School Trips Abroad

Most Affordable – PMGY’s volunteer abroad programs are designed to be accessible to everyone passionate about making a difference. With low fees and high-impact projects, you can create meaningful change without breaking the bank.

Best Support – From the moment you join PMGY, our dedicated international and local team provide extensive, round-the-clock support to guide and assist you through every step of your incredible PMGY adventure.

Safety Prioritised – Safety is PMGY’s number one priority! We’ve taken every precaution to ensure our school trips abroad are as secure and well-structured as possible, giving you peace of mind while volunteering abroad.

Extraordinary Experiences – PMGY gives you the chance to immerse yourself in incredible cultural and travel experiences fully. Create unforgettable memories while making a difference in communities around the world.

Friendships for Life – Your PMGY journey doesn’t just end with unforgettable experiences—it’s also about forming life-long friendships with fellow students. Volunteer alongside like-minded individuals and make connections that last a lifetime.

Organise your 2-week school trip to Bali today! Teachers travel free, and your 14 days will be fully structured and led by our experienced team. With a population of less than four million, Bali is an island of soft white sands, crystal-clear waters, lush tropical forests, and ancient temples. Many say Bali isn’t just a place – it’s a state of mind. The island is often described as a feeling of wonder and a mood of serenity.

In week one, you’ll be based in the traditional town of Tabanan, where you’ll volunteer to support a wildlife rescue centre, teach English, and engage with local children. You’ll also experience Balinese culture with activities like visiting Tabanan Royal Palace and yoga classes.

Week two is all about adventure, starting with three days of relaxation in the Gili Islands. Then, explore temples, rice fields, and hike up Mount Batur for sunrise. Unwind at Toya Devasya Hot Springs and discover the vibrant town of Ubud. You’ll also see a side of Bali that typical tourists don’t experience, by immersing yourself in local communities and exploring off-the-beaten-path areas. Your trip ends with a stunning sunset at Tanah Lot Temple. Everything is included, from airport transfers to meals, accommodation, entrance fees, and cultural activities.

Click here to learn more about your PMGY Bali school trip.

Organise your 2-week school trip to Ecuador today! Teachers travel free, and your 14 days will be fully structured and led by our experienced team. Ecuador is a land of wonders, sitting proudly on the equator, where you can stand in both hemispheres at once! It’s home to the breathtaking Galápagos Islands, which inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution, and the towering Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. With vibrant markets, colourful festivals, and a rich mix of cultures, Ecuador truly offers an unforgettable adventure!

Quito will be the heart of your school trip in Ecuador, offering a perfect mix of volunteering, culture, and adventure. You’ll settle in with your host family before diving into an orientation and Spanish lesson to ease into life in Ecuador. The first few days will focus on giving back as students volunteer at San Roque Daycare Centre. Afternoons and evenings will feature engaging cultural and adventure activities, such as traditional cooking lessons and salsa classes. Later in the week, you’ll shift gears to explore Ecuador’s natural beauty with visits to the Equator and the stunning Quilotoa Lake, offering unforgettable views and experiences.

The second week brings a varied volunteering schedule across the Quito district, including time at an elderly shelter, childcare project, horse therapy program, and special needs program. Afternoons will stay action-packed with visits to the Guayasamín Museum, Pichincha Volcano, and even a thrilling soccer match. A night-time city tour of Quito adds a magical touch before concluding your school trip in Ecuador with visits to Otavalo City and an immersive experience with the Tsachilas Tribe. This two-week adventure includes airport transfers, meals, accommodation, entrance fees, and cultural activities, ensuring a seamless and memorable journey for all.

Click here to learn more about your PMGY Ecuador school trip.

Organise your 2-week school trip to Ghana today! Teachers travel free, and your 15 days will be fully structured and led by our experienced team. Ghana is renowned for its vibrant kente cloth, a cultural pride symbol, and the birthplace of the Azonto dance, which has gained global recognition. It boasts the world’s largest man-made lake, Lake Volta, and is home to Cape Coast Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in history. Known for its warm hospitality, Ghana is a land of culinary delights like jollof rice and rich cultural traditions.

Your Ghana school trip begins with your arrival in Accra, followed by a journey to Kumasi for an orientation into life in Ghana. During your first week, you’ll dive into community volunteering, teaching English, and participating in a hands-on renovation project. You’ll then swap the classroom for adventure as you head north to Mole National Park. Here, you’ll embark on a safari and visit stunning waterfalls, creating unforgettable memories of Ghana’s natural wonders.

You’ll continue your impactful volunteering efforts in your second week, building stronger connections with the local community through childcare and renovation projects. The week wraps up with more exploration and relaxation, including visits to Cape Coast and the serene beaches of Busua. Along the way, you’ll immerse yourself in Ghanaian culture with engaging activities such as drumming, dancing, and art classes. Everything is included in this fully structured two-week program, from airport transfers and meals to accommodation, entrance fees, and cultural experiences, making your school trip to Ghana a seamless and rewarding adventure.

Click here to learn more about your PMGY Ghana school trip.

Organise your 2-week school trip to India today! Teachers travel free, and your 14 days will be fully structured and led by our experienced team. India is a land of wonders, from housing the majestic Taj Mahal to being the birthplace of yoga. It’s the spice capital of the world, producing over 70% of global spices! With a history spanning 5,000 years, it’s also home to the world’s largest democracy and the breathtaking Himalayas.

Your first week begins with your arrival in Delhi, followed by a journey to Faridabad for an orientation into life in India. You’ll spend the initial days volunteering in the local slum community, providing childcare support to vulnerable children and contributing to a renovation project. After making an impact in the Faridabad community, you’ll head to the bustling capital for a couple of days to explore the contrasting charm of Old and New Delhi.

In your second week, mornings will be dedicated to teaching English at the Eco Slum School project, while afternoons continue with your childcare volunteering efforts. Your school trip to India concludes with an unforgettable journey through the Golden Triangle. Highlights include discovering Jaipur’s vibrant Pink City, experiencing sunrise at the iconic Taj Mahal, and enjoying a guided tour of Agra Fort. Along the way, you’ll enjoy cultural activities such as yoga, cooking classes, Bollywood movies, and dance lessons. With everything included, from airport transfers and meals to accommodation and entrance fees, this 2-week India expedition promises a perfect mix of volunteering, culture, and adventure.

Click here to learn more about your PMGY India school trip.

Organise your 2-week school trip to South Africa today! Teachers travel free, and your 14 days will be fully structured and led by our experienced team. South Africa is home to the Big Five and has the world’s highest commercial bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge. It’s the only country with three capitals: Pretoria, Bloemfontein, and Cape Town. Plus, it’s where you can visit the awe-inspiring Table Mountain. Cape Town is also home to the colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood, rich in history and vibrant culture!

Your first week in South Africa starts with a warm welcome at Cape Town International Airport and a scenic drive to your homestay in Kayamandi, Stellenbosch. After settling in, you’ll enjoy a traditional ‘Welcome Braai’ and meet your host families. Day two includes an orientation covering safety, cultural insights, and an introduction to your itinerary, followed by a walking tour of Cape Town’s historical landmarks. From days three to six, you’ll volunteer in Kayamandi, working with children in crèches and kindergartens, teaching basic skills, and participating in renovation projects to brighten learning spaces. Cultural activities like drumming lessons and jewellery-making add an immersive touch to your evenings.

Week two takes you beyond Cape Town as you explore the Cape Peninsula, including a Robben Island tour and visits to the V&A Waterfront. The journey continues along the Garden Route, with stops at Betty’s Bay for penguin watching and Hermanus for whale-spotting. You canoe in Wilderness National Park, hike to waterfalls, and enjoy quad biking in Sedgefield. Visits to Knysna, Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, and Tsitsikamma National Park follow, with highlights like zip-lining, surfing in Jeffreys Bay, and exploring Port Elizabeth’s beaches. Your two-week adventure ends with a farewell to South Africa’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture.

Click here to learn more about your PMGY South Africa school trip.

Organise your 2-week school trip to Sri Lanka today! Teachers travel free, and your 14 days will be fully structured and led by our experienced team. Sri Lanka is a tropical paradise known as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” offering golden beaches, lush tea plantations, and an incredible array of wildlife, including leopards and elephants. Its ancient cities, like Sigiriya, boast UNESCO World Heritage status, while its vibrant festivals and delicious curries are bound to captivate your senses. It is also home to the Sri Maha Bodhi, the world’s oldest living tree planted by humans.

Your first week will be spent in the coastal town of Ambalangoda, focusing on meaningful volunteer work and connecting with the local community. After an introduction to Sri Lankan culture and Buddhism, you’ll begin your projects, which include protecting sea turtles, teaching English to low-income village children, and participating in renovation initiatives. Evenings will be filled with enriching cultural activities, such as a traditional dance show and a hands-on crafts session, offering an immersive experience of local traditions.

In the second week, the focus shifts to exploring Sri Lanka’s stunning landscapes and rich history. The adventure begins with a visit to the historic Galle Fort and relaxation on Mirissa’s beautiful beaches. From there, you’ll embark on an elephant safari at Udawalawe National Park before heading to the scenic hill country of Ella for hiking, tea plantations, waterfalls, and breathtaking views. The journey concludes in Kandy, Sri Lanka’s cultural capital, ensuring a memorable and well-rounded expedition. All aspects of your 15-day trip are included, from airport transfers and meals to accommodation, entrance fees, and cultural activities.

Click here to learn more about your PMGY Sri Lanka school trip.

Flights

After confirming your PMGY School Trip Abroad, we strongly advise that you book your flights as early as possible. This will help ensure that you get the lowest airfare. You can choose to book your flights independently or we can help you with arranging them.

Your arrival airport and date are dependent on the specific destination you are joining us in:

🇮🇩 Bali – To join the school trip in Bali, you should book your flights to Ngurah Rai (Denpasar) International Airport. The airport code is DPS.

🇪🇨 Quito – To join the school trip in Ecuador, you should book your flights to Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito. The airport code is UIO.

🇬🇭 Kumasi – To join the school trip in Ghana, you should book your flights to Kotoka International Airport. The airport code is ACC.

🇮🇳 Faridabad – To join the school trip in India, you should book your flights to Indira Gandhi International Airport. The airport code is DEL.

🇿🇦 Cape Town – To join the school trip in South Africa, you should book your flights to Cape Town International Airport. The airport code is CPT.

🇱🇰 Sri Lanka – To join the school trip in Sri Lanka, you should book your flights to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. The airport code is CMB.

Travel Insurance

Importantly, having an appropriate travel insurance policy during your time abroad is essential. Therefore, it is mandatory for all of our international volunteers to be appropriately covered across all of their trip dates. This includes your travel to and from the host country, as well as any onward travel. Although PMGY does everything to ensure your trip is safe, inevitably things can go wrong. Therefore, having a travel insurance policy in place helps you effectively deal with any problems you may encounter during your time away.

We have partnered up with Howden Insurance to create an affordable and comprehensive optional policy. This has been designed with our international volunteers in mind, to cover our participants for all of their travel essentials. The policy is available to anyone across the globe, up to the age of 65 years. The document will cover you for your time on any PMGY destination. You can purchase PMGY Travel Insurance during your online application or you can contact us directly to arrange it.

Our International Team works tirelessly to provide extensive support leading up to your trip. From our online chat service to email support and telephone conversations, we’re always ready to assist. All international volunteers with PMGY receive a comprehensive Volunteer Handbook, which serves as your ultimate guide for planning your volunteer trip abroad. This detailed handbook includes everything from visa guidance to suggested packing lists, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your adventure.

We also have dedicated Facebook groups for each of our volunteer destinations. These groups are a fantastic resource where you can connect with our international and local teams, as well as past, present, and future volunteers. They provide a valuable platform for sharing experiences, asking questions, and staying updated with community news year after year.

Sometimes, it’s hard to imagine yourself volunteering abroad without having been there yet. To help manage expectations and give you a clear picture of what to expect, we offer a variety of engaging and informative videos on our PMGY YouTube Channel. These clips offer a visual insight into life as a PMGY volunteer. In addition, don’t miss our webinars, which run on selected Tuesdays at 4pm UK time. Our International Team provides invaluable advice in these sessions, tailored to help you prepare for your trip.

Each webinar is designed with a specific focus. Our Pre-Departure Webinar covers all the essentials you need to know before joining us abroad. The Program Preparation Webinar is project-specific, offering detailed advice and insights about your placement. Finally, our Safety Webinar provides top tips for managing your safety and wellbeing while volunteering abroad. For those simply curious about PMGY, we also run an Introductory Webinar. This session introduces our organisation, background, goals, and the volunteer opportunities we offer overseas.

🇮🇩 Tabanan – Our Bali school trip is based in Tabanan, approximately 1.5 hours from Ngurah Rai (Denpasar) International Airport. Tabanan is the capital town of Bali’s ‘rice bowl’ regency, known for its stunning green landscapes and rolling hills. The regency spans Central and Western Bali and is home to Mount Batukaru, Bali’s second-highest peak at 2,276 metres. Tabanan town itself is a commercial hub, offering essential amenities such as banks, hospitals, and shops, but it has a distinctly local feel, untouched by tourist crowds.

🇪🇨 Quito – Our Ecuador school trip is based in Quito, the highest official capital in the world at 2,850 metres above sea level. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a haven for history, culture, and breathtaking views. Set among the Andes Mountains, Quito’s unique charm makes it an unforgettable base for volunteers in Ecuador.

🇬🇭 Kumasi – Our Ghana school trip is based in Kumasi, Ghana’s second-largest city, located six hours from Accra. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, Kumasi blends bustling city life with serene rural surroundings. The area’s rolling hills and cultural landmarks offer volunteers an enriching and rewarding experience.

🇮🇳 Faridabad – Our India school trip is based in Faridabad, part of the New Delhi region in North India. Faridabad offers the perfect balance between vibrant city life and a quieter, more relaxed setting. The city features temples, local parks, bustling markets, shopping malls, and cinemas where you can enjoy a Bollywood flick. Volunteers love the balance of culture and modern comforts available here.

🇿🇦 Cape Town – Our South Africa school trip is set in Cape Town, a city known for its stark contrasts and cultural diversity. From the bustling city centre with its vibrant nightlife to the challenging realities of the Townships and Cape Flats, Cape Town offers a truly eye-opening experience.

🇱🇰 Ambalangoda – Our Sri Lanka school trip is based in Ambalangoda, a charming coastal town on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, just 2.5 hours from Colombo Airport. Known for its fishing heritage and unique demonic wooden masks, Ambalangoda offers a fascinating cultural experience for volunteers.

PMGY’s school trips abroad are delivered by our dedicated and highly experienced in-country local teams. Every team member is fully vetted by our International Team, ensuring that your experience is both safe and rewarding. Our local community network provides the structure and support you need to make the most of your time on a school trip abroad. From arranging your accommodation and meals to coordinating airport pick-up, in-country orientation, and 24/7 emergency support, our team ensures that every detail is covered, leaving you free to focus on making a difference as a school trip volunteer.

For many first-time travellers, heading abroad can feel both exciting and daunting. At PMGY, we take every precaution to make our school trips abroad as safe as possible. While no experience can ever be 100% risk-free, our robust safety measures provide peace of mind for both volunteers and their families.

Every program has been personally inspected and approved by a PMGY director. We’ve lived in the Volunteer House, experienced the orientation, and worked on the projects ourselves. Through frequent visits and daily communications, we’ve built strong, trusting relationships with our local teams, ensuring that all programs meet our high standards.

In the unlikely event of an issue, volunteers have access to several layers of support:

• PMGY Local Team
• Project Staff
• PMGY International Team

Our programs are continually monitored to evaluate volunteer experiences and ensure high standards. We rely on volunteer feedback to make ongoing improvements to improve school trip experiences and volunteer opportunities. Safety and security are regularly assessed, and participants are encouraged to raise concerns with our local or International Teams, allowing us to resolve issues promptly and effectively.

Pre-Departure and In-Country Guidance

To ensure you’re fully prepared, PMGY provides comprehensive pre-departure guidance and an in-depth safety briefing during your orientation. Our local teams cover all the essentials, including project introductions, emergency procedures, tips for using local transport, and cultural differences. Volunteers also receive a full list of important contact numbers, ensuring you always know who to reach out to.

General Safety Tips

While our local teams work hard to ensure your safety, we encourage volunteers to follow these general tips for an even more secure experience:

• Be modest with jewellery worn in public.
• Avoid drinking tap water.
• Stay vigilant in crowds or near beggars; distractions may be used to target you.
• Be discreet when handling money in public.
• Plan your journeys carefully, especially at night, and know your destination in advance.
• Use only reputable transport providers; recommendations will be provided during your orientation.
• Stay in groups at night and avoid walking alone in dark or isolated areas.
• Keep valuables safe, especially when heading out of the accommodation.
• Be cautious of traffic, always looking left and right before crossing roads.
• Never accept food or drinks from strangers.

By following these guidelines and the advice provided by our in-country teams, you’ll be able to enjoy a safe, enriching, and memorable experience as a school trip participant.