Service Learning Projects Abroad
International Volunteer HQ’s service learning trips enable students to develop personally and professionally while giving back to communities through volunteering. Every year, more than 15,000 people complete their service learning abroad with IVHQ in 52 destinations around the world.
Our service learning opportunities overseas enable you to embark on a journey of self-discovery through community service, learn about new cultures through immersion, and make a positive impact within your host community. This helps develop the cultural understanding, soft skills, self-awareness and empathy that are essential to becoming a happy, well-rounded and successful individual.
Since 2007, IVHQ has helped more than 127,000 volunteers complete service learning programs in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, Central America, North America, the Caribbean, Middle East and the Pacific. Our diverse range of long and short term service learning projects abroad are available year round and include childcare, wildlife conservation, environmental, medical, teaching and much more.
With Program Fees starting at just £16 per day including accommodation for one week, we offer fully hosted service learning projects for college students, high school students and individuals at any stage of life. Find the best service learning opportunity for you below.
What is service learning?
Service learning is an educational approach for students, where learning and personal development occurs through participation in volunteer initiatives that give back to local communities.
A typical service learning project will require students to define goals, research and plan their community service volunteering. After completing the project, students will usually present their findings back to the school and reflect on their learnings.
Why is service learning important? Because it engages students in real life experiential learning beyond the classroom, teaching them the importance of compassion, kindness and advocacy. These experiences also help uplift local communities, economies and natural environments around the world.
Many students choose to undertake their community service learning program through IVHQ, as our volunteer abroad programs empower them to make a tangible impact while also exploring an exciting part of the world. As an IVHQ volunteer focused on service learning, you’ll build new friendships, discover new cultures and broaden your horizons - all while giving back to those who need it most.
I felt very suited to the work I was doing, and left feeling very fulfilled. I felt that the locals who I was working with were appreciative of my time and effort. I could see how my physical presence and assistance was helping the community. I have learned so much about the world, people, different cultures and lifestyles and my horizons have definitely expanded. I returned home with a newly found sense of confidence in myself and a stronger sense of direction for my life. My trip with IVHQ transformed me and absolutely changed me for the better, I feel like I’ve become the person I want to be.
Why do a service learning project with IVHQ?
With over 15 years of experience in facilitating international service learning programs abroad, IVHQ is proud to be the organization of choice for students looking to combine community service work with an international learning experience.
We believe that service learning should contribute positively towards society. Environmental and social impact has always been at the heart of what we do, which is why IVHQ is the first and only global volunteer travel provider to declare a climate emergency and become a certified B Corporation.
If you’re looking for service learning ideas, you likely have a social or environmental cause in mind, or you might like to contribute to a project that aligns with your studies. IVHQ offers a variety of service projects, including Teaching, Childcare, Community Development, Environmental Conservation, Construction and Renovation, Turtle & Marine Conservation, and Wildlife & Animal Care. You can even earn academic credits from our international service learning programs - please contact us for more information on this.
You can choose to take a long-term or short-term community service learning trip with IVHQ for periods ranging from 1 week to 24 weeks. With fully hosted experiences abroad starting from £16 per day and available year round, you will not find a more affordable and trustworthy international service learning provider.
Best service learning opportunities across the globe
Find the best service learning program abroad for you
Service learning projects for high school students
Service learning overseas is one of the best ways to step outside of your comfort zone, gain new perspective and give back to communities in need. IVHQ offers a range of service learning programs for high school students and teens, meaning you don’t need to be 18 to go abroad and make a difference.
Since 2007, IVHQ has supported thousands of young people to volunteer around the world on our youth service learning trips abroad. More than 20% of our volunteers are under 20, so we know a thing or two about providing life-changing, reliable travel experiences for young explorers.
We offer safe and affordable volunteer opportunities for teens and high school students in 17 destinations around the globe. Learn more about how to join an international service learning trip if you’re under 18 here.
Top service learning projects for teens & high school students:
Volunteer in Guatemala
Volunteer in Tanzania
Service learning projects for college students
Today’s student demographic is more progressive than ever before. That’s why student service learning has become a popular alternative to studying abroad. Instead of doing a study exchange, many are opting for a more meaningful form of international travel - one that is regenerative and makes a positive impact on local communities. You can even earn academic credits from our international service learning programs - please contact us for more information.
IVHQ offers service learning for college students abroad in more than 50 destinations around the world. Program Fees start at just £16 per day and include your accommodation, meals, airport pickup and more. This is an affordable way for students and young professionals to discover a new country, gain a global perspective and make the world a better place.
Top service learning programs for college students:
Volunteer in Costa Rica
Volunteer in Croatia
Short-term service learning abroad
IVHQ offers short-term mission trips for 1 to 3 weeks in over 50 destinations, starting at just £16 per day for a fully hosted experience. This means you can get away and experience a new culture without needing to take ample time away from your day-to-day priorities.
Our short-term service learning programs overseas are designed for those who want to maximize impact in a short period of time and are perfect for students who are looking to take an alternative break. With everything organized for you, including airport pickup, accommodation and 24/7 in-country support, you can hit the ground running as soon as you arrive at your destination. Check out our top short-term service learning trips for 2023 & 2024:
Top short-term service learning trips:
Volunteer in Croatia
Volunteer in Mexico
Summer service learning trips
Summer is one of the most popular times of year to go on an international service learning trip, allowing you to immerse yourself in a new culture and interact with locals while soaking up the sunshine. With time off from college and school, it’s the perfect opportunity to see the world and make a difference alongside like-minded people.
Whether you’re an animal lover or an aspiring medic, check out these top summer mission trips for 2023 & 2024. For more information on IVHQ’s top summer volunteer abroad projects, click here.
Top summer service learning trips:
Volunteer in Puerto Rico
Volunteer in South Africa
