Start your Adventure with Purpose

Are you ready to step up to the challenge to change lives and transform yours? Embrace the power of adventure on Raleigh Expedition.

I'm up for the challenge

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WE ARE RALEIGH INTERNATIONAL

Transformational. Impactful. The beginning of the rest of your life.

This is how Raleigh volunteers describe Raleigh Expeditions.

For 40 years, over 55,000 volunteers have transformed their lives on an adventure with purpose with Raleigh International. Now, it’s your turn. On a Raleigh Expedition in South Africa or Costa Rica, join change-making projects which not only create a sustainable difference where it counts, but can spark a change in your life to set or re-set the direction for your future.

Our Story Our impact

“Challenging, but ultimately massively rewarding and fulfilling experience!”

Maria | Raleigh Alumni

Experience Adventure. Create Impact.

Volunteering with Raleigh is unlike anything else. Open to 17–24-year-olds, Raleigh Expedition will take you on a three-phased programme, encompassing up to two meaningful projects and an adventure leadership trek. You will volunteer in the heart of rural communities and wildlife havens, contributing to projects that support people and nature. Your trek will show you what you are made of as you take the lead and venture across spectacular and untamed landscapes.

Immerse into a world of new cultures and embrace the power of challenge, because it’s there that you will build confidence, resilience and a truly global outlook. Whether volunteering on a 4, 7 or 10 week programme, joining an Expedition is just the first step to changing your life.

Why Raleigh

Hear it first from Raleigh Volunteers

Your friendships, your passions, your new found confidence, your purpose: It all starts with Raleigh. On Expedition, you will create unique memories to last a lifetime and work alongside project partners, local communities and your fellow volunteers to identify where change is needed most to create a positive, lasting impact.

Where can I join an Expedition?!

We currently offer two different countries for our Expeditions.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica in one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, home to national parks, volcanoes and stunning landscapes. Be culturally immersed in an indigenous community while on projects supporting access to education, and conquer a whopping 250km trek across beautiful rainforest and mountain areas.

Learn more about Costa Rica projects

Kruger, South Africa

There is nowhere better than Greater Kruger to walk in the footsteps of the world’s most spectacular wildlife. Become one with local community life and the African bush on community and environment projects, and experience South Africa’s highest mountains whilst trekking the incredible Drakensberg Mountains.

Learn more about South African projects

Over 25 and looking for a Volunteer manager role?

Our Volunteer Managers (VM) are the driving force behind the Expedition and are vital to ensuring the programmes run smoothly and effectively. You can apply for these roles on the main application page.

Our Volunteer Manager roles

What makes Raleigh Expedition unique?

Volunteering with Raleigh International is an immersive, one-of-a-kind experience. Described by our volunteers as “absolutely life-changing”, it’s a journey you will never forget. Don’t expect tourist hotspots, five-star hotels and 24/7 wifi (we are all about the digital and alcohol detox); instead, expect a memory-making adventure full of fun, rewarding experiences and real world connection.

Be with people your age

Apart from team leaders and staff, you will be grouped with people aged 17-24. This is unique to Raleigh.

A community environment like no other

We're no phones programme so you can share the experience fully with the same group during your trip. Learn to support each other and make friends for life.

Varied experiences

You will have the opportunity to take part in up to three phases contributing to community and environmental projects allowing you to gain more skills and experiences.

Diverse and Inclusive

Volunteers join diverse teams of young people from across the globe as well as volunteers from the country you are based in.

Real adventure

We're booze-free and adventure filled. Raleigh Expedition is an exciting and fun experience that will push you out of your comfort zone (in a safe environment!).

Future ready

Gain the skills, confidence and perspective to play a leading role in building a better and more sustainable world for everyone.

Need more information about Expedition?

Consultation call

Whether you have a specific question or want to discuss which Expedition is right for you, schedule a call with a member of the team at a time convenient to you.

Book a call

Join an info event

On our monthly online info events, we’ll tell you all about Expedition. Have your questions answered, meet other volunteers and find out what Expedition is really like from an alumni.

Sign up

Download a guide

Find out all about Raleigh International and Expedition in our helpful information guide.

Download

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“Volunteering is a life changing experience. You not only learn life lessons and help make an impact on the world but also gain experience.”
AnnaRaleigh Alumni

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“I’ve improved my leadership skills. Before I was an introverted, shy person and now I am talking with other people without hesitation. Before, I was only comfortable sitting with a group of two or three people but now, I’m able to speak within a group of 20 or 30.”
BikalRaleigh Alumni

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“Raleigh gave me the drive I needed when I was dealing with a difficult home life and made me determined to raise the money and get on my Expedition”
EmmaRaleigh Alumni

Information for parents

For many volunteers, Raleigh Expedition is the first overseas trip they are taking without a parent, carer or friends. We’ve put together commonly asked questions and info about what your child can expect from a Raleigh Expedition.

Info for parents Contact an advisor

What impact do we make?

Learn more about our impact

Environment
Reduce the impact of human-wildlife conflict, create and restore healthier bio-systems and reduce pollution.

Reduce food insecurity
Setting up and maintaining cooperative farming initiatives to supply extra meals for children and the communities.

Quality education
Providing safer places for children to study and aiding their education through teaching assistance and homework clubs.

Water and sanitation
Improved health and well-being by increasing a community’s access to clean water and sanitation.

FAQ's

Frequently asked questions about Raleigh Expedition

How inclusive is Raleigh International?

Raleigh International welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds and cultures. Raleigh Expedition is a safe and inclusive environment where young people can bring their authentic selves to the programme. One of the best things about Expedition is that you can make friends with people you might not normally meet.

How many people will be on Expedition with me?

You will be part of a team of roughly 14 international volunteers, 2-3 national volunteers and 2-3 volunteer managers.

How safe are the projects?

Safety is at the heart of everything. This starts with selecting the appropriate places to volunteer, all the way to providing comprehensive safety training to all volunteers. Our Safety Management Systems are robust, practical, and effective.

Every programme has qualified medical staff supporting the volunteers.
Every team is accompanied by an experienced tour leader who is with the group 24/7.
In the event of emergency, professional and skilled operators such as medical air rescue services and medical practitioners are available as part of our support network.
Experienced In-country staff and Volunteer Management team on every Expedition