Why Choose a Raleigh Expedition Over a Generic Gap Year?

There are many ways that we help young people make the most of their gap year. For example, our Expeditions offer as immersive, hands-on experience. Venturers get valuable real-world experience while on Expedition that goes beyond typical travelling experiences and makes a tangible difference to global communities and the environment.

This kind of setting also provides the perfect opportunity for personal growth, building lifelong relationships, getting away from social media and reconnecting with nature. Here’s how Raleigh helps you to make the most of your gap year!

Hands-On Impact

At Raleigh, one of our core values is creating impact together, which drives our work in South Africa and Costa Rica. Through connection and collaboration, we can change the world and combat global issues like inequality and climate change.

We work alongside native staff, local community members and carefully selected partners to ensure our work makes a lasting difference. Our projects are carefully planned and executed with community members in mind. This way, our Venturers’ hard work does not go to waste and community members benefit.

By joining a Raleigh Expedition, your gap year will help combat issues faced by remote communities in South Africa and Costa Rica, like lack of access to education and sanitation, as well as aiding in the conservation and protection of vital ecosystems.

Lasting Connections

The fast pace of a generic gap year often leads to fleeting friendships and connections. On Expedition, you’ll get to know your fellow Venturers during downtime, trek and on project sites. You will spend a significant amount of time with people from all different backgrounds and nationalities and will create lasting and meaningful friendships. Take it from our alumni who can share all the great reasons why you should volunteer with Raleigh! Many found lifelong friendships during their Expeditions and some even stay in touch 30 or 40 years later.

No Phones

It can be difficult to live in the moment when you are travelling the world. With so many great photo opportunities, it’s nearly impossible to stay away from posting on Instagram or sending friends and family regular updates. However, you will not be able to get back the inevitable time spent scrolling on social media or unnecessary apps.

Our no-phones on project policy gives Venturers a much-needed break from the digital world. While you can catch up with friends and relatives during changeovers, you will spend most of your time interacting with other Venturers, learning about new cultures, exchanging stories and having fun without the distraction of technology. You can even take it back to basics with a film camera, capturing the moment without the distraction of a smartphone.

Studies have shown just how beneficial digital detoxing can be for our mental well-being and our Venturers agree! This year, 67% of Venturers said they would continue to take time away from their phone outside of Expedition and 80% enjoyed not having their phone on projects.

Cross-Cultural Exchange

When you are backpacking, communicating and interacting with local people can be challenging. Many travelers opt for tourist hotspots and miss out on local customs and traditions, preventing them from having some of the best experiences out there!

With Raleigh, you will be working and living alongside small rural and Indigenous communities. You will learn about the challenges these communities face as you work together to solve them. You will participate in cultural workshops and exchanges that will expand your worldview and give you a new view of different cultures, beliefs and traditions. From this, you will have a newfound appreciation of different cultures and a broader perspective, which will serve you well in any career.

Off The Beaten Path

On a generic gap year, your itinerary will likely take you to popular hotspots and highly sought-after destinations. While these locations are undeniably exciting, they can be crowded with tourists and a far cry from the most intriguing and authentic aspects of a country.

On Expedition, you will be immersed in beautiful and untouched nature and will see a side of Costa Rica or South Africa that few others are lucky enough to experience. You will be going back to basics, cooking with local produce and camping in the rural countryside. This unique way of living will give you a broader perspective and a deeper appreciation of life and other cultures.

Want to get involved? Sign up today to take part in a life-changing Expedition to Costa Rica or South Africa!