For 18 – 24 year olds
A gap year with purpose: Transform your future & create lasting impact
Secure a place on a 2026 Expedition
Get Started Today!
Enquire today
Volunteer on meaningful projects and form lifelong friendships
Develop leadership skills through real-world experiences
Join a global community of 57,000+ alumni from 100+ countries
Make your gap year count
Challenging. Transformational. Impactful.
That’s how 57,000+ Venturers over 40+ years describe their Raleigh experience.
A gap year is an opportunity to explore the world, discover your passions, do something that matters to you, and gain new skills.
It doesn’t have to be a full year – you can do something which fits into the break between terms or gets you started on an extended time away. That’s where Raleigh comes in.
Raleigh Expeditions overview
Expedition lengths
- 4, 5, 7 or 10 week programmes
- Choose your perfect duration
- You have the option to extend
Expedition phases
- Community Project, Environmental Project, Adventure Challenge
- Build community infrastructure, conserve nature and challenge yourself
- Develop essential leadership skills
Destinations
- Costa Rica, South Africa & Borneo
- Choose between rainforest, savannah or jungle
- Experience cultural diversity
Dates
Expeditions run three times per year
- Feb – Apr 2026 – early bird ends 31st October 2025!
- Jun-Aug 2026 – spaces available
- Oct-Dec 2026 – spaces available
Don’t just take our word for it
9/10 Average Rating | 97%+ Recommendation Rate | 100% Feel Safe
This is not your ordinary gap year
You’ll go off grid, to places most travellers never get close to, and get well out of your comfort zone.
No hotels. No hostels. Just real life and not the tourist version. It’s gap year travel that means something. You’ll team up with locals on sustainable community and environmental projects that actually make a difference — helping improve lives and protect the planet, one adventure at a time.
You’ll be surrounded by awe-inspiring views and having the time of your life with some incredible new friends and living stories you’ll tell forever.
Enquire
5 Reasons to Join a Raleigh Expedition on your gap year
Find Your Direction Through Real Challenge
Discover new interests and passions to guide your future studies or career.
Build Skills That Universities And Employers Value
Develop leadership, teamwork, and cross-cultural understanding through real-world projects.
Create Lasting Change For Communities And The Environment
Work alongside local partners on projects that continue long after you leave.
Disconnect From Technology
Experience a digital detox that helps you reconnect with what truly matters.
Join A Global Community
Become part of a network of 57,000+ alumni who share your values and passion.
Where can I go on Expedition?
Thinking about going on a Raleigh Expedition? Get in touch if you need help to make the right choice for you.
Spring application deadline for 10 week Expeditions 30th November 2025
Your gap year Expedition starts in 3 simple steps
Step One: Enquire
Complete our simple form to start a conversation with our team. We’ll answer your questions and help you find the perfect Expedition for YOU.
Step Two: Apply
Once you’re ready, we’ll ask to complete a short application and secure your place with a deposit. Our team will support you throughout the whole process.
Step Three: Prepare
We’ll guide you through fundraising, travel arrangements, and everything you need to know before your Expedition begins.
Enquire today
Claim your spot on one of our upcoming Expeditions
Swap The Classroom For A World Of Adventure!
Below you’ll find our Expedition dates for 2026 across our three destinations. Limited places remain, so we recommend securing your place early!
Early bird ends 31st Oct 2025
Cycle 1: Feb - Apr 2026
Costa Rica | South Africa | Borneo
Spaces available
Cycle 2: Jun - Aug 2026
Costa Rica | South Africa
Spaces available
Cycle 3: Oct - Dec 2026
Costa Rica | South Africa | Borneo
Ready To Start Your Gap Year With A Purpose?
Volunteer, explore and grow on a life-changing Raleigh Expedition
Wake up to the sounds of incredible wildlife. Supports local school or community projects in rural areas. Experience the beauty of nature while trekking across untamed landscapes.
This is life on Expedition.
Through it all, you’ll discover strengths you never knew you had, make a lasting impact through your volunteer work, and develop the hands-on skills that will shape your path forward.
Ready For The Gap Year Of A Lifetime?
Limited Spots Remain For 2026 Expeditions!
Don’t miss your chance to be part of something extraordinary. Join a community 57,000+ strong who have discovered their potential, created lasting impact, and built lifelong friendships on an immersive Raleigh Expedition.
Enquire today
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