Training and support

So, your place on expedition has been confirmed. What's next? Where ever you are in the world, we're on hand to give you training and ongoing support before you go.

Training

Pre Expedition Training (PETE)

You will be invited to a pre-expedition training event (PETE) which is a one day event where you'll be able to meet other venturers going on expedition. You'll learn about what life is like on expedition and how to make the most of your time away. Plus you'll receive medical, kit and fundraising advice as well as your Raleigh T-shirt. PETE's take place all year round, at several locations in the UK.

What if I don't live in the UK?

Currently all the training events take place in the UK but international participants are also encouraged to attend where possible. For those who are unable to attend, all necessary training materials can be sent out electronically. Please contact your support coordinator at Head Office for latest dates and availability.

You can attend as far in advance of your expedition as you wish. Please contact your support coordinator to book your place.

If you are based in Borneo, Costa Rica, Nicaragua or India, you will also have the opportunity to take part in training prior to the expedition. Your Host Country Venturer Coordinator will let you know what training is available to you.

Support

Getting involved
Once you have applied, your support coordinator will be in contact within 7 working days of receiving the deposit with welcome information and details of all the essential next steps in the process. You'll receive information on fundraising, general health, vaccinations and kit list for your chosen country and details about our travel and medical insurance.

Getting flights
We have recommended flights for each expedition. These are not compulsory, but you'll need to meet its arrival to join your expeditions team on the specified date and time

Getting to know other venturers
It's a good idea to get to know the other venturers coming on your expeditions and those who have been before. You can do this by joining our support groups and societies formed by returned volunteers around the world keen to share their knowledge and Raleigh experiences. You can also join your expedition's Facebook group to chat about all things Raleigh with other venturers who will be out there in the field with you.

Training in Country

Once you arrive in country, you will go straight into your venturer induction. This lasts 4-5 days and will take place at/near field base. You will learn all about the different projects that are happening on your expedition, lots about the country, and facilities available at/near field base.

You will also find out your project allocation for phase 1. You then spend the rest of the induction period with your phase 1 project group undergoing radio training, medical/first aid training, how to cook your meals on a Trangia and building your own jungle camp! The skills learned in these first few days will prepare you for the rest of your Raleigh experience!

Finally you'll finish your induction at field base by getting everything ready for your first phase – packing as a group all the food and equipment you'll need, and then you'll have a good old Raleigh party at field base to send you off to your first project!

Post-expedition support

Your Raleigh experience doesn't have to end once you step off the plane at the end of your expedition! We offer a whole range of ways for you to stay involved as part of Raleigh's 4th challenge.

Firstly, you'll receive a Welcome Back email; containing all the information you need about how to stay part of the Raleigh International community – either in the UK or abroad. You'll also be invited to join our Alumni network, made up of over 35,000 alumni in 48 different countries! As a member of our Alumni network you'll have access to expedition reunions, regular updates from our work in our host countries and the UK, online platforms to help you stay connected with your projects and expedition friends, a 10% discount on further expeditions and an invitation to join our global ambassadors' programme. This programme provides you with valuable campaigning and communication skills so you can get out and inspire others about sustainable development.

So, from going back to your old school to give a talk, to taking part in the 3 peaks challenge to raise money for ongoing projects in your expedition country, there is so much you can do to continue to support Raleigh after your expedition has ended.

The expedition is just the beginning!

To find out what life on Raleigh's really like read our blogs.