Raleigh International
Unique and challenging adventure, community and environmental projects overseas.
Raleigh International is a youth and sustainable development charity founded by Prince Charles as 'Operation Raleigh' nearly 30 years ago. Based in London, we run expeditions in Borneo, India and Costa Rica & Nicaragua. We bring together people of all ages and backgrounds on our 5, 7 and 10 week expeditions. On an overseas expedition with Raleigh you'll work on much needed community and environmental projects, plus undertake a challenging adventure phase. A Raleigh expedition is perfect for people who are looking to develop key employability skills, explore new cultures and make a real difference to the world they live in.
Venturers (17 - 24 year olds) chose from 5, 7 or 10 week expeditions to Borneo, Costa Rica & Nicaragua or India.
'Raleigh developed me mentally, and I feel like I would be able to face challenges with a more focused and steady mind as well as appreciate and understand persons of a different background to me.' Alex Jaggard, Costa Rica & Nicaragua
'I learned a lot about myself, that I can do a lot more than I thought I could and if you are contemplating giving up, don't; the personal satisfaction you get in completing things makes it all worth it.' Georgina Rumbellow, India
The projects:
The type of projects you work on vary from country to country, these are just a few examples of the kind of things to expect.
Community project - experience a unique cultural exchange by living and working alongside local communities on a project, like providing sanitation units for rural villagers in Southern India
Environmental project- help protect and preserve the country's beautiful wildlife and natural habitats, like working at a sun bear conservation centre in Borneo
Adventure project - challenge yourself on a tough test of tea
mwork and perseverance, like trekking the width of Costa Rica from the Caribbean to the Pacific coast
Why choose Raleigh International?
• We work on worthwhile and sustainable projects - having a permanent presence in all our host countries we know what is needed to really make a positive contribution there
• We access remote areas - we often work in national parks and obtain special permits to trek remote landscapes you couldn't access travelling alone
• We're safe - safety is our utmost priority and we ensure all volunteers receive comprehensive safety training
• We encourage volunteers to be all they can be - our expeditions enable a diverse range of volunteers, including disadvantaged youths and host country participants to develop key skills for life
• We are a charity - all monies raised cover the cost of the expeditions including the development and materials for projects, as well as providing bursaries for host country participants and disadvantaged young people
• We are for life - volunteers are able to share their memories, experiences and skills with a growing network of over 30,000 like-minded people who want to keep contributing to society on their return
• We evaluate our work - we commission and issue our own reports and case studies to evaluate the impact our expeditions have on participants, and the communities we work in
Those aged, 25+ can apply as volunteer managers to help lead and facilitate the expeditions for young people.
The Raleigh Bursary Award
Fundraising is a key part of everyone's journey onto a Raleigh expedition and we know how much of a challenge it can be.
We recognise that not everyone's personal situation is the same, so we work hard to be able to offer a range of bursaries to young people aged 17-24 so that they can reduce the cost of the expedition. This enables everyone to have a fair chance of taking part in Raleigh, especially those who, without this additional support, would find the full fundraising target a challenge too far.
Both one-third and two-thirds bursaries – worth up to £2,000 - are available for young people who apply directly through us.
You are eligible to apply if you:
Are aged 17-24 at the time of departure on expedition
Have British citizenship or have permanent residence status in the UK (due the nature of the funding we have received)
Can commit to a 10, 7 or a 5 week expedition
Would be able to demonstrate to us that, due to your personal financial situation, you would not be able to take part in an expedition without a bursary
Find out more and apply online via the Raleigh International website.
