Don’t just take our word for it that a Raleigh Expedition is a life-changing experience – this is what past Venturers and Venturer Managers say
Raleigh reviews
Stories from past Raleigh Venturers & Managers
Every year, hundreds of young people take part in our Expeditions, supported by incredibly dedicated Venturer Managers. Our latest feedback rates the overall experience at 9/10 on average, 97% would recommend Raleigh to a friend or colleague and 100% felt their safety was taken seriously.
Don’t just take our word for it.
Venturer reviews
”It was one of the greatest once-in-a-lifetime experiences for me. Mostly the closeness of the relation with the community was amazing for me!
Raleigh VenturerBorneo
”Fantastic, unique experience all ten weeks. Thoroughly enjoyed. Trek was a real highlight but community and environment had so much charm too.
Raleigh VenturerCosta Rica
”I think this has been one of the most valuable experiences I've had in my life, I've learnt and developed so many new skills, met new people and done things that at points in my life I would've never thought possible
Raleigh VenturerSouth Africa
”I loved every minute of it and would recommend it to anyone
Harry, Costa Rica, Jun - Aug 2025Raleigh Venturer
”I think Raleigh can change your life if you want to change your life, that has been my case
Gilberth, Costa Rica, Jun-Aug 2025Raleigh Venturer
”I have LOVED joining Raleigh, as it has taught me so much. Being around all these different type of amazing people. Learning new things on each phase and every day.
Emily, South Africa, Jun-Aug 2025Raleigh Venturer
Evie's Raleigh Debrief
Watch Evie’s debrief video
”It was amazing, I loved it so much and had met so many different people and experienced so much and learnt loads about myself
Evie, Borneo, Feb-Apr 2025Raleigh Venturer
”The most incredible experience of my life.
Will, Costa Rica, Feb-Apr 2025Raleigh Venturer
”The whole experience is more or less life-changing. A once in a lifetime thing not many people can say they've done
Ben, South Africa, Feb-Apr 2025Raleigh Venturer
Merel's Raleigh Debrief
Watch Merel’s debrief video
”I’m really happy that I went on Raleigh. Costa Rica is a beautiful country and I enjoyed every moment here. Also, I have learned a lot of lessons so thank you guys.
Merel, Borneo 2024 (The Netherlands)Raleigh Venturer
”Raleigh was an amazing experience. The large variety made it challenging but a lot of fun. The people I met were all amazing and I made a lot of great friendships during my expedition. It also made me learn a lot about myself.
Roemer, 2024Raleigh Venturer
”Amazing experience, many kind and supportive people and memories that will last a lifetime.
Tom, 2024Raleigh Venturer
”You think not having things like WiFi or TV will bug you, but it makes you really appreciate what you have and the people you care about.
SophieRaleigh Venturer
”Raleigh is not afraid of giving young people real, and I mean real, adventure.
MartinRaleigh Venturer
“On trek, you take turns to be day leader. It’s pretty indescribable, that feeling at the end of the day when everyone’s achieved something and you had a role to play in that. I enjoyed that the most.”
FreddyRaleigh Venturer
”I was not expecting to meet and find friendship with such a diverse set of people. Ages, backgrounds and cultures. The expedition was an incredibly positive experience and that atmosphere was set right from the start.
Julie, 2023 (US)Raleigh Venturer
”Raleigh is amazing, the people especially make it...building school(s) and getting to know local communities was by far the most inspirational and rewarding phase out of the 3. Trek was also incredible, taking us all over the country across loads of different communities. Overall it is not what you expect, sometimes frustrating, definitely difficult and super stressful, however with all that included, it was still one of the best and most rewarding experiences of my life.
Michael, 2022 (UK)Raleigh Venturer
”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 likeminded individuals! The time I shared will forever be cherished and I would gladly put myself forward to do it all over again.
Gabrielle, 2023 (UK)Raleigh Venturer
”I will remember it until the day I die. A truly remarkable experience I will never forget.
MartinRaleigh Venturer
”I’ve improved my leadership skills. 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 Venturer
”33 years on from Expedition I still feel the positive impact.
TerryRaleigh Venturer
”During the conservation phase my highlight was learning new skills and actively applying them to restore and revive nature.
EllenRaleigh Venturer
”This is what made it the best 3 months of my life…The people I was with, the place I went to, the difficulties, the unknown, the laughs even when everything seems like it was a bad day, the rubbish food and the amazing food…how the photos make me feel looking back and how everything above made and changed me for the rest of my life.”
StellaRaleigh Venturer
”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 Venturer
”Raleigh friends for life! From all walks of life, coming together to overcome challenges and to accomplish their shared goals together. Absolutely life changing.
AlisonRaleigh Venturer
”It was the most amazing experience of my life.
AmyRaleigh Volunteer
”The togetherness and the acceptance, the hard work and the culture is (Raleigh’s) instrinsic value.
JoannaRaleigh Venturer
”When I applied to Raleigh I was quite daunted by my initial idea of what Raleigh was. Knowing I would be sleeping on a mat on the floor for ten weeks and it was sort of inspired by the army definitely put me a little on edge. Not something I was used to back home in England. When I was on my flight I noticed some people who looked my age in walking boots carrying their Osprey bags and immediately knew they were Raleigh people. I started to chat to one of them and she became one of my best friends on the expedition. She put me at ease with her mutual nervous trepidation.
The adjustment at the beginning was quite hard, I was running on excitement. But soon I was making the best friends ever and felt like I really belonged.
Lily, 2023 (UK)Raleigh Venturer
It was really the people and the landscaped that made Raleigh so brilliant. I had the best time of my life. That it was not something I would naturally do made it even better for me. Some experiences, like getting to the beach after trek and painting a mural on a classroom for indigenous kids, changed me for life and I would say it’s one of the best decisions I ever made to embark on Raleigh. These people are amazing.
Venturer Manager reviews
”My wife and I were Venturer Managers in Costa Rica (23A). and South Africa (25A). Absolutely loved the experiences. The staff were fantastic to work with. The Venturers were inspiring - all taking on life head on, many overcoming quite severe obstacles. Makes you feel good for the future. Loved working with the other VMs as well and being part of the Raleigh community.
Paul, 2023 & 2025Raleigh Venturer Manager
Emma's Venturer Manager video
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”The variety is fantastic and it brings you out of your comfort zone at any age. I loved being with the Venturers, I think they're the reason I've had the most rewarding time.
Emma, Costa Rica 2025Venturer Manager
”I’ve had a fantastic time being pushed outside my comfort zone and working with the most delightful group of young people. Throughout this journey I have felt supported but still given the space to make my own decisions. It’s been an incredible journey and I’ve surprised myself with how much I’ve come to take pride in the work.
Venture Manager, Costa Rica 2025
Kate's Venturer Manager video
Watch Kate’s video
”Overall, great expedition. The in country staff were amazing and the communities we worked with welcoming. It was a wonderful cross-cultural experience that really helps the personal development of both Venturers and Venturer Managers.
Kate, Borneo 2025Venturer Manager
”It was a great experience with a lot of learning and growth. I feel I experienced a lot that will help my professional development and leadership skills as a photographer and content creator.
Content Creator & Photographer, Borneo 2025
”My highlight has been interacting with the communities. I really enjoy seeing the change in the Venturers from when they arrive.
Ellen, Costa Rica 2025Project Coordinator
”I very much enjoyed my time as a VM on Raleigh South Africa, and felt that it was a well run programme. The guides and staff were great throughout.
Venture Manager, South Africa 2025
”Personally, I took three months out of my communications career in the UK National Health Service, to nurture my love of communications in a challenging new environment. Jaded with the impact I was making in my job back home, my biggest motivation was that, I wanted to feel that I was spending my days really making a difference. Oh, and I really wanted to see the Himalayas.
UrsulaCommunications Venturer Manager
”It’s given me a lot more confidence about what to do next, just because you’re retired doesn’t mean you haven’t got those skills and experience. Something I do notice where I’ve perhaps helped younger people is it’s all new to them whereas I’ve seen it all before. That experience does count for quite a bit, so that has been validating.
KathyLogistics Venturer Manager
”I’ve done various courses so it’s nice to put some of that into practice. This gives me my first experience of working in these kinds of environments and I plan to take that and go on to do more expedition-type medicine in the future.
AddisonMedic Venturer Manager
Parent reviews
”Fran had a life-changing, time-of-her-life experience on her expedition. Although there were (expected) bumps in the road, the overall experience was excellent. The on-location team were tremendous. Francesca cited their authenticity and inclusivity as a highlight. Many bonds were formed. She has come back a changed person, now much better prepared for the challenges she will no doubt face at University in the fall.
LolaParent 2024