Lead a World Challenge Expedition

To join our community of leaders, you’ll need to be aged 24 or older, and have:

• Outdoor qualifications: usually a Summer Mountain Leader (ML) or an equivalent certification. Other relevant outdoor or youth leadership qualifications may be considered for some expeditions.
• First aid: a current outdoor first aid qualification.
• Travel experience: at least four weeks’ independent travel in Central or South America, Africa, or Southeast and Central Asia
• Youth work experience: at least 10 weeks, including some in a residential setting. Teaching experience also counts
• Leadership experience: hands-on experience leading adventurous expeditions or activities, ideally with secondary school students
• Safety expertise: a proven track record in maintaining safety standards and managing incidents
• Attitude: positivity, resilience and a genuine commitment to helping young people develop through challenge
• People skills: calm judgement, adaptability and the ability to build trust with students and teachers

Read our full Expedition Leader person specification (PDF) for more details.

Here’s what we offer our Expedition Leaders:

• Epic destinations – explore incredible locations. Lead expeditions in more than 20 countries, across five continents.
• Competitive pay – get rewarded for your skills and passion
• Bonus – for leading more than one successful trip in a year
• Professional growth – earn training credits and develop your leadership expertise
• Exclusive discounts – access special offers from partner outdoor brands
• 24/7 support – industry-leading backup from our Operations Centre and medical assistance partner ensures peace of mind
• All expenses covered – flights, accommodation, food, transport, and reasonable costs taken care of
• Flexible trips – choose from adventures lasting 7 to 28 days
• Guidance and support – our dedicated Leader Management Team is with you every step of the way.
• Life-changing experiences – create unforgettable journeys that inspire both you and the young people you lead.

We recruit through our Potential Leader Courses. The first step is to register your interest in one using the form at the bottom of this page.

Our recruitment team will be in touch to tell you more about the role. They’ll ask for your CV and send you an application form to complete.

If you meet the requirements, you’ll have an informal call with our Leader Management Team. It’s a chance for us to learn about you and for you to ask any questions about the role. If that goes well, you’ll then be offered a place on our two-day Potential Leader Course.

If you’d rather get in touch directly, send us your CV and a covering letter to: leaders@myworldchallenge.com. Tell us about your relevant experience and what excites you about becoming a World Challenge Expedition Leader.

Our Potential Leader Course is a two-day training and assessment course. All potential World Challenge Expedition Leaders must attend and pass it before they are eligible to lead. It’s a chance to meet us in person, learn about our organisation and for us to get to know you. You’ll also meet World Challenge staff and current leaders.

Day 1: Primarily indoors, covering World Challenge as a company, our expeditions, initiatives, support systems, and ethos.

Day 2: Practical outdoor assessments and simulations with peers.

You’ll gain professional development and networking opportunities while we assess your:

• Ability to ensure team safety and make sound decisions in the field, including dynamic risk assessments.
• Capability to embody the World Challenge ethos and take ownership throughout.
• Skill in engaging with your team, building rapport, and showing adaptability.
• Accommodation and food are provided throughout the course.

Expedition Offers

You will receive a provisional expedition offer before attending the course, confirmed once you successfully complete the assessment. We aim to match leaders with expeditions based on availability, qualifications, experience and local area where possible. We also consider your preferred locations to encourage repeat leadership opportunities.

You could be considered as a World Challenge Expedition Assistant. It’s a voluntary, all-expenses-paid professional development and travel opportunity.

You’ll accompany a team on an expedition as part of the adult leadership team. You’ll earn training credits, and we’ll cover all flights, on-trip food, accommodation and transport, plus reimburse all reasonable expedition-related expenses. If everything goes well, we may offer you an expedition as a leader for the following season, or mentor you until you’re ready to lead.

To apply, follow the same application process as for our Expedition Leader roles, starting by registering your interest with us via the form at the bottom of this page. If you’d rather get in touch directly, send us your CV and a covering letter outlining your relevant experience and what excites you about becoming a World Challenge Expedition Assistant to leaders@myworldchallenge.com.