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World Challenge

Transformative expeditions in exciting environments, teaching life skills and developing confidence

World Challenge provides educational expeditions in exciting environments, which teach life skills and expand minds outside the classroom. Our bespoke 1 to 6-week student travel itineraries foster team spirit and leadership skills. As the original school expeditions company, World Challenge offers an unrivalled range of expeditions geared to the education of young people. With over 20 years of experience, students and teachers benefit from a level of expedition safety and service second to none.

13/06/2025

Meet Kim Bignall – Where Passion for Sport, Travel & Personal Development Collide

After nearly a decade working as a PE teacher, Kim joined World Challenge in October 2024, bringing her boundless energy and passion for student development to the UK Regional Development team.

“I believe in the power of travel to change lives. Being able to help students experience that? It’s incredibly rewarding.”

Kim’s own life was shaped by a formative 3-month trip to Lesotho, nicknamed “the kingdom in the sky.” Immersed in the landscape, the culture, and a community where she used sport to teach life skills, she realised just how powerful these experiences can be. That trip now fuels her work with World Challenge, helping the next generation grow in confidence, resilience and independence.

Outside work?
She’s constantly active: hiking, swimming, paddleboarding, chasing waterfalls, walking her dog, and playing football. Anything that gets her outdoors and exploring.

Kim’s heading to Borneo on her first expedition soon, so expect stories, smiles and muddy boots when she returns.

Her best advice for future travellers?
“In life, you don’t regret the things you do, you regret the things you don’t do. So say yes to the adventure.”

We’re lucky to have Kim turning passion into purpose on our team.

09/06/2025

Visiting Pamukkale is a step into ancient wonder and natural beauty. Explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, marvel at the grand theatre, and wander through the sprawling necropolis. Don’t miss the stunning travertine terraces, where mineral-rich waters cascade down white limestone steps, creating a surreal landscape. Pamukkale offers a perfect blend of history and breathtaking scenery.

08/06/2025

🌊 It’s World Ocean Day!
From beach clean-ups to citizen science, discover how young people can take action wherever they are.
Find out what our students are doing to protect the ocean, and how you can make a difference too:
https://bit.ly/4kzBPp2

06/06/2025

Meet Jamie-Lee Wilson – A Purpose-Led Storyteller Helping Young People See the World Through a Different Lens

Graphic Designer, Jamie-Lee joined World Challenge in August 2024 in South Africa, driven by a clear goal: to find more meaning in her work and contribute to something that genuinely makes a difference.

“It’s not just about helping students travel, it’s about creating positive change. Even modest impacts can open minds, build compassion, and foster resilience. Being part of a company that encourages this in young people? That’s something I’m really proud of.”

With a background in values-based work and a passion for meaningful experiences, Jamie-Lee found the perfect fit at World Challenge, where adventure meets growth and purpose.

Outside of work, you’ll find her:
- Hiking scenic trails
- Getting involved in beach clean-ups
- Reading and writing
- Saying a polite “no thanks” to any food that’s still moving...

Jamie-Lee’s advice to young travellers?
“Capture memories, not just photos. Keep a journal. Take time to soak up the moment and savour what it really means to be there, that’s what you’ll carry with you.”

Her story is still unfolding, but the values she brings are already making an impact.

05/06/2025

This summer, we’re launching our very first Sustainability & Impact Internship at World Challenge.

This is a great chance to join our sustainability team and gain hands-on experience in:
- Carbon tracking and reporting
- Supporting and monitoring our global community partnerships
- Helping shape our global citizenship learning resources

We’ve designed this internship to be flexible. It’s part-time, can be done remotely, and we welcome applications from anyone with a passion for responsible travel and sustainability. You're also welcome to work from our UK office in Beaconsfield if you're nearby.

If you’re curious, motivated, and want real-world experience in sustainability and impact, this could be for you.

Find out more here: https://bit.ly/3SwnfT8

02/06/2025

Step into a treasure trove of ancient history and architectural marvels in Selçuk, Turkey. Begin your exploration with a guided tour of the iconic Library of Celsus, an awe-inspiring remnant of Roman ingenuity. Walk through the grand corridors of the Great Theatre, where thousands once gathered for performances and debates. Marvel at the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and immerse yourself in the stories of this thriving Roman metropolis.

30/05/2025

Meet Jamie-Lee Cripps – From Youth Advocate to Purpose-Driven Adventure Facilitator

Based in Australia, Jamie-Lee joined World Challenge in Feb 2025 as a School Relationship Manager, bringing with her a strong background in youth work, mental health support, and a deep appreciation for the power of the outdoors.

“I saw how transformative it can be when young people step outside their comfort zones, especially those facing personal challenges. The outdoors gives them space to connect, reflect and build confidence. I wanted to be part of something that makes that happen.”

Now she’s doing just that, helping schools and students plan journeys that are about more than just travel. Through World Challenge, Jamie-Lee helps young people stretch themselves, explore new cultures, and gain skills that go way beyond the classroom.

When she’s not working?
Jamie-Lee is all about the outdoors:
🏕 Camping in Australia
🐠 Diving in Southeast Asia
❄️ Hiking mountains in winter

She also loves curling up with a good book and catching up with friends, when she’s not planning her dream goal of hiking the full Te Araroa Trail in New Zealand.

Top tip for future travellers?
“Be present. Take it all in. Try new things. And most importantly – challenge yourself.”

28/05/2025

"These are my favourite parts. Getting there was mind blowing. The homestay was awesome because the people were so kind and the project was really fun as well as the end with the party. The R&R was exciting and cool. It was incredible seeing the orangutangs. Also the hiking and national park were so cool." Imani, Student 2024

26/05/2025

It’s Machu Picchu time! This jaw-dropping Inca city was built without using any mortar or wheels. Just how they transported those 50-tonne rocks up the mountain is mind-boggling. Take the early morning shuttle to the gates of ‘the lost city’ and listen as your guide uncovers its secrets. Wander around the ruins and let it all sink in – you’re actually standing in Machu Picchu! Return to Cusco and fly back to Lima for your final fill of Peruvian culture. Before your trip wraps up, head to the markets to buy Peruvian chocolate and alpaca ponchos.

23/05/2025

Meet Vicky Doherty – A Career Built on Purpose, Adventure and Saying “Yes”

Our Head of Customer Experience, Vicky joined World Challenge back in April 2007, and 18 years later, she’s still here, now based in Australia, after a two-year secondment turned into a life-changing move.

“Life can be challenging. I love that our work helps young people develop the life skills they need to meet it head on – building confidence, resilience and a sense of who they are. That purpose is what keeps me here.”

From her early days in the UK to her current role with the Australian team, Vicky has seen it all: the growth of students (and colleagues), the beauty of a shared mission, and the joy of getting to build a career from adventure and impact.

Her own adventures?
- Spotting wild orangutans in Borneo
- Climbing Mt Toubkal in Morocco (“tough but so worth it”)
- Seizing every opportunity to travel, reflect, and connect

Vicky’s spare time is packed with character, she’s a cold-water swimmer, brunch enthusiast, sunset chaser, and has a book-buying habit that far outpaces her reading.

Her top advice for future travellers?
“Take ALLLLLL the photos. But make space for presence. Put your camera down and give yourself 5 minutes to just be in the moment. Reflect on what you’re learning, that’s where the real transformation happens.”

What she loves most about working here isn’t just the expeditions, it’s the community. Especially that magical window after travel season when the team gathers to swap stories, debate future destinations, and share in the joy of why they do what they do.

“It’s a rare thing to find a workplace where people are so deeply connected by shared purpose. But that’s World Challenge.”

21/05/2025

"I felt more like myself during this trip than I ever have in my whole life, this experience has changed my life. I understand myself more since this trip and i’ve figured out what I want to do for my job when I'm older." Ayla, Student 2024

19/05/2025

Head off the beaten track and travel deep into the cloud forest to a riverside lodge. It’s time to get fully immersed in Peru’s epic wildlife.
Listen up as your expert guides talk about sustainability issues in this precious patch of paradise. Once you’re clued-up, it’s time to get involved. Throw yourself in with reforestation, trail maintenance and plant identification work. Head out on early morning and moonlit treks to learn more about the ecosystem, its nocturnal wildlife and its resident caimans (little crocodiles).
If you're ready to explore Peru, get in touch today: https://bit.ly/43bf6IN

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High Wycombe

Website

http://www.weareworldchallenge.com/

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