Be a Venturer Manager on a Raleigh Expedition, supporting young people and local communities on sustainable development projects.
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VOLUNTEER ABROAD OVER 25
What is a Venturer Manager?
Our Venturer Managers (VMs) are the driving force behind the Expedition. Experience the satisfaction of seeing the tangible impact of your efforts as projects come to fruition, leaving a lasting legacy of positive change in communities and empowering young adults to become agents of change in their own lives and beyond.
- Help young Venturers from across the globe to develop their skills and confidence.
- Gain new experiences and work on impactful hands-on projects.
- Ensure the programmes run smoothly and effectively.
- Work alongside permanent country staff and help keep the young volunteers safe whilst on Expedition.
You’ll need to be 25 or over to apply.
All Venturer Manager Roles
If you are age 25-75, we welcome you to apply to join a Raleigh Expedition as part of the Venturer Manager Team in one of five roles.
Project Coordinator
Your role will be to facilitate a group of young people aged 17-24 out on the project sites. You’ll support the team to deliver Raleigh International’s project aims as well as monitoring and coaching the young people to support their personal growth as well as yours.
Content Creator
Behind every project, every Venturer and every community member Raleigh supports, there is a story to be told. As the Content Creator, you’ll work to generate exciting, engaging and high-quality content for Raleigh’s communications channels.
Photographer
Your primary role will be to identify and document powerful stories through photography and film. This will provide visual content for our communications channels, our website and print material to help inspire others.
Health & Wellbeing
You’ll support young people with their mental health and wellbeing throughout their Expedition ensuring they feel safe and secure in an environment outside of their comfort zone.
Costa Rica only
Expedition Medic
Use your skills as a doctor, nurse or paramedic while supporting young people’s development and creating change. Develop your medical and leaderships skills whilst working in remote locations.
“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.”
Kathy | Venturer Manager
What you need to be a Venturer Manager?
Our Venturer Manager roles are for people over 25s looking to develop their leadership skills and inspire our young people. Expedition will be mentally and physically challenging. You’ll be doing manual labour on our project sites and challenging yourself on the Adventure Trek.
These are the things we’re looking for:
- You’ll be passionate about creating a lasting impact on the local community and on the Venturers.
- Being enthusiastic about travel is an added bonus!
- The ability to work with a wide range of people, as you’ll be managing international Venturers and local communities.
- Solution-focused leadership is required when faced with challenges.
- An engaging style to ensure Venturer participation.
- Flexible and adaptable to meet the demands of a fast-paced Expedition environment – on project sites or at Fieldbase.
- Ready to get stuck in and put the needs of the Expedition first.
The rewards you’ll gain are far greater than the challenges and will positively impact every aspect of your life!
Apply
Expedition life in South Africa
Community Phase
This community-led project is focused around finding sustainable solutions to issues such as poverty, low levels of education, food insecurity, and unemployment.
You’ll work on these solutions from the ground up, partnered with the community and a local NGO, Nourish Eco Village. Each day you’ll work in and around the community village, working as a team on projects such as building sustainable food gardens, playgrounds and essential infrastructure.
You’ll get the chance to interact with local community members and children, gain an appreciation for the local culture and learn some of the Xitsonga language (one of the 12 official languages of South Africa).
Environmental Phase
We work in partnership with Cape Vulture Conservancy to create sustainable solutions to environmental issues, whilst also supporting community empowerment and education.
You’ll involved in invasive species removal, soil erosion control, bush encroachment thinning and data collection. You will also support the local community through education initiatives with the aim to enhance and increase vocational skills for both young people and adults.
The work will be physical, dirty, and fun, making a difference to the health of the habitat.
Adventure Challenge
Supported by our local experienced trek facilitators and Raleigh leaders, your trek will take you through incredible landscapes and biomes, with stunning routes across the mountains that tourists don’t get access to.
You could be trekking up to 200 km through the Northern Mpumalanga Drakensburg of South Africa that will take you on a journey of personal growth that will continue for the rest of your life. No matter what trekking experience you have, everyone starts and finishes trek together – come rain or shine!
Supporting one another, not giving up and sharing your achievements together will be some of the most memorable and defining moments of your Expedition.
Fieldbase
Induction
At the start of your Expedition you’ll arrive at Fieldbase and have time for training – including safety briefings, codes of conduct and plenty of teambuilding activities to get to know each other.
Changeover
During each phase you’ll return to Fieldbase to ‘changeover’ groups, wash and sort out your kit, learn about your next project and pack up again for the next phase.
Endex
This is when you’ll get the chance to reflect on all your experiences, receive some final feedback from our Venturer Managers and other staff members which should help you continue your personal development and time to say your goodbyes (or plan your next adventures together).
Example itinerary for South Africa
Everyone’s Raleigh Expedition is slightly different – depending on how long you stay and what time of year you go. This is an outline of what you can expect from a 10-week Expedition to South Africa. For a information on camp life and project info, download a sample itinerary.
Arrive at Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport
You will be met by the country team
Venturer Manager training (approx. 2 weeks)
Time for training, team bonding, learning about the upcoming projects and prepare for the rest of the Expedition. You may get the opportunity to do practice trek!
Induction and training (3-4 days)
Get to know your fellow volunteers and prepare for Expedition life. You’ll receive essential training on topics such as health and safety and cultural awareness.
Community Project (19- 21 days)
Each day you will work in and around the community village, working as a team on projects such as building sustainable food gardens and playgrounds.
Debrief at Fieldbase (2-3 days)
At the end of each phase, everyone returns to Fieldbase for a few days before moving on to your next project. You’ll catch up with the rest of the Expedition team and start to prepare for your next project.
Adventure Leadership Project (19 – 21 days)
For this leg of your adventure, you will head to the Drakensberg mountains. Every day is different, including the weather and the accommodation. Go from camping on top of a mountain, sleeping out under the stars to swimming in beautiful waterfalls.
Environmental Project (19 – 21 days)
Take part in physical conservation work in the reserve. The work will be physical, dirty and fun, making a difference to the health of the habitat.
Final review (2 days)
This is when you’ll get time to complete project and feedback reports for individual Venturers; deliver Expedition presentations and celebrate everything that has been achieved. As well as get to say your goodbyes.
Departure from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport
Expedition life in Borneo
Community Phase
In Borneo you and your group will be volunteering on projects with the aim of increasing access to the facilities most needed to support welfare and growth in indigenous areas.
For example: Many Dusun communities are remote and rely on small businesses, subsistence farming or farmers markets, resulting in many of these communities experiencing poverty and underdevelopment. Through the project the group will get involved in planning and construction work to support community initiatives. This may include working on building toilets, community halls, supporting the development of drainage systems, and other smaller projects to benefit the community.
Adventure Challenge
There are two different adventurous experiences – the Leadership Trek and the Jungle Adventure. You’ll also visit an Orangutan Sanctuary.
The Leadership Trek – takes place over 7 days, where you’ll explore the Salt Trail in Borneo’s Crocker Range. The routes are off the beaten track so something tourists don’t normally experience.
The Jungle Adventure – you’ll spend time in Batu Puteh, a Sungai native community living by the Kinabatangan River, working on eco-tourism and jungle restoration projects. You’ll get to see wildlife on a river safari, and go on short night treks and also visit Borneo’s famous Orangutans at the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary.
Environmental project
Over 50% of Malaysian mangroves are found in Sabah, however each year thousands of hectares are disappearing. Industrial level logging and local farming of the nipa plant have resulted in mangrove degradation, negatively affecting the local environment and providing cause for global concern.
You’ll work on a mangrove planting and rehabilitation project, working alongside local experts and communities living near mangrove creeks to revitalise mangrove growth.
Fieldbase
Induction
At the start of your Expedition you’ll arrive at Fieldbase approx. 2 weeks ahead of the Venturers. This is to give you time for training, team bonding, learning about the upcoming projects and prepare for the rest of the Expedition. You will then head out to some of the project sites on a project planning visit (PPV) for 2-3 days to build relationships with community leaders, gain a better understanding of where you’ll be working, and ensure it is a safe, fun and rewarding project site for the Venturers. You will also likely get the opportunity to try out some of the trek routes on a practice trek!
Changeover
During each phase you’ll return to Fieldbase for groups to ‘changeover’, wash and sort out kit, learn about the next project and pack up again for the next phase.
Endex
This is when you’ll get time to complete project and feedback reports for individual Venturers; deliver Expedition presentations and celebrate everything that has been achieved. As well as get to say goodbye.
Example itinerary for Borneo
Everyone’s Raleigh Expedition is slightly different – depending on how long you stay and what time of year you go. This is an outline of what you can expect from a 10-week Expedition to Borneo. For a information on camp life and project information, download a sample itinerary.
Arrive at Kota Kinabalu International airport
You’ll be met by the in-country team.
Venturer Manager training (approx. 2 weeks)
Time for training, team bonding, learning about the upcoming projects and prepare for the rest of the Expedition. You may get the opportunity to do practice trek!
Induction and training (3-4 days)
This is when the Venturers arrive and prepare for Expedition life with your help. They’ll receive essential training on topics such as health and safety and cultural awareness.
Community Project (19 days)
Venturers work together in a Sabah native community on projects which may include supporting construction of community halls, toilet blocks, or village drainage systems.
Debrief at Fieldbase (2-3 days)
At the end of each phase, everyone returns to Fieldbase ‘Camp Tinangol’ for a few days before moving on to your next project. You’ll catch up with the rest of the Expedition team and start to prepare for your next project.
Leadership Trek (7 days)
You’ll conquer a 7-day trek across the Salt Crocker Range. On this trek, every day is different, including the weather and the accommodation.
Jungle Adventure (11 days)
You’ll work on eco-tourism projects, living in a rainforest community with Orang Sunai (indigenous river people), go on river safaris and visit Borneo’s famous Orangutans at the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary.
Environmental Project (19 days)
You’ll work on reforestation activities and mangrove rehabilitation, which will support local wildlife, while also raising awareness locally about these issues.
Final review (2 days)
This is when you’ll get time to complete project and feedback reports for individual Venturers; deliver Expedition presentations and celebrate everything that has been achieved. As well as get to say your goodbyes.
Expedition life in Costa Rica
Community Phase
Sustainable development goals:
1 – end to poverty. 3 – access to education. 8 – economic growth. 9 – infrastructure. 11 – sustainable communities
Why are we there? To improve access to education in indigenous communities
Costa Rica has 24 indigenous territories inhabited by eight different peoples. These regions face significant educational and infrastructural challenges, making volunteer involvement crucial. Raleigh Costa Rica partners with a number of the indigenous communities where Venturers contribute to improved access to education, infrastructure development, and public services, while fostering long-lasting connections with these communities.
For example: The Alto and Bajo Chirripó Indigenous Territory is one of the most remote areas in Costa Rica. There are low levels of school attendance, high levels of illiteracy, and high levels of poverty. One of the key barriers to culturally appropriate development is a lack of education due to poor facilities and difficult access. Venturers work on building school buildings and raising awareness activities with the community on topics like waste management and climate action.
Environmental phase
Sustainable development goals
12 – responsible consumption and production. 13 – climate action. 14 – life below water. 15 – life on land
Why are we there? Costa Rica boasts an impressive 5% of global biodiversity but has areas which are biologically vulnerable.
The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is a true natural treasure. The border area with Panama is facing challenges such as deforestation and habitat loss. These issues intensify the impacts of climate change, leaving indigenous communities who depend on these lands.
What you’ll experience:
- Implement eco-friendly practices to promote sustainability and build environmental awareness.
- Engage with the community to learn about their traditions and approaches to sustainability.
- Acquire essential survival skills such as shelter-building, creating a camp kitchen and locating water sources.
- Attend speeches led by an experienced biologist
- Participate in trail design and clean-up efforts
- Building bird feeder stations
- Hawkwatching – identification and data gathering
- Food garden and nursery planting
Adventure Challenge
You’ll trek approximately 260 km through varying landscapes – rainforest, mountainous and rural community areas.
Trek takes you on a journey of personal growth that will continue for the rest of your life. No matter what trekking experience you have, everyone starts and finishes trek together – come rain or shine!
Supporting one another, not giving up and sharing your achievements together will be some of the most memorable and defining moments of your Expedition.
Costa Rica – Pura Vida trek route
This route is one currently being done by Venturers in Costa Rica. When your time comes, we may be using a different route but it will be similar in length and terrain. Specific trek details will be given out nearer to the time of your departure.
Day 1: Alto Quetzal- Dorbata School
Distance: 9.89 miles
Elevation gain: 1093ft
Terrain: moderate
Day 2: Dorbata – Bajo Pacuare Campamento la Hondura
Distance: 4.61 miles
Elevation gain: 636ft
Terrain: moderate
Day 3: Bajo Pacuare – Finca Vialey Pacayitas
Distance: 6.59 miles
Elevation gain: 2149ft
Terrain: moderate
Day 4: Pacayitas – Atirro
Distance: 11.06 miles
Elevation gain: 2231ft
Terrain: moderate
Day 5: Atirro – El Copal
Distance: 11.23 miles
Elevation gain: 1926ft
Terrain: moderate
Day 6: El Copal/Selva – Hacienda Tapantí (rest here on day 7)
Distance: 7.06 miles
Elevation gain: 28231ft
Terrain: moderate
Day 8: Hacienda Tapanti – Muñeco de Navarro Casa Tanin
Distance: 12.31 miles
Elevation gain: 2215ft
Terrain: moderate
Day 9: Muñecode navarro – Estrella church
Distance: 7.35 miles
Elevation gain: 3179ft
Terrain: moderate
Day 10: La Estrella – Cedral / la Lucha
Distance: 10 miles
Elevation gain: 3875ft
Terrain: moderate
Day 11: Muñeco de Navarro – Tanin House/La Estrella church
Distance: 5.74 miles
Elevation gain: 2113ft
Terrain: moderate
Day 12: Cedral /La Lucha – Quercus
Distance: 11.87 miles
Elevation gain: 1070f
Terrain: moderate
Day 13: Quercus – San Francisco’s community Center
Distance: 8.34 miles
Elevation gain: 1529ft
Terrain: moderate
Day 14: San Francisco – Alto Aguacate
Distance: 8.88 miles
Elevation gain: 948ft
Terrain: moderate
Day 15: Alto el Aguacate -San Juan Community Center (Vegas)
Distance: 12.88 miles
Elevation gain: 1916ft
Terrain: moderate
Day 16: San Juan – Playa Palo Seco airport
Distance: 11.87 miles
Elevation: 56ft
Terrain difficulty: moderate
Day 17: Travel back to Fieldbase
Fieldbase
Induction
At the start of your Expedition you’ll arrive at Fieldbase and have time for training – including safety briefings, codes of conduct and plenty of teambuilding activities to get to know each other.
Changeover
During each phase you’ll return to Fieldbase to ‘changeover’ groups, wash and sort out your kit, learn about your next project and pack up again for the next phase.
Endex
This is when you’ll get the chance to reflect on all your experiences, receive some final feedback from our Venturer Managers and other staff members which should help you continue your personal development and time to say your goodbyes (or plan your next adventures together).
Example itinerary for Costa Rica
Everyone’s Raleigh Expedition is slightly different – depending on how long you stay and what time of year you go. This is an outline of what you can expect from a 10-week Expedition to Costa Rica. For a information on camp life and project info, download a sample itinerary.
Arrive at San José airport
You will be met by the country team
Venturer Manager training (approx. 2 weeks)
Time for training, team bonding, learning about the upcoming projects and prepare for the rest of the Expedition. You may get the opportunity to do practice trek!
Induction and training (4-7 days)
Get to know your fellow Venturers and prepare for Expedition life. You’ll receive essential training on topics such as health and safety and cultural awareness.
Community Project (18-19 days)
You’ll work on community projects agreed with partners and community leaders. Your accommodation will mostly likely be a school or community building and use the facilities attached to it (bathrooms, showers, kitchen).
Debrief at Fieldbase (2-3 days)
At the end of each phase, everyone returns to Fieldbase for a few days before moving on to your next project. You’ll catch up with the rest of the Expedition team and start to prepare for your next project.
Adventure Trek (18 – 19 days)
On this trek, every day is different, including the weather and the accommodation. Go from camping in mountainous areas and sleeping under the stars to bunking in a community centre.
Environmental Phase (18 – 19 days)
You’ll support the maintenance and conservation of existing ecosystems and assist local communities to preserve such a biodiverse nature.
Final review (2 days)
This is when you’ll get time to complete project and feedback reports for individual Venturers; deliver Expedition presentations and celebrate everything that has been achieved. As well as get to say your goodbyes.
Venturer Manager Dates & Costs
All our Venturer Manager roles require a £400 contribution toward your food, accommodation for the 13 week Expedition. We encourage further fundraising to contribute toward the cost of your place.
Find out more about our Venturer Manager pricing and fundraising.
2025
FULLY BOOKED
CYCLE 1
FEB - APR
26th January – 19th April 2025
£400$400$400$400
(and a suggested £400-£600 fundraising contribution)
Application deadline: 9th Dec 2024
Apply now
CYCLE 2
JUN - AUG
11th June – 3rd September 2025
£400$500$500$400
(and a suggested £400-£600 fundraising contribution)
Application deadline: 23rd Apr 2025
Apply now
CYCLE 3
OCT - DEC
26th September – 18th December 2025
£400$500$500$400
(and a suggested £400-£600 fundraising contribution)
Application deadline: 8th Aug2025
Apply now
2026
CYCLE 1
FEB - APR
26th January – 19th April 2026
£400$500$500$400
(and a suggested £400-£600 fundraising contribution)
Application deadline: 9th Dec 2026
Apply now
CYCLE 2
JUN - AUG
13th June – 5th September 2026
£400$500$500$400
(and a suggested £400-£600 fundraising contribution)
Application deadline: 24th April 2026
Apply now
CYCLE 3
OCT - DEC
28th September – 20th December 2026
£400$500$500$400
(and a suggested £400-£600 fundraising contribution)
Application deadline: 10th August 2026
Apply now
2027
CYCLE 1
FEB - APR
24th January – 17th April 2027
£400$500$500$400
(and a suggested £400-£600 fundraising contribution)
Application deadline: 9th Dec 2027
Apply now
CYCLE 2
JUN - AUG
13th June – 4th September 2027
£400$500$500$400
(and a suggested £400-£600 fundraising contribution)
Application deadline: 24th April 2027
Apply now
CYCLE 3
OCT - DEC
27th September – 19th December 2027
£400$500$500$400
(and a suggested £400-£600 fundraising contribution)
Application deadline: 10th August 2027
Apply now
What’s included
- Airport welcome and transfers
- All food, transport and accommodation on Expedition
- 24-hour support from Expedition country & UK office
- Safety expertise
- Extensive pre-departure information and support
- Local orientation, project training & equipment
- Raleigh t-shirt
- Free Nomad & MASTA travel health consultation
- Free Nomad & MASTA Travel Health brief with health risks and vaccination requirements
Not included
- Flights
- Visas
- Vaccinations
- Personal kit
- Travel insurance
- First aid training (Venturer Managers)
A full breakdown of what’s included and not, will be provided on application.
How to apply
We advise Venturer Managers to apply well in advance of Expedition to give you the best chance of getting your first choice of role and country.
Apply online
Complete the online form and upload a copy of your CV / résumé. Please tell us as much as you can about yourself, including relevant skills and experience. Don’t worry if you don’t know which role is right for you – just put ‘undecided’.
Assessment Event
If your application form is approved, you will be invited to attend an assessment event. This also gives you the opportunity to hear more about Raleigh Expedition. If successful, you will then be offered a place on one of our Expeditions.
Confirmation
To confirm your place on Expedition, we will ask you for a deposit of £400$400$400$ when you receive our offer letter. This will be deducted from your total.
Pre-departure
Prepare for your expedition! Our team will support you and send you everything you need for your Expedition. You will then be invited to your Venturer Manager Training event.
Training and support
We have a dedicated team to support you with information and training before and during your Expedition.
ALL Venturer Managers regardless of their role will need a First Aid qualification. Health and Wellbeing Coordinators will need proven experience in using their First Aid certification, for example working with St. John’s Ambulance, as well as a certificate for their Mental Health First Aid Training (or proven experience). Read the full details on first aid requirements.
Whilst some specific experience is required for particular roles, you don’t need specialist skills or knowledge of our projects. We will give you thorough online training beforehand and during your induction when you arrive in your Expedition country.
We will also send you everything you need to know and prepare in advance and share how you can support the personal development of young people on of your Expedition.
“It was an excellent experience, and I am glad I have done all 3 cycles.”
Elizabeth | Venturer Manager
“One of the best aspects has been watching young people develop.”
Greg | Venturer Manager
Why choose Raleigh International?
Being a Venturer Manager on Raleigh Expedition is a unique opportunity to work alongside and support young people and partner with local communities to create lasting change.
Raleigh Expedition is your chance to practically build your skills that could boost your career and life whilst working on meaningful projects in a unique environment.
Our projects are developed in partnership with communities and local organisations to ensure we are creating change that lasts. And by making young people the focus, we are equipping the next generation with the skills and experience to achieve this in the long term.
With over 40 years of experience running expeditions, you will be part of a global community of over 55,000 alumni.
Enquire
Venturer Manager FAQs
Frequently asked questions about Venturer Manager roles.
Do you offer training for Venturer Managers?
Yes, before departing on any of our Expeditions you will be invited to an online training event hosted by our Venturer Journey Team. Once you get into country, you’ll be given 2 weeks of training by our in-country staff team which includes general Venturer Manager training and role-specific training. If you are an Office VM, you will get an extra 5 days of training on top of the 2-week general training.
What flexibility do I have as an office VM?
You will be living and working at Fieldbase and although we try to keep hours between 9-5, there are days where this will vary.
An important part of your role includes project site visits, getting to know the Venturers and supporting with managing any incidents or requests, which may require more time.
On your days off, you have the opportunity to visit the local area or relax. Although we do recommend getting a taste of the local culture and asking staff for activity recommendations!
What are the general expectations of all our Venturer Managers regardless of their role?
During your Raleigh International Expedition, you will be responsible for facilitating and inspiring a diverse group of young Venturers.
You will run energisers and teambuilding activities, support the delivery of Raleigh environmental and community projects, and support Venturers in their personal development, including one-to-one sessions.
You will need to be able to delegate tasks, work alongside the local community and our partners, track the progress of our projects and manage the group environments.
Each Venturer Manager role comes with its own set of specific requirements, however, all of our Venturer Managers need to create a positive and motivating environment.
