⭐LAST CHANCE TO BOOK FOR 2026⭐
Welcome to Raleigh International
A Raleigh Expedition isn’t a standard volunteer trip. It’s a structured, multi-phase programme that places 18–24-year-olds on real community development and environmental conservation projects in remote locations — then tests them on a demanding adventure challenge. Over 57,000 people have done it. You could be next!
Choose from three destinations: Borneo, where you could be working with indigenous Dusun communities and protecting Sabah’s rainforest ecosystems; Costa Rica, where you could be building infrastructure alongside local indigenous peoples or conserving biodiversity across Costa Rica’s protected ecosystems; or South Africa, where you could be working with a rural community near the Sabi Sands Game Reserve or restoring habitat with a conservation partner in the Greater Kruger area. Expeditions run for 4, 5, 7, or 10 weeks across three cycles each year: February–April, June–August, and October–December.
“Challenging, but ultimately massively rewarding and fulfilling experience!”
Maria | Raleigh Alumni
WANT TAILORED ADVICE FROM EXPEDITION EXPERTS?
Our team are here to answer your questions over WhatsApp, email & phone.
Where can I go on Expedition?
Costa Rica
Explore this tropical paradise and work to help fragile ecosystems and with indigenous communities.
South Africa
Take in the wildlife and breath-taking landscapes. You’ll work on grassroots and environmental projects.
Why go on a Raleigh Expedition?
People your age
You'll share your Expedition with people in the same age group as you. This is unique to Raleigh
Off the beaten track
Work in remote areas on projects and be truly in the moment.
Three phases
Community and Environmental Projects and an Adventure Challenge
Inclusive
Join diverse teams of young people from across the globe as well as National Venturers.
Real adventure
This is an adventure filled experience that'll push you out of your comfort zone.
Personal growth
Gain the skills, confidence and perspective to bounce back from life's challenges
Expedition highlights from past Venturers
How our Venturers rated Raleigh last year
95
say they would recommend Raleigh
94
say Raleigh developed their leadership skills
87
say its one of the best things they've ever done
Need more Expedition information?
Hear from Raleigh Alumni about life on Expedition
You'll find everything in one place about your Expedition
Send us an enquiry with what you'd like to know more about
Raleigh International FAQs
What is Raleigh International?
Raleigh International is a UK-based organisation that runs structured gap year and volunteer Expeditions for 18–24-year-olds in Borneo, Costa Rica, and South Africa. Expeditions combine community projects, environmental conservation, and adventure challenges in remote locations, and run for 4, 5, 7, or 10 weeks across three annual cycles in February, June, and October.
What is a Raleigh Expedition?
A Raleigh Expedition is a structured, multi-phase programme that places 18–24-year-olds on real community development and environmental conservation projects in remote locations, then tests them on a demanding adventure challenge. Expeditions run for 4, 5, 7 or 10 weeks across three annual cycles in Borneo, Costa Rica and South Africa. A Raleigh Expedition is not a standard volunteer trip, a gap year travel programme or a holiday. It is a purposeful experience designed to challenge and empower young people to grow as resilient, confident leaders
Who can join a Raleigh Expedition?
Open to all aged 18–24. No experience or skills required — just curiosity, determination, and desire to make a difference.
Where does Raleigh International run Expeditions?
Raleigh International runs Expeditions in three destinations: Borneo (Sabah, Malaysian Borneo), Costa Rica (Fieldbase in Turrialba), and South Africa (based near Hoedspruit in the Greater Kruger area). Each destination offers community projects, environmental conservation, and an adventure challenge.
How long are Expeditions?
Raleigh offers 10-, 7-, 5- and 4- Week Expeditions. Depending on the length of your Expedition you will take part in 1, 2 or all 3 of the phases: Community Project, Environmental Project and Adventure Trek.
How do I apply?
Applying is straightforward — a short form asking where you’d like to go, when, and why you want to take part. It’s not a job application. An Expedition Advisor will guide you through the rest.
What projects will I work on?
There are two kinds of projects on a Raleigh Expedition: Community and Environmental.
The Community phase places Venturers on grassroots development projects — building schools, improving water access, or working directly with local partner organisations. The Environmental phase focuses on conservation work in some of the world’s most biodiverse habitats — from rainforest monitoring to wildlife surveys.
Venturers on the 10 week Expedition will take part in both types of projects, whereas 7, 5 and 4 weekers will complete either one Community or one Environmental Project.
Is volunteering abroad safe?
Safety is at the heart of everything we do. All of our programmes are undertaken in challenging environments so, to minimise the risks, we focus on prevention. Our Safety Management Systems are robust, practical, and effective. Most importantly they are based on over 40 years of experience and the multi-brand knowledge of ITG.
