ADVENTURE WITH PURPOSE

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

You don't grow
in your comfort zone

This is why you need to do Raleigh!

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.

From £2,300$2,990$2,990$2,990

Costa Rica

South Africa

Take in the wildlife and breath-taking landscapes. You’ll work on grassroots and environmental projects.

From £2,150$2,690$2,690$2,690

South Africa

Borneo

Rainforests and orangutans await. Help combat mass deforestation and support underdeveloped communities.

From £2,200$2,750$2,750$2,750

Borneo

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

Raleigh was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.

MeganBorneo 2025

I think Raleigh can change your life, if you want to change your life, that has been my case.

JohanCosta Rica 2025

I have loved Raleigh and made the most out of all it has to offer. I've made unforgettable memories.

EmmaSouth Africa 2025

Expedition highlights from past Venturers

Costa Rica

South Africa

Life on Expedition

Join an information event

Join an info event

Every 2 weeks. Online. The low-down from our team on Expedition life.

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?

Regardless of where you are from or your background, Raleigh International is open to all. If you are aged 18-24 and are up for an adventure, want to make a difference, and learn about yourself and other cultures, then Raleigh Expedition could be right for you. With Raleigh, you’ll discover the true gap year meaning—an opportunity to grow, challenge yourself, and contribute to meaningful projects in unique destinations.

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?

Every Raleigh Expedition is built around three phases. 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. The Adventure Challenge is a multi-day trek through remote terrain, designed to test physical and mental resilience.
Your Expedition length will determine how many of these phases you’ll complete. 10 weeks: all three phases. 7 weeks Community or Environmental + Adventure. 5 weeks: Community or Environmental + shorter Adventure. 4 weeks: 1 project phase, Community or Environmental.

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.