Expedition Planning Guide

The following pages will give you an idea of the issues that you will encounter in planning an expedition:

1. The Basics
2. Getting Started
3. University Approval
4. Writing Proposals
5. Getting Funding
6. Insurance

A more complete general guide to expedition planning can be found in the form of the Royal Geographical Society’s Expedition Handbook, available in print and online.

The Digested Guide

If you want the fully digested guide to starting off, here it is:

Aims: What do you want to achieve? Generally either scientific (including anthropology), or adventure-based expeditions. Concise aims backed up by comprehensive objectives give potential supporters confidence that you know what you’re doing.

Location: Country, habitat, locality, language. Vital to get a good map!

Advisors: Essential to get some experts on board who can direct your plans.

Dates: Expeditions must be at least six weeks long to get Oxford Expedition Council and RGS approval. Which season would be best for your expedition?

Team: Bigger groups are harder to manage and cost more, but you can get more done. What experience and background will your team members need? Remember that at least half your team needs to be registered students at Oxford.

Travel: Flights – the earlier booked the cheaper; getting to project location once in-country and transport during project

Medical: Expeditions are only successful if all members return safely. Vaccinations, 1st aid kits, 1st aid training, emergency planning and evacuations. OUEC assists with medical training. For council approval it is very important that safety considerations have been made. […more]

Host-country partnerships: Are you going to collaborate with a host institution? Do you want local students to work with you? Not only will this make the project more beneficial, you’re more likely to get grants as well.

Logistics: Accommodation, food, equipment, internal travel, medical help. Spend time thinking through all possible scenarios.

Funding: What is your approximate budget? Most expeditions are at least £10,000. Grant applications, company sponsorship and fundraising events are normal sources. Grant deadlines begin around the end of Michaelmas term, so research early – OUEC will help! […more]

Permissions: Visas, usually working; permits for the area, permission of landowners/ local tribal chiefs?

Insurance: Make sure it’s adequate for your activities/ remoteness. OUEC can help. […more]