UNDER 18 VOLUNTEERS

If you are an under 18 volunteer, join Kaya to do something worthwhile, meet new international friends and visit an amazing destination all the while developing your CV/resume for college, university or in your job search.

divers sitting on a boat on the beach ready for a dive

Elephant sanctuary Volunteer with the Big 5 Port Elizabeth

Under 18 Volunteer opportunities abroad

Can I become a teen volunteer?

With Kaya, your age shouldn’t stand in the way! We have over 30 under 18 volunteer abroad opportunities available to 16 and 17-year-olds, across our most popular countries – check these out below – and a special summer teen volunteer program for 13-15 year old in South Africa.

What’s more, if you’d like to become an under 18 volunteer, but have a friend or family member who is over 18 to volunteer with you, then they can act as your legal guardian on a number of our programs. We appreciate the dedication and eagerness that younger volunteers bring to our projects and, where possible, we work to lower our age limits.

Our under 18 volunteer placements for under 18’s are selected to provide a greater level of supervision, with the same impactful work as all our Kaya projects.

How do I get started as a teen volunteer?

If you are under 18 and interested in volunteering abroad, get in touch with one of our advisors today and we’ll find a great teen volunteer project that’s right for you! We’ll talk you through everything to find you the perfect placement, and support you throughout your journey. Don’t let your age stand between you and the world! Become a better global citizen with Kaya!

Join a teen volunteering abroad project now and make all your friends jealous by jetting off to see the Big 5, work in a children’s centre or help to coach sports in Eswatini.

If you are interested in protecting the environment, join our reforestation camp in South Africa this spring and help with environmental education, mural painting, solar cookers and tree planting. Alternatively, if you would rather come with people you already know, why not speak to your school about organising a school trip or talk to your family about planning to volunteer for your next summer vacation?

Swaziland is one of our great locations that suit volunteers aged under 18 – read here to find out why!

If you are 16 years old, make sure you take a look at our recent blog post to see what under 18 volunteer abroad options you can join with Kaya.

What do you need to do to take part in an under 18 volunteer project?

To be considered for our under 18 volunteer projects, all you need to do is attend a telephone interview, obtain a letter of consent from a parent or guardian and provide a reference from a teacher or trusted, family friend. We expect a high level of maturity from our younger volunteers as you will be treated as, and will be expected to behave as, an adult. Remember, as a teen volunteer, you are there to help others and not to be tended to – but also know that in your volunteering you will learn and grow in life-changing ways.

Resource for parents of teen volunteers abroad

Many parents find international volunteering to be a great option for their teenager’s summer or holiday plans. Contact one of our advisors to learn about the benefits of these opportunities for your child.

We have a number of great resources to help you support you in planning with your family. Check these out here!

RESOURCES FOR PARENTS

Why volunteering abroad for teenagers is a great idea!

While you can help make a difference by joining our teen volunteer abroad programs, there are also a lot of ways that you benefit from becoming a volunteer. Our top 4 reasons for teens to volunteer abroad are:

Gain confidence

It might be a little scary to begin with but teen volunteering and working with other people around the world can really build your confidence. By venturing out of your comfort zone and pushing yourself to take on new challenges, you will learn to navigate your way around obstacles and thrive off your accomplishments.

Receive Support

With all of our under 18 volunteer projects, you can have peace of mind that there is always someone on hand to help you. This level of support is what sets Kaya under 18 volunteer projects apart and makes them perfect for our teen volunteers and first-time travelers.

Gain experience

If you are a highschooler looking for a way to explore your passions, our under 18 volunteer opportunities are the perfect way to spend your holidays. Gaining hands-on experience in your chosen subject could be valuable experience to add to your resume. Or it could be a great way to stand out from the crowd on your college application

Work on your CV/resume

If you are not sure of your career path just yet but are looking to make a difference when you travel, the skills you will develop on a Kaya under 18 volunteer program are second to none. The ability to communicate and work alongside others, create and stick to a budget, and adapt to new environments and cultures, are just some of the skills Kaya’s teen volunteers develop while taking part on a Kaya under 18 volunteer program.

Matching teen volunteer’s to the right project abroad

We want everyone who travels with Kaya to have a great time but it is equally as important that our projects and communities get the most out of each volunteer they receive. That’s why we work hard to offer as many ethical projects as possible and is important that we match you to your perfect under 18 volunteer project. Once you have decided on a project you will then need to attend a telephone interview. This is something that we ask of all of our volunteers but is particularly important for our teen volunteers.

Although you don’t need any practical experience to join any of our under 18 volunteer projects, to be considered you must attend a telephone interview. Not only does this allow us to ensure you are a suitable candidate for the project it gives you a chance to ask any questions or raise any concerns you may have. Once you have attended your telephone interview, you must get a letter from a parent or guardian and provide a reference from a teacher or trusted family friend. From that point on, we can advise you on how to organise your flights, visas, and anything else you might need and you’ll be ready to start your teen volunteer adventure!

Take a look through our Volunteer projects abroad for under 18’s

Rhino & Elephant Conservation Volunteering in Zimbabwe

Volunteer in Zimbabwe and take part in important conservation and anti-poaching work, helping to protect vulnerable animals and preserve their habitats.