RALEIGH: By working abroad with Raleigh, you can qualify for the Residential Project and maybe for the Expedition Section. If you have already gained your Award at any level, a place on Raleigh is still a terrific opportunity. Applicants between the ages of 17 and 25 attend a 30 hour selection weekend and must know how to swim and speak English. Details: Raleigh, 207 Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8XD. www.raleighinternational.org

A TO Z EXPEDITIONS – Flexible Expedition Service: For schools and groups – build your own package of training and expeditions from £40 per person per day. UK and Overseas Expeditions. Experienced Instructors. All essential group equipment included. http://www.azexpeditions.com/ info@azexpeditions.com 01981 550 433 AALA

‘Chile Inside Out’ can ‘Take You to Breathtaking places’ in Chile. With fully escorted expeditions by foot or canoe in Chile’s volcanic southern lake district or breathtaking treks in the northern salt deserts. Trek can be extended into additional areas, plus sight seeing in Santiago. Season is from October to April. Join us if you can! See: http://www.chileinsideout.com/ or contact Jennipher@chileinsideout.com or telephone on 01753 652 939 for more details. '

SPAIN - Picos de Europa: Brathay Exploration Group. For an amazing location to complete your Gold Expedition and Residential. Trek through Spain's first National Park with the awe-inspiring Naranjo de Bulnes peak and spectacular Garganta del Cares gorge with local cave art and famous cheese. Being reasonably close means that the expedition costs are minimal and transport is available by ferry, minimising your carbon footprint. The expedition also provides an opportunity to visit the impressive Guggenheim city of Bilbao. Details; Mandy Whitham, Brathay Exploration Group Trust, Brathay Hall, Ambleside, Cumbria. LA22 0HP. (Tel/fax: 015394 33942) http://www.brathayexploration.org.uk/ e-mail admin@brathayexploration.org.uk

MOROCCO: Brathay Exploration Group. Experience everything from the vibrant city culture of Marrakech to the wonderful hospitality of the Berber people and the magnificent scenery of the High Atlas Mountains. Trek over wild rugged mountains; through arid gorges; attempt an ascent of Jebel Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa. Visit impressive Marrakech; explore the maze of souks; and experience the Djemaa el - Fna, the main square with its storytellers, snake charmers and musicians. Details; Graham Watson, Brathay Exploration Group Trust, Brathay Hall, Ambleside, Cumbria. LA22 OHP. (Tel/fax: 015394 33942) http://www.brathayexploration.org.uk/e-mail admin@brathayexploration.org.uk

ROMANIA: Brathay Exploration Group. Experience this incredibly beautiful country, its wild hills and jagged mountains. Trek through the spectacular Carpathian Mountains; scramble along the famous Fagaras Ridge; camp wild in one of Europe's greatest wilderness areas. Work on an exciting environmental project in the Danube Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Relax at the end of the trip with visits to the fascinating city of Bucharest, the Black Sea coast and Dracula's Castle! Details; Graham Watson, Brathay Exploration Group Trust, Brathay Hall, Ambleside, Cumbria. LA22 OHP. (Tel/fax: 015394 33942) http://www.brathayexploration.org.uk/e-mail admin@brathayexploration.org.uk

BULGARIA: Brathay Exploration Group. Visit Europe's forgotten gem; a beautiful and absorbing country perfect for the truly adventurous! Its unspoilt pyramidal peaks, dramatic alpine lakes, wildlife, and unique culture will captivate you! Trek between alpine huts in the Rila Planina and Pirin Planina; traverse wild alpine meadows, thrilling narrow ridges and climb exciting jagged peaks; watch for a glimpse of wild cats or wolves. Explore Bulgaria's fascinating history, including a visit to the stunning 8th century Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Details; Graham Watson, Brathay Exploration Group Trust, Brathay Hall, Ambleside, Cumbria. LA22 OHP. (Tel/fax: 015394 33942) http://www.brathayexploration.org.uk/e-mail admin@brathayexploration.org.uk

NORWAY: Brathay Exploration Group. Paddle Norway's wild and beautiful canoe country. Bordering Sweden, this extensive system of lakes and waterways includes Norway's second largest natural lake, Lake Femund. Paddle across wild lakes; paddle exciting river rapids; sail when the wind allows; learn and improve canoeing skills. There will also be an opportunity to gain the British Canoe Union 2 or 3 Star Award, and to take part in the John Muir Award. Details; Graham Watson, Brathay Exploration Group Trust, Brathay Hall, Ambleside, Cumbria. LA22 OHP. (Tel/fax: 015394 33942) http://www.brathayexploration.org.uk/e-mail admin@brathayexploration.org.uk

TANZANIA/PERU/BRAZIL/SRI LANKA/INDIA: International charity ActionAid are offering a unique chance to join them on a 10-14 day overseas challenge to must-see places across the world, from the Inca trail in Peru to the Rift Valley in Tanzania. These treks offer an adventure of lifetime and are also a fantastic way of raising awareness and crucial funds for ActionAid. With ActionAid, you can go on a adventure of a lifetime to one of the most spectacular areas of the world, and have a chance to visit projects run by ActionAid in that country, meeting local people and seeing how your money is making a difference to people's lives. ActionAid is completely not-for-profit, and works only with local staff and ethically friendly travel companies. Places are limited so please apply for an information pack today by calling 01460 238 047, emailing actionadventures@actionaid.org, or visit www.actionaid.org.uk/adventures .

Experience the real Northern Territory... The OzQuest expedition will start in the capital of Darwin for some preparation and briefing, before moving south east to the Kakadu National Park. There, the group will begin a five day canoe down the Katherine River (where they may even see some Aussie wildlife!). After a few days break, the group will travel to a traditional Aboriginal community in Kakadu National Park, there they will experience the spiritual and traditional ways of Arnhem Land. The last week in the far north will be spent helping The Duke of Edinburgh's Award in the Northern Territory in their support of local non-profit organisations with environmental and conservation work. In between, there is plenty of time for rest, relaxation and sightseeing, including visits to amazing waterfalls, National Parks and into Darwin itself. On the final day participants return to Darwin for some 'Territorian' fun and shopping before departing for Australia. Cost: $1750 AUD, ($760 UK) inclusions: all food, accommodation (tents, cabins and hostels), internal transport, local staff costs, adventure activities, tours, permits and a donations to the community project you work on. Exclusions: flights, taxes, travel insurance, inoculations, personal gear and spending money. OzQuest is a non-profit program run by The Duke of Edinburgh's Award in Victoria. It operates 4 - 7 week expeditions overseas that combine community work with adventure travel. The expeditions are for young people aged 18 to 30. OzQuest expeditions take participants away from the main tourist trail, enabling them to work and live with the local people and come to a greater appreciation of the culture and customs. Participants leave the country knowing they have made a lasting difference to the lives of the local community and return to Australia feeling motivated, adventurous, inspired and humbled by what they have experienced. For information, on-line application forms and itineraries go to http://www.ozquest.org/

TUSCANY EXPEDITIONS: From our mill in Tuscany we can offer Assessment, advice and assistance in advance and during explorations, route planning, and base camp facilities.With 15 years experience as Unit Leader in Shropshire, Rob Hasbury now runs DofE expeditions and residential experiences in Tuscany . The walking area is south of Siena, in the Monte Amiata and Val D'Orcia region. The area offers countless opportunities for exploration activities and it is rich in archaeology, architecture, arts, geology (hot sulphur spas) and an immense diversity of flora and fauna. The landscape ranges from the wooded slopes of Monte Amiata (1738m), to deep river gorges, to the rolling hills typical of Tuscany. Explorations are available from April. Details: tel: 01803 835390 or 07947 035331. http://www.hasburyholidays.com/e-mail: rob@hasburyholidays.com

BTCV INTERNATIONAL WORKING HOLIDAYS: BTCV run' international conservation working holidays from Albania to the USA. Lasting 1-3 weeks, they are suitable for the residential part of your gold award.. Projects range from wetland protection in Germany, helping to construct footpaths through the Icelandic National Parks to species monitoring in South Africa. Included in the cost is food and accommodation, but not travel. Book online or request a free brochure at http://shop.btcv.org.uk/shop/indexor phone 01302 388 883

Trekforce Expeditions offer inspirational, challenging expedition programmes from 4 weeks to 5 months, consisting of sustainable jungle and rainforest conservation projects, language, teaching and cultural experiences in diverse environments. Trekforce Expeditions are a leading UK registered charity (no. 1005452) established in 1990. For more infromation please visit our website http://www.trekforce.org.uk/

AWARD WILD COUNTRY PANEL BAVARIA: We offer all the services of a UK Expedition Network and more. The area is well suited for Expeditions and outdoor activities in summer. Please contact us for details of all opportunities in Bavaria, at: The Duke of Edinburgh's Award in Bavaria, Ortwanger Au 1,87545 Burgberg, Germany e-mail: britlo@t-online.dehttp://www.britlo.co.uk/tel: 0049 8321 88619, fax 0049 8321 26429.

AWARD SOUTH AUSTRALIA: An extensive programme of Residential Projects (may include an Expedition) available for lone participants visiting the area. Expeditions may only be counted for an Award if the training conditions have been met. If you know you'e going to be Down Under and would like to join in a local Award Group's activities, send for a brochure of Expeditions to: The Duke of Edinburgh' Award, PO Box 39, Rundle Mall, Adelaide SA 5000, South Australia (fax: AUS 08 226 6899).

GREECE: At Greek Island Activities.Com we fully support all young people and young adults and their participation in activities that contribute to personal growth and development with a particular focus on involving young people in experiences that will promote active healthy lifestyles. As a significant contribution to this process we have teamed up with our local partners to offer a unique range of opportunities for young people involved in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award particularly the Gold Award residential. We have organised 5 unique and specific types of residential project weeks which will offer you a broad selection to choose from. In addition the experience of organising and researching your travel to another country [ Greece] and actually coming here will provide you with the added benefits of diverse personal development opportunities that will compliment the whole learning experience. If you wish you can also study the Greek language prior to your visit, as this will be very beneficial to your project. For further information, please contact: Brian Gibbons [Dip Com Ed] admin@greekislandactivities.comTel +44(0) 1546-603852 http://www.greekislandactivities.com/

OVERSEAS GOLD EXPEDITION & RESIDENTIAL: Work towards two Sections of your Gold Award on an overseas expedition approved by the Dorset Expeditionary Society. Open to all nationwide. Ecuador, Kenya, Canada, Nepal & more - free details and brochure from The Secretary, Dorset Expeditionary Society Ltd. (AJ), Lupins Business Centre, 1-3 Greenhill, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 7SP Tel. 01305 775599 e-mail dorsctexp@wdi.co.ukThe Dorset Expeditionary Society is a registered charity devoted to the promotion of adventure and challenge for young people.

EXPERIENCE MEXICO: A non-profit organisation working to send young people out to Mexico to do volunteer work or simply learn Spanish. Experience Mexico offers a range of projects at as low a price as possible as participants are responsible for funding their own experience. We offer teaching, turtle conservation and deer conservation projects as well as placements on a nature reserve island and within a Huichol village. Added to this we also offer the opportunity to learn Spanish on a structured course. If a request is made for an opportunity we do not offer, we hope to find an appropriate placement. The projects offered would be a wonderful GAP Year opportunity but are open to anyone over 18 and we provide certification and a personal evaluation for each volunteer upon completion of a project. Projects run from three to six months, though other periods would be discussed. http://www.experiencemexico.co.uk/E-mail: info@experiencemexico.co.uk5 Broadwaters, Kingswood Parks, HULL HU7 3NF, tel: 07795 177099.

RESIDENTIALS: EIL is a charity that brings people together from different cultures and countries. It aims to improve international peace and understanding, through offering opportunities to live and/or work together. Individual programmes include: European Voluntary Service, offers 6-12 month voluntary work in another European country [18-25yrs]. Multinational programmes, spending 3-4 weeks undertaking community service, experiencing family homestays and visiting different areas in a selected country. Volunteer opportunities in a wide range of countries and for varying periods of time. High school and language opportunities. Group applications can be made. All applicants for EIL programmes are eligible for financial support from TEIL, a trust set up to help experience EIL programmes. Contact: Email: info@eiluk.orgTel: 0800 0184015 http://www.eiluk.org/

FRONTIER: Volunteering with Frontier gives you the opportunity to live and work in remote and challenging environments at the same time as counting towards your Award. As well as expeditions to Madagascar, we now also run expeditions to Cambodia, Nicaragua and Tanzania. Volunteers 17+ can participate in 28-day expeditions, 8, 10 or 20-week projects. Work includes biodiversity surveys, disturbance and resource-use assessments, socio-economic work and practical projects. Full training leads to a BTEC qualification in tropical habitat conservation or expedition management (biodiversity research). Details from: Frontier, 50-52 Rivington Street, London EC2A 3QP, 020 7613 2422, info@frontier.ac.uk   http://www.frontier.ac.uk/

KIBBUTZ VOLUNTEERS IN ISRAEL: Kibbutz Reps organise working holidays on Kibbutz in Israel for volunteers aged 18-32. They work in agriculture, industry etc and receive full board and accommodation. Placements 2-6 months, occasionally less, with departures throughout the year. Details: Kibbutz Representatives, 1a Accommodation Road, London NW11 8ED (tel: 020 8458 9235, e-mail: enquiries@kibbutz.org.uk  http://www.kibbutz.org/

KENYA: See the flipside of Africa, work with street children, live in shanty towns and visit places tourists don't see. Climb Mt. Kenya for your Expedition, live with a Masai tribe. See rhino, elephants etc. Coral reef dive in the Indian Ocean. Details: Adventure Alternative, T/F: 02890 701476, E-mail: office@adventurealternative.comPost: 31 Myrtledene Rd, Belfast, BT8 6GQ http://www.adventurealternative.com/

VOLUNTEER IN AFRICA: Spend three life-changing months in Tanzania as part of our established development programme. Projects aim to improve health and basic facilities in rural areas, you will live and work in remote villages with local people. Ages 18-28, no special skills are required, just commitment and enthusiasm. Details: Health Projects Abroad (DE), PO Box 24, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 lZW (tel: 01629 640051). Reg Charity No. 328714.