Frequently Asked Questions

Booking is simple.

Complete the online booking form and secure your child's place with a deposit. Once booked, we'll guide you through the next steps, including flights, travel documents, medical forms, parent information and pre-departure preparation.

Our team is available throughout the process to answer questions and ensure both parents and students feel fully prepared for the adventure ahead.

Once booked, students receive a detailed destination-specific packing list covering everything they need for the programme.

This includes guidance on clothing, footwear, travel documents, medication, luggage and any specialist equipment required for activities. We aim to help students pack efficiently without bringing unnecessary items.

Our team is always available to answer any packing questions before departure.

Requirements vary depending on the destination.

Before departure, we'll provide detailed guidance on passports, visas, travel authorisations and any vaccinations that may be recommended. We always advise parents to consult their GP or travel clinic for the latest medical advice relating to their child's destination and individual circumstances.

We provide plenty of notice to ensure families have time to organise everything before departure.

Our programme fees typically include accommodation, meals, in-country transport, project activities, leadership, airport transfers, emergency support and all planned itinerary activities.

What's included can vary slightly between destinations, so we'll always provide a detailed breakdown before booking.

Our aim is to make budgeting straightforward and ensure families understand exactly what is covered before departure.

Most students travel on a designated team flight, allowing them to travel alongside other participants and be met by our staff on arrival.

Our team provides detailed flight information well in advance of departure and can help coordinate travel arrangements for students joining from different parts of the UK or overseas. Once students arrive, they are transferred to the programme accommodation in private vehicles arranged by The Leap.

Travelling as part of a group helps students feel more confident and ensures a smooth start to the adventure.

Yes. Students will have regular opportunities to contact home during the programme.

Wi-Fi availability varies depending on the destination and activities, particularly in more remote areas, but students will typically be able to access messaging apps, email and social media at various points throughout the trip. Many participants also choose to purchase a local SIM card or eSIM for additional connectivity.

While staying in touch is important, many parents find that a little time away from constant connectivity helps students become more independent, confident and engaged in the experience around them.

Students stay in comfortable, safe accommodation selected specifically for youth groups.

Accommodation varies by destination but typically includes shared rooms, communal spaces and facilities that encourage team bonding and social interaction. We carefully assess all accommodation for safety, comfort and suitability before including it in a programme.

Our goal is to create a welcoming environment where students feel secure, supported and part of the team.

We believe the best programmes balance structured activities with opportunities to relax and enjoy the destination.

Students have time to socialise, play sports, explore local surroundings with the group, relax at the accommodation and reflect on their experiences. While activities are carefully planned and supervised, there is also space to unwind and enjoy being part of the team.

Many of the strongest friendships are formed during these informal moments between activities.

Projects vary depending on the destination, but all are designed to provide meaningful experiences and genuine opportunities to contribute.

Students may find themselves restoring coral reefs, supporting environmental initiatives, learning about sustainable livelihoods, assisting community projects or working alongside conservation professionals.

We partner with carefully selected organisations that are already making a positive impact, giving students valuable insight into real-world challenges and solutions.

No two days are exactly the same, which is part of what makes the experience so exciting.

A typical day might include project work in the morning, such as marine conservation, community initiatives or environmental projects, followed by cultural activities, team challenges or adventure experiences in the afternoon.

Along the way, students have opportunities to learn from local communities, work alongside project leaders and spend time with their team. Every programme is designed to balance contribution, cultural immersion, adventure and downtime.

We provide 24/7 support throughout every Under-18 programme.

Students have access to experienced in-country leaders, local project staff and UK-based backup support throughout their time overseas. Comprehensive emergency procedures are in place covering medical situations, travel disruption and other unforeseen events.

Our team has been organising youth expeditions since 2002 and is experienced in supporting students, parents and schools should any issues arise.

This allows parents to feel confident that their child is being supported by experienced professionals throughout the adventure.

Feeling nervous or homesick is completely normal, especially for students travelling independently for the first time.

Our leaders are experienced in helping young people settle into life abroad and quickly become part of the team. Most students find that once they are involved in activities, making friends and embracing the experience, any initial nerves disappear surprisingly quickly.

If a student is struggling, our leaders provide reassurance, encouragement and additional support where needed. We work closely with students to help them build confidence and enjoy the experience to the fullest.

Many of our most nervous participants go on to describe the programme as one of the best experiences of their lives.

If a student becomes ill or injured, they will be cared for by our experienced leaders and supported in accessing appropriate medical treatment.

We work with trusted local clinics, hospitals and healthcare providers and have clear emergency procedures in place. Parents are kept informed where appropriate, and our UK team is available to provide additional support and coordination if required.

Thankfully, serious incidents are rare, but students and parents can travel with confidence knowing there are robust systems in place to respond quickly and effectively if needed.

Our staffing ratios are designed to ensure students receive a high level of support throughout the programme.

In addition to accompanying Leap leaders, students are supported by experienced local guides, project leaders and partner staff. This means there are always multiple layers of supervision available both during activities and at the accommodation.

Specific staffing ratios vary depending on the destination and programme, but student welfare, safety and accessibility to support are always central to our planning.

Student safety and wellbeing are our highest priorities.

From the moment students depart until they return home, they are supported by experienced Leap leaders and trusted in-country staff. Our team travels alongside students throughout the programme, providing guidance, supervision and support every step of the way.

Students are never expected to navigate unfamiliar situations alone and always have access to an adult who can help if needed.

Our aim is to provide enough support to keep students safe while giving them the opportunity to develop confidence and independence.

Students return home with far more than great memories.

Through project work, cultural immersion, teamwork and adventure, participants develop confidence, independence, resilience, communication skills and a greater understanding of the world around them.

Many parents tell us they notice significant growth in their child's maturity and self-belief after the programme. Students often return more confident in unfamiliar situations, more comfortable meeting new people and better prepared for future challenges such as university, work and independent travel.

Students also have the option to complete the Diploma in International Volunteering, a Level 3 qualification accredited by the Centre for Global Citizenship Studies (CGCS), worth 16 UCAS points. The Diploma helps students reflect on their experiences, develop leadership and communication skills, and demonstrate their learning through a recognised qualification that can strengthen future university applications.

Most importantly, students discover what they are capable of achieving when they step outside their comfort zone.

Our programmes are ideal for young people who are curious, adventurous and willing to step outside their comfort zone.

Students do not need to be outgoing, sporty or experienced travellers. In fact, many participants join feeling nervous about travelling independently for the first time.

If your child is looking to build confidence, gain independence, make new friends and experience a different culture while contributing to meaningful projects, an Under-18 Leap could be an excellent fit.

If you're unsure, we'd be delighted to speak with you and help determine whether the programme is right for your child.

Almost certainly.

The vast majority of students join our programmes without knowing anyone else. Because everyone is starting from the same place, friendships tend to form very quickly.

Living, travelling, taking part in projects and sharing adventures together helps students build strong bonds and become part of a supportive team. Many participants leave with friendships that continue long after the programme has ended.

For many students, the friends they make become one of the highlights of the entire experience.

Our Under-18 programmes are typically designed for students aged 15–18.

Most participants are of a similar age and stage of life, creating a supportive environment where it's easy to make friends, build confidence and enjoy the experience together.

Groups often include a mix of students from different schools and backgrounds, giving participants the opportunity to meet like-minded young people while sharing new experiences and challenges.

An Under-18 Leap offers much more than a traditional holiday or summer camp.

Students don't simply visit a destination – they immerse themselves in a new culture, contribute to meaningful conservation and community projects, and develop valuable life skills through shared challenges and adventure.

Whether restoring coral reefs in Kenya, supporting local communities or exploring incredible landscapes, participants gain confidence, independence, resilience and a broader perspective on the world.

It's an experience designed to be fun, rewarding and genuinely life-enhancing, helping young people return home with new friendships, greater self-belief and memories that last a lifetime.