High School volunteer abroad programs: safe, ethical, and educational

Ethical volunteering abroad matters for students because high school volunteering programs should go beyond “feel-good” trips. They need to be structured, safe, and rooted in respect for local communities. 

Step 1: Ask students about their purpose

Before introducing any program, ask students what they hope to gain and give. Do they want to explore a future career? Are they passionate about public health or education? The clearer the purpose, the more likely they’ll choose the right opportunity.

Encouraging students to reflect on their goals helps them choose the right opportunity. Ask them:

• What skills do you want to develop?
• Which causes matter to you most?
• How do you want to contribute responsibly?

This reflection helps avoid superficial experiences and instead leads to meaningful engagement. For example, understanding what makes a dental volunteer program ethical is a strong starting point for teens considering global service.

Step 2: Find programs with strong local partnerships

Smiles Movement collaborates with local organizations to ensure every project is sustainable.mThis means students are not just dropping in to help, they are stepping into a sustainable effort that existed before they arrived and will continue after they leave.

In Peru and Tanzania, students don’t just “visit to help”, they become part of a long-term initiative that involves professionals, translators, and community leaders. This approach guarantees work that is accurate, culturally appropriate, and impactful.

To prepare students for such experiences, review tips to help prepare for a dental mission trip.

Step 3: Connect real life learning with academics

Volunteering is most valuable when it combines service with structured education. Our pre-dental programs give students real-world exposure to global health disparities, oral health education, and preventive care.

These experiences enrich classroom learning and often inspire interest in future careers in healthcare, advocacy, or international development.

For students considering a healthcare path, it’s useful to understand what type of volunteering is best for dental school.

Step 4: Choose programs that ensure student safety and supervision

Parents and educators expect safe, reliable programs. Smiles Movement delivers exactly that:

• On-the-ground staff and emergency support
• Pre-departure training
• Ethical guidelines for behavior
• Supervision for minors and continuous communication with families

This level of preparation allows parents and schools to feel confident while students focus on their experience.

To support students in working across cultures, explore ways to overcome language barriers in healthcare settings.

What volunteer opportunities does Smiles Movement offer students?

In Ecuador, high school volunteers joined local teams to deliver hygiene education workshops in underserved schools. They taught oral hygiene through interactive activities, visual aids, and take-home kits. These efforts became part of an ongoing community health initiative.

In Guatemala, students led small-group sessions in remote villages on preventive care and basic hygiene, while also distributing toothbrushes and essential supplies.

In Peru, volunteers supported mobile dental clinics, assisting with patient registration, health screenings, and educational activities for children.

For students considering a longer-term experience, volunteering with Smiles Movement during a gap year offers structure and deep impact.

These are not feel-good moments—they are meaningful contributions to ongoing, community-led initiatives.

Beyond the Trip: Lasting Growth

We encourage students to reflect after volunteering by journaling, leading service clubs, or finding ways to support global health causes back home. Smiles Movement provides post-trip tools to help with reflection and continued involvement.

Volunteering is rewarding not only for communities, it also supports students’ mental and physical health, fostering empathy and resilience. 

Explore the health benefits of volunteering and how it impacts both mental and physical wellness.

Choose ethical volunteering that matters for teens

Helping high school students choose the right program is about values, not convenience. Smiles Movement’s approach ensures students serve ethically, grow personally, and return with global awareness.

We believe the best volunteering opportunities for high school students challenge them to grow, think critically, and act with compassion. That is what we aim to offer through every program abroad.

Join the Smiles Movement to promote Oral Health

Support your students in finding ethical, educational, and empowering experiences through Smiles Movement’s volunteer abroad opportunities. Learn more and share our program brochure with your students.

Help us build a generation of thoughtful, ethical global citizens... one smile at a time.