HUDDERSFIELD student Steven Donlon has been chosen for a place on an overseas project run by the Voluntary Services Overseas organisation.
Steven, 18, of Fixby, is one of just 40 UK youngsters chosen at a selection day in Birmingham for the VSO's global education project.
The organisation runs the global education project for young people aged 18 to 23.
In order to qualify, candidates have to show a history of volunteering work and that they can complete a lengthy educational project.
Steven, a student at Greenhead College, has worked with visually impaired children for 18 months through Huddersfield club the Actionnaires.
He also volunteers to work with young people at Kirklees Council's summer activity schemes and has also almost completed his Duke of Edinburgh Gold award.
Steven will spend a year in either South- East Asia, Africa or South America.
He will live in basic accommodation, receive a basic food allowance and a small amount of cash to buy essential items.
While he is abroad, he will help the local people through VSO community projects, such as education. But he will also be expected to gather information to put into a report at the end of his trip.
The idea is for Steven to gain new knowledge and pass it on to others in the UK.
His mother, Jackie Donlon, said: "We will miss him and it will be a challenge for him. But he will get a lot out of it."
Steven, who plans to study science at university, is the eldest of four brothers. Before he leaves for overseas in September he must attend two four-day training sessions.
He must also raise £700 towards the £7,000 it costs the VSO to send him abroad.
Anyone who can help with sponsorship should phone 01484 304364.
