Expedition FAQ's
We hope that through these faq's we can answer any burning questions or concerns you may have. However, if there is anything we have missed please give us a call or email and we'd be more than happy to help!
FAQ's for Explorers
How do we raise the money we need for an expedition?
As part of the developmental experience, each student will receive advice and instructions on managing their money and support in the planning of fund-raising events. Suggestions on how to raise funds are emailed to the student monthly.
What are the benefits of going on an expedition?
Travelling through a foreign country with an unfamiliar culture and landscape is utterly different to your everyday life at home, but the exciting and valuable knowledge you gain there will remain with you for many years to come. On your return, your experiences will not only be of social and personal benefit but will also serve as an essential advantage to furthering your education or beginning a career.
What will we need to take with us?
A complete list of personal, group and safety equipment plus recommendations, will be sent out after sign-up. Most important will be a good pair of walking boots! Have a look at our kit list advice page for more useful information on buying your kit.
Can I take my mobile phone away on the expedition?
Our ethos is to enjoy this experience outside the constant pressures of social media and to embrace the expedition away from phones/ technology. Your experience will be so much more memorable if you really enjoy these once-in-a-lifetime moments with your teammates, rather than being on your devices. We do appreciate that many phones are now used for cameras, however, if possible, we do advise you to bring a digital camera instead, these can be bought for very cheap if you dont already have one lying around at home! Taking part in this expedition will be such an eye-opening opportunity, we promise if you embrace living in the moment you won’t even miss your phone!
FAQ's for Parents
How will I learn about School expeditions?
You will be invited to a Parent's information evening at your school, to explain the Overseas Expedition Development Programme in full. Our presentation will include: The Development Programme, adventure activities, expedition costs and payments, equipment, insurance and expedition back-up. The evening will conclude with an informal question and answer session and an opportunity to meet and chat with the Adventure Lifesigns Expeditions team
What safety policies do you operate?
Adventure Lifesigns expeditions operate a comprehensive safety policy covering UK safety guidelines, overseas safety guidelines, 24-hour operations cell, a comprehensive insurance package, worldwide medical cover and satellite communications. We attach equal importance to all areas of our safety policy and ensure that each overseas expedition and UK-based training course complies with our strict recommendations. For detailed information, please contact our office.
What do you know about the destination, have you been there, do you have any contacts there?
The Adventure Lifesigns planning team has travelled to each one of our expedition destinations and carried out extensive research to ensure that the students’ itineraries are achievable, worthwhile, safe and fun! In every destination country, we have established connections with local communities and Non-Government Organisations (NGO’s).
What happens if an accident occurs whilst on an overseas expedition?
In the event of a minor accident, the casualty will be taken to a recognised and suitably equipped medical centre. If the casualty requires further specialised attention, they will be moved to an appropriate facility by the fastest means possible. This is covered by our comprehensive insurance package. Adventure Lifesigns expeditions will be informed immediately of any such situation via satellite communications to our 24-hour operations cell.
Will I be able to speak to them whilst they are on the expedition?
We actively discourage students from taking their phones away. Should a student need to contact home or if you need to get an urgent message to a student, we run a 24/7 operations room for any emergencies. The Expedition Leader will have a local sim card and satellite communication. If a student feels like they need to contact home during the expedition, they can talk to the leader and communicate using these devices.
Our ethos is to enjoy this experience outside the constant pressures of social media and for the students to embrace the expedition away from their phones/ technology. We have also found, from experience, that limiting contact home will help reduce homesickness, eliminate unnecessary worry for parents, and ensure all important communication goes through our leaders and operations team.
Our team will send updates to family after each main phase of the trip – eg after arriving at their accommodation on the first night, after the project, after the trek and before their flight home.
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What is expected from the teachers?
Taking part in an Adventure Lifesigns expeditions development programme requires energy, enthusiasm and a sense of humour, but also the willingness to experience new cultures, unfamiliar surroundings and new situations. In turn, you can be assured of the complete support of Adventure Lifesigns expeditions in every way possible. The continual commitment and support from participating teachers throughout the 6-22 month developmental programme is essential. Teachers need to help facilitate expedition participants throughout the UK-based personal development activities and the overseas expedition phase.
How can I get my school interested in starting an expedition?
Email or call us and we will organise a convenient time to come and give a presentation at your school.
What training will be involved?
All teachers are required to attend the free 2-day Staff Expedition Preparation Course, usually the first weekend of March. They will also participate in EST 1 (3-4 hours at the school) and EST 2 (depending on your expedition, this will be 1-2 days, either at our Adur training centre or near your school). We offer discounts on relevant first aid courses we run throughout the year to all travelling teachers.
What are the benefits of going on an expedition?
Being part of an overseas expedition programme proves an excellent tool for personal development training and is essentially an opportunity to change your own outlook on life. You will see changes, not only in the personal development of the students within the group but also within yourself. The development of your own travel experience, and exposure to different cultures, new landscapes and conditions will alter your perspectives and broaden your horizons. On your return, these experiences can be utilised, allowing you to put into practice newly learned skills like teamwork, leadership and communication abilities, problem solving, planning and organisation, making a positive improvement to your achievement at work and in your personal life.
What happens if an accident occurs whilst on an overseas expedition?
In the event of a minor accident, the casualty will be taken to a recognised and suitably equipped medical centre. In the event of the casualty requiring further specialised attention, they will be moved to an appropriate facility by the fastest means possible. This is covered by our comprehensive insurance package. Adventure Lifesigns expeditions will be informed immediately of any such situation via satellite communications to our 24-hour operations cell.