Volunteer abroad
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Raleigh Expedition brings young people together from all over the world to impact change for the communities you will work with, environmental change, and change in yourself.
It’s a volunteer experience that you will never forget. You’ll build memories and develop leadership and teamwork skills to apply to your future career and personal life.
During the Expedition you will meet new people, become part of the local community and learn first-hand about local culture. We ensure that communities have the skills and knowledge to continue work done together after you leave.
Aged 17-24? Read on below to find out more.
Aged 25 and over? Find out more about becoming a Volunteer Manager.
Community | Environment | Adventure
People are at the heart of Expedition – working together to inspire others to create change that lasts. On an Expedition, you could have the opportunity to do three different types of projects: Community, Environment and Adventure.
| You X Community | Live and work with local communities, driving change where it really matters. Improve access to water and sanitation facilities and education. |
| You X Environment | Play an active role in combating climate change. Help protect resources and vulnerable environments. |
| You X Adventure | Challenge yourself and discover amazing landscapes. Trek through incredible scenery whilst developing your leadership and teamwork skills. |
Community
You will live and work with local communities, improving facilities and influencing new behaviours that will support communities in the future. You will work with schools and community groups to create awareness about the importance of handwashing and safe water, building water tanks, toilet blocks and handwashing stations; or help improve access to education building schools in indigenous areas.
Environment
Environmental projects give you the chance to play an active role in combating climate change. You will work to sustain natural resources with reforestation initiatives and infrastructure improvements, giving vital access to protected areas. You will work alongside local communities to change habits, for example, promoting firewood alternatives and encouraging the development of a more diverse range of crops.
Adventure
Adventure projects give you the chance to trek through incredible sceneries whilst developing your leadership and teamwork skills. We start and finish our treks together, but you and your team will navigate the route yourselves. It gives you a chance to go back to basics and learn to be self-sufficient, appreciating the environment we live in.
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?
| 10 week Expedition | The 10-week programme is the most immersive Expedition. You will get the opportunity to take part in 3 different projects, in 3 different locations, with 3 different groups. |
| 7 week Expedition | If you don’t have as much time, the 7-week programme is a great option. You will do 2 different projects, in 2 different locations, with 2 different groups. |
| 4 and 5 week Expeditions | We have 4 and 5 week options in July and August. You will work on 1 project and go on a mini adventure. |
Expedition dates
Click the dates to choose when to volunteer abroad below.
February – April 2020
Nepal
| Dates | Weeks | Availability | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08 Feb – 16 Apr | 10 | Places available | 12 Dec 2019 |
| 08 Feb – 26 Mar | 7 | Places available | 12 Dec 2019 |
| 01 Mar – 16 Apr | 7 | Places available | 27 Jan 2020 |
Costa Rica
| Dates | Weeks | Availability | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 Feb – 24 Apr | 10 | Full – call us to talk through your options | 19 Dec 2019 |
| 16 Feb – 03 Apr | 7 | Full – call us to talk through your options | 19 Dec 2019 |
| 07 Mar – 22 Apr | 7 | Full – call us to talk through your options | 13 Jan 2020 |
Tanzania
| Dates | Weeks | Availability | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 Feb – 19 Apr | 10 | Limited availability- call us to talk through your options | 17 Dec 2019 |
| 11 Feb – 29 Mar | 7 | Limited availability- call us to talk through your options | 17 Dec 2019 |
| 04 Mar – 19 Apr | 7 | Limited availability- call us to talk through your options | 8 Jan 2020 |
June – September 2020
Nepal
| Dates | Weeks | Availability | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 June – 06 Sept | 10 | Places available | 05 May 2020 |
| 30 June – 16 Aug | 7 | Places available | 05 May 2020 |
| 22 July – 06 Sept | 7 | Places available | 27 May 2020 |
| 06 July – 08 Aug | 5 | Places available | 11 May 2020 |
Costa Rica
| Dates | Weeks | Availability | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 Jun – 04 Sept | 10 | Places available | 30 Apr 2020 |
| 28 Jun – 14 Aug | 7 | Places available | 30 Apr 2020 |
| 18 July – 04 Sept | 7 | Places available | 21 May 2020 |
| 28 Jun – 26 July | 4 | Places available | 4 May 2020 |
| 29 July – 26 Aug | 4 | Places available | 3 June 2020 |
Tanzania
| Dates | Weeks | Availability | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Jun – 29 Aug | 10 | Places available | 30 Apr 2020 |
| 22 Jun – 08 Aug | 7 | Places available | 30 Apr 2020 |
| 14 July – 29 Aug | 7 | Places available | 25 May 2020 |
| 22 Jun – 20 July | 4 | Places available | 30 Apr 2020 |
| 24 July – 21 Aug | 4 | Places available | 4 June 2020 |
September – December 2020
Nepal
| Dates | Weeks | Availability | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09 Oct – 16 Dec | 10 | Places available | 13 Aug 2020 |
| 09 Oct – 25 Nov | 7 | Places available | 13 Aug 2020 |
| 31 Oct – 16 Dec | 7 | Places available | 24 Sept 2020 |
Costa Rica
| Dates | Weeks | Availability | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04 Oct – 11 Dec | 10 | Places available | 6 Aug 2020 |
| 04 Oct – 20 Nov | 7 | Places available | 6 Aug 2020 |
| 24 Oct – 11 Dec | 7 | Places available | 31 Aug 2020 |
Tanzania
| Dates | Weeks | Availability | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 Sept – 05 Dec | 10 | Places available | 3 Aug 2020 |
| 28 Sept – 14 Nov | 7 | Places available | 3 Aug 2020 |
| 20 Oct – 05 Dec | 7 | Places available | 25 Aug 2020 |
If an Expedition is full, call us on +44 (0)20 7183 1270 to talk about your options.
How much does it cost?
As a charity we talk about fundraising rather than costs, and we encourage everyone to do some fundraising for their Expedition.*
Expeditions are much more than what is achieved in 4, 5, 7 or 10 weeks. They are about creating lasting change. As well as the communities whose lives you will be impacting, don’t forget you will also be developing skills for your future too.
| 4 week Expedition | $3100 |
| 5 week Expedition | $3600 |
| 7 week Expedition | $4500 |
| 10 week Expedition* | $5000 |
We offer lots of ways to help with fundraising and we have supported thousands of young people to reach their target. Find out more information about what’s included and fundraising.
*If your household income is £23,000 or under then you could be eligible for the Raleigh Bursary Fund, which provides financial support for fundraising. Applications are currently open for autumn 2019 and beyond – find out more and apply.
Want to learn more? Attend one of our information events around the country or book a phone call to speak to a member of the Expedition team.
Feeling inspired and ready to get started? Apply now!
