Surge in Summer Applications

Online, July 14, 2011 (Newswire.com) - This summer, Raleigh International has taken a record number of young people on its expeditions abroad. The youth and sustainable development charity has experienced a massive increase in 17 to 24 year olds applying for its expeditions this summer. Applications are up by 25 per cent on last year, with 50 per cent of these aged between 17 and 19, suggesting that young people are thinking about taking time out whilst they are still in education to improve their chances of getting into university or getting a job later on.

With many young people concerned over the higher tuition fees and increased competition for university places, they are looking for ways to boost their CVs and UCAS application forms to help them stand out from the crowd. Raleigh are experts in the gap year field, and as a charity, they provide educational and experiential learning through adventurous challenges. They give young people the chance to develop key soft skills such as team work, leadership and increased confidence and can offer bursaries to some young people who wouldn't be able to afford to go otherwise.

Ffinlo Moore, from the Isle of Man, volunteered with Raleigh in the summer last year whilst he was still at university. He said, "I needed a personal challenge to test my limits in tough conditions and Raleigh seemed the best option. I believe Raleigh has actually helped me structure my life better and achieve more in my final year at university." Ffinlo has recently just graduated and plans to study a Masters in Norway.

Amy Barrow, from Plymouth, volunteered with Raleigh last summer. She said; "I chose to join a Raleigh expedition to enhance my employment prospects as the market is extremely competitive. I wanted to enhance my CV whilst having an opportunity to travel and make a difference. Working on community projects with Raleigh gave me the chance to do this. I was attracted to Raleigh as I feel that it is a worthwhile organisation with sustainable objectives and projects that really make a difference."

"We are seeing an increasingly savvy group of young people applying to Raleigh," Raleigh's chief executive Stacey Adams commented. "They are choosing Raleigh because they are aware that they need to make good use of the time they have available during their education and see Raleigh as a constructive way of equipping them with the skills and experience they need."

Raleigh is calling for young people to plan their gap years carefully and to make sure they are doing something that will add to their skills and experiences if they are taking time out between school and further education or work. Applications for Raleigh's autumn expeditions are still open but young people are urged to get their applications in as soon as possible