The benefits of going on expedition

An expedition is a chance to travel and venture down paths you might not tread by yourself. Participants emerge from the expedition experience confident, focused, self-aware and with their sights firmly set on their futures.

Participating in an expedition will make your CV and UCAS personal statement stand out from the crowd and could improve your chances of securing a place at university and getting the job you want. You may leave school for university or may enter the world of work immediately; one thing is for certain, in a highly competitive job market it is becoming increasingly recognised that employers and universities are looking for more than just good grades.  You therefore need to set yourself apart and prove that you possess that special something, have highly developed key skills and have gone that extra mile.  What better way to do this than to take part in an expedition!

Below are just some of the key skills you will develop as a member of an expedition team;

• Confidence, self-esteem, maturity, self-reliance and independence.
• The ability to be part of a team, to lead and be led.
• An ability to communicate with others, friends and new acquaintances, day to day and under pressure.
• An understanding of the importance of humility, empathy, compassion, gratitude and pride.
• Organising, planning and preparing.
• Skills to assess and manage risk.
• Financial management, budgeting and the value of money.
• Knowledge to travel safely and responsibly through other countries.
• A bank of stories to last a lifetime!

Tailor-Made Objectives

Outlook appreciates that every team of participants is different.  This is why we decided to make every expedition different too.  We Tailor-Make our itineraries with input from you the participants, to ensure not only team objectives but also that you can meet individual goals in areas that interest you. 

Remember, the expedition is led by you! Each team member will be given the chance to take on key leadership roles on their expedition and will be accountable for important decisions. You will be given the responsibility for the expedition budget and how it is spent, booking the necessary transport and arranging accommodation for the group.

Experiential Learning

Expeditions are all about experiencing something first-hand, reflecting upon that experience and learning from it. We encourage you to set your own objectives which you will review at the end of the expedition to take maximum value from what you have experienced and achieved.

Streetwise travellers

You will experience the freedom of decision making whilst having the backup of the Expedition Leader and Link Teacher being there to guide and support you. Taking part in an expedition is the perfect introduction to gap year travel or future work overseas.

Managing risk

Managing risk and decision making are skills which are often underdeveloped in young people growing up in modern society. Risk management and safe travel is a crucial element of Outlook's programmes. Participants are taught that their actions have an effect both on themselves and on their entire team. You will be encouraged to become risk aware and to develop a better understanding of the ways in which things can be approached. You will be taught how to assess risks dynamically and on a continued basis, whether out trekking or selecting which hostel to stay in.  Many participants go on to travel independently. Taking part in an expedition can reassure your parents as well as yourself that you are savvy to risk and have already experienced first-hand the challenges of travelling in developing countries.

Fundraising

One of the key benefits of participating in an expedition programme is to develop and use your entrepreneurial skills to raise the money to fund the expedition.

For more information about fundraising click on the fundraising link to the left.

Personal reference

At the end of the expedition the Expedition Leader will write a personal reference for each participant, recording what they have achieved over the course of the expedition.