Make an Impact This Summer - Community Service & Leadership Programs for High School Students

If you’re dreaming about studying abroad this summer but want to give back in a meaningful way, you don’t have to choose one or the other. CIEE’s Leadership & Service summer programs provide immersive study abroad experiences and the opportunity to make a real impact alongside local communities.  

Over 3–4 weeks, you can explore a new country, participate in daily cultural activities, and take part in hands-on learning with local experts. Whether you’re passionate about civic engagement, youth development, public health, or wildlife conservation and sustainability, our community service summer abroad programs help you grow as a leader while seeing the world in a whole new way. 

Why Community Service Abroad Matters 

Giving back doesn’t need to stop at home! Community service summer abroad programs build on the work you’re doing in your hometown, challenging you to see global issues through a new lens.  

Four Benefits of Service Learning Summer Programs 

1. Builds empathy through connection. As you serve new communities, you improve your ability to understand others' needs and serve them well.  
2. Increases your cultural awareness. Community service summer programs connect you with diverse cultures and perspectives, enhancing your understanding of the world and your place in it.   
3. Improves your communication skills. Hands-on projects boost your ability to communicate clearly and help you learn to collaborate with others in new environments.  
4. Strengthens your adaptability. Stepping outside your comfort zone isn’t easy! But your newfound strengths equip you with the confidence to succeed abroad and at home.  

CIEE's High School Summer Abroad Wildlife Conservation Programs 

CIEE’s Wildlife Conservation programs introduce you to advocates and experts dedicated to preserving local habitats. Through excursions and cultural activities, you and your peers will identify a conservation issue in your new community and propose innovative solutions.  

Explore locations like: 

• Gaborone, Botswana: Witness conservation efforts firsthand as you explore the bushland, grasslands, and deltas of this world-renowned biodiversity hotspot. 
• Monteverde, Costa Rica: Explore the unique cloud forest ecosystem of Monteverde as you live and learn in a country paving the way for global sustainability.  
• Rabat, Morocco: Join community-level conservation efforts for wild African species in Rabat’s mix of coastal, forest, and urban environments. 
• Sydney, Australia: Observe Australian wildlife across marine, coastal, and bushland ecosystems to understand the unique conservation challenges of coastal cities. 

"This has been an amazing, life-changing experience. I have learned so many new things and have overcome many different challenges, which I know will help me throughout college and in the future. I have learned many different life skills and believe this program is such an amazing opportunity that everyone should try."

— Pia L | Global Navigator Alum | Wildlife Conservation in Sydney, Australia 

CIEE's High School Summer Abroad Leadership & Service Programs  

Youth Mentorship Focus 

CIEE’s Youth Mentorship programs empower you to engage in local communities and serve underprivileged youth. Through partnerships with local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), you will support the growth and development of children in the area while earning 50 hours of service learning.   

Explore programs like: 

• Leadership & Service in Children’s Education in Legon, Ghana: Explore a variety of roles while you take action on local educational enrichment initiatives for at-risk children and youth aged 4 to 15. 
• Leadership & Service in Youth Development in Mérida, Mexico: Dive into the inner workings of a local NGO, gaining valuable experience in key staff roles to support local children and their families. 
• Leadership & Service in Youth Development in Mohammedia, Morocco: Partner with the American Language Center (ALC), a non-profit with over 30 years of experience, to work with local youth, collaborate with Moroccan peers, and learn to look at complex issues from multiple perspectives. 
• Leadership & Service in Youth Development in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic: Serve at Acción Callejera, a summer camp for underprivileged children and teens, to support the growth and development of campers. 

Public Health Focus 

CIEE’s Leadership & Service in Public Health programs give you hands-on health experience in diverse communities around the world. By collaborating with local partners, you will identify and address the community’s health needs while earning 50 hours of service-learning.  

Explore locations like: 

• Gaborone, Botswana: Partner with a local community-based organization to understand how social determinants of health influence communities. 
• Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic: Participate in field-based public health education initiatives alongside the local NGO, Red Misericordia, to promote healthy habits among children and teens. 

"I learned so much about myself, others, and the problems that the world has regarding public health. This program put me on track to becoming a better person. I genuinely believe that I will take what I have learned in this program and apply it to my life back home."

— Lee L | Global Navigator Alum | Leadership & Service in Public Health in Santiago, Dominican Republic 

How to Choose the Right Community Service Program 

When you have a heart for service, choosing a summer community service abroad program can feel overwhelming. As you explore your options, consider these questions: 

• What are your goals? Are you hoping to explore a potential career path or gain hands-on experience in a specific field? Starting with your long-term goals can help you choose a program with real impact. 
• Do you have experience speaking another language? Consider programs in countries that allow you to practice and improve your skills.  
• What are you passionate about? Finding a program that aligns with your interests—whether it’s youth development, wildlife conservation, or public health—can make your experience more meaningful and motivating.  

CIEE’s summer programs provide the perfect opportunity to engage with local communities while gaining hands-on service experience. Students return home with new perspectives, lifelong memories, and the skills to make a positive impact.  

Take the Next Step  

Ready to make an impact abroad? Whether you’re interested in wildlife conservation, public health, or youth development, CIEE’s community service summer abroad programs provide the opportunity to embrace new cultures while developing valuable skills. Explore our Leadership & Service summer programs today!