How to Choose a Summer Volunteer Program

The vast array of summer volunteer programs for high school students can make it feel daunting to choose.

Lots of volunteer providers, like VISIONS Service Adventures, offer programs in several diverse locations like the Dominican Republic, Peru, British Virgin Islands, and even the Blackfeet Reservation of Montana.

With over 9,000 programs spread across dozens of countries listed on GoAbroad, it’s safe to say that there are plenty of options for adventurous teens looking to volunteer overseas!

All those choices can be a lot to take in, but there are ways to narrow the search. Below, we’ll explain the benefits of volunteering during your high school summer vacation, and then discuss how to choose a meaningful summer volunteer program that suits your interests and goals.

Why volunteer during your high school summer vacation?

If you’re still on the fence about volunteering during your summer vacation, you shouldn’t be! Volunteering isn’t just about working hard and serving the greater good. There are countless benefits that you probably haven’t even considered. Let’s look at a few.

1. Developing new skills and job experience

Gaining new skills will keep your summer productive! (Credit: VISIONS Service Adventures)

You might learn specific job-related skills while volunteering, such as painting, carpentry, or cooking, but you could also learn less concrete skills, such as interpersonal skills from working with diverse groups of people, or organizational skills from planning activities.

Because of this, volunteering is also an incredible way to gain work experience for your resume, and by volunteering in fields you're interested in, you’ll get a firsthand look at those jobs. This can help you decide if they're right for you.

​​Volunteering also connects you with people from all walks of life, including professionals who can provide guidance (and potentially even job opportunities in the future). It's a great way to expand your network at a very young age.

2. Enhance your college applications

Colleges and universities look for applicants who have demonstrated commitment to serving others. Participating in summer volunteer programs for high school students will demonstrate initiative, leadership, and a willingness to contribute to society, all of which are appealing to admissions teams.

(If your high school requires community service as part of the curriculum, volunteering during summer vacation will also help fulfill these requirements in a way that's enjoyable and personally meaningful.)

3. Make a difference for yourself and others

Making a tangible impact abroad will give meaning to your summer. (Credit: VISIONS Service Adventures)

The biggest benefit of volunteering is the ability to make a positive impact on the world. Whether you're working at a food bank, performing a nature clean-up, or teaching children, your efforts have a real and meaningful effect on the lives of others, something you probably won’t get from your average summer job or summer camp.

Volunteering isn’t just beneficial for others; it’s also personally rewarding. Helping others and contributing to a bigger cause is proven to increase self-esteem and happiness. It can be a way to find new interests and passions. If you volunteer abroad, it will also be an eye-opening experience that broadens your perspective on the world.

How to choose a summer volunteer program

Now that we have you on board, let’s talk about how to find the best summer volunteer programs for high school students. The following steps will ensure your summer is meaningful, impactful, and filled with growth and adventure!

1. Start early

Many summer volunteer abroad programs for high school students fill up quite quickly or have early deadlines, so don’t leave it to the last minute! Begin your search well in advance of your summer break.

2. Set clear goals

Setting goals will keep your summer on track! (Credit: VISIONS Service Adventures)

Before you even begin searching for volunteer experiences, it’s important to outline what you want to achieve through volunteering. Are you looking to gain specific skills? Explore a potential career path? Give back to a cause you're passionate about? Setting clear goals will narrow down your options.

At VISIONS Service Adventures, for example, certain programs cater to certain interests more. If you want to learn Spanish, consider trips to Peru or the Dominican Republic! If you’re passionate about land conservation and indigenous peoples rights, consider serving on the Montana Blackfeet Reservation.

3. Consider your commitments

Along with setting clear goals, it’s important to evaluate your summer schedule to understand how much time you can realistically commit to volunteering. Some programs may require a minimum duration, or only run during certain periods of the summer.

Once you know exactly how much time you can dedicate to volunteering, you can weed out options that don’t fit your schedule and focus on those that do.

4. Use versatile tools like GoAbroad

Don’t underestimate the power of technology when it comes to finding a good volunteer program. GoAbroad has years of experience curating the best summer volunteer programs for high school students. (There’s a reason why over a quarter million people use the platform.)

Virtual tools like GoAbroad let you curate your options based on your goals, duration, and desired destination. This allows you to cut out options that aren’t relevant to you and weed through the ones that are.

Once you’ve chosen a destination, you can filter volunteer programs by cause—from healthcare to marine conservation to archaeology—to find one that suits your goals!

NOTE: Virtual tools are great, but don’t underestimate the power of your network, either. Friends, family, and teachers can be great resources for discovering volunteer opportunities.

5. Be open to learning

You’ll be surprised how much you can learn during one summer of service. (Credit: VISIONS Service Adventures)

Remember, volunteering is all about challenging yourself, developing grit and determination to learn new skills. Don’t shy away from volunteer experiences that dive into areas you may not be familiar with. That’s what volunteering is all about!

So approach your experience with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Even if the work is challenging or different from what you’re used to, there’s always something valuable to gain.

6. Research thoroughly

As we mentioned above, there are quite literally thousands of options when it comes to summer volunteer abroad programs for high school students. Don’t stress, but don’t pull the trigger too early either.

Look beyond the first few options you find. Dive into what each program offers, its impact, and past volunteer testimonials. This will give you a better sense of whether it’s the right fit for you.

Certain programs offer unique benefits. VISIONS Service Adventures, for example, has a strict tech-free policy, fostering a stronger sense of community and immersion with participants.

Once you have a shortlist of programs, it’s time to reach out! Which brings us to…

7. Contact organizations directly

Once you have a few volunteer organizations in mind, reach out to them directly to inquire about volunteer opportunities. While tools like GoAbroad are a stellar way to discover programs, many organizations may not advertise the full scope of their offerings on third-party sites.

If you have any lingering questions, or just want to learn a bit more about the nuts and bolts of a specific organization's opportunities, reach out directly. VISIONS Service Adventures allows you to hop on a free one-on-one chat with their director to learn more about their volunteer experiences!

8. Don’t stress! Book with confidence

Don’t worry—you got this. (Credit: VISIONS Service Adventures)

If you’ve done all the steps listed above, then the final step is to sit back, breathe easy, and book with confidence. Volunteering abroad can be intimidating, but you aren’t alone. Don’t forget that thousands of teens go abroad to volunteer every year!

If you’ve done your research, then rest assured that you’ve set yourself up for success. Now just check that packing list and make sure you’re ready for your summer abroad. You’re going to have a blast!

Get matched with 5 summer volunteer programs right now

Make the most of your summer break with a volunteer experience!

There are countless reasons to volunteer abroad during your summer break. You can develop new skills, get job experience, and enhance your college applications. Most importantly, you’ll make a difference in the lives of others and yourself! (Personal growth is perhaps the biggest benefit of volunteering.)

Once you’ve returned from your summer abroad, don’t forget to share your story! Telling others about your experience upon your return home can inspire others to volunteer. There are thousands of eager teens looking for summer volunteer abroad programs for high school students. Maybe by sharing your experience you’ll help others in their search!

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