Frequently asked questions

We run Expeditions throughout the year and encourage venturers to apply between six and 18 months in advance to ensure you get the place you want, organise flights and vaccinations and give you time to raise the money (if you are fundraising).

The final deadline is three months prior to Expedition start date.

This depends on your nationality and chosen expedition country. Before submitting your application, please check the relevant embassy for visa requirements. Visas are not included in the cost but your Volunteer Coordinator will provide you with advice.

Yes, all flights are booked by the volunteers. However, our team are here to support you and you will receive advice on the best airlines, flight options and where to fly into.

Yes, you will be collected at the airport by the country team.

You will be part of a team of roughly 14 international volunteers, 2-3 national volunteers and 2-3 volunteer managers

Most volunteers travel individually, however, speak with your volunteer coordinator and if there is a volunteer in your area we can try and put you in touch. 

You will need some spending money for snacks, drinks and any souvenirs you wish to buy. This varies depending on destination, you can discuss this further with the Expedition team or Volunteer Coordinators.

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 Volunteer Managers staying with you and all sites are safe and secure with suitable bathroom facilities.

This will vary depending on your Expedition location. Your volunteer coordinator will ensure that you are given a thorough packing list.

While on Expedition all volunteers will be expected to leave their phones at our Country Fieldbase, in our allocated safe spaces, prior to going on their Project or Trek phase.

The Raleigh Expedition is split into 3 phases – 2 project phases and a trek phase – each phase lasting 19-days. While on phase, volunteers are expected to hand in their phone to the Raleigh staff team where their phone is then safely stored. In between each phase, during a 3-day changeover, volunteers have the opportunity to go on their phones, when they get in touch with family and friends and go online.

Throughout the ‘No Phones on Project’ experience, we will maintain open lines of communication through alternative means, such as dedicated project coordinators, periodic updates, and emergency channels.

You can read more about the No Phones on Project Policy and the benefits of digital detoxing on Raleigh. 

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.

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 Volunteer 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.

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.

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.

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 volunteers. Our Safety Management Systems are robust, practical, and effective.

• Every programme has qualified medical staff supporting the volunteers.
• Every team is accompanied by an experienced tour leader who is with the group 24/7.
• In the event of emergency, professional and skilled operators such as medical air rescue services and medical practitioners are available as part of our support network.
• Experienced In-country staff and Volunteer Management team on every Expedition

Read more about safety on expeditions

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.

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.

As the 7-week projects form part of the 10-week Expedition you may be able to extend your stay, depending on availability.

A basic level of fitness is necessary, but venturers achieve this through both team support and sheer determination!

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.

Yes, your child will be collected at the airport but the country team who will have their flight information.

We will send next of kin communications with key events throughout the Expedition – for example, so you know they have safely arrived. You can also follow us on social media and email their Volunteer Coordinator if you need to get in touch.

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 volunteers. Our Safety Management Systems are robust, practical, and effective.

• Every programme has qualified medical staff supporting the volunteers.
• Every team is accompanied by an experienced tour leader who is with the group 24/7.
• In an emergency, professional and skilled operators such as medical air rescue services and medical practitioners are available as part of our support network.
• Experienced In-country staff and Volunteer Management team on every Expedition
• Raleigh International has been running Expedition for over 40 years and we have worked with thousands of young people – we are specialists in what we do.

Read more about safety on expeditions

In between project phases, volunteers will have access to phones and phone charging facilities and be able to call. Ahead of the trip we will provide all next of kin information on how to get in touch with your child and the teams.

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. All sites are safe and secure with suitable bathroom facilities.

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. Volunteers just need to be aged 17-24, up for an adventure and want to make a difference and learn about themselves and other cultures.

There will be breaks during the day to recharge and volunteers can relax in the evenings. In between projects, there will be 3-5 days of rest.

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.  

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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