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Teen Volunteer Abroad Programs

Lots of your peers may be engaged in volunteer work. It makes you feel good and looks great on a college or job application.

But why not try something that is “the most fulfilling thing (you’ve) ever done?” Get outside your bubble, experience a culture that’s completely foreign to you, do something important in a place where it’s needed.

With United Planet, you’ll get all the support you need to make it safe, rewarding and valuable. Like many of our volunteers, maybe you’ll go for the experience … but you’ll bring back memories of some of the most amazing people you’ll ever meet. You might even introduce yourself to someone you may not recognize – yourself, after you see what the world has to offer.

If you are a parent or family member of a Teen Volunteer Abroad Quest applicant, check our Information for Parents page, where you will find answers to many of your questions about international volunteering.

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Why volunteer with United Planet?

United Planet Quests are designed to be immersive, authentic, comprehensive and provide you everything you’ll need to succeed. The program elements allow you to engage fully with a new culture, forge strong relationships, and challenge yourself. Most importantly, we partner with the community to ensure your experience will be important, relevant and helpful to the community you serve.

We are a mission-focused, non-profit organization

We are all about service, making a difference, building a global community.

Our programs emphasize authenticity

Get outside your bubble, jump into a real experience, become a global citizen.

We provide everything you need to succeed

Classes, in-country travel, home stays, meals, work –we are your cultural bridge.

Your safety is our most important concern

From one-on-one assistance before you travel to experienced staff in country, everything is done to ensure your safety and wellbeing.

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Your Quest is personalized to provide the opportunity for genuine, meaningful personal growth.

What we do is meaningful

Your experience will be important, relevant and helpful to the community you serve.

Volunteer Opportunities for Teens 15 and Up

Virtual Volunteering and Virtual Internship Program

Age: 15 and up
Program Length: 1 – 6 months
Availability: Year-round

This will be a great opportunity for teens to experience working for global organizations and gain valuable knowledge and 21st-century skills that can help with boosting your college applications and resumes. If you were considering to volunteer abroad or take a gap year abroad, this can be a stepping stone in building your confidence before you travel and immerse yourself in a new culture!

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Peru Community Development and Healthcare

Community Development in Peru

Age: 15 and up
Program Length: 1 – 12 weeks
Availability: Program begins weekly, every Sunday
Requirements: At least basic Spanish

Volunteers ages 15 and up have a variety of options to participate in community development Quests in Peru. Depending on your interests and community need, you can assist teachers at local schools, work in daycare centers, or after-school programs in Cusco, work with disabled youth, or care for the elderly.

*Teens may be asked for a preliminary interview prior to enrollment completion to understand previous experience and motivations.

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Sports Coaching and Social Work in South Africa

Age: 17 and up
Program Length: 4 – 12 weeks

Availability: Year-round, with specific start dates

Volunteers ages 17 and up can coach at-risk youth players in a variety of sports in South Africa or work at a number of social projects, with activities ranging from teaching, to organizing arts and crafts workshops, to caring for children in local orphanages. On this Quest, you’ll live in and explore the city of Port Elizabeth and have the opportunity to visit the Kragga Kama Game Reserve and more.

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Have questions? We’re here for you. We’d love to help.