Why Raleigh International?

With an increasing variety of options for volunteering abroad, it can be hard to find the right organisation to suit your needs. There are many reasons why our volunteers choose Raleigh International, but why should you?

Our projects are worthwhile and sustainable

We're unique because each of the countries we operate in has a permanent headquarters, with permanent members of Raleigh staff building long-term relationships with the government, NGOs and local communities. We only work with partners who have a genuine need, so you'll be making a positive contribution to the host country.

We support our charitable activities with all money raised

As a charity we're able to encourage people from all backgrounds and nationalities to join an expedition. We put money raised into funding the development and materials for projects as well as for bursaries for participants from the host country and disadvantaged young people from the UK and other countries.

We encourage our volunteers to be all they can be

Our expeditions are tough, but enable you to develop key skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, perseverance and leadership. All of these are sought by employers and will help set you apart from the crowd.

We give you real responsibility

Volunteer managers are given real responsibility from day 1. This allows you to use and develop your professional skills overseas, safe in the knowledge that you are making a tangible, positive difference to both the young people on expedition and host communities in which we work.

We offer a postgraduate certificate

In recognition of the challenging project based roles carried out by many of our volunteers, we offer a postgraduate certificate in International Field Leadership, in partnership with Birkbeck, University of London. This qualification can be taken retrospectively; up to five years post expedition.

We access remote areas

Having a permanent presence in the host country and partnerships with government ministries, NGOs and local communities means we often work in national parks and other areas that are not open to tourists. We're also able to obtain special permits to trek through remote landscapes you couldn't access travelling independently or through other volunteering organisations.

We're safe

Safety is our number one priority and our volunteers all receive comprehensive safety training. We comply with the British Standard (the BS 8848) for the safe management of overseas ventures and we are regularly audited. This British Standard provides a rigorous standard for organising and managing visits, fieldwork, expeditions and adventurous activities outside the United Kingdom.

We're more than just an expedition. We are for life

The friends, memories, experience and skills you'll take away from our expeditions will remain with you for a long time, and could even present new career opportunities! You'll be joining a network of over 35,000 alumni keen to share their stories and make a contribution to society on their return.

Don't take our word for it, watch our videos, browse our volunteer stories and read our blogs to find out more about our expeditions and what life on Raleigh's really like.