Raleigh - two travellers describe their experiences on a Raleigh expedition

Sarah Chan - Finance Manager, Malaysia

"I was a Financial Controller at Fujitsu, and decided to take time out because I was looking at a possible career change. My options were to leave my job or look at other voluntary organisations to take time out.

I joined a Raleigh expedition as a finance manager. The induction phase was good balance between learning about practical skills for jungle life and soft skills to deal with participants.

My key responsibilities at field base were managing the accounts. On the project phase they were empowering participants and identifying their development needs.

The programme has developed me as a person, my confidence has improved, as has the belief in myself and ability to get people to open up and identify with them. I would recommend joining Raleigh as a volunteer manager to others."

Claire Morris - Project Manager, India

"I was working for The Arts Council England, and I joined a Raleigh expedition because I wanted a new challenge, to experience a different culture, and to develop confidence in my ability to succeed.

I was a Project Manager and the Team Coach, which meant my job was to facilitate a group of young people to deliver the expedition aims and objectives while developing their team and leadership skills.

Raleigh offered me the opportunity to develop my own skills further. I learnt camp craft, communications, navigation and first aid. I also improved my coaching, facilitation and negotiation skills. I had to push myself to my physical and mental capacity while on trek, which was such an amazing challenge!

Raleigh has reminded me that there are so many opportunities available to me - so I'm going to start being more creative with my life!"

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