Expeditions for 17-24-year-olds* in Borneo, Costa Rica and South Africa. Different environments, same life changing experience. Where will you go?
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What is a Raleigh Expedition?
Its more than a volunteer or gap year trip
It’s a life-changing experience which blends adventure, challenge, and impactful projects to build resilience and develop leadership skills.
If you’re aged between 17 and 24* you can go to Borneo, Costa Rica or South Africa for 5-, 7- or 10-weeks. You’ll volunteer on environmental and community projects in remote locations, detox from your phone and test yourself on an adventure challenge.
Don’t just see that part of the world – live it.
*increasing to 18 in 2026.
Special offer
Get up to £310$380$380$380 off South Africa Expeditions
Be one of the first 50 bookings on Cycle 3 2025 and bag a discount!
Costa Rica
A tropical paradise where you’ll work to support the fragile ecosystems and with indigenous communities on access to education and sanitation.
South Africa
Renowned for it’s wildlife, you’ll work to take action on development in local communities and conservation projects while exploring breath-taking landscapes.
Borneo
Volunteer in Borneo to help combat mass deforestation and support underdeveloped communities. Explore ancient rainforests and see orangutans.
Expedition price overview
South Africa
10 weeks £4,490$5,610$5,610$5,610
7 weeks £3,950$4,940$4,940$4,940
5 weeks £2,950$3,690$3,690$3,690
Costa Rica
10 weeks £5,490$6870$6870$6870
7 weeks £4,400$5500$5500$5500
5 weeks £3,700$4650$4650$4650
Borneo
10 weeks £5,250$6,560$6,560$6,560
7 weeks £4,590$5,750$5,750$5,750
5 weeks £3,200$3,995$3,995$3,995
How do Raleigh Expeditions work?
How will a Raleigh Expedition benefit me?
On your Raleigh Expedition, you’ll develop life skills through unique experiences that will impact you for the rest of your life.
Transformational
- Leadership skills
- Problem solving
- Communication skills
- Team working and collaboration
Purposeful
- Understanding of global issues
- Gaining perspective
- Cultural understanding
- Sense of satisfaction mentally
Challenging
- Mental resilience
- Physical endurance
- Commitment
- Taking the initiative
“My experience on my Raleigh Expedition has given me foundational skills and confidence in my next life choices.”
Marie | Raleigh Alumni
Who can go on Expedition?
Anyone aged 17-24
No matter where you’re from, what your background is. Proud to be an inclusive programme.
Over 25? Venturer Manager roles
When can I go on Expedition?
CYCLE 1 – February – April
CYCLE 2 – June – August
CYCLE 3 – October – December
Expedition lengths include 5, 7 and 10 weeks.
*From 2026 you will need to be aged between 18-24. We won’t accept anyone aged 17 while on Expedition. Find out more
How our Venturers rated Raleigh last year
Why go on a Raleigh Expedition?
People your age
Apart from staff, you're grouped with people aged 17-24. This is unique to Raleigh.
Digital detox
There are no phones on project sites, only at Fieldbase. Be truly in the moment.
Varied experiences
Take part in up to 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
We're an adventure filled experience that will push you out of your comfort zone.
Future ready
Gain the skills, confidence and perspective to play a leading role in building a better world.
Raleigh Expedition FAQs
Frequently asked questions about Raleigh Expeditions
How many people will be on Expedition with me?
On a Raleigh Expedition there will be between 30 to 70 Venturers during a cycle, depending on the time of year. During projects, you will be split into smaller groups of roughly 15 international Venturers, 2-3 national Venturers and 2 Venturer Managers.
Where will I be staying on a Raleigh Expedition?
This will vary depending on whether you are at Fieldbase, on project sites or on trek. However, you can expect your living arrangements to be simple as you will stay in remote locations alongside local communities.
In South Africa, you will sleep in large semi-permanent tents while working on Community or Environmental projects and smaller three-person tents during the Adventure Leadership Trek.
In Costa Rica, the accommodation is slightly more varied with a combination of tents and communal living in school buildings or community centres.
For both locations, you will need roll mats and sleeping bags. All sites are safe and secure and a Venturer Manager will always stay with you.
There will often be access to cold showers and flushing toilets. However, this may not be possible in some remote locations. You will also have access to community kitchens when local people are not using them.
What do I need to take with me on Expedition?
This will vary depending on your Expedition location. Your Venturer Coordinator will ensure that you are given a thorough packing list.
Packing guidelines for Costa Rica and South Africa can be found on our website.
Can anyone join a Raleigh Expedition?
We welcome Venturers from all backgrounds and nationalities. If you are aged 17-24 and are seeking adventure, wanting to make a difference and striving to learn about yourself and other cultures – then Raleigh Expedition could be right for you.
Are the meals provided on Expedition?
Yes, all meals are provided on a Raleigh International Expedition. Food will vary depending on the country you are in but will always be freshly cooked and healthy.
Food will usually be provided at Fieldbase. However, on projects you can expect to turn recipe cards and ingredients into satisfying meals with your teammates.
Projects usually take place in remote areas with access to fridges. The Raleigh pantry consists of ingredients like rice, pasta, beans, chickpeas, porridge, eggs, bread and other local foods.
We can cater for most dietary requirements. However, you must inform us in advance so we can prepare.
How can I keep in contact with my friends and family while on Expedition?
In between project phases (approximately every 19 days), Venturers will have access to phones and phone charging facilities and be able to call home. Fieldbase also has free WiFi which Venturers can access during Induction, Changeover and Endex.
Ahead of the trip, we will provide all next of kin access to a WhatsApp group chat where we will share occasional updates. They will also be provided with a contact form, which we can use to pass on messages to Venturers working on projects.
More information for family and friends can be found for both Costa Rica and South Africa on our website.
How safe are the Raleigh projects?
From selecting locations to providing comprehensive safety training to all Venturers, safety is at the heart of everything we do at Raleigh International and our Safety Management Systems are robust, practical, and effective.
We complete a risk assessment of all aspects of the Expedition, including the countries we work in, project sites and activities.
Every programme is supported remotely by round-the-clock qualified medical staff and all Raleigh staff members are trained in first aid, mental health first aid and incident and crisis management.
Every project team is accompanied by an experienced tour leader at all times and a Duty Manager will be on call 24/7.
In the event of an emergency, all sites have detailed CASEVAC and MEDEVAC plans which can be implemented. We have local resources and a support network of skilled operators at our disposal should we need them.
How inclusive is a Raleigh Expedition?
Raleigh International welcomes people 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. Raleigh Expedition is a safe and inclusive environment where young people can bring their authentic selves to the programme.
Need more Expedition information?
Hear from a Raleigh alumni about life on Expedition.
You’ll find everything in one place about our Expeditions.
Send us an enquiry with what you’d like to know more about.