In today’s world, many students are expected and pressured to rush straight out of high school and right into college. During high school, students take various measures such as enrolling in Advanced Placement classes and signing up for extracurricular activities in order to become more well-rounded, however - do these measures actually help prepare students, just like yourself, for the reality of the world that exists outside of high school and even outside of college?
Teenage volunteer opportunities
GoEco has teenage volunteer programs that are specifically for those under the age of 18. These include volunteering for sea turtle consevation in Greece, marine conservation in Mexico and more. Our other volunteer abroad programs can also be flexible with their age restrictions. If you can get parental cosent, you may be able to join other projects that are not teen-specific.
The importance of meaningful volunteering for college admission
It is not a secret that many colleges and universities, and not just Ivy Leagues and other prestigious academic institutions, are on the hunt for candidates that engage in volunteering projects. In a survey conducted in 2011 by DoSomething.org, in partnership with Fastweb and sponsored by Chase, it was found that 72% of admission officers from 32 U.S. News & World Reports’ top 50 colleges and universities prefer students that are consistently involved with one or two major causes (U.S. News). There is a plethora of reasons standing behind this requirement, but the most obvious one might just be the fact that participating in volunteering attests for the underlying nature of the applicant. As can be seen from the Making Caring Common Project survey performed by Harvard University in 2014, admission boards are looking to change the current acceptance agenda that centers around grades and achievements, to one that will actually ensure that students will be admitted based on their potential to be caring and conscientious, involved and proactive in their communities (Harvard University).
These prestige universities are in search of applicants that will not only improve their institutions, but our international society as a whole and make the world we live in a better place. Candidates that show consistent involvement in projects they are passionate about are seen as charismatic, caring, involved and conscientious. If you are looking for a meaningful, long-term, extraordinary experience that will broaden your horizons and pave your future – then your place is with us.
How will volunteering aboad with us benefit you?
Nevertheless, taking on volunteer work stands for more than just a successful college application. In general, volunteering (let alone abroad) prior to heading off to college withholds a long list of benefits. First and foremost, it is a great opportunity to give back to the international community and help those who truly need it. The act of helping others while experiencing selflessness and pure giving is a remarkable process, that not only will help you grow as a person, but also realize what it is that interests you and hopefully focus on those fields in the future.
Another clear advantage of engaging in volunteering before applying for college is exposing yourself to practical experience in any one given field. For example, those who decide to take one of our TEFL certification courses are able to then teach English abroad. This opens the door to professional hands-on experience – our volunteers gain experience, knowledge and techniques in teaching and working with children in different settings and situations. This kind of active, practical experience is extremely important, as the lessons and techniques learned while volunteering will stick with you in every road that you decide to take in your career. Moreover, this knowledge will assist you in search of future job and career opportunities and help you stand out from other candidates.
The volunteering programs we offer involve living abroad, which will put you in situations you may have never been in before. You will be living outside the comfort of your own home and safety of your own family, which will force you to step out of your comfort zone and learn to change, adapt and overcome the challenges that will come your way. You will learn to succeed and flourish in different unfamiliar environments and dynamics. This will inevitably prepare you for various living accommodations away from home, as well as build your character as you will face challenges that cannot be found in the realm of high school or college. Whether you will try to or not, you will develop vital tools and life skills that will be yours to keep forever in any endeavor you decide take on.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
-Mahatma Gandhi
If you are passionate about helping others and curious to find new fields that interest you, then your place is with us. Through volunteering abroad with us before heading off to college, you will receive a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel the world, learn about different and fascinating cultures, and meet new people. Join our team for an incredible journey to explore the world and yourself as one, all while giving back and helping those who truly need our help.
Destination 
Activities 
More Info