Expeditions

• Why go on an expedition?
• Where can I go on an expedition?
• Can I be an expedition leader?
• How much do expeditions cost?
• Further information

Why go on an expedition?

Expeditions have long been a traditional part of the gap year experience. Many organised expeditions now include an element of volunteer work - for example, trekking into the jungle to help clear paths or carry out scientific research.

Expeditions can teach you a host of practical skills, as well as helping develop confidence, improving your problem-solving ability and encouraging you to face challenges.

Where can I go on an expedition?

Many career breakers find that the more remote the expedition, the better! Your expedition could take you into rainforest, jungle, desert or arctic environments. You can end up scaling mountains, going sandboarding, climbing trees, or scuba diving. Some career breakers opt for 'extreme expeditions' which challenge you even further (eg trekking across the Sahara).

Can I be an expedition leader?

Yes, if you have the right experience and/or qualifications. Some career break and gap year organisations recruit leaders and assistant leaders for specific expeditions - perfect for a career breaker who wants a real challenge and has leadership experience. These are sometimes on a voluntary basis but some expedition leader posts are paid.

What do expeditions cost?

As with so many career break options, it depends on where you go, what you do and how long you go for. The more remote and extreme expeditions will cost more, and if you are doing volunteer work, some of the money you pay will go to sustaining the projects you are working on. Prices start in the hundreds of pounds, going up to several thousand for, say, an Arctic expedition. Your expedition organisation will often offer help and advice on fundraising if you need it.

Further information

• See a list of companies offering expeditions
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