We know that you will have lots of questions about your Raleigh Expedition, we’ve tried to answer them here. Please get in touch if you have any further queries.
FAQs
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Got a question about a Raleigh Expedition?
Hopefully these FAQs do the trick, but if you need more information or advice, please contact your Venturer Coordinator. Not signed up yet? Fill out the enquiry form and someone will be in touch.
Logistics
Once you have signed up you will be assigned a Venturer Coordinator who will provide you with all the information you need to go on a Raleigh Expedition.
What is the deadline for applying for an Expedition?
We run Expeditions throughout the year and encourage Venturers to apply between six and 18 months in advance to ensure you secure the place you want. When considering how to plan your gap year, you want to make sure you have enough time to organise flights, vaccinations, and, if needed, raise funds for your Expedition.
The final deadline to apply is seven weeks prior to the Expedition start date, giving you plenty of time to prepare for an unforgettable gap year experience.
Will I need a visa and is it included in the cost?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality, so it’s important to check with the relevant embassy before submitting your application. Visas are not included in the cost of your gap year Expedition, but your Venturer Coordinator will provide you with guidance and advice on how to navigate the process.
If you’re wondering how much does a gap year travelling cost, it’s worth considering expenses like visas, flights, and vaccinations alongside your Expedition fee.
Do I have to book flights and other travel?
Yes, all flights are booked by Venturers. However, our team is here to support you throughout the process. You will receive advice on the best airlines, flight options, and which airport to use for your gap year Expedition. If you’re asking how much does a gap year cost, remember to factor in expenses like flights, visas, vaccinations, and personal spending. For added convenience, you can also use our partner, Flight Centre, through the Flight Centre contact form for further assistance.
Will I be collected at the airport?
Yes, you will be collected at the airport in the destination country by the in-country operations team who will have your flight information. You will be collected at the land by time stated on your welcome pack.
How many people will be on Expedition with me?
The whole Expedition can be from 50-80 people. For your projects you will be split into groups of roughly 15-17 international Venturers, 1-2 national Venturers and 2 Venturer Managers.
Is there a way I can travel with other Venturers or Venturer Managers?
Most Venturers and Venturer Managers travel individually; however, we will have a WhatsApp group made three months before Expedition, this is where you will be able to connect with one another and discuss travel plans.
How much money do I need to take with me?
You will need some spending money for snacks, drinks, and any souvenirs you wish to buy during your gap year abroad. The amount required can vary depending on the destination. You can discuss this further with the Expedition team or your Venturer Coordinator to help you with gap year budgeting.
What do I need to take with me?
This will vary depending on your Expedition location. Your Venturer Coordinator will ensure that you are given a thorough packing list.
How do I take photos or listen to music without my phone?
We recognise that getting online and communicating is not the only function of mobile phones. Many people use their phones to listen to music and take photographs. We highly recommend that you prepare for this by bringing your own camera and an MP3 player which you can use to listen to music.
*Please be aware that depending on the project site, due to safety requirements you may be asked to leave your MP3 player at Fieldbase*
What information resources can I look at?
We have an array of resources so you have all the information you need to make the best travel decision for you. You can download a guide, book a call with out Expedition Specialists, or attend an online information event.
Health and Safety
Are there any medical restrictions for Raleigh Expedition?
We try to be as inclusive as possible, but we do need to ensure the safety of every individual on expedition. If you suffer with a long-standing medical condition, it is important that you disclose this information on the medical form when you apply and discuss it with your Venturer Coordinator. You may be required to have a sign-off letter from your GP.
Due to the nature of the project environments, the remote locations and work that we undertake, any applicant with special medical or mobility requirements will need to speak with our team to determine if we can achieve the necessary safety requirements whilst trying to account for the needs and wishes of an individual.
We have a good track record in supporting applications from those with a disability and will make every effort to accommodate participants subject to the requirement of the safe running of an adventurous and challenging team based work.
What vaccinations do I need?
Vaccinations vary from country to country. We will give you a list of recommendations in your pre-departure pack but we also recommend that you speak to your GP or travel clinic.
What happened if there is a medical emergency?
Our Safety Management Systems are robust, practical, and effective. Professional and skilled operators such as medical air rescue services and medical practitioners are available as part of our support network.
How does Raleigh International ensure the safety of Venturers?
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 Venturers. Our Safety Management Systems are robust, practical. Please see below for some valuable insights for anyone looking for how to plan a gap year safely and responsibly.
- Raleigh has support from local clinics and medical insurers to respond in the event of an emergency.
- Every team is accompanied by a trained Project Coordinator who is with the group 24/7. All project coordinators are first aid trained.
- All project sites are risk assessed ahead of time and have MEDEVAC and CASEVAC plans in place, including nearby hospitals and evacuation routes.
- Our full-time operations staff is trained and experienced in incident management.
- In the event of an emergency, professional and skilled operators, such as medical air rescue services and medical practitioners, are available as part of our support network.
What is the medical support on Expedition in Costa Rica?
In Costa Rica there is minimum 1 volunteer medic recruited to support the Expedition.
They will be based at Fieldbase and supporting all of the groups remotely. They will be available 24/7 if medical support is required.
Raleigh Costa Rica is also supported by a local medical insurance provider MediSmart. In the event of a medical incident the medic can coordinate with MediSmart to make a final decision or escalation.
Turrialba is host to many local clinics which provide bespoke support such as minor injuries, x-rays, physio etc
It is has a larger hospital and a newly built hospital with international grade technology. MediSmart and the medic will assess and triage any patient to take them to see the most appropriate specialist.
Based on the assessment of the Costa Rica doctors, they will be able to rest and recover at Fieldbase before going back to another project site.
This medical treatment will need to be covered by the individuals personal travel insurance.
What is the medical support on Expedition in South Africa?
Hoedspruit medical centre is 15 minutes from our Fieldbase. We are also registered with Hoedspruit Medical Rescue who have access to us on all projects sites, including the entire trek route, with this comes private helicopters and military helicopters for serious emergencies.
Nelspruit and Tzaneen are the 2 closest Hospitals (177 and 118 kilometres) as for distance from Fieldbase. Distance from our community project is 90 kilometres and the distance from our environmental project is is 97 kilometres.
On Expedition
Can anyone join Raleigh Expedition?
Regardless of where you are from or your background, Raleigh International is open to all. If you are aged 17-24 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.
How much free time will we have?
There will be breaks during the day to recharge, particularly to avoid the heat of the day.
You will have downtime in the evenings and days off in between projects to do things as a team. Raleigh has some ‘rest day’ activities planned already, however any other activities or trips must be risk assessed and approved by our Operations Team.
Can I extend my stay if I choose a shorter Expedition?
As the 5 and 7-week projects form part of the 10-week Expedition you may be able to extend your stay, depending on availability.
Do I have to be really fit for the adventure phase of Expedition?
A basic level of fitness is necessary, but Venturers achieve this through both team support and sheer determination! One of the good reasons to take a gap year with Raleigh is the opportunity to challenge yourself physically and mentally.
We strongly recommend preparing physically with practice walks, as you’ll enjoy your experience all the more for it. Fitness isn’t just required for the adventure challenge phase—you will be active throughout Expedition!
Will I be doing work that takes away jobs from local people?
Not at all. We work with partners and communities to provide materials and manpower to complete projects that would not otherwise get done, for example, due to lack of funds. On our project sites, we work alongside local people and, as much as possible, we recruit full-time staff from the countries where we work. Why do a gap year with Raleigh? It’s about making a real impact and learning from the communities you support.
Can I choose the projects that I work on?
On a 10-week Expeditions, you will take part in all three project phases: Community, Environmental and Adventure Challenge.
If you choose 7 weeks, then you’ll get to work on either the Community or Environmental project and then take part in the Adventure Challenge.
If you choose a 5-week Expedition you’ll take part in either the Community or Environmental project phase and do a shorter Adventure Challenge – around 5 days.
With regards to choosing specific projects within a phase, all the projects are set as we partner with local communities to ensure our work is needed.
We will do our best to accommodate your preference, however there is no guarantee. When doing project allocations we take into account many things such as age, gender split, nationality, medical and support needs, behaviour and project partner needs.
Are we allowed to travel outside of project sites whilst on Expedition?
When at Fieldbase there will be time scheduled to go into the nearby town to stock up on snacks and extra kit supplies.
Project sites are remote, so venturing out of camp is not always safe. If we leave camp, we will go on excursions as a group. Please follow the specific guidance provided at induction training and and at the start of your phase as to what the project site boundaries are – this is key to your safety
Will I be allowed to call home?
In between your project phases, when you are based at our Fieldbase you will have the opportunity to charge phones and phone home. As per our no phones on project policy, you will be required to leave your phone at Fieldbase. Therefore you will not have the opportunity to contact home for the 19 day phase.
How inclusive is Raleigh Expedition?
Raleigh International welcomes Venturers from all backgrounds and cultures. One of the best things about Expedition is that you get the chance to make friends with people you might not normally meet. Why do people take gap years? It’s because these experiences help build connections with diverse individuals and broaden your perspective, making your journey even more rewarding.
Raleigh Expedition is a safe and inclusive environment where young people can bring their authentic selves on programme
How does Raleigh approach leadership development?
As part of building the Venturers’ personal development, leadership, and teamwork skills, we treat Venturers as adults and encourage experiential learning. Although there are often specified tasks and desired outcomes, we hand over as much of the responsibility to the groups as possible, leaving them to problem-solve together (with a Day Leader leading). We expect groups and individuals to be responsible for their tasks and will hold them accountable if tasks aren’t completed.
We also expect groups and individuals to take responsibility for their own actions and to actively communicate problems, working with each other to move forward. Individuals are encouraged to advocate for themselves, figure out what they need, and address issues directly (where appropriate), rather than us instantly providing solutions. After returning from a gap year, many Venturers also learn how to apply to college after a gap year, gaining valuable insights from their experiences to help them with that process.
We set these expectations through how we talk and interact with Venturers, how we train them, and how we respond to issues/problems. We are always available if Venturers need advice, but we don’t micromanage, and encourage groups and individuals to think for themselves. We will consistently review things with them, discuss feedback about the process and result, and support with improvements where needed.
Are the meals provided?
Food will vary depending on the country you are in, however, all food is freshly cooked and healthy.
Food is usually provided by our staff at Fieldbase during induction and changeover, however venturers will be rotate within their team to cook for the group whilst on project site.
What special dietary requirements can you cater for?
In all Raleigh Expedition countries we can support most dietary requirements. Please inform us as early as possible if you have specific dietary needs. Most meals are vegetarian and many are vegan. However with some dietary requirements some meal options and snacks can be limited in variety
In some cases we recommend bringing some of your own snacks which you know are safe and to offer more variety.
✅ Coeliac
✅ Gluten free
✅ Lactose intolerant
✅ Nut free (please outline all nuts you are allergic to, and if you can have traces of nuts or not)
✅ fruit allergies
If you need the below – please speak with your Venturer Coordinator
❌ Halal
❌ Kosher
What are the sleeping arrangements and accommodations like?
Living arrangements can be a big when when considering how to plan a gap year. Raleigh provides comfortable communal living arrangements for the Expedition group. The exact accommodation depends on your chosen Expedition country, but could be in a community building, at a campsite, or even a school. There will always be Venturer Managers staying with you and all sites are safe and secure with suitable bathroom facilities.
What wellbeing support is available?
Expedition is a safe and supportive environment, however it is a challenge.
You’ll have regular 121s with your Project Coordinator on site with you through the phase, and you can request an additional pastoral support call with the Medic and Operations Coordinators as necessary.
When joining Expedition you are expected to have some copying mechanisms to support yourself through being pushed out of your comfort zone and challenged. Alongside this, the Operations Team can support you to build your resilience and complete Expedition.
Will I have any rest or down time?
You’ll have downtime in the evenings and days off in between projects to do things as a team. Raleigh has some ‘rest day’ activities planned already, however any other activities or trips must be risk assessed and approved by our Operations Team.
In between projects, there will be 3-5 days back at Fieldbase which include time to rest and recuperate, do some washing, call home and also prepare for the next phase.
What does the no phones on project policy mean?
While on Expedition, all Venturers will be expected to leave their phones at our country Fieldbase in a designated safe space prior to going on their Project or Trek phases.
The Raleigh Expedition is split into three phases – two project phases and one trek phase – each lasting approximately 19 days (depending on the length of your gap year adventure). During each phase, Venturers must hand in their phones to the Raleigh staff team, where they will be safely stored. In between each phase, during a 3-day changeover, Venturers can use their phones to get in touch with family and friends and go online.
Embracing a “No Phones on Project” approach allows you to focus fully on your surroundings, connect with your team, and learn how to have a productive gap year by immersing yourself in meaningful work, personal growth, and cultural exchange.
Throughout the “No Phones on Project” experience, we’ll maintain open lines of communication through alternative means, such as dedicated Project Coordinators, periodic updates, and emergency channels to ensure your safety and well-being.
Find out more about our policy.
Information for families
Find out more about Raleigh Expeditions, if you’re a parent or guardian, investigating this option
Can I find out where Venturers are and what they are doing?
No News is Good News!! However, Next of kin will receive periodic updates about what is happening on Expedition. Starting with a safe arrival email within 24 hours of being picked up by our operations team.
- Follow the Raleigh social media accounts for updates, as well as join the specific cycles’ WhatsApp group.
- The Instagram channels will have specific updates on the current Expedition as well as promotional content for our future Expeditions and other campaigns.
- Join the Next of Kin WhatsApp group, specific to the cycle. This will be updated by our Venturer Journey team regularly. You can expect to receive at least 1 update per phase.
- However due to the remote nature of our project sites Venturer Managers do not always have access to WIFI or signal to be able to share photos or videos. So please do not expect a stream of updates.
- For a specific or urgent update – the above are not the best method. Please contact the Venturer Journey Team directly via volunteerjourney@raleighinternational.org or via phone: UK +44 333 1886 732. US +1 202 902 7485
- In the event of an emergency, contact our 24/7 emergency Duty Manager number + 1 866 972 5146
How can I keep in contact with my young person/child?
We have a no phone on project policy so venturers will not be able to contact home for the duration of the 19 day phase. In between project phases, Venturers will have access to phones and phone charging facilities and be able to call. Ahead of the Expedition we will provide all next of kin information on how to get in touch with your child and the teams.
Other
I'm part of the LGBTQ+, will I be accepted?
Raleigh Expedition is a safe and inclusive environment where young people can bring their authentic selves on programme.
Expedition is open to all, regardless of where you are from or your background. Venturers just need to be aged 17-24, up for an adventure and want to make a difference and learn about themselves and other cultures. If you’re wondering how to plan a gap year, Raleigh offers a unique opportunity to gain a truly transformative experience, where you can not only challenge yourself but also learn more about the world around you.
I require regular professional support for my mental health. Is Raleigh for me?
We ask that you join Expedition with a clear understanding of how to manage your own mental health. Expedition will be an opportunity for you to push yourself out of your comfort zone and learn how you respond to challenges. Therefore, we recommend you come prepared with some copying mechanisms and strategies to help yourself in these environments.
Although our team is mental health first aid trained, and we have experience in managing and providing support to individuals with a background of mental health challenges they are not doctors or mental health professionals. If you require regular professional support, please consider if Expedition is right for you at this time.
My image appears on the Raleigh International website and I would like you to take it down.
Of course, this is no problem at all. Please get in touch with us via the contact us form and let us know which image (with links if possible) you would like us to remove.
Is Raleigh International a charity?
Raleigh International’ Trust’ no longer exists and Raleigh International is no longer registered as a charity. However, it is still 100% committed to creating a long-lasting impact and working with young people to develop their skills and confidence through life-changing expeditions and experiences.
Since its founding in 1978, Raleigh has continuously evolved, constantly adapting to new ideas and challenges. However, it has always been dedicated to supporting young people to create change for themselves, their communities, and the world.
We are committed to continuing this legacy. The vision is simple: a world where young people have the skills and confidence to build a fair, inclusive, green planet for everyone.
Raleigh will continue to fulfil this vision by focusing on creating life-enhancing journeys and transformational experiences for young people through international volunteering. These experiences will all make a positive, long-lasting impact in the communities where we work.
Who are Impact Travel Group?
The Impact Travel Group (ITG) is an alliance of nine education and experiential brands committed to transformative travel experiences with cultural and environmental impact. Its brands include African Impact, Kaya Responsible Travel and World Endeavors, which are ethically well-aligned with Raleigh International, which is now part of this alliance.
Read more about these organisations and the Impact Travel Group.
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