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 students CV and UCAS personal statement stand out from the crowd and could improve their chances of securing a place at university and getting the job they want. They 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 are looking for more than just a university education or specific knowledge of a subject.  Young people therefore need to set themselves apart and prove that they possess that special something, have highly developed key skills and have gone that extra mile.

Benefits

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 participants, to ensure not only team objectives but also that each individual can meet goals in areas that interest them. 

We want our participants to make their expedition their own. Each team member will be given the chance to take on key leadership roles on their expedition and will be accountable for important decisions. They will be given the responsibility for their expedition budget and how it is spent, booking the necessary transport and arranging accommodation for the group.

Earn 70 UCAS points

Individual participants can opt to use their expedition experiences to gain themselves 70 additional UCAS points through completing the ASDAN Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE Level 3) for minimal additional cost. This is equivalent to an AS Level Grade A or Higher Leaving Certificate so it is important to bear in mind that there will be extra workload. CoPE Level 3 may appeal particularly to participants on the threshold of gaining the number of points they need to qualify for a university place. Another advantage of this qualification is the motivation that the expedition provides for a participant to persevere with the coursework. We are a registered ASDAN centre and will support you through the process and moderate your project before it is sent to ASDAN for final moderation.

ASDAN Universities' Award

Every participant qualifies for the ASDAN Universities' Award. This award is recognised during the UCAS application process as highlighting a person who has gone above and beyond the standards of an average university applicant.

International Baccalaureate

An Outlook expedition can be used to fulfil the Creativity, Action and Service and Extended Essay elements of the IB Diploma.

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.

Experiential Learning

Expeditions are all about experiencing something first hand, reflecting upon that experience and learning from it. We encourage our participants to set their own objectives which they review at the end of the expedition to take maximum value from what they have experienced and achieved. Lessons learnt while on expedition will remain with participants for life.

Streetwise travellers

Students will experience the freedom of decision making whilst having the backup of the Expedition Leader and Link Teacher being there to guide and support them. 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 under developed 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 on themselves and on their entire team. They are encouraged to become risk aware and to develop a better understanding of the ways in which things can be approached. Participants are taught how to assess risks dynamically and on a continued basis, whether they are out trekking or selecting which hostel to stay in.  Many participants go on to travel independently.  Taking part in an expedition can reassure parents that their child is savvy to risk and has experienced first hand the challenges of travelling in developing countries.

Fundraising

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

For all matters money related click on the fundraising section.

Personal development and transferable life skills

• 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!