Volunteering abroad on your gap year

Secure your place on Expeditions from April 2021 onwards. Please click here for more information on our Covid-19 response and our future plans.

Gap Year Programs, Ages 17-24

Raleigh Expedition is an international volunteering program, open to all and engaging young people from around the world. The program is designed to blend experiential learning with hands-on project work, deep cultural immersion, wilderness exploration and meaningful community engagement. Check out the information below and get in touch to learn more about our impactful programs.

Aged 25 and over? Find out more about becoming a Volunteer Manager.

Accredited by the Gap Year Association

Raleigh International is very proud to be fully accredited by the Gap Year Association (GYA). A non-profit accreditation and standards-setting organisation for gap years, recognised by the US Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission. They are responsible for assessing Gap Year companies with regards to their value, ethos and safety. Read GYA’s standards.

Accreditation by the Gap Year Association represents a commitment to the highest standards in safety, quality, and integrity. A student can count on an experience with Raleigh that is the highest caliber of field leadership, the best degree of office support, and the highest standards of safety.

Attend an online information event

Interested in joining a Raleigh Expedition but want to find out more first? Our online information events cover everything you need to know! From the countries we work in, to the projects we run. We will also cover fundraising, safety procedures and what skills you will gain from your time spent volunteering. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask our staff and alumni any questions you have.

Program details

Students volunteer in either Nepal or Costa Rica for a duration of 4, 5, 6, 7 or 10 weeks.

The program engages young people in creating long lasting change by contributing to Community and Environmental projects and taking part in an Adventure Leadership Trek.

Project teams are limited to 10-12 students and supported by 2-3 Volunteer Managers (volunteers aged over 25) to give students a small group experience and have a lower impact on communities.

Where can I go?

Choose where to volunteer abroad below.

We have chosen these countries because they have large youth populations and volunteers can make the greatest impact. They all face issues relating to water and sanitation and are heavily affected by climate change. We work in rural areas because the people that live there are often the most marginalised. They tend to have poorer access to basic services, lower education levels and a worse standard of living than those in urban areas. Women and children are often the most disadvantaged.

How long can I go for?

Program dates

Click the dates below to see program options for when you can volunteer abroad.

Secure your place on Expeditions from July 2021 onwards. Please click here for more information on our Covid-19 response and our future plans.

June – September 2021

September – December 2021

February – April 2022

June – September 2022

September – December 2022

If an Expedition is full, call us on +1 833-660-9738 to talk about your options.

Student development

Raleigh Expedition is for high school and college aged students. The program supports young people to develop essential teamwork, leadership, intercultural learning, and active citizenship skills and knowledge. The foundation for young people to become future leaders.

Our volunteers report that the program:

• Raises their aspirations
• Builds their confidence
• Broadens their horizons and outlook
• Helps develop character and resilience
• Supports better academic performance
• Enhances employability inspires further volunteering and active citizenship

Hear from one of our US alumni about her experience on Expedition

Why is Raleigh Expedition different? 

• Delivered by youth-driven development charity, Raleigh International.
• Raleigh has more than 37 years’ experience of volunteering program management.
• We work with remote communities to protect biodiversity and reduce the impact of climate change.
• We are committed to running responsibly managed volunteering projects. Find out more about how we travel responsibly.
• The Expedition program contributes to the Global Goals for Sustainable Development (SDGs).
• We are leaders in safety – externally accredited to British Safety Standard 8848, the Gap Year Association (USA) and Year Out Group (UK).
• Our experienced in-country management and staff teams provide 24/7 support and are backed up by our safety team in the United Kingdom.
• Volunteer Managers live and work with each student Expedition group and professional medic volunteers support the program.

Program costs

As a charity we talk about fundraising rather than costs, and we encourage everyone to do some fundraising for their Expedition. We offer lots of ways to help with fundraising and we have supported thousands of young people to reach their target.

In-country training, airport transfers, project equipment, medical insurance, food and accommodation are all included. Rolling admissions with Fall, Spring, and Summer departures. Find out more information about what’s included and fundraising.

Feeling inspired and ready to get started? Apply now!