Volunteering abroad after GCSEs

[ILiveInSalemsLot]

There are a few companies that do this. My ds is interested in a 2 week conservation based project.
I don’t know much about these things and would like as much info as possible to calm my fears about sending my ds off to do something like this.
Any recommendations, tips or advice from anyone would be fab.

Is this something organised via school, or independently?

Our school runs trips to Kenya, I know many on MN dislike this as honestly what can a bunch of unskilled teens really achieve (and I do partially agree), but apparently our school gets really good feedback as actually being helpful, plus a number who go then carry on fundraising etc afterwards and it makes a big difference to their lives going forward.

Neither of my 2 have/would do this so no direct experience.

Might he be better suited to a GAP year Project Trust thing after 6th form?