What employers say

Employers are also now increasingly looking for global citizens – individuals who have an understanding of international cultures and issues, and who can work effectively with people from a range of backgrounds. Even if you go abroad on holiday regularly, the tourist experience never quite gives you a real taste of the local life and culture.

Many expedition providers give you the opportunity to spend some time living and working with local communities, but even just getting off the beaten track will give you a better understanding of the country you are visiting.

When looking for jobs, students and graduates also need to be able to demonstrate soft transferable skills, and this is something that employers are regularly saying that schools and universities are no longer providing. When we surveyed students who completed expeditions in 2017, 98% said that the experience was valuable in helping them develop communication, team working, leadership and decision making skills – all valuable in the workplace.

Going on expedition is all about teamwork. You cannot have a successful expedition without it. Young people need to learn how to contribute as part of a team not as an individual. Teams also need leaders and while there are trained expedition leaders and teachers on every trip, most school run expeditions will expect the pupils to take responsibility and share leadership throughout the experience.

Taking advantage of these opportunities really is open to anyone who has the drive and determination to take part. While it is true that expeditions can be expensive, cost doesn't need to be a barrier. As part of the planning for any expedition, fundraising for the trip at school or university helps students develop further skills and experience demonstrating ingenuity, innovation and enterprise.