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Raleigh International - all what it's cracked up to be??
Hey,
I'm planning my gap year, which will be starting after this academic year finishes, and doing research on things I want to do, companies I might want to go with and everything related in general.
Raleigh international looks right up my street and all I've heard about it is good. I'm a little cynical though, so have some questions.
It's quite expensive, being a total of 3 grand for 2 and a half months. I wouldn't mind if it was providing a genuine service, but I hear alot of gap year companies serve as simply middle men, doing nothing but take chunks out of the money you hand over. Is RI anything like this? Does the cost match up?
Secondly, has anyone had any bad experiences with RI? It seems brilliant, and like said all I've heard is good, but, there have to be bad points?
Lastly, I've been looking around for detailed references from people that've been and what they think. I don't want to go off the ones that RI provide on their website as of course, they're bound to be good, so, could anyone give me theres?
Oh and, after the expedition I want to do some more travelling around wherever I go (probably South America). I'm not sure if I'd be up for doing that alone (I've heard some things about the dangers of lone female travellers going around S.A, and in any case, I am thoroughly a scardy cat). So, is it likely I'd meet people on the expedition up for traveling post RI?
Responses appreciated
Thanks
I'm planning my gap year, which will be starting after this academic year finishes, and doing research on things I want to do, companies I might want to go with and everything related in general.
Raleigh international looks right up my street and all I've heard about it is good. I'm a little cynical though, so have some questions.
It's quite expensive, being a total of 3 grand for 2 and a half months. I wouldn't mind if it was providing a genuine service, but I hear alot of gap year companies serve as simply middle men, doing nothing but take chunks out of the money you hand over. Is RI anything like this? Does the cost match up?
Secondly, has anyone had any bad experiences with RI? It seems brilliant, and like said all I've heard is good, but, there have to be bad points?
Lastly, I've been looking around for detailed references from people that've been and what they think. I don't want to go off the ones that RI provide on their website as of course, they're bound to be good, so, could anyone give me theres?
Oh and, after the expedition I want to do some more travelling around wherever I go (probably South America). I'm not sure if I'd be up for doing that alone (I've heard some things about the dangers of lone female travellers going around S.A, and in any case, I am thoroughly a scardy cat). So, is it likely I'd meet people on the expedition up for traveling post RI?
Responses appreciated
ThanksScroll to see replies
Heya!
Basically, go for it! I went to Borneo with RI back in 2004 and had an amazing time :-) I spent a month in an area of virgin rainforest doing an environmental project, then a month building a school in a village and then a month trekking through the jungle and learning how to scuba dive on a remote island. I had an awesome time, though it was tough at times, and now i'm looking to go back as a project leader in a few years time.
It's not a middleman company at all, the projects you work on are all funded partly by RI, so you and your group of 10 or so will be the only ones volunteering in any place. You have two project managers who are with you and help you work as a group to get your projects finished. It is a bit expensive, but that's cos it's an expedition company which actually trains you in how to live in the jungle, and then provides you with everything you need for three months, rather than asking you for much less money and just sticking you in some monkey orphanage somewhere :-)
Of course there are down sides, you're bound to get home sick, the work can get pretty tough, and there will be people that you won't get on with. But the friends you make and the fun you have more than make up for all of that. Waking up in the rainforest in my hammock, listening to all the birds and animals is one of my favourite memories of all the travelling I've done, and that's quite a lot.
DOn't worry about meeting people to travel on with, you'll find that a lot of the group have the same ideas and it'll be easy to find people to travel with. There are 1 or 2 training weekeneds before you leave for Costa Rica (I assume), and you can start finding out people's ideas then. I was getting offers of travel partners from the first day of expedition right up until the morning after expedition finished!
RI's a friendly organisation, and nobody will mind if you phone HQ o ask some questions, or join one of the many facebook pages to ask for advice. If there's anything else you want to ask me, feel free!
Oh, also check out on the RI website if there's a support group near you, they can sometimes help out with fundraising. I also got loads of money by spending an afternoon in the library, writing letters to trusts (look through a book called the directory of grant making trusts, or summat like that. It's full of trusts which will give you money if you ask nicely :-)
Cez x
Basically, go for it! I went to Borneo with RI back in 2004 and had an amazing time :-) I spent a month in an area of virgin rainforest doing an environmental project, then a month building a school in a village and then a month trekking through the jungle and learning how to scuba dive on a remote island. I had an awesome time, though it was tough at times, and now i'm looking to go back as a project leader in a few years time.
It's not a middleman company at all, the projects you work on are all funded partly by RI, so you and your group of 10 or so will be the only ones volunteering in any place. You have two project managers who are with you and help you work as a group to get your projects finished. It is a bit expensive, but that's cos it's an expedition company which actually trains you in how to live in the jungle, and then provides you with everything you need for three months, rather than asking you for much less money and just sticking you in some monkey orphanage somewhere :-)
Of course there are down sides, you're bound to get home sick, the work can get pretty tough, and there will be people that you won't get on with. But the friends you make and the fun you have more than make up for all of that. Waking up in the rainforest in my hammock, listening to all the birds and animals is one of my favourite memories of all the travelling I've done, and that's quite a lot.
DOn't worry about meeting people to travel on with, you'll find that a lot of the group have the same ideas and it'll be easy to find people to travel with. There are 1 or 2 training weekeneds before you leave for Costa Rica (I assume), and you can start finding out people's ideas then. I was getting offers of travel partners from the first day of expedition right up until the morning after expedition finished!
RI's a friendly organisation, and nobody will mind if you phone HQ o ask some questions, or join one of the many facebook pages to ask for advice. If there's anything else you want to ask me, feel free!
Oh, also check out on the RI website if there's a support group near you, they can sometimes help out with fundraising. I also got loads of money by spending an afternoon in the library, writing letters to trusts (look through a book called the directory of grant making trusts, or summat like that. It's full of trusts which will give you money if you ask nicely :-)
Cez x
Reply 2
I'm pretty much sold on the idea now. I've seen lots of footage on youtube and it just looks amazing.
One problem though, I really don't know which country to pick. They all look amazing and quite individual so, I'm pretty much spoilt for choice. Any advice??
...I like India because the expedition part is pretty diverse (cycling, kayaking and trekking); I'm scared that because the majority of the expedition sections from Bornea and Costa Rica are trekking, I'd get bored after a while. And, the Costa rica trek looks really tough too, and I'm really not sure I'll manage it (that's another thing, how fit should you be?...I do no sport at the minute and am really anxious about if I'll last, I'm thinking of getting into a sport for prep). But the sights in SA look brilliant. And then there's Bornea. Lakes, being emmersed in rainforest etc. I like the sound of that whole atmosphere.
I really am stuck. I just want to sign up so I can get fundraising but I just don't know where to go.
Oh, and one last thing, what was the highlight of your trip and general highs??
One problem though, I really don't know which country to pick. They all look amazing and quite individual so, I'm pretty much spoilt for choice. Any advice??
...I like India because the expedition part is pretty diverse (cycling, kayaking and trekking); I'm scared that because the majority of the expedition sections from Bornea and Costa Rica are trekking, I'd get bored after a while. And, the Costa rica trek looks really tough too, and I'm really not sure I'll manage it (that's another thing, how fit should you be?...I do no sport at the minute and am really anxious about if I'll last, I'm thinking of getting into a sport for prep). But the sights in SA look brilliant. And then there's Bornea. Lakes, being emmersed in rainforest etc. I like the sound of that whole atmosphere.
I really am stuck. I just want to sign up so I can get fundraising but I just don't know where to go.
Oh, and one last thing, what was the highlight of your trip and general highs??
Reply 3
I'll reply to you properly after the weekend when I'm back at home, got very limited internet right now.
I went to Costa Rica in 2005 with Ralieigh and it was AMAZING. I realised so much about who I was as a person, and it sort of confirmed all of the things I wanted to do at uni (I was 17 at the time) and yeah, sort of I found a direction in life after I'd been on there as I realised that social development was the field I really wanted to work in and I was really interested in issues relating to development. We lived in the rainforest.... not many people can say that
I went to Costa Rica in 2005 with Ralieigh and it was AMAZING. I realised so much about who I was as a person, and it sort of confirmed all of the things I wanted to do at uni (I was 17 at the time) and yeah, sort of I found a direction in life after I'd been on there as I realised that social development was the field I really wanted to work in and I was really interested in issues relating to development. We lived in the rainforest.... not many people can say that
Heya,
hmm I think anyone who replies will say that their expedition country is the best so take what we say with a pinch of salt! In Borneo the trek isn't too long, think it's only about 79 miles or so, over about 12 odd days. In Borneo you get to do your PADI open water as part of the expedition phase, and you spend 2 days climbing mount kinabalu, about 12000 foot high. Don't know if you do PADI in costa rica....
Highlights for me were:
Living in virgin rainforest
Living in a homestay in a remote village during our community phase.
Making some really good mates and staying up late chatting and playing games.
Living on Pulau Mamutik (for the diving, google it for some great pics)
Just being in the rainforest really!
Oh and for the fundraising, remember you can claim back gift aid and Raleigh will count £14 out of every £100 giftaided towards your fundraising total. This'll save you hundreds of pounds. Sneaky, if slightly naughty, tip is to get your friends and family to sign the form Raleigh International give you, saying they've donated you the money and want it to be giftaided. You won't get in trouble and you'll save enough money to buy all your kit.
You don't have to be super fit or anything, but I'd recommend doing some cycling, or swimming or summat. The fitter you are, the more you'll enjoy it.
Cez x
hmm I think anyone who replies will say that their expedition country is the best so take what we say with a pinch of salt! In Borneo the trek isn't too long, think it's only about 79 miles or so, over about 12 odd days. In Borneo you get to do your PADI open water as part of the expedition phase, and you spend 2 days climbing mount kinabalu, about 12000 foot high. Don't know if you do PADI in costa rica....
Highlights for me were:
Living in virgin rainforest
Living in a homestay in a remote village during our community phase.
Making some really good mates and staying up late chatting and playing games.
Living on Pulau Mamutik (for the diving, google it for some great pics)
Just being in the rainforest really!
Oh and for the fundraising, remember you can claim back gift aid and Raleigh will count £14 out of every £100 giftaided towards your fundraising total. This'll save you hundreds of pounds. Sneaky, if slightly naughty, tip is to get your friends and family to sign the form Raleigh International give you, saying they've donated you the money and want it to be giftaided. You won't get in trouble and you'll save enough money to buy all your kit.
You don't have to be super fit or anything, but I'd recommend doing some cycling, or swimming or summat. The fitter you are, the more you'll enjoy it.
Cez x
Reply 5
It does look good, have fun
Reply 6
Cez
Heya,
hmm I think anyone who replies will say that their expedition country is the
hmm I think anyone who replies will say that their expedition country is the
naturally!!
CR 
although I'd have been in love with wherever I went, I assume.Reply 7
Cez
Heya!
Oh, also check out on the RI website if there's a support group near you, they can sometimes help out with fundraising. I also got loads of money by spending an afternoon in the library, writing letters to trusts (look through a book called the directory of grant making trusts, or summat like that. It's full of trusts which will give you money if you ask nicely :-)
Cez x
Oh, also check out on the RI website if there's a support group near you, they can sometimes help out with fundraising. I also got loads of money by spending an afternoon in the library, writing letters to trusts (look through a book called the directory of grant making trusts, or summat like that. It's full of trusts which will give you money if you ask nicely :-)
Cez x
OOh how do you write a letter to them? What do you say? And where do you get that book?
Im going on the 10 week-er to India! SO EXCITED.
Have you heard anything about the India one? I was about to do the Borneo one, but Ive been to India before and REALLY want to go back!
How else did you fund-raise?
Thanks!
Reply 8
allieRAWR!
I'm pretty much sold on the idea now. I've seen lots of footage on youtube and it just looks amazing.
One problem though, I really don't know which country to pick. They all look amazing and quite individual so, I'm pretty much spoilt for choice. Any advice??
...I like India because the expedition part is pretty diverse (cycling, kayaking and trekking); I'm scared that because the majority of the expedition sections from Bornea and Costa Rica are trekking, I'd get bored after a while. And, the Costa rica trek looks really tough too, and I'm really not sure I'll manage it (that's another thing, how fit should you be?...I do no sport at the minute and am really anxious about if I'll last, I'm thinking of getting into a sport for prep). But the sights in SA look brilliant. And then there's Bornea. Lakes, being emmersed in rainforest etc. I like the sound of that whole atmosphere.
I really am stuck. I just want to sign up so I can get fundraising but I just don't know where to go.
Oh, and one last thing, what was the highlight of your trip and general highs??
One problem though, I really don't know which country to pick. They all look amazing and quite individual so, I'm pretty much spoilt for choice. Any advice??
...I like India because the expedition part is pretty diverse (cycling, kayaking and trekking); I'm scared that because the majority of the expedition sections from Bornea and Costa Rica are trekking, I'd get bored after a while. And, the Costa rica trek looks really tough too, and I'm really not sure I'll manage it (that's another thing, how fit should you be?...I do no sport at the minute and am really anxious about if I'll last, I'm thinking of getting into a sport for prep). But the sights in SA look brilliant. And then there's Bornea. Lakes, being emmersed in rainforest etc. I like the sound of that whole atmosphere.
I really am stuck. I just want to sign up so I can get fundraising but I just don't know where to go.
Oh, and one last thing, what was the highlight of your trip and general highs??
I just picked India! I already have my t-shirt, im leaving on 1 March 2010 - come with meeeee!
Wow, I'm so jealous! Hoping to go to Borneo in 2011 as a project manager and get some new t-shirts! Right, i think most libraries have the book, it's called the Directory of Grant-Making trusts. It's a huge book but it tells you which charities or trusts give funding, and what for. The best ones are the local trusts. I got about £1000 that way. You just write letters explaining what you're doing, and how much you need to raise and that. Try this trust as well:
http://boards.gapyear.com/index.php?op=vt&c=4&f=18&t=175592
might be worth waiting till april in general - new tax year and all that. Some trusts have separate deadlines. I paid the rest of the money myself, dunno if Raleigh still do that deal with gift aid where you can have 12.5p of any gift-aided funds towards you personal fundraising total. The trick there is to get cousins, mates etc... to sign the form that raleigh give you saying they gave you the money, doesn't affect their taxes but takes a pretty hefty amount off your total - about £370 if you're paying £2995. LIke i said, dunno if they're still doing that. Try arranging a non-uniform day at school or your old school. Or see if they have a fund for people taking gap years and doing volunteering - got like £300 that way.
HTH
Ceri x
http://boards.gapyear.com/index.php?op=vt&c=4&f=18&t=175592
might be worth waiting till april in general - new tax year and all that. Some trusts have separate deadlines. I paid the rest of the money myself, dunno if Raleigh still do that deal with gift aid where you can have 12.5p of any gift-aided funds towards you personal fundraising total. The trick there is to get cousins, mates etc... to sign the form that raleigh give you saying they gave you the money, doesn't affect their taxes but takes a pretty hefty amount off your total - about £370 if you're paying £2995. LIke i said, dunno if they're still doing that. Try arranging a non-uniform day at school or your old school. Or see if they have a fund for people taking gap years and doing volunteering - got like £300 that way.
HTH
Ceri x
Hey
I went to CR for 5 weeks with RI last summer. I was 17 at the time and thought it was the best experience ever. Yes, its expensive btu well worth it, the company will never leave you etc as other ompanies may do if your injured etc, whereas Raleigh came to be a small community for the 5 weeks with everything you needed. The trek was pretty easy and im not that fit myself and we went to San Lucas island for a few days at the end which was also a great bonus, Theres lots of lovely scenery etc.
Go for Costa Rica :-)
xxx
I went to CR for 5 weeks with RI last summer. I was 17 at the time and thought it was the best experience ever. Yes, its expensive btu well worth it, the company will never leave you etc as other ompanies may do if your injured etc, whereas Raleigh came to be a small community for the 5 weeks with everything you needed. The trek was pretty easy and im not that fit myself and we went to San Lucas island for a few days at the end which was also a great bonus, Theres lots of lovely scenery etc.
Go for Costa Rica :-)
xxx
Reply 11
Hi guys, check out Raleigh website - there is a new fundraising page
http://www.raleighinternational.org/our-expeditions/gap-year/how-do-i-raise-the-money
I would also encourage you to get in touch with the support team, as they helped me loads when I went away.
Enjoy!!
http://www.raleighinternational.org/our-expeditions/gap-year/how-do-i-raise-the-money
I would also encourage you to get in touch with the support team, as they helped me loads when I went away.
Enjoy!!
Yeah the only thing I found about trekforce is that you're on one main project for the time you're out there, but with raleigh you're on three very separate projects, which i preferred for variety. Also raleigh is a charity and much easier to fundraise for because of that, whereas since trekforce changed into a business a few years ago, can be a bit trickier, especially if you're applying for grants and that...
Reply 14
Hi guys, I'm new to the student rooms and I realise this discussion is from 2009 but if any of you are still available for advice it would be appreciated. I'm thinking about going on the 5 week expedition to Costa Rica with RI on 2nd July 2014 but I'm unsure on the total cost of the whole trip. I know its £1,850 for 5 weeks but that's collected through fundraising. I've looked at recommended flights and there between £600-£800 so its adding up. What is the kit list like and how much will all the kit cost (I've done DofE so probably already have some things) but then it says I might need injections or visas? If anyone could help that would be great thank you
Hey Anna, sorry for the late reply, I rarely check this forum these days! I should be able to answer some of your quests if you still need answers? I've just signed up as a project manager for the summer expedition to Borneo next year and probably met some of your project managers at my assessment weekend!
Let me know if you'd still like answers to your questions or any others you may have!
Cez
Let me know if you'd still like answers to your questions or any others you may have!
Cez
Reply 16
Hey Cez, thanks for your reply.
Yeah I'd just like to know about costs really, would I be able fundraising the whole cost or would I be expected to pay some.
As flights and visa's are paid seperate from the trip.
Thank you
Yeah I'd just like to know about costs really, would I be able fundraising the whole cost or would I be expected to pay some.
As flights and visa's are paid seperate from the trip.
Thank you
Sorry for the late reply, I've just got back from some travel myself!
Hmm so you can certainly fundraise for yourself but you need to be clear with people that you're doing this, ie covering the cost of flights as well. Online fundraising platforms like just giving won't allow you to do this because they send the money straight to Raleigh, but if collecting the cash yourself then it's no problem. You could start a fundraising campaign on one of those kick starter type websites.
Last time I went I raised about half the money from local charitable trusts - have you looked at these? This time I'm hoping my boyfriends company will match my donation to Raleigh so I only have to raise half the money. Maybe your parents work for a company which will allow this?
For equipment, try sports direct - they have lots of karrimor equipment for dead cheap. Go outdoors is another cheap gear supplier. Don't skimp too much on boots and rucksack but the rest doesn't matter quite so much.
I think Malaysian visas are free on arrival for Brits,so no cost there.
Any more questions just let me know! I found a good fundraising website from someone going away with a different company - if I find it again I'll post it here.
Hmm so you can certainly fundraise for yourself but you need to be clear with people that you're doing this, ie covering the cost of flights as well. Online fundraising platforms like just giving won't allow you to do this because they send the money straight to Raleigh, but if collecting the cash yourself then it's no problem. You could start a fundraising campaign on one of those kick starter type websites.
Last time I went I raised about half the money from local charitable trusts - have you looked at these? This time I'm hoping my boyfriends company will match my donation to Raleigh so I only have to raise half the money. Maybe your parents work for a company which will allow this?
For equipment, try sports direct - they have lots of karrimor equipment for dead cheap. Go outdoors is another cheap gear supplier. Don't skimp too much on boots and rucksack but the rest doesn't matter quite so much.
I think Malaysian visas are free on arrival for Brits,so no cost there.
Any more questions just let me know! I found a good fundraising website from someone going away with a different company - if I find it again I'll post it here.
Sorry, forgot you're going to Costa Rica! If you have a UK passport you won't need a visa there, but you'll need an ESTA visa if transit through the US. These cost $14 and can be applied for online.
With travel vaccinations I'd recommend speaking nicely to your family GP especially if you've been registered there a long time - they might offer you a discount on some of them. It'll prob still be cheaper than going to a specialised travel clinic.
With travel vaccinations I'd recommend speaking nicely to your family GP especially if you've been registered there a long time - they might offer you a discount on some of them. It'll prob still be cheaper than going to a specialised travel clinic.
Reply 19
Original post by anna_g011
Hi guys, I'm new to the student rooms and I realise this discussion is from 2009 but if any of you are still available for advice it would be appreciated. I'm thinking about going on the 5 week expedition to Costa Rica with RI on 2nd July 2014 but I'm unsure on the total cost of the whole trip. I know its £1,850 for 5 weeks but that's collected through fundraising. I've looked at recommended flights and there between £600-£800 so its adding up. What is the kit list like and how much will all the kit cost (I've done DofE so probably already have some things) but then it says I might need injections or visas? If anyone could help that would be great thank you
Hi!
I went to CR with Raleigh this summer on the 5 week expedition and can honestly say it was the best 5 weeks ever, I'm jealous of you! 
most important is to have a good pair of trekking boots which i presume you have from D of E, and a good back pack. I'd say extras on top of them two like for your mess tins, dry bags, sandals for river crossings ect come to about £300 but I'm sure you could probably make some saves by shopping around! And don't worry too much about taking all the fanciest sports clothes, I thought I'd need "micro fibre, breathable, 100% cotton bla bla bla" shirts, most people have normal shorts and t shirts Hope this is of anyyyy help whatsoever haha! Enjoy! You'll love it
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