World Challenge Expeditions

World Challenge is a for-profit UK provider of school expeditions. The company is over 26 years old. World Challenge is a multinational organisation with businesses in North America, Australia, Middle East, South East Asia and Europe and is part of the TUI Travel Specialist and Activity Sector.

Overseas expeditions 3 to 6 weeks

Standard expeditions on offer last 3 to 6 weeks in developing countries, targeted at students aged between 15 and 18. The programme involves 15 to 20 months of preparation, to train team members in the necessary skills and enable them to raise money to fund the costs of the trip. This build-up phase includes several meetings with the team facilitiated by World Challenge - these include; the 'Acclimatisation Meeting' where they learn about money management, fundraising, researching their destination, team building exercises. This is followed by the 'Challenge Meeting' where the team design and plan their expedition. The session ends with a parents update evening.

They then complete a two day, one night training expedition in the UK which is designed to give participants greater responsibilities and decision-making roles.

Most expeditions are split into 4 phases:

This is designed to get challengers used to the rigours of trekking within that country.
The challengers trek for an extended period (up to 2 weeks) in more remote areas. This pushes challengers to their limits as some of the areas are highly demanding both physically and mentally, but in most cases this is rewarded by exploring areas that few people have ever seen.
Challengers spend time working in a local community, taking part in conservation, construction and other charitable projects. This is thought to be one of the most rewarding parts of the expeditions as challengers may make a real difference.
The challengers experience some of the adventure sports and activities the country has to offer, relax after the rigours of their exhibition. Activities include white water rafting, diving and visiting famous attractions.

Each team travels with a Teacher (School Leader) and an Expedition Leader. Depending on the number of students an Expedition Assistant might be required to ensure the ratios of adults to minors is met. All Expedition Leaders and Assistants have to meet strict criteria on the experience and qualifications they hold. These are also set out as part of the British Standard 8848 and the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge, both of which World Challenge hold.

Costs depend on the country teams travel to and the length of time they spend there as well as the activities they want to take part in.

Overseas Compact expeditions

World Challenge Compact are 1 and 2 week expeditions overseas to destinations including Morocco, Jordan, Ghana, Ethiopia, Swaziland, India, Thailand, Norway, Poland, Croatia and Montenegro.

Training courses

World Challenge runs a number of courses for Expedition Leaders, potential Leaders, School Leaders and people interested in outdoor education training. They offer courses for qualifications in leadership, first aid and outdoor activities.

External links

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