join one of IFRE Volunteers volunteer summer programs abroad for high school students.

From marine conservation, construction and healthcare, to projects with animals, children and entire communities, there are lots of affordable, safe and well organized summer volunteer abroad programs for high school students to choose from.

Summer high school volunteer abroad programs are a great way to enjoy traveling and exploring new cultures while building skills, confidence and new relationships.

Making a difference to others in the world makes a huge difference to your own life too – as the benefits for all involved are far reaching.

Alexandra Miller

These last six weeks of volunteering have been a truly amazing and life-changing & very wonderful experience for me.

Alexandra Miller

- USA

Leslie Slade

I had an excellent time, better than I ever could have imagined. Other volunteers were so nice and willing to help.

Leslie Slade

- Vermont, USA

Don Maddocks

I had a wonderful experience. I had the opportunity to teach children of all different ages.I am sad to leave!

Don Maddocks

- USA

Manko Blakely

My volunteer experience with IFRE has been unforgettable. It has opened my mind & heart. Staffs were very helpful.

Manko Blakely

- Germany

Top Reasons to Choose Summer Volunteer Programs for High School Students Abroad

High school students are motivated to join a volunteer program for countless reasons, but the following are some of the most popular.

Choosing to join a high school volunteer abroad summer program brings the chance to explore the world in a way many people will never do. It will be both exciting and challenging, and like nothing you have experienced before.

Some high school summer abroad volunteers combine their work on a project with language study; others choose a country in order to use the skills they already have. Either way, there’s no better way to develop speaking and listening skills than by living amongst the language in this way.

It’s easy to take having possessions, a home, money and schooling for granted, but when you realize how many people in the world are lacking life’s most basic necessities it makes sense to offer a hand to help them improve their situations.

Summer high school volunteer abroad programs are also a great way to get practical experience in a field you may want to pursue as a career in the long term.

Living and working in a foreign country is always an adventure, and getting to know a new culture, lifestyle, and language really wakes up your mind; plus exploring the world while doing something useful gives high school program volunteer abroad summer students an extra element to travel beyond anything a regular vacation could offer.

High school volunteer abroad summer students naturally gain confidence as they learn new skills, meet new people and contribute to change in the lives of others; and as a volunteer you are welcomed into a new community, and given the chance to see a country from the inside out – which no tourist could ever hope to do.

Computers, phones, televisions and other electronics tend to take second place when working on a volunteer project – and the break from 24/7 technology allows for more human interaction on a meaningful level.

Regular routines and familiar activities with people you know make up a large part of daily life, so for many high school students joining a project offers a rare opportunity to expand their horizons and try lots of new things.

IFRE Volunteers Top Summer Volunteer Programs for High School Students Abroad Opportunities

With programs running in twenty countries worldwide, and so many different projects on offer it is easy for everyone to find the perfect summer volunteer programs for high school students abroad opportunity.

Read on for more information on IFRE Volunteer’s top 10 options.

Teaching English (Qingdao)

High school summer abroad volunteer China project participants are often the only chance Chinese youngsters have to learn English, a vital skill to succeed in the job market.

Volunteers spend 4-6 hours every weekday teaching basic skills, building speaking confidence and assisting with creative activities; while exploring the seaside town of Qingdao in their free time.

Marine Project in Costa Rica

Volunteer summer programs abroad for high school students Costa Rica are based in Puntarenas, a popular beach resort, and their focus on marine conservation.

Volunteers help local staff protect and care for sea turtles and other species of marine life. Spanish language skills are an advantage, but all volunteers should be fit and enjoy outdoor work.

Orphanage Work in Ecuador (Quito)-Ecuador

Many children in Ecuador live in orphanages, victims of poverty, poor health and lack of education. IFRE Volunteers organize a high school program volunteer abroad summer Project to provide support, counseling, care and hope for a better future to these unfortunate young people. Ideally volunteers have some Spanish skills, lots of energy and a flexible, open-minded attitude

Health Project in Ghana (Accra, Kumasi)-Ghana

Potential volunteers who are studying for a healthcare qualification re welcome to apply for a position on a high school volunteer abroad summer Ghana project. Amongst the poorest people diseases are common, and access to health professionals and treatment is poor, so staff and volunteer helpers on special programs like this try to fill the gap and improve people’s lives.

Your assistance with basic tasks will be very much appreciated.

HIV/AIDS Project in Tanzania (Arusha and Moshi)-Tanzania

Volunteer summer programs abroad for high school students Tanzania include this important health project which provides information, treatment and support to those affected by HIV/AIDS in any way.

This is meaningful work which should help slow the spread of the disease, while dealing compassionately with those left orphaned or alone as a result of it.

Elephant Project-Thailand

All you need to join this interesting high school summer abroad volunteer Thailand project is a passion for animals and a desire to get to know the true Thai culture.

Volunteers spend 3 nights a week in a village, where locals house and feed them, with the rest of the working week spent helping care for old elephants. You even get to take them for a walk!

Sea Turtle Conservation and Primary Elementary Teaching Opportunity-Bali

IFRE Volunteers’ summer volunteer programs abroad for high school students Bali project includes a dual role; with your time split between saving sea turtles and teaching local children.

This popular project involves mornings teaching your language to adorable and keen Balinese youngsters to help them find a job in tourism in the future, and the rest of the day doing hands-on work with the turtles.

Street Children Project in Peru (Cusco)

Sadly many children in Peru live on the street, with support and a high exposure to crime, and this high school program volunteer abroad summer Peru project may be their only chance to escape that lifestyle.

Volunteers work with an experienced team to help teach language, computer skills and other basic skills. Some knowledge of Spanish is preferable but not essential.

Community Development Project (Kimuka, Masailand)-Kenya

Masai communities need help to preserve their unique culture and way of life.

High school summer abroad volunteer Kenya projects provide help with construction education, healthcare, and fundraising to help these people overcome poverty and poor housing, and create opportunities to halt the migration of young people to cities, which is often necessary for them to find work.

Construction Project (Chitwan)-Nepal

Many children in Nepal are forced to live in orphanages, mostly in overcrowded conditions. To help make their lives better you can join a high school student volunteer abroad summer Nepal construction project which is building places for them to live.

No special skills are need, but volunteers must be physically fit.