This can be attributed to an increase of people opting to take time out later in life, and also the increasingly adventurous nature of recent high school graduates who are more willing to visit less chartered territories.
"Travellers and high school graduates are realising that there are a lot of long-term benefits to be had from pushing their travels beyond a package beach holiday or bar job in Europe; they want the personal and professional growth that comes from meaningful adventure across a variety of cultures, activities and destinations," comments Luke Metelerkamp, programme co-ordinator at SI Explorers.
SI Explorers, a South African based organisation, believes its bridging programme which offers an exciting range of activities including adventure, academic training and real-world exposure to life and work around the world provides the perfect solution to this growing global need.
"We have partnered with a carefully a selected international network of adventurers, academics and cutting edge business leaders who share a common vision for a brighter future, and together enable this programme to be expertly executed."
The seven month programme which starts in January 2014, takes participants to six countries around the world. Starting in Leshiba Wilderness Reserve, the southern African base camp, twenty explorers will come together for the first time in preparation for the adventures that lie ahead. Once acquainted the team moves on through the Kruger National Park down to the coast of Mozambique where a free-diving champion and ocean conservationist takes the team on a two-week voyage into her mystical world beneath the waves before moving on to Nepal, India and two North American destinations.
"We aim to provide a unique body, mind and spirit experience while allowing participants enough flexibility to develop and explore their personal interests. This exposure not only develops an understanding of the world but also serves to strengthen the participant's internal compass regarding difficult university and career decisions in years to come."
"Besides the direct exposure to the course activities, challenges and adventure we believe explorers will also be rewarded with a clearer understanding of what it is like living in vastly different climates amongst a variety of cultures and religious backgrounds providing a well-rounded bridging year which can only enhance ones character, empathy and leadership abilities" concludes Metelerkamp
The course is open to both local and international participants, there are only 20 vacancies available and the deadline for applications is 6 September 2013.
For more, go to http://siexplorers.org
