About Raleigh International

What is Raleigh International?

Raleigh International is a youth development charity which aims to develop young people by empowering them on meaningful and long-lasting conservation and community projects. Raleigh runs expeditions around the world. These expeditions are divided into three phases: Adventure, Community and Environment, each lasting for three weeks.

Here it may be useful to take something from Raleigh’s Mission Statement….

    “To inspire people from all backgrounds and nationalities to discover their full potential by working together on challenging environmental and community projects around the world.”

Raleigh International is different things to different people, and it is the variety that makes the experience worthwhile and interesting.

Is Raleigh International Kuala Lumpur a non-profit organisation?

Yes. We are a non-governmental organisation registered with the Malaysian Registrar of Societies (Reg. No. 1212).

Why choose Raleigh International?

The list of reasons is endless. You should choose Raleigh International because you will:

  • Travel to some of the most remote and spectacular places on earth, some of which require special permit to enter
  • Live with and share in the lives of other communities
  • Develop new skills that will help you stand out from the crowd
  • Discover a part of yourself in new circumstances
  • Make a valuable and sustainable contribution to the country in which you are working in
  • Work with people of all backgrounds and nationalities
  • Have the freedom to travel independently afterwards
  • Benefit from the experienced, qualified voluntary staff on each expedition
  • Receive extensive support and advice from our full time head office staff
  • Know that the money you raise goes only towards supporting a well-established and highly respected charity
  • Be able to choose from at least 10 expeditions throughout the year
Who takes part?

You don't need any special qualifications, experience or abilities. Your background doesn't matter - all you need is the enthusiasm to meet the challenge of expedition life.

On each expedition, in each project group, young people from an at-risk background work alongside gap-year students, graduates, host-country volunteers and young people from all over the world.

The ability to mix concrete, read a compass or provide support to a team member become equally valuable. Expedition life is a great leveller. It is only through the appreciation of the diverse talents within a group that the work can be achieved.

Initial fears of difference between people can be the beginning of strong friendships lasting well beyond the expedition.

 

Applications

How do I be part of Raleigh International Kuala Lumpur or get involved in local projects if I don’t intend to go on Expedition?

To become a member of Raleigh International Kuala Lumpur please e-mail your personal details and explain why you would like to join the Support Group.

We have numerous projects throughout the year, just drop the individual project leaders an email and inform them of your schedule. Show up and be counted.

There will be Raleigh KL monthly meeting every first Saturday of the month. You are invited to join! Contact us for meeting times and venue.

Can I participate on a Raleigh International Kuala Lumpur Introduction Weekend if I’m not from Kuala Lumpur?

Raleigh International Kuala Lumpur’s Introduction Weekend is open to all Malaysians and non-Malaysians who can prove that they have been living in Malaysia no less than 6 months at the time of application are eligible.

Usually, Raleigh KL's Introduction Weekend is held within the proximity of Klang Valley in a remote jungle location. Applicants from other states will be advised to arrange your own transportation to and fro.

For applicants living in Sabah & Sarawak, you can attend an Introduction Assesment Weekend organised by our sister support group in Kota Kinabalu. For enquiries drop us an email info@raleighinternational.org.my

How do I apply to go on an Expedition?

  • Are you 17-25 years old?
    Participants, please fill in the Intro Weekend form and mail the form to us at info@raleighinternational.org.my. You will be asked to attend the next Introduction Weekend

  • Already been on an Intro Weekend?
    Venturers please fill the Expedition Form and RIKL’s Expeditions Officer (info@raleighinternational.org.my) will get back to you as soon as he can.

  • Too old to go as a Venturer?
    To apply for Staff positions on Expedition please send us your personal details and contact number(s)

 

Questions on Raleigh International Expedition

Why have these projects?

All of Raleigh International’s Expeditions are designed in such a way that it not only provides Venturers with the experience of a lifetime, it also benefits the host country in a number of ways. This includes rural development, conservation and important research work.

Do I need to have prior skills?

No, besides being able to swim unassisted and speak a fair amount of English, a Venturer does not necessarily need specific skills. However, some expeditions sometimes feature a diving phase. You will be notified about this and will have to take certified diving lessons before embarking on an expedition.

Any training provided?

Raleigh International Kuala Lumpur conducts a series of Introduction Weekends in a year. These weekends help individuals to assess for themselves their weaknesses and strengths. The Introduction Weekend also serves to introduce life on expedition to participants. Many of the skills needed for expedition can be learnt on one of our Introduction Weekends.

From time to time, Venturers will receive a certain amount of training on topics such as sponsorship, camp craft, packing a rucksack and choosing and buying equipment.

There will also be training at the beginning of expedition to equip Venturers and Staff with the necessary basic skills.

How difficult will it be?

Raleigh International Expeditions are strenuous in nature. However, being in a project team, the Venturer will find help and guidance while on expedition. The Project Staff on each team are there for the Venturers to consult. Venturers and Staff who are planning for an expedition may want to start on some fitness exercise before the expedition.

Who benefits from a Raleigh expedition?

Expeditions benefit a wide variety of people and places:

  • Individual young people from all around the world who take part in expeditions
  • Host country communities working with Raleigh
  • Host country environments, through the work Raleigh international have done
  • Society in general, through increased awareness of the importance of citizenship and volunteering among participant
What is the total cost for me to participate in an Expedition?

We ask most volunteers to fundraise target on behalf of the Charity.  It ranges from RM1,500 for a local Malaysian-Borneo expedition to RM25,000 for an international expedition.   Please ask our Expedition Officer at RIKL for the exact amount for each expedition.

What does the fundraising amount covers? What is not covered?

The fundraising amount covers food, accommodation, transport and insurance throughout the duration of the expedition. Flight to and returning from the expedition country, equipment, vaccinations and personal gear are not covered.

What are the equipments required for expedition? Are they provided? OR do we have to acquire them on our own?

Each participant will receive a list of items to acquire upon signing up for an expedition. This list is specific to the country and contains essential and optional equipment. Participants are advised to obtain  their own items for personal gear such as rucksack and trekking boots as they should fit the individual in view of the demands of the expedition. Other group items are provided during the expedition.

Where can I go?

Raleigh International have run expeditions in over 30 countries including Namibia, Mongolia, Oman, Zimbabwe, Belize, Uganda, Siberia and Brunei. Raleigh is currently running expeditions in Costa Rica & Nicaragua, India & Malaysia.

Expedition dates

Where does the money go?

The fundraising target is a challenge to show their commitment to Raleigh International. The money raised this way accounts for a significant part of RI’s receipts, of which 96% goes on direct charitable expenditure. This ranges from the overhead costs in the UK to project materials in the expedition country, and support for individuals involved in the Motive8 and Youth Development Programmes for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.