Teen Volunteer Abroad Project: The Best Programmes for 2027
The best teen volunteer programmes for summer 2026 — dolphins, turtles, whales & Big Five wildlife. Safe, supervised & open to 15–17 year olds. Apply now.
September 24th 2026
Wildlife conservation and community volunteer projects and internships worldwide
Volunteer abroad for...
Where can I go?
The WorkingAbroad Difference
Pioneers of volunteering abroad since 1997, WorkingAbroad has grown to support more than 50 programmes in over 30 countries, focused on wildlife research, nature conservation and sustainable community development. We strive to provide opportunities that not only support important causes, but provide life experiences that contribute to studies, careers and life goals.
WorkingAbroad takes action for nature and society and makes a firm commitment to the ethical treatment of all living beings.
Carly, Canada
"Working Abroad is an excellent organization that made the process of choosing and joining a global conservation project really easy and enjoyable. They have so many project options available with reputable project partners and they do a great job at ensuring you have all the resources you need to be prepared for the trip you choose. I would definitely use them again and would recommend their services to anyone looking to have a well-organized, once-in-a-lifetime experience!"
Destiny, UK
"A massive thank you for all your help organising me with my volunteering projects. Being there to answer my many questions and putting my mind at ease, whilst making it clear and easy for me to follow. It really made my experiences travelling alone that much easier, and completing some big dreams of mine. Shamwari in particular was an absolute highlight. A magical place and a beautiful introduction to a long awaited dream I wanted to achieve; it exceeded all my expectations. I look forward to being able to book more projects through you in the future!"
Rhiannon, UK
"Leatherback turtles are incredible creatures and I feel honoured and privileged to have been part of their conservation. I feel very lucky to have spent 6 weeks working with them. It was a very hands on project, collecting data about the turtles, their eggs and the nests, which was very rewarding."
Andrea Maffioletti, Italy
"After 3 months I felt like being part of a family. I was lucky enough to be surrounded by amazing and inspiring people that wanted to share their passion with others. I would definitely suggest this place to whoever would like to have such an experience."
Alex, USA
"I personally have been all over the world, and visited many different waters and coral reefs. Therefore, I feel safe saying that Mauritius’s coral reefs are a jewel in the worlds ocean, offering one of the most pristine, and diverse coral reef systems I have ever seen."
Shanna Clark, 8 week Eco Divemaster Programme
"I’ve loved it so much here that what started as an 8 week trip has turned into an 18 week trip. Yesterday, I completed the program I came for and am now staying on as an intern to continue learning more about the dive industry and to keep working with this amazing team."
Madison Sait, Dolphin and Whale Research Project
"I booked a trip through WorkingAbroad, and was the best experience of my life. WorkingAbroad were so helpful and had great communication, allowing me to feel at ease and stress-free throughout the entire booking process to the run-up to the trip. My trip was brilliant, we saw minke whales, dolphins, seals, and took part in some really interesting science! It was really fulfilling knowing the data we collected will be used to protect the Hebridean Seas. I would highly recommend booking through WorkingAbroad!"
Latest Blog Posts
GVI Has Closed: What Affected Volunteers Should Do
– and Why Some Organisations Last GVI (Global Vision International) has entered liquidation and ceased all operations. If you had a booking, this post covers exactly what to do to protect your money. It also covers something none of the other posts in your search results will tell you: what it actually takes to run […]
July 17th 2026
Volunteer with Whales and Dolphins in Italy: Inside the Mediterranean’s Great Cetacean Sanctuary
There is a particular kind of quiet that falls over a research boat when the engine cuts. Sails settle. Binoculars come up. Twelve volunteers lean toward the same patch of blue, and then the sea exhales. A fin whale – the second-largest animal to have ever lived – rolls through the surface twenty metres off […]
June 6th 2026
Am I a Crazy Turtle Lady?
Have you ever wanted to be named Crazy Turtle lady? All my life, I’ve had a fascination with turtles of all kinds; it has always just been an interest of mine. Being named a crazy Turtle lady and having people literally yell out the word “Turtle” as you walk by has always been kind of […]
April 26th 2026
Why Volunteer Abroad?
WorkingAbroad envisions a world where people give back to nature and society in a regular and meaningful way. One of our core aims is to build communities of passionate volunteers that support ethical and responsible projects worldwide, focusing on animal rights, climate change, nature conservation, and societal change.
One of the first-ever online volunteer organisations, WorkingAbroad was founded in 1997 by Vicky McNeil and Andreas Kornevall, ex-volunteers themselves. Their passion has always been to help volunteers connect with authentic projects across the planet to take action for nature and society. By personally vetting every one of our projects (and volunteers), the founders ensure the change we promote in the world is achieved in an ethical and responsible way.
We see people uniting across the globe to work towards a safer and more sustainable world for people and nature. We know volunteers often provide a core part of the workforce required to carry out this work. We believe that by taking action for nature and society together, we can create a sense of hope and community.
Click below to learn more about our organisation’s history, our commitment to ethical standards for our projects, and meet the WorkingAbroad team!
As Featured in
Ethical Partners
