Gap year plans undecided? Are you looking for an adventure of a lifetime for your gap year? If you are planning time out before university or college, before starting your working life or simply looking for a challenge you will not be able to better a LEADING EDGE EXPEDITION.

• Aimed at young people between the ages of 16-25 years, Leading Edge Expeditions are ventures approved by the Dorset Expeditionary Society, a registered charity, founded to encourage safe but challenging expedition opportunities for young people who want more for their money.

• Dorset Expeditionary Society is a registered Charity, which exists to promote adventure and challenge for young people, not for profit.

• Gap year expedition fees are wholly inclusive; there are no hidden extras.  Expedition leaders are all highly qualified volunteers, making their own full cash contribution towards the expedition costs.

Expeditions across the globe

Overseas expeditions approved by the Society have ventured across four continents with over fifty major expeditions.  Our 2008 gap year programme of overseas expeditions is no exception with seven expeditions planned to South America, Asia, Europe and Africa. The Society has an outstanding reputation and maintains close links with the Young Explorer’s Trust, The Royal Geographical Society, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and the Association for Outdoor Learning.

Leading Edge expeditions offer excitement with a difference. If you are accepted on a Leading Edge gap year expedition you will embark on a voyage of self-discovery that will enrich the rest of your life. You will become part of a team where the emphasis is placed on personal leadership and service.

Young people rock climb, mountain bike, camp, canoe, cave, hill walk and pony trek.  They learn new skills, but more importantly, they live together in a situation in which co-operation, tolerance and teamwork are essential.

Make the most of your gap year

The Society is committed to promoting leadership in its young people.  Safe and responsible expeditioning demands the highest standards of leadership. The Dorset Expeditionary Society gives grants to members to enable them to undertake courses near to their home or place of study.  To encourage more peer-led expeditions the society regularly runs a Young Leader’s Seminar.

In addition to overseas expeditions our members receive a regular newsletter and we hold a number of social events and exciting adventure activities within the UK.

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Download the gap year leaflet (pdf)