Raleigh International

I've just signed up to do 4 weeks in namibia this summer, no idea what to expect but i'm worried about raising the money! Also does anyone know how many people go on each expedition?

Good thread. ive got a place for 7 weeks, was wondering how many projects that would squeeze in. Also how good was your spanish before you left?

After reading all the previous Raleigh(ers's?) posts and talking to a few at an information in Manchester, I really cannot wait to go now. Apparently there is a new information dvd/cd which gives you all the information you need from fund-raising advice to what underwear to take.

It's supposedly arriving this week, looking forward to getting it. I'm on a 10 week trip to Namibia in March next year, and I'll hopefully be travelling on after that. As I'd like more time away than 10 weeks, and I'm not wasting an opportunity to see more of South Africa! Not worried about the fitness side of things, back on my old training regime at the gym and I'm biking/squashing more than ever

Only thing worrying me at the moment is some extra large mammals and some extra scarey beasties! But, I've been told not to worry, as you're given great instructions on what do if you see a (insert name of scarey thing here).

Working full time at the moment, raised £2600 already and I'm hoping to do some fund-raising in December when all my friends return from uni. Oh, one question I do have, are there many people who travel on afterwards? If so, what do you reckon my chances are of tagging on with a few? I'm going on my own, which doesn't bother me, I'm trying to rack up some improved social skills for uni, BUT I don't want to be wandering around Africa on my own afterwards

Thanks!
--Saul.

Im really interested in the Namibia programme with Raleigh. The problem is i dont know if ive left it too late as i would like to go in march... when did everybody else book up their programmes? I recently completely changed my gap year plans and now im really worried i wont be able to find anything i like as much as the Namibia trip!!

I registered with Raleigh about 3/4 weeks ago, so if you really want to (which it sounds like you do), and think you can raise the cash soon enough (by January) then go for it!

I'm sure you won't regret it!

--Saul.

Cheers for the reply. Ive emailed them today but no reply so far so ill ring them tomorrow morning. So are you going on the Namibia one right? It looks so good. Ive got a job interview tomorrow for a full time job so hopefully if i get it, i will have enough money for it all. The 3 grand doesnt include flights/visas does it? So how much money will the whole trip cost - more in the region on £4000? I also want to travel on afterwards so ill also need spending money for that i guess. Ahh suppose ill just have to stop going out for the next few months! Nevermind it'll all be worth it!
Did you book online/phone? Then did they ask you for an interview? Thanks.

You can print out the application forms on the site, fill them in and then send them off. This includes 3 passport photos, photocopy of your passport and a medical form (which you also print out) signed by your GP (costs about £20 to get that done, the cheek!).

Once I'd sent my initial application they gave me a ring, had a chat about fund-raising and got to know a little more about me, then sent me a kit of stuff (including my t-shirt, a cd, paying-in information, flight details, etc.). I've just got to send off my passport copy and medical form now as I had to wait for a new passport (check your's hasn't expired as well!) and for my doctor to finish with the forms.

You have to pay a £200 deposit, and then pay in bi-monthly/monthly deposits into a bank-account which you will be given (Natwest). All sounds a bit confusing when I put it like that, but it's not!

I'm trying to save up about £6000 naybe £7000, I'm presently working full time and earning about £200 a week after tax. Trying to organise events and sponsorship around my hours will be difficult, but I'll try, I figure it'll be easier to earn by fund-raising than by working It's been pretty easy not to go out actually, all my friends have gone off to uni and I'm working 3PM-11PM Monday to Friday which means I'm knackered, I'm cutting down, but it's hard!

The flights, insurance, medical costs (jabs) and kit aren't including no, they should cost around £500/£1000 on top, but don't hold me to that (ask them!). Anyway, I hope you decide to go, it'll be great! Good to know someone else will be travelling on as well, keep me company!

Good luck!
--Saul.

There's no fitness assessment with Raleigh international, I went with them to Malaysia/Borneo in my gap year. There isn't a selection weekend any more, that's what some people are talking about, and these weren't assessments either, just weekends of outdorr activities. There is a swim test when you get to your expedition country, think you have to swim about 100m and be able to tread water for a few minutes. This means you'll be able to go to the deserted island to learn scuba diving as part of your adventure phase. Borneo and the whole thing was amazing, i was in the rainforest of Danum valley for a month, building a kindergarten in a mountain village for a month, and scuba diving and hiking for a month.

As the expedition countries go, Borneo is one of the least strenuous. The trek isn't too far because you do some trail work on the way, and the mileage is much lower than other countries. You also spend some time scuba diving on Pulau Mamutik (google it...) It's a good idea to do some exercise before you get there, but only because it'll mean you'll enjoy it more, you'll be able to do it even if you haven't exercised in years. The rainforest is amazing, everything about it. I wish i was there again. To see a few photos, sorry there aren't more at the mo, go to:
www.bugbitten.com/cez

I'm upset now Just checked Raleigh's website and they've changed their dates for the Costa Rica expeditions! I was planning on doing a 7 week trip but from Summer 2007 they no longer offer it but instead a 5 week course, so I thought fine, I'll do the 10 week course instead but they don't offer one for the Summer for Costa Rica and Nicaragua. So either I do the 5 week one or I go to Borneo to do a 10 week one but tbh I had my heart set on Costa Rica

Also, does anyone know approximately how much flights will cost through Key Travel, which is the organisation they use for group bookings just so I can work out how much I need to raise approximately as I know that booking independently flights to Costa Rica will around in the region of £500 but it'll probably be cheaper through a group booking, I'm just wondering if anyone knows how much by?