International Service Trips for High Schoolers
Looking for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for your teen? Consider a service-learning trip this summer with Dream Volunteers!
Why Service Travel for Teens?
Dream Volunteers is on a mission to help foster a generation of change-makers. But, this can only happen with 3 very important partners: parents & caregivers, teens, and educators.
After 15 years of leading over 150 service trips, it’s easy for us to take care of all the lesson planning, local connections, excursions, parent communications, travel…
Our service-learning and travel programs give students an opportunity to further their global education, make a difference in the world, and create meaningful connections across borders.
Dream Volunteers Helps Teens Make a Global Impact
15 years
150 service trips
3,200 student participants
Teens are so ready to work on changing the world. Dream Volunteers has the experience to make that work meaningful.
Where Can I Volunteer?
Costa Rica
Guatemala
Ghana
India
Vietnam
Multiple Countries
What Others Are Saying About Dream Volunteers
“The trip satisfied and surprised on many levels. The work in the village was meaningful and personal. There was a real opportunity to learn, meet, and interact with those they were there to support. This was such a strong growth experience for my kids.
“Over 7 trips with Dream Volunteers across 5 countries, I have come to realize that the dream of inspiring my students’ minds to grow forever has also done the same for my heart and mind.”
“It gave me a whole new perspective on life. I want to be more involved and help more people around the world. I hope to be able to go on more Dream Volunteers trips in the near future.”
Education Partners
We’ve worked with the following educational institutions to organize programs for their students
and/or facilitate a Student Club on campus.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following FAQs may help answer some of yours, but we’d be happy to talk with you to answer any questions you may have. We’re here to help make sure Dream Volunteers is the right fit for your family!
How safe are these trips?
We have been working in these countries and communities for ten years and have always felt safe by taking a few recommended precautions. We will never compromise the health and safety of our students. We are confident in our approach, our logistical arrangements and partners, and our track record and hope that all of these help you to feel more comfortable allowing yourself or your child to enjoy this valuable experience.
Immersing oneself in the community is part of the experience. We offer an orientation upon arrival that instructs participants about any places or times of day to avoid being on the streets as well as ways to avoid calling attention to yourself and what to do if approached by strangers. Beyond that, we have rules around only being out in groups or being with or near a chaperone at all times and procedures for transporting travelers with our in-house drivers and guides, as well as safe, conveniently-located lodging. All staff members, both in-country and US-based, are vetted, trusted professionals, most of whom have been with us for many years. We do not go out after 9:30pm (when the streets get quiet), and are typically in by 7:00pm every day. During work time, our volunteers are with an adult supervisor at all times.
What sort of service work will we do?
All service work falls under the categories of education, sustainable development, and community development. The specific nature of the projects will vary depending on the location, age group of the participants, and the season or time of year. Some projects our groups have worked on in the past include: classroom construction, reforestation, organic farming, permaculture, delivering art/sports/music/environmental workshops to school children, school and classroom beautification, and building and setting up libraries.
Is there a required age to volunteer?
No, though there may be projects that require participants to be a certain age. We have trips designed for just about any and every age group. There are middle school trips, high school trips, college trips, family trips, and even custom trips. Find the trip that’s appropriate for you!
How can I stay in touch with my friends & family at home?
Our representatives will send an email to the person listed as your emergency contact upon your arrival in country. Then throughout the week, they will periodically send updates to the same email address. Beyond that, you will have occasional Internet access to send messages or make Skype calls. In-country staff carry cell phones at all times and will be in regular contact with our team at headquarters should there be need for additional communication. Contact information and procedures are detailed in the trip preparation materials.
How do I sign-up?
To sign up, simply click on “Sign Up” for the trip you would like to join and complete the application form. You will be asked for a deposit to hold your space. Trips that are restricted to private groups (stated in trip description) may ask for specific information to ensure eligibility. All other trips are public and open to all.
