Parents are protective. It’s their job. They care about you and take your safety seriously.
This means they might not be comfortable letting you travel the world, especially without them there to watch out for you. But volunteering abroad, especially with a provider like Projects Abroad, is a safe way to experience new things.
You’ll learn new skills, build your confidence, and experience a new culture while being fully supported by our team, giving your parents total peace of mind. If you want to volunteer abroad but your parents aren’t convinced, sit them down and read this blog together — we’re here to put their mind at rest.
Oh, and all of our projects for teens take place in the school holidays, so you can jet off for a summer volunteer abroad experience without missing any lessons.
The Benefits of International Volunteering for Teens
Before we tackle how our volunteer opportunities for teenagers are safe and life-changing experiences, you need to provide some real reasons why it is a good idea to go.
Your parents need to know that you’re going to get something out of it. Yes, it will be fun (very fun, in fact), but you’ll also come away with new skills, a broader perspective, and an experience that will boost university and job applications. Here’s what you can say:
Develop Personal and Professional Skills
You can volunteer anywhere, but nothing is more rewarding and enjoyable than a volunteer placement abroad. Firstly, you’ll develop professional skills in the field you choose to volunteer in, whether that’s medicine, conservation, or anything else.
Travelling abroad also helps develop your independence, confidence, and adaptability, putting you in an exciting new environment to navigate. Daily challenges like conversations with your host family, buying snacks at the local shop, or finding your way around are all experiences that will help you build character.
Support Your University Application
Volunteering as a teenager is an excellent way to improve your university application. It can be difficult to stand out when applying for university, especially when very few people have real work experience. This is doubly true for highly competitive fields, like medicine or business.
There’s no better way to do exactly that than to say you’ve actively worked in the field in another country. Not only have you had a taste of the work itself, you’ve also broadened your world view, and learned about healthcare methods across cultures.
Unlock New Perspectives and become a Global Citizen
It is getting more and more important to have a better understanding of the world around you. Knowing how to talk to people across cultures and borders is a valuable skill, even more so if you can speak multiple languages.
Living and working in a different country is the perfect way to develop a “global mindset.” It helps you understand the similarities, differences, and challenges facing communities around the globe. It may even spark your interest in a new language, cuisine, or culture!
“I found the trip gave both daughters a lot more self-confidence, vision, perspective on life and acceptance of people who were very different from them. Bryony also had the chance to learn a language, in this case, Spanish.”
You’ll be Fully Supported
Your safety and comfort is our priority, not an after thought — we truly believe that we offer the best support on the market.
From the moment you apply until you’re back home, our staff will look after you and make sure you get everything you want from your trip. With us, you get 24/7 support both on the ground and over the phone throughout your experience.
You’ll be matched with a Destination Expert after you have booked. They will help you prepare for your trip with a packing list, cultural awareness workshop, and visa support, so there’s nothing for you to worry about.
When you arrive, you will receive a comprehensive induction on your first day and be accompanied by a staff member at all times. We’ll also meet you at the local airport, no matter what time you arrive.
Remember: all our staff speak English and they are there to help, whenever you need!
“Our project coordinator was a really nice person as well, very approachable and more of a friend than a coordinator. This really helped me settle in right from day one as it didn’t feel awkward to be open around any of the staff members or coordinators.”
— Kevin A, Public Health in Cambodia for Teenagers
You’ll Volunteer With Others Your Age
One of the best aspects of our teenage volunteer opportunities is that you will travel, live, and work alongside other people your own age. It is an incredible opportunity to meet like-minded teenagers from around the world and make new, global friends.
Our High School Specials are tailored volunteer opportunities for teens aged 15 to 18, with cultural discovery and weekend activities built-in. This means you can learn real skills, have fun, and explore a new country in a safe and fully supported group.
We can put you in touch with other volunteers who are travelling at the same time as you, so you can get to know your travel companions before you arrive. We can also let you know if you are flying from the same area ahead of time, so you can book flights together.
“I went alone, something which I was scared about at the beginning, but actually turned out to be the best option and really helped me with my confidence. On my programme, I had the chance to meet some really wonderful people, who I still talk to this day.”
Book a Call to Calm Any Nerves
Well, if you’ve told them all of that and they're still not convinced, all is not lost. After all, it’s a big decision to make.
We have a dedicated FAQ page to help answer all their (and your) questions about us, our work, and the experience of a lifetime you’re about to have.
Alternatively, get in touch with our team and book a call with your parents to answer their questions and calm their nerves. Our Project Experts are on hand to discuss all the procedures we have in place for your safety and enjoyment — just fill in the form below.
“So, to all potential volunteers: just go already! A once-in-a-lifetime experience awaits you. I promise you, Projects Abroad is not too good to be true, and this experience will really change you for the better.”
Complete the form below to arrange your call now:
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