Teen Expeditions
Calling All Adventure Seekers
Earthwatch Teen Expeditions offer life-defining experiences for high school students between the ages of 15 and 18 who have an interest in science and a passion for the environment.
Beyond exciting travel opportunities, Earthwatch expeditions offer teens the chance to experience breathtaking natural beauty while helping scientists perform hands-on research to help understand and protect threatened wildlife and habitats. Teen participants will be able to see what a career in conservation really looks like while taking part in college-level field research.
Earthwatch expeditions give teens the opportunity to foster their passion for science, as well as experience vibrant global cultures, immerse themselves in breathtaking landscapes, form lifelong friendships, and make a real difference. No scientific experience is necessary; teens from all academic backgrounds are welcome to join!
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What to Expect:
- Immersive, authentic, hands-on field research for teens between the ages of 15 and 18*
- Training from renowned environmental scientists and their field staff
- Life-defining material for that college essay, as well as a glimpse into what a career as a scientist might look like
*18 year olds have the option of joining a teen team or a standard adult team. Teens aged 15–17 are also welcome on standard adult expeditions when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Expeditions Include:
- Accommodations, food*, and local transportation
- Additional supervision and support from trained Earthwatch Facilitators (at least 1 facilitator will be present for every 6 teens)
- Detailed expedition briefings and travel planning documents, including international travel guidelines
- Emergency medical and evacuation insurance
- 24/7 incident support
*Please review the Online Expedition Briefing to learn more about the project's ability to accommodate special dietary requirements.
Personal Communications
Earthwatch expeditions provide participants with immersive experiences in which they spend their days doing hands-on science and exploration. While it may not always be possible for participants to make outgoing calls* and communicate frequently with people back home, family and friends can contact participants in an emergency through our International Incident Management Team.
*Cell phone coverage and Internet access varies depending on the expedition. Always review the Online Expedition Briefing to learn more about the specific experience.
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It's just such a great experience to meet people from across the world and just get to know them. The scientists were also really amazing people, they were just awesome to be with every day. So it was kind of like this huge family that you were a part of.
Ciara — Teen Team Participant, Wildlife in the Changing Andorran Pyrenees
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Teen team facilitators
As part of our commitment to providing meaningful and supportive experiences for young people, Earthwatch teen expeditions include experienced facilitators who provide additional supervision and guidance for participants, from the rendezvous to the end of the expedition. Facilitators are the key to building supportive team dynamics and are available throughout the expedition to provide support to participants and address any concerns they may have. All facilitators receive background checks and complete Earthwatch training requirements.
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Having a shared purpose is a rallying point for students to forge connections and discover things about themselves that they just don't have an opportunity to anywhere else.
Phil Cotty —Teen Team Facilitator
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Earthwatch Teen Expeditions
.By participating in one of our upcoming expeditions, youth can make a significant contribution to conservation and scientific research while also having the adventure of a lifetime.
Check out some of our upcoming expeditions.
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Climate Change: Sea to Trees at Acadia National Park
Help scientists understand how humans are reshaping a critical ecosystem as you support efforts to safeguard the iconic Acadia National Park.
- North America: Acadia National Park, Maine, United States
- Lead Scientist: Abraham Miller-Rushing, Ph.D.
- Activity Level: Moderate
- Duration: 7 days
Conserving Wild Bees and Other Pollinators of Costa Rica
In the tropical landscape of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, help investigate how threats to pollinators will affect the critical services they provide.
- North America: San Luis de Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Lead Scientist: Valerie Peters, Ph.D.
- Activity Level: Moderate
- Duration: 7 days
Following Forest Owls in the Western U.S.
Help researchers study the nesting behavior of these small, cavity-nesting forest owls in Arizona to better understand how these species are influenced by climate change and habitat loss.
- North America: Portal, Arizona, United States
- Lead Scientist: Dave Oleyar, Ph.D.
- Activity Level: Moderate
- Duration: 7 days
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Conserving Marine Mammals in Costa Rica
Conduct critical research on marine mammals in the waters of Costa Rica. Your findings may help to develop a permanent marine protected area.
- North America: Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica
- Lead Scientist: Lenin E. Oviedo Correa, Ph.D.
- Activity Level: Easy
- Duration: 9 days
Shark Conservation in Belize
How can we keep shark populations strong? Find answers while exploring some of the world’s most beautiful reefs.
- North America: Riversdale, Belize
- Lead Scientist: Jessica R. Quinlan, Ph.D.
- Activity Level: Moderate
- Duration: 8 days
Tracking Sharks and Rays in Florida
Survey a variety of shark and ray species to help ensure the populations are protected from overexploitation and environmental threats.
- North America: Sarasota, Florida
- Lead Scientist: Demian Chapman, Ph.D.
- Activity Level: Moderate
- Duration: 8 days
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Unearthing Ancient History in Tuscany
Travel back in time and work alongside scientists to reveal the history of the ancient seaside city of Populonia. Live the life of a professional archaeologist as you unearth, clean, and study artifacts to illuminate Italy's past.
- Europe: Populonia Archaeological Park, Piombino, Tuscany, Italy
- Lead Scientist: Carolina Megale, Ph.D.
- Activity Level: Moderate
- Duration: 8 days
Wildlife in the Changing Andorran Pyrenees
Environmental change shows itself in countless small ways. Engage your powers of observation to discover evidence of these changes in one of the world’s most fragile and beautiful places.
- Europe: Valley of Ordino, Andorra
- Lead Scientist: Bernat Claramunt-López, Ph.D.
- Activity Level: Very Active
- Duration: 9 days
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Will you sponsor a young leader?
Earthwatch expeditions offer teens a unique and enriching experience, while also helping scientists collect valuable research data. Consider gifting an Earthwatch expedition to a young person in your life who is passionate about protecting our environment. Email us at info@earthwatch.org to learn more!
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