A gap year
with purpose
Going on a Raleigh Expedition during your gap year isn't just travelling and it's far more than volunteering. Live stories you’ll tell forever!
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Make your gap year count
That’s how 57,000+ young people over 40+ years describe their gap year Expedition with Raleigh.
Think epic views, remote locations and experiences that matter. You’ll be making a real hands-on impact with local communities and environmental projects. Topped off with an adventure challenge that’ll leave you feeling ready for anything.
All you need is to be between 18 and 24 and be prepared for the adventure of a lifetime.
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How our gap year Expeditions work
It’s far from your average gap year backpacking trip. It’s a real hands-on experience creating a lasting impact and full of adventure. With options from 4 to 10 weeks in the spring, summer or autumn, a Raleigh Expedition can be flexible around your gap year plans and budget.
Raleigh Expeditions
How long are they?
- 4, 5, 7 or 10 week programmes
- Summer only – 4 weeks
- You have the option to extend
Raleigh Expeditions
When can I go?
- Feb – Apr – Cycle 1
- Jun – Aug- Cycle 2
- Oct – Dec – Cycle 3
Raleigh Expeditions
What will I do?
- Community Project
- Environmental Project
- Adventure Challenge
Where can I go on Expedition?
Costa Rica
Explore this tropical paradise and work to help fragile ecosystems and with indigenous communities.
South Africa
Take in the wildlife and breath-taking landscapes. You’ll work on grassroots and environmental projects.
Raleigh is not your ordinary gap year
No hotels. No hostels. Just real life and not the tourist version. It’s gap year travel that means something.
Adventure + Impact = Growth
"LIVE STORIES YOU'LL TELL FOREVER"
Adventure
You’ll go off grid, to places most travellers never get close to with a team of other like-minded young people.
Get well out of your comfort zone!
+ Impact
You’ll team up with locals on sustainable community and environmental projects that actually make a difference.
Help improve lives and protect the planet, one adventure at a time.
= GROWTH
You’ll develop personally in ways you never imagined.
Push yourself, find out what you’re capable of, and come out stronger.
Don’t just take our word for it
9/10 Average Rating | 97%+ Recommendation Rate | 100% Feel Safe
What your gap year could look like
Inspiration for your gap year
Gap Year with Raleigh FAQs
Frequently asked questions about going on Expedition with Raleigh for your gap year
Is Raleigh something I can do on my gap year?
Yes. In fact, a Raleigh Expedition fits neatly into a wider gap year plan. It’s ideal for starting you off on your travels, as we’re a more structured programme to build up your confidence and get into the swing of it. You’ll make new, equally adventurous friends and who knows, you might end up continuing your travels with them.
Where could I go during my gap year with Raleigh International?
Raleigh Expeditions run in Borneo, Costa Rica and South Africa. All gateways to some exciting onward travel for your gap year, if you’re planning on being overseas for an extended period of time. You’ve paid for the flights so why not stay and explore.
When can I go on a Raleigh Expedition during my gap year?
Raleigh Expeditions run in the same set timeframes each year so you can easily plan your gap year around them or with them in mind. They run from Jun – Aug right after the exam season. In Oct – Dec for those with other summer plans. And in Feb – Apr to needing more time work to raise the funds for example.
How do I apply for a gap year Expedition?
It’s easy to apply for a Raleigh Expedition. It’s not like a job application, it’s a quick form to fill out letting us where you’d like to go and when. Also why you want to travel with Raleigh and that you get what the experience is all about. It’s not your average gap year. It’s so much more.
Can I go on a Raleigh Expedition for my gap year with a friend?
You can definitely go on a Raleigh Expedition with a friend for your gap year. Especially if you’re planning to travel together for longer. We offer discounts for referring a friend so ask about that. You might not always be in the same group for every project but you’ll still get loads of time together throughout your time with us. Most people travel alone though so either way you’ll be surrounded by friends – new or old.
How can I raise the funds for a gap year Expedition with Raleigh?
Raising the funds for your gap year can be a hugely positive part of the experience – before you even leave. Making a Raleigh Expedition part of that opens up the opportunity to raise money is a different way. We partner with easyfundraising which allows you to get cashback from your own and your family and friends’ online purchases. Find out more about all the funding options.
Do universities dislike gap years?
Universities look on gap years very favourably if you’d done something productive with your time – where you can demonstrate you’ve grown as a person and developed some life skills. A Raleigh Expedition will be packed full of those and a lot of Universities will know of Raleigh and the work we do and have been doing for over 40 years.
Get advice on Raleigh being part of your gap year
Chat with a real person who’s been there and can help you figure it out the best option for you.
