A note on COVID-19: As a result of the global pandemic, Raleigh has unfortunately cancelled all planned Expeditions for 2020. Full details about this and Raleigh’s ongoing response to COVID-19 can be found here. We are optimistic for our Expeditions in 2021, and we will continue to take every precaution to ensure the safety of all our volunteers and staff.
These are the general timelines for our Field Base roles; our Project Site team will arrive approximately one week after the starting dates given (please do get in touch should you need to know the specific time frame for a role).
Most of our Expeditions are 13 weeks long, although for our Project Site roles we also have shorter Expeditions between 8 and 11 weeks long, departing in June and July.
We advise Volunteer Managers to apply at least 6 months in advance to give you the best chance of getting your first choice of role and country. This will also give you more time to raise your funds.
It is sometimes possible to join an Expedition leaving within three months. To do this please get in touch with us as soon as possible to talk through what’s involved and fast track your application.
How much does it cost?
As we are a charity you can fundraise for some or all the cost of your Expedition. Your money is going to support our work to build a sustainable future for everyone.
Expedition fundraising targets
| 13/14 week Expedition |
£2,700 |
| 13/14 week Expedition beginning in May/June |
£2,200 |
| 12 week Expedition beginning in May/June (Tanzania & Costa Rica) |
£2,150 |
| 9 week Expedition beginning in June (Nepal) |
£2,100 |
Your Expedition costs are not fully covered by your fundraising. All Volunteer Manager roles are subsidised by Raleigh to support our Expeditions.
Our Medic and Adventure Project Managers require specialist knowledge and skills, so the fundraising targets are reduced for these roles. The different targets for Medics can be found on our Medics specific pages. For further information please email internationalresources@raleighinternational.org
Interested in where your money goes? Find out how Raleigh spends its funds.
What’s included?
When you volunteer with Raleigh there are no hidden or extra costs. We include much more than other providers because over the last 30 years we have learnt that a high-quality programme, including safety, in-country support, and working with communities as real partners has better outcomes for all of us.
We provide:
- All food and accommodation throughout your Expedition.
- Airport welcome and all transfers to and from the airport in your destination country.
- Premium, tailored travel and health insurance.
- Leading safety expertise supported by our British standard 8848 safety accreditation.
- All in-country transport costs to project and trekking locations.
- In-country Director and staff team, including medics, providing 24-hour support, planning and in-country partnerships with Government, INGO’s and local project partners.
- UK operations team providing planning, medical, safety and security support with 24-hour back up to country offices.
- Comprehensive pre-departure information and support.
- All necessary project training by experienced staff.
- All project equipment, supplies and tools.
- Project evaluations and impact reporting against the sustainable goals framework.
- Post-Expedition alumni membership, services and discounts.
What’s not included?
- Flights
- Visas
- Vaccinations
- Personal belongings (for example rucksack, walking boots, sleeping bag etc.)
How to Apply
Ready to apply? Here are the stages of making an application so you know what to expect.
Step 1 – Apply online and upload your CV/résumé
Complete the online form. Please tell us as much as you can about yourself, what you are currently doing and what relevant skills and experience you could bring to an Expedition. Don’t worry if you don’t know which role is right for you; just put ‘undecided’. As part of the form you will need to upload a copy of your CV / résumé (along with the applications task if applying for the Content Creator role).
Step 2 – Expedition Discovery Weekend
If your application form is approved, you will be invited to attend our Expedition Discovery Weekend based in East Grinstead, Sussex. We hold about eight of these a year and will let you know upcoming dates. If you are based outside of Europe we will arrange a Skype or telephone interview with you instead.
The Expedition Discovery Weekend is a fun and intensive weekend, designed to give you a taste of Expedition life – so be ready to get your hands dirty!
The weekend is facilitated by Raleigh alumni and will give us the chance to assess you as a potential Volunteer Manager. It also gives you the opportunity to decide whether Raleigh is right for you and ask our alumni about Expedition life.
We will be in touch within one week of this event to let you know if you have been successful. You will then be offered a place on one of our Expeditions as a Volunteer Manager, which is valid for two years from your application.
Step 3 – Deposit
To confirm your place on Expedition, we will ask you for a deposit when you receive your offer letter. This will be deducted from your fundraising target total.
Step 4 – Pre-departure preparation
Our Volunteer Coordinators will support you to get started with your fundraising, book your flights, vaccinations and visas. You will then be invited to your Development Weekend to meet your team and start your training. For more information on this please see our training and support page.
