Looking for a Career Break? Volunteer in Borneo with Raleigh

  Malaysia

Borneo

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: All year

Description: Raleigh is a youth charity that inspires people from all walks of life, nationalities and ages to get out there and rise to the challenges of life on expedition. We run programmes in Borneo, Costa Rica & Nicaragua and India. Our expeditions are a challenging, but extremely rewarding combination of sustainable community, environmental and adventure projects.

We first went to the island of Borneo (Malaysian state of Sabah) in 1987 and since 2003 have run over 20 expeditions in Sabah, North Borneo. Located on the island of Borneo, Sabah has it all: stunning mountain terrain, equatorial rainforests, and some of the most beautiful islands in the world. Borneo is home to a unique range of plant, insect and animal species found nowhere else on the planet. It also boasts rich marine life with some of the best dive spots in the world. But it is its rich mix of cultures, people and history that Sabah has most to shout about. Over 30 different tribes live in Sabah speaking over 80 different dialects. The people of Sabah practice many different religions, all living and working together to make this a wonderfully friendly place to spend time volunteering on a Borneo expedition.

On every expedition we need between 25 to 40 volunteer managers, aged from 25 to 75, with a variety of skills to lead expeditions or support projects from field bases. Working alongside our permanent in country staff and up to 120 young people, their role is to make sure our volunteer projects are safe, successful and to a high standard.

Volunteer managers make a huge difference to the lives of young people, the local communities and undergo a unique, rewarding journey of their own. Roles include project manager, medic, photographer, administrator, communications officer, finance manager, logistics co-ordinator, and team coach.

Highlights: * Our permanent presence in Borneo means that we know what is needed to really make a positive difference out there. Because of this all of our volunteer projects are sustainable and genuinely needed by the communities we work in.

* Help the development of others Volunteer managers are vital in facilitating the development of young people on expedition and you'll be working with people from all different backgrounds and nationalities

* Get off the beaten track - We often work in national parks and obtain special permits to trek remote landscapes you couldn't access travelling alone

"I joined Raleigh to take time out to learn new skills, meet new people and help young people to develop. Being on the programme has changed me, I'm more relaxed, confident and eager to do this again, and I would recommend joining Raleigh as a VM member to anyone. It has also made me more appreciative of so many more simple things" Kerry Stokes, Project manager, Borneo

"Raleigh has made me develop my leadership skills and feedback skills. I've never done this before so it has been an eye opening experience. It has made me much more self-sufficient and I'm able to cope with difficult situations a lot better than I thought I would." Hazel Kidner, medic, Borneo

Cost in US$: 1350 - 1950 GBP

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: People taking time out of employment, on a sabbatical or career break, or as part of their retirement.

Age Range: 25-75

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Malaysia Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone Interview

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Raleigh 's Mission Statement: We are a youth and education charity. Since 1984 we have inspired over 30,000 people from all walks of life, nationalities and ages to get out there and rise to the challenges of life on expedition. We run programmes in Borneo, Costa Rica & Nicaragua and India. Our expeditions are a challenging, but extremely rewarding combination of sustainable community, environmental and adventure projects.

Year Founded: 1984