International Mission Trips For High School Students
Are you a high school student who is looking for a volunteer opportunity that’s affordable, meaningful, and fun? Have you ever considered using your summer or spring break to travel?
By joining this program, you can use your passion for the service work contributes directly to communities in developing countries where individuals are in desperate need of better resources. This experience will foster your personal growth while letting you explore interests that may lead to a future career. You will also become more open-minded as you learn about cultural awareness.
When you participate in an international mission trips for high school students, you will make significant impacts not only individuals living in your host community, but you will also positively impact the world by setting an example of how we can all contribute to something larger than ourselves. At IFRE, we offer hundreds of volunteer programs in over 18 different countries; our goal is to connect you with a project where you can utilize your skills and passion to make the greatest impact.
Reach out to us today and let us help you find the perfect program to join. There’s something for everyone at IFRE Volunteers.
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Table of Contents
Benefits of International Mission Trips For High School Students
There are so many benefits to volunteering abroad as a high school student! Although everyone’s personal experience will reflect their own individual benefits, some positive effects of volunteer work cannot be denied! We’ve listed five examples:
Volunteering allows you to experience the world:
Volunteering will take you to places that you might have never thought about visiting. You will have the opportunity to both travel to some well-known tourist destinations and visit more authentic and off-the-beaten track places. As you discover a new culture and meet new people, you will inevitably expand your horizons.
Volunteering lets you explore your interests:
Volunteering us unique in that it allows you to “try-out” potential future jobs. When you volunteer with an organization, you have set responsibilities and there’s a lot of work you will have to do! This will give you practice and a real-world taste of what its like to work in a given field of interest.
Volunteering advances your career:
In addition to allowing you to explore potential career, programs that partner with international high school student mission trips allow you to advance and sharpen your professional skills. What’s more, most employers understand what traveling and working abroad entails, so they will automatically have a sense of your ability to adapt, patience, and work ethic.
Volunteering foster personal growth:
Stepping outside of your normal comfort zone really helps students learn and grow because you will have to face challenges you may have never even thought of before. This will make you more aware of your strengths, abilities, and limitations. It also aids with identity development and increases your confidence.
Volunteering makes you happier and healthier:
Volunteering opportunities, like international mission trips, leave a positive impact both mentally and physically. Rather than spending your free time on the couch or computer, you will be getting up and getting out to see the world and interact with people. You will gain a remarkable sense of accomplishment, pride, and fulfillment from knowing that your selfless actions have made a significant difference in the lives of others. This heart-warming experience will help make you feel good all around!
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Popular Volunteer Projects – International Mission Trips For High School Students
IFRE Volunteers hopes to connect you with one of our hundreds of volunteer programs. We know that choosing a program and country may be a little overwhelming, so here’s a great place to start! We’ve listed some of our most popular mission trip destinations for you to review below.
Costa Rica
Wildlife Sanctuary Project (Natuwa)
Costa Rica is a wildlife lover’s dream. However, these amazing animals are in peril due to human encroachment into their natural habitat. Some lose their homes, while others are electrocuted by power lines or hit by cars. Some develop diseases from being fed by humans, and worse yet, others are captured from the wild and sold into the illegal pet trade.
Volunteer at a Costa Rica wildlife sanctuary that rescues and rehabilitates animals that have been injured, orphaned, or are victims of the pet trade. For those that can’t be released, they offer them sanctuary. When you volunteer with IFRE in Natuwa Costa Rica on an international high school mission trip, you will provide daily care to the animals, assist in the rescue and release process, plant trees, learn how to respect wildlife, and more!
The impact you make through this program will be a lasting and powerful one. You will work up-close with extraordinary animals who will touch your heart, and who desperately need your help on their journey back into the wild. For those who unfortunately cannot return, you provide shelter and safety. Most importantly, you will impact the community and world at large as you educate about why it is important to conserve our natural species.
To learn more about this unique conservation opportunity, read about more project details on the following web page. You can also email us directly and we will help you step by step with your abroad journey.
Other Volunteer Opportunities in Costa Rica
If Costa Rica sounds like the perfect place for your mission trip, but you would like to explore other projects, please follow the link. We offer programs in teaching English, working with sea turtles, supporting orphans, and more.
Peru
Medical/Healthcare Project (Cusco)
The Peruvian healthcare system gives medical care to all citizens regardless of income, but still over one third of the population still does not have access to basic healthcare. Because of this, deaths from treatable and preventable diseases and illnesses are surprisingly common.
When you embark on a program that supports international mission trips for high school students in Peru, you will work in local hospitals and clinics to shadow and assist medical professionals. Other responsibilities may include assisting with lab work, distributing medicine, administrative work, or treating and diagnosing patients.
This volunteer opportunity will allow you to have a direct impact on the patients you treat. In addition to serving the community by assisting with medical needs, you will also impact the community by helping individuals become more culturally aware. As a high school student on an international medical mission trip, you will also be contributing your energy toward something much larger than yourself, helping the world become a better place.
Other Volunteer Opportunities in Peru
If you would like to learn about other programs in Peru for high school students, such as working with teenage mothers, teaching English, working in an orphanage or more, please follow the link:
Guatemala
Teach English In Rural Schools
The number of English-speaking tourists visiting Guatemala increases every year. In order to compete globally and locally for lucrative jobs, Guatemalan youth must speak English.
Responsibilities of student volunteers in this program include assisting local educators and language institutes with pre-established English curriculums involving younger students throughout Guatemala. Volunteers can expect to offer their expertise with the design of language activities for younger learners, support in administrative tasks, teach personal hygiene, and plan out extracurricular activities for younger learners.
This English teaching program that offers international mission opportunities for high school students in Guatemala aims to support the country’s youth. When children learn English, they have a greater opportunity of getting a good job to support their families in the future. When you volunteer with this program, you will be extending this opportunity to young students, making a lasting impact in their lives by providing them with resources they otherwise would not have.
English programs are not strong, which is why this volunteer opportunity in Guatemala is so important. If this program sounds like the right fit for you, please read more program details through this link:
Other Volunteer Opportunities in Guatemala
Other Guatemala projects that team up with international mission trips for high school students includeworking with street children, supporting orphanages, women’s projects, and more. Click the link below to learn more about these alternative projects in Guatemala:
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Argentina
Volunteering With Underprivileged Children
Poverty prevails throughout much of Argentina. Many parents are unable to sufficiently provide for their children. Children grow up without an adequate nutrition, education, companionship, guidance and personal attention.
One of the best mission trips is through volunteering with the Argentina Children and Youth Outreach project. During this project you will participate in the Disadvantaged Children/At-Risk Children Program, supporting children educationally, emotionally and physically to give them a change to live healthy and productive lives. You will also assist care centers with various tasks such as preparing meals, helping children with their homework, and implementing and developing activities to enhance and promote creativity.
In association with a number of Argentinean non-profit organizations, municipalities and schools, IFRE places volunteers in “buddy roles” in an attempt to provide love, friendship, support and care for underprivileged children. Through your support, children will be off the streets and away from negative situations, which are counter-productive to their education and brighter future.
While this project requires patience and dedication, participating a program that collaborates with international high schooler mission trips will give you a unique and unforgettable experience while making a positive impact on the lives of the children who need it the most. For more program details please follow this link:
Other Volunteer Opportunities in Argentina
Other opportunities to share your passion with underprivileged communities in Argentina include working with local NGOs, providing professional support, assisting in dental projects, and more. To learn about these alternative projects in Argentina, please follow this link:
Ecuador
Galapagos Conservation Project
San Cristobal Island is home to a variety of flora and fauna, but due to several adverse effects, it is now listed on the World Heritage list of endangered places. Human development on the famous Galapagos Islands has led to a destruction of the fragile habitats and an introduction of invasive species that threatens to disrupt the delicate balance of this ecosystem.
IFRE’s conservation international mission trips for high school students team works hard to preserve and maintain the natural diversity of the area. You will work on the island of San Cristobal to promote sustainable agriculture, low-impact tourism, and preservation/reforestation of the natural environment. You’ll help out with trail maintenance, collect and classify seeds, and help establish much needed biological corridors throughout the island.
Your time at this project will make your dream of visiting the Galapagos come true, and also have a huge impact on protecting and saving this natural wonder of the world. As you fight invasive ‘mora’ and educate locals and tourists about the importance of sustainable agriculture and conservation, you feel proud to protect this unique island ecosystem.
If you are a nature and animal lover, this Galapagos conservation project in Ecuador may be the best option for international high school mission trip students like you. Follow the link below to learn more.
Other Volunteer Opportunities in Ecuador
IFRE Volunteers offers a variety of other opportunities in Ecuador. To learn about these other programs, such as teaching English, working with orphans, working with street children, and more, please follow the link below:
Brazil
Youth Project in Brazil
One of Brazil’s most prevalent social issue is it’s high poverty rates. Many local youths in favelas (shanty towns) are deprived of education. They get involved in drugs, theft, and other unlawful activities. This project in Brazil is designed to help those youths participate in different sports that will help them gain social, physical and emotional development and keep them off the streets.
As a high schooler participating in this international mission trip, you will be working with local schools and organizations to organize and participate in sporting events, like skateboarding, volleyball and other athletic sports.
Your time working with the youth will give them access to an exciting and fun pastime which will stay with them for their rest of their lives. They will get to embrace their new passion for sports and join their country in this fulfilling national pastime. Youth will learn the value of teamwork and hard work while developing communication and athletic skills that will greatly enriching their lives.
If you are you interested in enriching the lives of these youths while exploring Brazil and gaining invaluable life experiences, contact IFRE today! We will guide you through the rest of your Brazil volunteer adventure.
Other Volunteer Opportunities in Brazil
Other projects that would be a good fit for international mission trips for high school students in Brazil include childcare, teaching computer skills, teaching English, and more. To learn more about these alternative projects, please visit this link:
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Skill and Qualifications
Most mission trip does not require specific skills or qualification. They only require a good attitude, compassion, and an open mind.
However, there are still some programs where a certain level of skills to volunteer abroad. Medical programs require that you are at least be a pre-med student, and English teaching program quire fluency in English.
The Start Date(s)
IFRE Volunteer programs start on Mondays. If you have a travel conflict, we will work with you to select a start day that works with your plans.
The Fee
Since 2006, IFRE has been the most trusted and respected volunteer abroad organization in the world, and also the most affordable. We’re dedicated to providing the highest quality volunteer opportunities for mission trips for international high schoolers at the lowest fees, which make it possible for everyone, especially students, to volunteer internationally and make a positive impact in the lives of others.
We believe in 100% transparency. Rest assured; we never use middlemen. Your one-time registration fee of $299 covers our administrative costs. The low weekly program fee is paid in the host country directly to your service project (via country coordinator), and includes housing, food, and minor expenses. IFRE is a non-profit organization, so your program fees are tax deductible.
To learn more about volunteer abroad fees, please visit:
Housing and Food
During your high school international mission trip, your housing and food will depend on your specific project. Most students stay with one of our wonderful host families, who provide three meals per day in the style of traditional cuisine. Some student volunteers, however, may be asked to stay in a cabin, hostel, or home with other volunteers.
No matter what type of accommodation you receive, IFRE will ensure that you are happy, comfortable, and safe because we know that your living environment can make or break your experience.
To learn more about food and housing, please follow this link:
How can you apply?
You can apply to volunteer with a program for your international mission trips for high school students by filling out a very straightforward online application. We will be in direct contact with you within 24 hours of your application submittal.
To learn more about the application process, please follow this link:
Why go with IFRE Volunteers?
IFRE Volunteers is a global humanitarian non-profit who has partnered with over 22,000 people and hundreds of local organizations since 2006 to facilitate outstandingly significant and incredibly safe volunteer and intern abroad experiences.
We offer the most affordable international trips, and we use the tax-deductible registration fee to support your experience and enhance local projects while the program fee gets paid directly to your service project.
During your abroad experience you will to create long lasting connections with your home-away-from-home host family, project coordinators, and fellow volunteers. If for any reason you feel uncomfortable during your time abroad, our unparalleled support staff will do everything they can to improve your situation and ensure that you have a good experience.
How can you go as a group?
IFRE Volunteers understand the importance of volunteering abroad with a group. Please contact IFRE directly to customize your group travel and dates. We will work with you to find the perfect project.
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IFRE Volunteers is one of the top volunteering program providers in the world. We offer amazing volunteer programs in 20 countries across Latin America, Asia and Africa. If you are interested to volunteer in other countries than mentioned above, check out our best affordable programs in Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Bali, Cambodia, Thailand, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Morocco
Check out A Complete Volunteer Abroad Guide: Everything You Need To Know to learn more about what is volunteering abroad. If you want to know how to volunteer abroad for free, go through our Volunteer Abroad for Free article. If you are a college student and searching for meaningful summer volunteering programs, check out our popular articles Community Service Trips For College Students and Summer Volunteer Programs For College Students.
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