Will I need to do any training before I arrive?

All volunteers are invited to attend a Pre-Expedition Training Event to meet other volunteers and here more about Expedition. We recommend you learn as much Spanish as you can before you come; this will make communicating with members of the community and partner organisations easier. We also recommend practising hiking in preparation for the trek, but this is not necessary.

What sort of food will I be eating?

Raleigh provides dry and fresh food, and volunteers rotate to cook for the group. The staple food in Costa Rica is rice and beans, which can be accompanied by different vegetables and proteins. Tropical fruits are delicious and very sweet, and we eat them frequently.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend you reserve your place between 5 to 6 months before, although we can accept applications up to three months prior to departure.

SES Raleigh Explorer Award

Raleigh International are working with the Scientific Exploration Society and the UK alumni Society to increase access to Raleigh Expeditions by providing financial support to young people in the UK.

Applications Closed

Home | SES Raleigh Explorer Award Bursary

What is the SES Raleigh Explorer Award?

The SES Raleigh Explorer Award will run for the next three years and will fund 15 young adults from less socio-economically advantaged backgrounds to join a Raleigh Expedition.

2024: 7 places
2025: 4 places
2026: 4 places

The funding will cover places for a 10-week Expedition and flights to Costa Rica or South Africa, including insurance and flights. Venturers will be encouraged to raise funds for items such as kit and travel to the airport.

We are looking for young people who can clearly show that they would benefit from experiencing a life-enhancing and transformational volunteering experience with Raleigh International.

The Award is being funded by The Scientific Exploration Society (SES), Raleigh alumni, members of the Raleigh UK Society (RUKS) and Raleigh International.

“Going in I felt anxious on what to expect as I have never traveled on my own, however, that was quickly taken away by the support and encouragement from all involved, I have never met kinder and more like-minded individuals!”

Gabrielle | Raleigh Alumni 2023

“It does not matter if you come in a 50p t-shirt or a £100 designer one, with two days they look the same.”

Martin | Raleigh Alumni

Award Criteria

17-24 (must be 24 or less when on Expedition)
Able to commit to a 10-week Expedition in Costa Rica or South Africa on either of the following dates: 24th June – 29th August (Cycle 2) OR 8th October – 23rd November (Cycle 3).
Annual mean household income of less than £42,000.
Able to raise funds for own kit and vaccinations
Must have a valid UK passport
Able to commit to up to 3 orientation days between being accepted and attending Expedition (done at weekends) and commit to an online pre-departure training.
Need to be a citizen of any of the four UK nations, dependencies or overseas territories.
Reasonably fit and able to cope with a hike.
Willing to act as an advocate for Raleigh on return from Expedition.

In addition to these criteria, applicants must be willing to share their Raleigh story and pictures on Raleigh International social media channels and website as well as be open to speaking with the media. This will help promote the SES Raleigh Explorer Award and Raleigh Expedition.

Award recipients will be recognised at the SES Explorer Awards ceremony on 16th October in London. If you are successful we would love you to accept it in person – or if you are on Expedition, send in a video of thanks!

Where can I join an Expedition?!

We currently offer two different countries for our Expeditions.

READ: Which Expedition is right for me?

Costa Rica

Costa Rica in one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, home to national parks, volcanoes and stunning landscapes. Be culturally immersed in an indigenous community while on projects supporting access to education, and conquer a whopping 250km trek across beautiful rainforest and mountain areas.

Learn more about Costa Rica projects

South Africa

There is nowhere better than Greater Kruger to walk in the footsteps of the world’s most spectacular wildlife. Become one with local community life and the African bush on community and environment projects, and experience South Africa’s highest mountains whilst trekking the incredible Drakensberg Mountains.

Learn more about South African projects

Application deadline

We need to receive your application on the following dates for cycle 2 and 3 to be eligible for the Award.

CYCLE 2

APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED

Expedition dates: 24th June – 29th August 2024

CYCLE 3

Deadline: 20th June 2024

Expedition dates: 8th October – 23rd November 2024

Apply now

How to apply

Apply online

Fill in your online application form and tell us why you want to go on Expedition!

APPLY NOW

Online meeting

If you are eligible and your application is successful you will be invited to an online meet with the Raleigh UK Alumni Panel!

Interview

If successful, you will be invited back for a second interview and be asked to present a short presentation.

Confirmation

7 places are available for 2024, we will let you know if you are successful and you can start getting excited about your Expedition!

The Raleigh Expedition Experience

Hear it first from Raleigh Volunteers

Your friendships, your passions, your new found confidence, your purpose: It all starts with Raleigh. On Expedition, you will create unique memories to last a lifetime and work alongside project partners, local communities and your fellow volunteers to identify where change is needed most to create a positive, lasting impact.

What our Raleigh volunteers say

Hear from our past Raleigh alumni's life changing experiences

“The effect it had on me was profound…on returning I completely changed my career and then went back on Raleigh as a Volunteer Manager. Twenty years later I draw on those experiences regularly both in my professional and personal life.”
AlisonRaleigh Alumni

“Before I was an introverted, shy person and now I am talking with other people without hesitation. Before, I was only comfortable sitting with a group of two or three people but now, I’m able to speak within a group of 20 or 30.”
BikalRaleigh Alumni

“It’s been an opportunity to grow as a person in ways that you wouldn’t think possible. It makes you more aware of the world that you live in. I remember coming back from the mountain trek and looking around; I thought about how sad it is how man changes the world so easily. So, it’s important to go back to your roots, to the proper wild, and experience it.”
FreddyRaleigh Alumni

“I was a kid that had barely left Manchester…I quickly realised that a regional accent, schooling, job prospects didn’t define you. It’s your actions, how you relate to people, building relationships, resilience and your ‘bounce-back-ability’ that do that. My experience with Raleigh really change the direction of my life for the better and gave me the confidence to run my own business.”
TonyRaleigh Alumni

Need more information about Expedition?

Consultation call

Whether you have a specific question or want to discuss which Expedition is right for you, schedule a call with a member of the team at a time convenient to you.

Book a call

Join an info event

On our monthly online info events, we’ll tell you all about Expedition. Have your questions answered, meet other volunteers and find out what Expedition is really like from an alumni.