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.

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

Teen Community Volunteering in Costa Rica

Join us in a rural community of Costa Rica and contribute to the local community while living an adventure of a lifetime!

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Rhino and 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.

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Teaching English in Rural Cambodia

If you want to help a rural impoverished community while learning about the culture and the people of Cambodia, all that while making friends, this is a placement for you!

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Construction in rural Cambodia

If you want to help a rural impoverished community while learning about the culture and the people of Cambodia, all that while making friends, this is a placement for you!

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Tree Planting Eco Festival Volunteering in South Africa

Take a hands-on role in reforestation and environmental education by volunteering on this mass action project in South Africa this year.

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Volunteering for 16 and 17 Year Olds in Swaziland

If you are under 18 join this initiative Volunteering for 16 and 17 Year Olds in Swaziland

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Volunteering for 16 and 17 Year Olds In India

Join our volunteering for 16 and 17 year olds in India and spend time with other young people developing global citizenship.

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Wildlife Sanctuary Volunteering in Victoria Falls

Spend time on Wildlife Research and Conservation volunteering in Zimbabwe and gain an incredible insight into research and conservation efforts taking place in the area.

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Girl and Women Empowerment Volunteering in Zambia

Girl and women empowerment volunteering in Zambia offers the opportunity to increase access to education, sport, livelihoods and more.

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Volunteer with the Big 5 in Port Elizabeth

Volunteer and have an amazing time working on this game reserve in Port Elizabeth. Work with South Africa's big 5: lion, African elephant, cape buffalo, rhino and leopard.

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Volunteering for teenagers in Costa Rica

Spend your holidays doing something different and help others through volunteering overseas. Work on 1 of 4 projects in Costa Rica that accept teenagers from 15 years old.

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Child Development Volunteering in India

Volunteer in India and help with the provision of child care to disadvantaged children as well as participating in a range of exciting activities essential to Indian culture.

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Wildlife Orphanage and Rescue Sanctuary in Zimbabwe

Volunteer in Zimbabwe and get first hand experience of wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and release in one of Africa’s oldest wildlife sanctuaries located in Bulawayo.

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Sports Volunteering Abroad in Swaziland

Become a sports coach and volunteer in Swaziland. Coach disadvantaged children to play football, soccer, tennis, volleyball, netball and more.

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Community Sports Coaching Volunteering in Cape Town, South Africa

As a community sports coaching volunteer you will volunteer in South Africa in a Cape Town township where sports coaching is much needed.

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Community Volunteering and Teaching in Southern Vietnam

Bring your caring and sharing approach to life and participate in community volunteering in Southern Vietnam.

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Education Outreach for Child Workers in the Markets in Ecuador

Volunteer in Quito and help with the education of children who work upwards of ten hours a day in the markets, streets and countryside of Ecuador to support their families.

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Agro Forestry and Environmental Conservation in the Mindo Cloud Forest

If you are interested in environmental science and conservation efforts then volunteer on this project located in the stunning Cloud Forest in Ecuador.

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Community Teaching and Cultural Immersion in India

By volunteering in India on a Community Teaching project, you have the chance to give back to a number of communities where support is needed to enhance the quality of teaching.

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Experience India and Volunteering

Our Experience India Tour encompasses charm, culture and care over 10 or 14 nights where you will be able to see the sights, learn about the real India and get a taste of volunteering.

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Island Marine Conservation with Diving Certification in Thailand

This marine conservation project is perfect for divers or those wishing to learn to dive and contribute to sustainable development for the sea and local communities.

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Women’s Empowerment and Community Volunteering in India

Volunteer in India on this Women’s Empowerment project and help challenge the problems facing women today in local communities.

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Turtle Conservation in Sri Lanka

Volunteer with us on a turtle conservation project in Sri Lanka and help a local team protect five endangered species of turtle.

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Photography and Conservation Project In Kruger, South Africa

Join this incredible wildlife photography course to develop skills for taking great shots whilst participating in essential conservation education and activities in the Greater Kruger Area.

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Community Teaching Volunteering in Cape Town

Become a community teaching volunteer in South Africa and provide essential teaching support in the poverty stricken communities in the townships of Cape Town.

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Rhino, Elephant and Big Cat Research and Conservation in Kruger

Volunteer in South Africa on a research and conservation project in the greater Kruger area home to the Big 5; lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard, and more

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Volunteer Teaching At A Day Care Centre In Swaziland

By volunteering in Swaziland, you can help to care for orphaned and vulnerable children in need at a daycare centre.

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Swaziland Volunteer Building or Sports With Kruger Safari

Combine travel and volunteering in South Africa with our bespoke Kruger to Swaziland Building and Volunteer Adventure.

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School Building and Gardening Volunteering in Swaziland

Volunteer in Swaziland to help to build family homes for needy families using local building materials and techniques.

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Teaching and Community Volunteer Work in Zanzibar

Volunteer in Tanzania on a teaching and community work project based on the island of Zanzibar, located just off Africa's Tanzanian coast.

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Dolphin and Marine Conservation in Zanzibar

Volunteer on a Dolphin and Marine Conservation project on the island of Zanzibar and help preserve the habitats by monitoring tourist and wildlife interaction.

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Community Volunteering at Christmas in Zambia

Volunteer near the amazing Victoria Falls in Zambia on a project working with local communities and do something extra special this Christmas.

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Teaching and Community Work in Zambia

Volunteer in Zambia on teaching and community work and support local schools with large class numbers and a small number of teachers.

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Sports and Community Volunteering in Zambia

Volunteer in Zambia on our sports development project, teaching sport skills as well as tackling topics such as HIV, nutrition and living a healthy life.

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Easy 4-step application process

APPLY ONLINE

Click here to apply online and pay your application fee to apply for your space on your chosen project. Our advisors will then contact you to guide you through the next steps.

TELEPHONE INTERVIEW

Once we’ve received your application, we’ll review your details and be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.

CONFIRMATION

Following your interview, we will provide you a placement offer. Once you are ready to confirm your placement and dates, you can pay your confirmation fee to book and secure your space.

GET PREPARED

When you have confirmed your project dates we'll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.