Entering adulthood is a transformational life stage. Raleigh supports young people in gaining independence and new experiences to forge their own paths. Expedition is a space for challenge, skill development and growth in a safe, structured environment.
Information for parents
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Room to grow
Volunteering with Raleigh International is a unique opportunity for young people to step out of their comfort zone, learn new skills and experience new cultures.
Young people not only create a positive global impact but also develop personally and gain employability skills that can boost job prospects or academic performance at college or university.
For many of our Venturers, Raleigh Expedition is the first overseas trip they take without a parent, career or friends.
“My son has recently been a Venturer in Costa Rica and I can see the growth in him from his experience, beautiful to see.”
Raleigh Alumni Parent
“One benefit of not having my phone has been that I have been sleeping better as I’m not staying up later on my phone watching stuff. I think in future I’ll try and limit my use of my phone in the evening to improve my sleeping habits.”
George, 2023
No phones on projects
Venturers will not have access to their phones whilst on project sites. This can be up to 19 days at a time, however, they will all have access to their phones during the changeover at Fieldbase which also has significantly slightly better access to signal and wi-fi. Our team will ensure they facilitate some time during changeover for everyone to get in touch with home.
Each group will have access to project phones and keep in touch with our Fieldbase staff team 24/7 to ensure the safety of the group.
Part of our mission at Raleigh International is to empower young adults to become proactive global citizens who can confidently navigate the challenges of the world. Allowing participants to disconnect from their phones while on project aligns with this goal by encouraging Venturers to take responsibility for their actions and choices.
We understand the natural instinct of parents and guardians to be in constant communication with their young volunteers. However, we see this period of detachment as an essential part of the learning experience. It encourages our participants to make independent decisions, build resilience, and develop the skills needed to face uncertainty with confidence.
We want our Venturers to discover the power of self-reliance and embrace their capabilities! This newfound sense of responsibility and independence will be invaluable in shaping their future endeavours and fostering a deeper understanding of their own strengths.
There will also be a Raleigh Photographer visiting all the project sites to gather content and capture the experiences of all individuals. VMs will also have access to the project phones to capture real life, in the moment content. However, we encourage Venturers to bring digital cameras to capture some Expedition moments.
Alcohol policy
Our no-alcohol policy provides a safe, nurturing, and productive environment for young adults to make a positive impact, learn valuable life skills, and create lasting memories during their time with us. Other reasons and benefits:
- Health and Safety
- Clearer Decision-Making
- Stronger Connections
- Enhanced Learning
- Improved Productivity
- Positive Role Modeling
- Conflict Resolution
- Personal Growth
- Safety for Vulnerable Populations
- Focus on the Mission
- Ethical Responsibility
- No hangxiety!
“It helped enhance my leadership skills and I became a better me. Volunteering not only creates youth leaders but also inspires youth in the community to work.”
Peter | Raleigh Alumni
Safety, Safety, Safety
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. Read more about safety on expeditions
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
Our full-time staff in each country are highly experienced, committed and resourceful individuals selected and trained to ensure they uphold our high safety standards.
In addition to our full-time staff, we are supported by Volunteer Manager team who undertake support roles in our office and leading project teams on the ground. Volunteer Managers come from various backgrounds; all have broad basic skills and where necessary, we recruit volunteer managers with technical or recognised national governing body qualifications such as medics or mountain leaders.
Develop personally and professionally
Raleigh Expedition is a well-respected volunteering programme, and the skills gained will be invaluable additions to any CV. Young people develop their endurance, mental resilience, planning, teamwork and leadership, equipping them with new knowledge and experiences.
Young people not only develop personally and gain skills that will last with them forever but also help create a positive global impact.
Volunteers will work and socialise with young people from across the globe and a range of backgrounds, and often from bonds for life as part of a wider Raleigh Global community.
Cultural knowledge and awareness
Volunteers will meet and collaborate with people from around the world, including local volunteers from the Expedition country.
We work closely with local organisations and community members in all the countries we operate. Volunteers will be immersed in local communities and gain an appreciation for different cultures and ways of life.
Real impact
Raleigh International is dedicated to working with young people and communities to create meaningful and long-lasting impact. Our projects are developed alongside local communities to ensure our work is ethical, responsible, and relevant to the needs of these communities.
Our hope and mission is that young people will be inspired to keep making a difference long after their Expedition has ended.
Why 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 a trek.
Inclusive
Join diverse teams of young people from across the globe as well as National Venturers.
Real adventure
We're a booze-free and adventure filled experience that will push you out of your comfort zone (safely!).
Future ready
Gain the skills, confidence and perspective to play a leading role in building a better world.
Need more Expedition information?
Arrange a call with us at a time that works for you.
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.
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FAQ's
Frequently asked questions about Raleigh Expedition
Will my child/young person be met at the airport?
Yes, your child will be collected at the airport but the country team who will have their flight information.
Can I find out where they are and what they are doing?
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.
How can you ensure the safety of volunteers?
As with any volunteer programme or international travel, there are always risks. However, safety is at the heart of every Expedition. 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 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
Read more about safety here.
How can I keep in contact with my young person/child?
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.
What are the sleeping arrangements and accommodations like?
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. Volunteer Managers and country staff will always stay with volunteers, and all sites are safe and secure with suitable bathroom facilities.
My young person/child is part of the LGBTQ+, will they be accepted?
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.
Will volunteers have any rest or down time?
There will be breaks during the day to recharge and of course at lunch. Volunteers will be able to relax and enjoy the evenings and have days of rest between projects.
What happens if there is an issue with my child's behaviour?
We have a strict Code of Conduct (read it here) outlining the behaviour we expect from all our volunteers. It also outlines the measures if volunteers fail to comply with the Code.
If necessary, we will contact the Next of Kin with any issues and work together to resolve them if needed/possible.
If the volunteer is under 18 (17 years old) we will inform the Next of Kin of any issue.