Course Description
a typical day on this gap project
Forget about life as you know it when you arrive in the ‘land below the wind’. Borneo has fascinated travellers for generations. It is the home of the orangutan, proboscis monkey, pygmy elephant, ancient rainforests, tropical jungle, and rich indigenous cultures.
A 5, 7 or 10-week Expedition in Borneo provides exposure to different people, new cultures, situations, and environments. You will get the chance to take part in up to three projects, dependent on the length of your Expedition: Community, Environmental and Adventure Challenge.
A Raleigh Expedition in Borneo is a unique opportunity to help raise environmental awareness and tackle poverty, whilst experiencing real Borneo. Your days will be spent working on a community-led project, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals. It could include helping to improve access to water and sanitation facilities, promote hygiene behaviours, or sustainable use of natural resources. You and the team will be working with our local partners and the community themselves, to create lasting change together. It will be both challenging and extremely rewarding.
You will also get the opportunity to take part in an exhilarating Adventure Challenge where you'll trek through the Crocker Range. It’s a magical part of the world – mountains, forests, rivers, waterfalls. Led by our expert local jungle guides and Raleigh leaders, you will trek through the jungle. You and your team will see some of the most beautiful and naturally diverse ancient jungle and tropical rainforest in the world. You’ll camp in the rainforest too; cook on open fires, chat, and sleep under starry skies shining through the tree canopy above, with the wonderous chatter of the jungle lulling you to sleep. The local guides are the heroes of our trek. They teach you about survival and camp crafts, and share stories about local tribes and their customs.
Program Highlights:
- Immerse yourself in a rural community in the heart of Borneo – learn about local life and customs.
- Work on meaningful community led projects, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Take part in an adventure trek. Challenge yourself, get muddy, see amazing scenery & wildlife and sleep under the stars.
- Make your CV stand out - develop key skills that will set you up for the future.
- Make genuine, lasting friendships and grow a network which covers the globe.
Would you be a good fit?
the requirements for this course
We need Venturers aged 17-24 and we also have Venturer Manager positions available for those aged 25 and over.
Raleigh’s Venturers come from all over the world and we welcome individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and life stages. All you need is an open mind, commitment, and a desire to change your world for the better.
As a volunteer with us, you could join an Expedition in Malaysian Borneo, Costa Rica, or Kenya. A Raleigh Expedition is a once in a lifetime experience. You’ll meet and collaborate with people from all over the world including local volunteers from the country you are in. You will also immerse yourself in another culture and develop new skills, whilst using your passion and positivity to drive sustainable change where it is really needed.
It won’t be easy. Our Expeditions are tough! You will be challenged but we are here to support you from now until you complete your Raleigh programme and beyond.
What can we offer you?
why choose us for your gap year
Volunteering on a Raleigh Expedition gives you the chance to get involved with a variety of projects. Bring your determination to a community development project, learn about protecting vulnerable environments on an environmental conservation project, and challenge yourself on our tough adventure phase.
You can join an Expedition for 5, 7 or 10 weeks. Our Expeditions in Borneo take place twice a year starting in February - April, and October to December.
If you volunteer on a 10-week programme, you will take part in all three phases of the programme: community, environment, and adventure.
Volunteers on a 7-week Expedition will complete two of the three phases.
Those on a 5-week Expedition will either do a community or environment project and a shorter adventure challenge.
