Get ready for life-changing school expeditions that prioritise safety and support! At GVI we create permanent community hubs, work year-round with trusted partners, and focus on sustainability for long-term impact. Our comprehensive itineraries offer a mix of adventure, learning, fun, culture and making a real difference. With a team of impact professionals and social development experts with world-class experience and PhD specialisations leading the way, and projects driven by local community organisations, you’ll experience the highest standards of ethics.

All of our high school volunteer programs include:

• Volunteer work abroad.
• Customised itineraries.
• 360-degree support, before, during and after the trip.
• Travel with a highly qualified expedition leader and a trusted teacher who will accompany each group.
• An expedition leader to student ratio of 1:6.
• Adventure activities such as kayaking, hiking, surfing, abseiling or zip-lining.
• Cultural activities like cooking classes, learning phrases in the local language or learning traditional dances. 
• An overview of international sustainable development and the opportunity to engage in informative discussions led by local experts in fields including wildlife conservation and community development.
• Accommodation and three meals a day.
• Transport to and from the airport, and during the rest of the trip.

Adventures with purpose

By working on projects led by local community organisations, students have the opportunity to collaborate in dynamic team environments, gain insights into the challenges faced by local communities, and contribute to sustainable long-term initiatives. These experiences offer practical, hands-on learning opportunities that go beyond the classroom. Along the way, participants develop essential soft skills like leadership, planning, organisation and effective communication – invaluable skills that add to education and expand future career prospects.

Enhance university applications

Students who successfully complete a GVI program have exciting award opportunities open to them. As a young British national, you can apply for prestigious accolades like the Award Scheme and Development Accreditation Network (ASDAN) Universities Award or the renowned Duke of Edinburgh Award.

The ASDAN award holds international recognition and serves as a valuable certificate to showcase your experiential learning achievements. It enhances your university and college applications, demonstrating your commitment to personal growth and hands-on learning.

For those aspiring to earn the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award and boost their career prospects, participation in a GVI program is a fantastic opportunity. By engaging in a GVI program, you can showcase your competencies across various key areas required for the award – including volunteering, skills development, physical fitness, program completion and participation in a residential school trip abroad. Adding the Duke of Edinburgh Award to your personal statement on your UCAS application will further elevate your profile and highlight your dedication to personal development.

Connecting classroom and community

Discover a world beyond traditional high school volunteer programs with our specially designed service-learning group programs. These unique experiences combine classroom learning with hands-on fieldwork, bridging theory and practice. Students actively engage with their academic material while tackling real challenges faced by local communities. Reflective learning sessions add a profound dimension, fostering self-awareness and deepening empathy for others.

Not part of a school group? No problem! Explore our tailor-made programs exclusively crafted for teenagers. Check out our under 18 programs here.

Join us and be part of an incredible adventure that combines cultural immersion with purposeful action. Volunteer opportunities for high school students allow participants to truly experience countries around the world, including Thailand, Nepal, South Africa, Cambodia and Costa Rica. Participants will experience and gain a better understanding of different cultures, while making a valuable contribution to programs that focus on community development.

Volunteering options for high school students

Phang Nga, Thailand

Thailand is a sought-after destination for school trips abroad, capturing the imagination of countless high schoolers looking for summer adventures. Nestled in the beautiful Phang Nga province, our community hub is located in the beachside town of Ban Nam Khem.

On our Community Development program students can participate in community development activities, including contributing to education initiatives in the community’s non-formal education centre. At the local turtle conservation centre, you’ll learn about the endangerment of turtles, their conservation efforts, and participate in tank cleaning and data collection for our citizen science database.

Students will experience the best of Phang Nga while making a difference. Dive into stunning beaches, explore James Bond Island and soak up the vibrant local culture. As part of the trip students will also visit the tsunami museum and go on an adventure in Khao Sok National Park. Volunteering in Phang Nga is an unforgettable blend of beauty, adventure and community impact.

Pokhara, Nepal

Students looking for adventure can join our high school volunteer program set in Nepal, and overlook the soaring mountain range of Annapurna. 

Based in the city of Pokhara, students on our Community Development Global Citizens program will work to improve the educational facilities at local schools. Through temple visits and mastering the art of making traditional dumplings called “momos”, students will experience the vibrant flavours and traditions of Nepal.

Later in the trip, students will be able to travel to the Annapurna Sanctuary and trek to summit Poon Hill, also known as the Annapurna Sunrise Trek. Along the trail, overnight accommodation will be provided at Nepali tea houses, ensuring an unforgettable Himalayan trekking adventure.

Cape Town, South Africa

Our high school trips abroad in South Africa include a volunteer program in Cape Town. During our Community Development Experience students will contribute to much-needed construction projects at educational facilities. The specific tasks may vary based on our partners’ needs, ranging from basic maintenance and renovation work to adding vibrant murals and artwork.

As part of the trip, students will learn about South Africa’s history. They’ll also have the opportunity to hike up Table Mountain, take the ferry to Robben Island and explore the coastline, where they can see African penguins.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

High school groups will be able to visit the home of Angkor Wat, the largest religious building in the world, when they volunteer abroad on the Community Development Global Citizens program. Our work in Cambodia focuses on teaching, childcare, healthcare and women’s empowerment, and students will have the opportunity to lead a variety of workshops.

They’ll also learn a little of the Khmer language while practising English and playing sports with local students, as well as getting involved in activities such as helping to build community gardens and cleaning up plastic pollution.

Along with visiting Angkor Wat, students will also enjoy a four-day trek through the lush jungles of the Cardamom Mountains and travel to the vibrant city of Phnom Penh.

Cartago, Costa Rica

Students will experience the pura vida lifestyle first-hand when they volunteer in Cartago, Costa Rica. Surrounded by volcanoes and farmland, the city contains a fascinating view of Costa Rica, including a sociological perspective of the many changes in Costa Rican culture since its independence. 

High school students interested in visiting Costa Rica will take part in our Community Development Experience in Cartago. Here they’ll contribute to community development projects as a group. Whether it’s mural painting, classroom maintenance, playground upkeep, floor laying or construction, their work will directly impact the needs of local schools and community centres.

During this program, students can explore the stunning beaches of Puerto Viejo de Limon, hike through the lush landscapes and snorkel in Cahuita National Park. Get ready for an experience that will broaden their horizons and leave a lasting impact.

360-degree support: your journey, our commitment

With over 20 years of expertise, GVI leads the way in crafting custom group programs. Our dedication to excellence has earned us prestigious awards in international experiential education. You can count on us for comprehensive support as we strive to create exceptional high school volunteer programs. Our aim? To deliver a transformative and unforgettable learning journey for young students.

Safety comes first

At GVI, we prioritise the health and safety of our participants and staff. That’s why we conduct thorough background checks, provide emergency first aid training, and strictly adhere to our Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy. Our robust safety measures include comprehensive Emergency Action Plans, crisis management protocols and situational risk assessments. Our commitment to safety is recognised through our compliance with British Standards 8848 for managing young volunteers in international destinations.

Rest assured, we’ve got your back 24/7. With in-country support and a dedicated 24-hour emergency desk, we’re always here for you. Experience peace of mind knowing that your well-being is our top priority.

Personalised teacher support

Ensuring the success of our school trips abroad is a team effort, with teachers playing a vital role. To provide extra reassurance, we maintain a carefully planned expedition leader, teacher and student ratio. Typically, we assign at least one expedition leader to a group of six participants, guaranteeing individual attention and guidance.

We value the partnership with schools, which is why we offer one complimentary spot for a teacher for every twelve high school students attending the program. Additionally, we provide comprehensive pre-departure support, assisting with travel logistics and ensuring school groups are well-prepared for their arrival and program activities. To address any queries or concerns, we organise a dedicated teacher webinar where teachers, parents, guardians, and chaperones can engage with our support coordinators and receive valuable feedback. Your peace of mind is our priority every step of the way.

Streamlined airport transfers and communication channels

GVI expedition leaders take care of all transportation needs throughout the project, including the final drop-off at the airport. To ensure smooth coordination of airport arrivals for our groups, we create instant messaging groups that facilitate communication between students, teachers, parents and expedition leaders. The arrival of the group at the airport is met by uniformed GVI expedition leaders who accompany them to their accommodation. Once this is done, an email is sent to all parents, reassuring them that their child has safely arrived.

For parents and educators looking for more information, visit our parent page to download our Parent Information Pack.

Hear from students and educators

“We enjoyed and appreciated the generosity and professionalism in GVI staff from the early stage about communication to the farewell. Everything has been well coordinated and clearly communicated. We sure feel part of the family.”

– Dorothe, educator at Odsherreds Efterskole

“It was very educational and fun but also impactful.”

– Jessika, student at Odsherreds Efterskole

“We had a great experience in Nepal this year. The work project was awesome! The focus on sustainability and purpose of development was great. The scope of the project and the physical nature of the construction was perfectly suited to the needs of our students. We’ve already been thinking about next year and would like to work with GVI again. It’s the best project I’ve seen in my 5 years!”

– Chris, educator at Stella’s School

“I’ve been able to form connections with local villagers and develop lasting relationships over these two months while teaching them skills, mainly English, that they will continue to use and develop after we’ve left. GVI has been integral to my experience here: providing strong leaders, an immersive program and the opportunity to make a difference.”

– Kevin, student at Duke University

“I thoroughly recommend GVI to anyone; whether you are an educator looking to take a group away, or an individual looking for a career break or some volunteering experience, GVI will cater for you.”

– Matthew, educator at Newton International School

“One of the most amazing parts was seeing the sense of community within the townships. It was humbling to hear the local people say it doesn’t matter your economic standings, but instead on your respect towards others. I feel as if I gained so much knowledge and was able to be immersed in a captivating culture. I hope to carry on all of the lessons I learned to my future career as a nurse, and my life in general.”

– Erin, student at Endicott college

“I have definitely developed new skills and I have learned a lot about myself and my personality. This trip was life changing for me and I would definitely go through this experience over again.”

– Amal, student at Wellspring Learning Community

“This trip has been a life-changing experience. In terms of my leadership session, I thought this was extremely helpful in developing my leadership skills. I would recommend GVI because I think they do a great job of focusing on work, but also remembering that understanding the culture is important.”

– Karen, student at Duke University

“The GVI team has done wonders for this lovely community! The students who participated have been thrilled at the amazing results from their efforts! We would love to come back and have already started a fundraiser campaign for two compost toilets!”

– Susan, educator

“I thought this experience was unforgettable! The amount of things that we saw and people we interacted with was unreal! I learned and improved my nursing skills by teaching the women and children in the township so much. I even learned a great deal about myself and who I want to be in life. GVI is a great organisation that gives back so much. You have to be a very special person to work for GVI. I can’t thank this organisation enough for helping me grow and giving me an incredible experience I won’t forget.”

– Abagail, student at Endicott college

“This trip has been enlightening, getting to know how the new environment around me works and getting to know the culture and religion was a way that helped me in understanding Nepal. This experience allowed me to challenge myself by going on a trek and face my fear of heights by crossing the bridge twice.”

– Elissa, student at Wellspring Learning Community

“Being in Nepal not only enriched my global perspective, it helped me appreciate home even more. If anyone is looking to make a difference while making life long (and life changing) memories, they should definitely sign up to come to Pokhara through GVI.”

– Genevieve, student

“Having spent 10 years planning and leading school adventures for young people I have experienced first-hand the benefits and valuable life skills that group travel brings. I have confidence that by taking your students out of their comfort zone, by challenging them and allowing them to explore, meet people, work as a team and experience a different culture we can enhance their education and understanding. By enabling your students – our next generation – to see and experience the world for themselves we can help them become active global citizens. Our mission is to increase cultural understanding and awareness of global issues within our alumni and to equip our alumni with the knowledge and ability to further contribute towards key global and local issues.”

– Tim, educator

“I’ve learned more than I ever imagined I would. I most definitely would recommend GVI because the organisation of projects, accommodation and resources were exceptional.”

– Harshel, student at Duke University

To read more testimonials from educators and students, visit our groups testimonials page.