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Volunteer
Traveling the world is one thing, making a difference as you go is a whole new experience.
Age-compatible groups for teens completing grades 7-12.
Give a Little. Grow a Lot.
Community service programs break down barriers and build awareness and compassion. They develop teens into leaders and global citizens. It is not just about seeing a place, it’s about creating powerful, life-changing experiences.
Volunteering on a community service program helps cultivate a lifelong service-ethic, and when you reach out, you exchange ideas and experiences, creating a ripple effect that results in benefits to the larger community.
See Volunteer ProgramsVolunteer Program Outcomes
A Greater Sense of Global Citizenship
What better way to understand the issues facing other parts of the world than to go and help solve them? Interact with the local people, broaden your perspective and cultural awareness, and consider the role you play as a global citizen.
Leadership & Teamwork Skills
We work as a team alongside experienced non-profit organizations to maximize our contribution to various service projects. Stepping out of your comfort zone, contributing to the project goal, and reflecting upon your experience are all stepping stones on your way to becoming a stronger leader.
Inspiration for Your Future
Whether you’re working with underprivileged children, helping to build a home for a family in need, or helping to protect an ecosystem from an invasive species, volunteering can help open your eyes to what really matters and inspire you to make a difference.
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New Friendships
The bonds you’ll forge while volunteering with a group of your peers are truly special. Together, you’ll share an unforgettable journey filled with exciting adventures and leave behind a lasting impact on the communities you visit.
Service Hour Recognition
The service hours you complete over the summer are eligible toward the President's Volunteer Service Award. You'll receive a certificate of completion detailing your program's service hours and projects.
More Ways to Enjoy this Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who are your volunteer partners?
We work with longstanding non-profit organizations that have been carefully screened by our program coordinators. These include Boys and Girls Clubs, Habitat for Humanity, and Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation, among other organizations. For more information, see our full list of partners and projects.
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Do you have a local guide on international programs?
In addition to our staff, you enjoy the benefit of a local guide with us daily on our community service programs and global adventures in Central & South America, Africa, Asia, Iceland and New Zealand. This guide helps create a smooth and safe experience. They help with logistics, confirm details (hotels, transport, restaurants, activities), provide information about the area and culture, translate to help meet dietary needs, coordinate bank, hospital or supermarket visits as needed, and communicate with local service partners and recreation providers. In other international destinations, we have local guides join us for specific touring highlights or adventure activities as needed.
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What is the President’s Volunteer Service Award?
The President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) is a prestigious award given to those completing community service over a 12 month period. If you are interested in earning this award, it is available to any US citizen or resident and you can use your hours completed on our programs towards earning it. For many participants, it only takes 50 hours to earn the Bronze medallion, 75 hours to earn the Silver medallion and 100+ hours to earn the Gold medallion.
Westcoast Connection is a Certifying Organization for the PVSA.