Teen Volunteering Abroad

Special Programs for Teens Worldwide

"My experience in Peru was truly life-changing. My host family was absolutely amazing, and the language classes, salsa lessons, and cooking lessons were also fantastic. United Planet does a wonderful job of organizing trips for people in which they have lots of freedom, but also lots of organized cultural activities. I would highly recommend a quest to anyone."

Blair Bishop- Teen Peru Volunteer

As an international non-profit organization, United Planet (UP) strives to create a world in which all people understand, respect, and support one another. United Planet's global network of leaders and volunteers fosters cross-cultural understanding and addresses shared challenges to unite the world in a community beyond borders. United Planet’s volunteer abroad Quest program provides an incredibly fulfilling experience for volunteers and valuable support for international communities through local partnerships and:

  • Language immersion
  • Cultural activities
  • Learning excursions

Volunteers between the ages of 16 and 18 are invited to join one to 12 week volunteer abroad programs in five countries worldwide:

 

 

Teen Volunteers

United Planet's volunteer abroad Quest program is a perfect opportunity for 16 to 18 year olds looking for an international opportunity. The volunteer abroad Quest program provides meaningful programs abroad, and our dedicated team are happy to work with you to provide you with the most meaningful experience possible. As a teen volunteer on a United Planet Quest you will have the opportunity to develop many skills including:

  • Language skills
  • Cross-cultural communication abilities
  • International work experience
  • Participate in many exciting excursions and activities

United Planet teen volunteers can expect to work between 30 and 40 hours per week at their project placement. As part of your program fee, you will also take part in cultural activities and go on excursions to sites of historical and archaeological importance, such as Macchu Picchu in Peru, and Dracula's Castle in Romania.

If you are a parent or family member of a teen thinking about volunteering abroad, check our our Friends and Family page, where you will find answers to many of your questions about international volunteering. You can also visit our Frequently Asked Questions page to find more answers.

Program Costs:

The costs for United Planet’s teen volunteer abroad programs are dependent upon the location of the project and duration of your stay. The estimated cost per volunteer for a one week program starts at $1,445.  This fee includes the following:
  • Extensive pre-departure training from United Planet Quest Team
  • Parent's information session (via phone) for under 18s
  • Full orientation upon arrival by United Planet in-country coordinator
  • Travel Insurance
  • Round-trip airport transfers
  • Accommodations/Meals  
  • Full Coordination on the ground by United Planet in-country coordinator
  • Excursions
  • Cultural activities such as dancing or cooking classes
  • Language lessons in some destinations
  • Optional excursions and activities as requested
If you are interested in finding out more about United Planet’s teen abroad programs, please contact us at Request Info, 1-800-292-2316, or 1-617-267-7763 to learn how you can take part in an extraordinary experience.  The United Planet team will work closely with you both before your departure and during your stay to provide a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Quest Program Briefs

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Current Teen Volunteer Destinations

 

Romania

United Planet volunteers work and stay at a rural orphanage, where looking after the children is the main focus of most Quests, however there are also other needs and options for volunteer opportunities at the orphanage. There is no language requirement for this Quest. Read more
     
 

Costa Rica

High school students and anyone interested in a gap semester under the age of 18 can choose from four different Environmental Quests in Costa Rica. These four programs have been selected for their suitability for this age group and vetted for their safety by the United Planet staff. There are no Spanish language requirements for the environmental projects, though basic Spanish is very helpful. Read more
     
 

Peru

Teens can choose from a variety of projects in Cusco, Peru, including working with children at orphanages and after school projects. This Quest includes a weekend excursion to Macchu Picchu. Spanish is required. Read more
     
 

Ecuador

Volunteers can choose between community development Quests such as teaching or working in a day care center, and environmental opportunities in Ecuador. Spanish is required. Read more
     
 

Chile

Volunteers are based in Santiago, Chile with the opportunity to exlpore other areas in the region. Volunteers can choose between home building, teaching and working in a women's shelter. Spanish language skills are required. Read more

Three Easy Steps to Apply

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Step 1: Choose your Volunteer Abroad Quest Country and then fill in the online application.

Step 2: Submit your $250 deposit at the time of application. You may pay the deposit online with a credit card as part of your application process, call our office at 1-800-292-2316 to provide your credit card information or send a check to our Boston office.

Step 3: The Regional Coordinator in the Boston office will contact you to arrange a phone interview. 

Questions about applying?

Call one of our friendly regional Quest coordinators today. We will walk you step-by-step through the application process and answer any questions you may have.

Fundraising

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Special Discounts:
  • Introduce someone who signs up for a Quest program and you will receive a 10% discount!
  • Participate in any two Short-term Quests to receive 10% off your second Quest.
  • Participate in any two Long-term Quests to receive 5% off your second Quest.
  • Participate in any Short-term Quest followed by a Long-term Quest to receive a 5% discount on your second Quest.
  • Participate in any Long-term Quest followed by a Short-term Quest to receive 10% discount on your second Quest.
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