Student Service Learning FAQ
Student Service Learning FAQ
About School the World
What is School the World?
School the World is an international education nonprofit on a mission to provide quality education to children in rural and remote communities of the world.
We partner with rural communities to strengthen public education systems—building schools and playgrounds, equipping libraries, training teachers, and empowering parents as first educators.
Our holistic educational programming begins with early childhood, making sure children start school ready to learn, continues on to primary school with an emphasis on building functional literacy skills, and extends through lower secondary school, ensuring that young people gain the life skills needed to chart a path out of extreme poverty.
We work alongside volunteers, including community members, educators, and student service learners, who contribute through shared responsibility and side-by-side service.
Every step of the way, we co-invest with local government and prioritize sustainability, community ownership, and lasting learning.
What has School the World Achieved?
Over the past 17 years, School the World has built over 200 schools across Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, and the Philippines while also training teachers, empowering parents through regular meetings, strengthening literacy through classroom libraries, and expanding access to play through playground construction and organized recess programming.
What makes School the World unique?
School the World partners with communities for five years or more, meaning every project is part of a long-term education strategy, not just a one-week experience.
Is School the World a non-profit?
Yes. School the World is a nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of extreme poverty through education. Service Learning donations support both the student experience and long-term education initiatives.
About the Program
What is School the World’s Student Service Learning program?
A hands-on global citizenship experience where students work alongside long-term community partners to strengthen public education through school construction, teacher support, literacy programs, and play initiatives.
Who can participate?
Any high school student can apply. Students under 14 may join with a parent chaperone.
How many students are usually on a trip?
Trips are structured to support safety, supervision, and meaningful connection. Groups travel with School the World leaders, local staff, and adult chaperones. There is a 1 chaperone to 6 student ration maintained for all our groups.
Where do trips take place?
Programs operate in rural partner communities in:
- Western Highlands of Guatemala
- Veraguas province of Panama, including the Ngäbe-Buglé comarca
- Southern Honduras (department of Valle)
When do trips run?
Trips align with typical spring and summer school vacation weeks, with multiple departure dates available each year.
Sample 2026 dates:
- February 15–22 (Guatemala)
- March 14–21 (Panama)
- April 19–26 (Panama)
- July 7–14 (Guatemala)
- July 22–30 (Honduras)
When is the application deadline?
Applications are due 45 days before departure. Late applications may incur an additional $250 fee due to increased flight and administrative costs. We encourage students to register early in order to provide as much time to fundraise the trip fees.
How do I Apply?
Students can complete the online application through the Student Service Learning page. After applying, families receive next steps, deadlines, and preparation details.
How soon do trips fill?
Trips often fill quickly. We recommend completing the application as early as possible to secure your spot.
Student Experience
What will students do during the trip?
Students contribute to building a primary school and/or playground. Activities include mixing cement, installing play equipment, painting classrooms, supporting classroom lessons, and completing home visits to better understand daily life.
Is construction experience required?
No. Students are guided by experienced staff and local builders — what matters is openness, teamwork, and willingness to learn.
How hard is the construction work?
Projects are designed so students of all experience levels can participate. Students work alongside professional builders and community members, with tasks adapted to ensure safety and teamwork.
How does this connect to long-term impact?
Each project is part of a multi-year partnership that includes teacher training, parent engagement, literacy programming, and ongoing school support.
What preparation or training happens before the trip?
Students attend multiple pre-trip seminars covering fundraising strategies, cultural context, safety expectations, global literacy, and daily project work. These sessions help students build confidence and connect with their group before departure.
Will there be cultural activities?
Yes. Cultural activities vary by destination and may include visiting Antigua (Guatemala), a beach day (Honduras), or exploring the Panama Canal and Casco Viejo (Panama City). Students also participate in home visits, classroom activities, and other local excursions.
Can I room with my friends?
Rooming requests are considered whenever possible. Students share accommodations while following supervision and safety guidelines.
Where can I see a sample itinerary?
Sample itineraries are available on the Student Service Learning page. Select your trip destination and click “How to Apply” to view detailed daily schedules and program highlights.
Is there a celebration at the end?
Yes. Each trip ends with a Dedication Ceremony attended by the community and local leaders to celebrate the completed project.
What support is available if a student feels nervous?
Students receive pre-trip preparation, travel with experienced staff, and are supported by their group throughout the experience. This structure helps students feel comfortable and supported. Students are also able to contact their parents throughout the whole trip if they want to.
Cost & Fundraising
How much does the program cost?
Students commit to contributing approximately $3,950 toward school or playground construction. This includes a $750 nonrefundable deposit required at application.
How do students raise funds?
School the World provides a fundraising toolkit, letter-writing guidance, online fundraising pages, event ideas, and at least one group fundraising opportunity. Students can read about fundraising ideas on our website for inspiration.
How much of my fundraising supports the community?
Approximately 50% of program contributions directly support construction materials for classrooms and playgrounds in the communities, as well as other program support.
What is the rest of the program funding used for?
The remaining funds cover flights, lodging, meals, transportation, insurance, and professional staff supervision required to safely operate the experience.
What happens to extra funds raised beyond program requirements?
All extra funds raised support School the World’s long-term education programming, including school construction, teacher training, parent engagement, literacy programs, and play initiatives.
What if fundraising goals aren’t met?
Families are responsible for any remaining balance. Students who do not meet requirements may be removed from the program, though staff support students throughout the process.
Are there refunds?
Please see our full refund policy.
Are there other costs?
Optional personal spending like souvenir shopping, airport meals, and checked baggage fees are not included.
What impact does fundraising have beyond the trip?
Fundraising supports building schools, teacher training, parent programs, and learning materials, meaning students help fund long-term education programs.
Requirements
What is required to participate?
Students must:
- Submit an application with 250-300 word essay
- Pay $750 deposit and complete fundraising commitments
- Submit liability waivers visa SchoolDoc
- Health history and physician clearance
- Obtain recommended vaccinations
- Attend pre-trip seminars
- Send thank-you letters to donors
- Participate in post-trip follow-up
Do parents participate?
Yes. Parents attend a final orientation and support students through preparation.
Is a passport required?
Yes, and the student’s passport must be valid for at least six months after the travel return date.
Do students need to know Spanish?
No Spanish is required. Students receive support from bilingual staff and learn basic phrases during the experience.
Safety & Support
Is the program safe?
Safety is the highest priority. Housing, transportation, food preparation, and medical facilities are personally vetted. Trips include experienced leaders, local staff, comprehensive insurance, and 24/7 emergency support.
What supervision is provided?
Groups travel with at least two School the World leaders plus adult chaperones with a minimum ratio of 1:6.
Do students receive insurance coverage?
Yes. Coverage includes medical care, emergency evacuation, and certain cancellations. Families may purchase additional “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage.
Why are the locations considered safe?
School the World works in regions with strong long-term relationships and local teams. These areas are widely used by student programs and include communities where organizations such as the Peace Corps operate.
Can parents or teachers join?
Yes. Parent chaperones may apply for a $2,600 fee covering travel, lodging, and meals. Schools that form groups of 12-15 students may receive a sponsored teacher spot.
How do families stay informed during the trip?
Families receive daily updates about the experience on social meda. Students are able to contact parents or use staff phones, and families are provided with group leader contact information and 24/7 emergency contacts so they can stay connected and informed.
What additional safety measures are in place?
Every program includes:
- Personally vetted housing, transportation, food preparation, and medical facilities
- Comprehensive travel and medical insurance
- 24/7 emergency support
- Experienced School the World leaders and local staff
- A minimum 1:6 adult-to-student supervision ratio
- Pre-trip health review and required medical documentation
Safety protocols are structured, documented, and consistently implemented across all programs.
Getting Involved & After the Trip
What happens after students return home?
Students often return with new perspective, friendships, and motivation to continue service and advocacy in their communities and future careers. See some recent trip reflection from Summer 2025 and February 2026.
What if I can’t travel but want to help?
Students can start or join a School the World club or chapter at their school to raise awareness, fundraise for education programs, and support global citizenship efforts. Chapters host events, organize campaigns, and connect peers to School the World’s mission. To learn more, please see our Clubs and Chapters page to download our Starter Guide & Toolkit. We also love it when supporters find creative ways to fundraise for our programs. Get more information about how anyone can raise funds on our Peer 2 Peer fundraising page.
How can students stay involved after they travel?
Service Trip alumni can apply to join the Student Ambassador Program, a leadership opportunity for students who want to continue supporting School the World’s mission. Student Ambassadors promote global education, share their trip experiences, assist with marketing and events, help lead information sessions, and may access exclusive opportunities such as returning as student leaders or volunteering at special events.
Additional Information
Where does School the World’s funding come from?
Support comes from individuals, corporations, and foundations. Past supporters include USAID, the GE Foundation, Cigna, Dole, and the Harbourton Foundation.
Do you offer service hours or academic credit?
While School the World doesn’t award academic credit directly, many students do receive service hours or school recognition after completing the program. Students and families should check with their school to confirm how participation can be counted toward service requirements or academic awards.
Can I speak with previous students?
Yes. We’re happy to connect prospective students and families with alumni who can share their experiences and answer questions. You can also follow returned students on social media, read alumni stories on our blog, and attend information sessions where past participants share their reflections.
Who can families contact with questions?
For any questions, please contact Elspeth Long by filling out this form.