About Us
Greater Social Equality. A More Sustainable Environment. A More Secure World for Everyone.
Challenges Abroad is a social enterprise that provides impactful, customised overseas learning program for students. Our mission is to develop the next generation of Global Citizens, who as future leaders will help shape a better future for everyone.
Through our programs, we ensure that students not only develop a global mindset but gain vital life and employability skills, enabling them to have a positive impact on the world through their future endeavours
We are proud to be a Certified B Corporation!
It reinforces that together, we’re delivering programs that are not only transformative for students, but also beneficial for communities and respectful of the planet
The Challenges Abroad Difference
Student Impact
Developing the next generation of Global Citizens.
Community Impact
Delivering long-term development projects that support local communities.
Enviornmental Impact
We are working on becoming a carbon neutral organisation.
Short-Term Programs, Long-Term Impact.
Our Global Citizenship Program enables students to step out of their comfort zone whilst building their understanding of the wider world, learning about new cultures and fostering meaningful connections with the local community.
Global Citizenship:
Students broaden their perspectives, embrace cultural diversity, and ignite a lifelong drive to make a difference in the world
Cultural Immersion:
Discover, connect & experiencestudents dive into vibrant local cultures, learning through meaningful cross-cultural exchange
Community Engagement:
Lead, inspire & create changestudents deliver hands-on workshops, building skills and leaving a lasting impact on local schools.
Every Challenges Abroad program supports the goals and objectives of our international development charity, theFutureSenseFoundation
Participants on a Challenges Abroad programaretherefore, not only directly impacting the community through their project, but are part of a sustainable community development initiative that will have a long lasting, positive impact.
Nepal: Land of the Himalayas
Our programs are based in the Kathmandu Valley, at the foothills of the Himalayas.
Kathmandu Valley is a bustling and vibrant area of Nepal It’s home to more than six UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the historical city of Bhaktapur - a hub of history and culture, making it the perfect place to explore!
Did You Know:
The flag of Nepal is the only non-rectangular national flag in the world!
Day 1 Arrival
Arrival Airport: Tribhuvan International Airport - Kathmandu
Transfer: 1 hour by private bus
Accommodation: Local guest house
Touch down in Nepal! Gateway to the Himalayas, Kathmandu is where ancient temples, buzzing markets and mountain energy collide in the best possible way After being welcomed at the airport by your group mentor, transfer to nearby Bhaktapur and settle into your accommodation.
This is where your adventure officially begins. As you arrive into Kathmandu Valley, whether at sunset or under the glow of streetlights, the enery of Nepal makes itself known immediatley After a long journey, you'll be quite ready for a good night's sleep before your adventure ahead!
Bhaktapur
Kathmandu
Week 1: Community Engagement
Days 2-3
Program & Cultural Orientation
Accommodation: Local guest house
Bhaktapur feels like you’ve stepped back in time - with towering pagoda temples, ancient royal squares, and potters still spinning clay by hand in the heart of the city.
Wake up in Bhaktapur, a beautifully preserved UNESCO-listed medieval city This is your base for the week and the location of your community engagement project Here you’ll dive into Nepalese culture, get to know our Hub team supporting you throughout the week, and learn more about the communities you’ll be working alongside This is where the real impact of your journey begins to take shape!
Days 4-7
Kathmandu Valley
Accommodation: Local guest house
Spend four immersive days embedded in the local community, supporting local schools by running interactive workshops With dedicated time to craft your sessions, you’ll step into the classroom feeling ready to contribute in a meaningful way - learning just as much from the community as you share.
Beyond your workshops, experience Nepal’s culture in the most authentic way. Learn to cook traditional momos, try your hand at pottery and take part in henna and pot painting. Evenings offer time to reflect and connect through everyday moments that shift perspective By the final day of your community project, you’ll see the real difference you ’ ve made and leave with a new confidence you didn’t know you had
Potential workshop topics: The goal: inspire creativity, spark curiosity and build aspirations.
Weekend: Creating Memories in Kathmandu
Days 8-9
Explore Kathmandu
Accommodation: Local guest house
The weekend is an incredible opportunity to explore Kathmandu Wander through the lively streets of Thamel, where colourful market stalls, live music, and the scent of sizzling street food create an atmosphere that’s impossible not to get swept up in. Spend time exploring the bustling laneways, browsing for souvenirs, picking up handmade crafts, or simply soaking in the energy of the city.
You’ll also have the chance to visit Pottery Square, where you can try your hand at a traditional pottery class and learn to shape clay using techniques passed down through generations.
Slow things down as you climb the stone steps to Swayambhunath the iconic Monkey Temple Passing fluttering prayer flags and spinning prayer wheels, you’ll reach the top where sweeping views across the Kathmandu Valley await It’s a peaceful and powerful place, perfect for reflection
Pottery in Nepal dates back over 2,000 years, with traditional techniques still used today by the Newar community In places like Pottery Square, artisans continue to shape clay entirely by hand and fire their creations in open kilns keeping ancient craftsmanship alive in the modern world.
Week 2: Community Engagement
Kathmandu Valley
Accommodation: Local guest house Days 10-14
These five days follow a similar rhythm to the firstcrafting sessions, leading workshops, and coming together as a team to reflect on the impact you ' re making
The difference? You return with stronger skills, growing confidence, and deeper connections, stepping back into the classroom with a clearer sense of purpose Somewhere between the first workshop and the last, you’ll begin to recognise your own growth as a Global Citizen reflected back in the students in front of you
You will also contribute to Climate Action initiatives by raising environmental awareness, leading community clean-ups and tree-planting!
Our programs are Carbon Neutral, as we work with a certified off-set provider to calculate and neutralise the emissions generated for everyone travelling.
Week 3: Poon Hill Trek
Day 15
Travel to Pokhara & Trek Briefing
Travel Time: ~ 8 hours by private bus | Accommodation: Local Guest House
Say goodbye to Bhaktapur and head west to Pokhara Travel through Nepal’s spectacular landscapes, enjoying the snow-capped peaks along the way On arrival, settle into your accommodation before a detailed trek briefing to ensure you ’ re feeling well prepared for the adventure ahead If there's time before sunset, take a stroll along Lakeside and watch the sunset reflect over Phewa Lake. This marks the start of the next part of your journey.
Day 16
Pokhara > Ghandruk
Trek: 6-7 hours | 12km
Accommodation: Teahouse
After breakfast, travel to Nayapool where your trek begins The trail leads you through lush valleys, across suspension bridges, past waterfalls and traditional villages Stop for lunch in Syauli before climbing toward Ghandruk where your first night in the mountain awaits Pace yourself and find your rhythm - today is all about adjusting to mountain life
Day 18
Ghorapani > Poon Hill
Trek: 5-6 hours | 8km
Accommodation: Teahouse
Wake before dawn to the Poon Hill summit As the sun rises, watch the breathtaking Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges glow gold! After soaking it all in, descend for breakfast before continuing to Ulleri, where you’ll have time to explore and experience the rhythms of local mountain life.
Day 17
Ghandruk > Ghorapani
Trek: 9-10 hours | 20km
Accommodation: Teahouse
Today will start early to enjoy the golden sunrise over Ghandruk You’ll then trek through forests and hillsides, with breathtaking views of sweeping valleys The trail climbs through rhododendron forests, as you ascend to Tadapani (2,630m) After a well-earned lunch in Deurali, continue to your home for the night in Ghorapani
Day 19
Ulleri > Pokhara
Trek: 6-7 hours | 11km
Accommodation: Local Guest House
Start your final descent down the famous stone staircase out of Ulleri, winding through the villages of Tikhedhunga and Hile Stop for lunch in Birethanti before continuing to Nayapul. Say goodbye to the guides who have supported you every step of the way and arrive in Pokhara with a sense of accomplishment.
Wrapping Up Your Adventure
Day 20 Travel to Kathmandu
Travel Time: ~ 8 hours by private bus
Accommodation: Local guest house
After breakfast, travel back through Nepal’s spectacular landscapes to Kathmandu. Use the journey to reflect on your achievements, share stories, and celebrate the challenges you ’ ve overcome together on the trek
Day 21
The Final Day
Accommodation: Local guest house
Spend your final day back where it all startedKathmandu.
Here you’ll have time to soak in the breath-taking views of the Himalayas one last time, grab any final souvenirs for your friends and family back at home, and make sure everything is packed. You’ll enjoy one last dinner as a team, savouring the tastes of Nepalese food, before getting a good nights rest.
Day 22 Departure
Airport: Tribhuvan International Airport
Transfer: ~ 1 hour
Your journey home offers time to reflect on the skills you ’ ve developed, the experiences you ’ ve shared, and the perspectives you ’ ve gained Recognise how much you ’ ve grown as a Global Citizen, carrying the lessons, friendships, and memories of this adventure with you as you journey home
GlobalCitizen,Ella
The experience was once in a life time. The memories you make with the children and the locals you help will last a lifetime. Be prepared for the unexpected and enjoy every moment.
Global Citizenship Programs
Key Objectives:
Developing the Next Generation of Global Citizens
Providing a structured & reflective experience for students, as they apply their knowledge and skills in a practical, real-world setting.
Short-Term Programs, Long-Term Impact
Working towards achieving the UN Goals for Sustainable Development, supporting the FutureSense Foundation
Mutually Beneficial Programs
Ensuring that there is mutual benefit and learning for the local community and student participants.
of students think that their Global Citizenship journey was a lifechanging experience that has inspired them to experience the world more!
Global Citizen,Nadia
As the name suggests, of course there are challenges, but the problemsolving skills and confidence that come out of the experience are unmatched.
We measure the impact of our programs on student participants by evaluating the following 10 key skill areas:
Students will tackle real-world challenges hand-in-hand with local communities, seeing the direct impact of their contributions
Students will step into a different world, experiencing new cultures firsthand and building genuine connections that change how they see the world.
Students will strengthen emotional development and self-awareness through reflective and collaborative experiences
Students will push beyond their comfort zone, discovering resilience, confidence, and capabilities
Students will examine their own perspectives on privilege, equity, and global citizenship, developing empathy and a deeper sense of responsibility.
Students will build authentic skills through daily interactions, learning to communicate & work effectively across cultural differences
The experience I had on my trip was amazing. The project is a perfect balance, so you get sufficient time in school and enough time to explore the country All in all a great once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I don't regret going for one second.
Global Citizen, Heiwot
GlobalCitizen,Kellie
It was such an amazing experience, living in Nepal and working with the community was incredible. I saw so many things, got to eat loads of new delicious foods and the in-country team looked after us the whole way through, so we always felt at home.
Risk Management
We ensure that...
Every program activity has been risk assessed with safety audits conducted and can provide school with information required to complete pre trip processes
We have real-time safety management system with a robust emergency response process
All participants have 24/7 support from our in-country staff
Every participant has arranged a comprehensive travel insurance (mandatory)
We conduct a comprehensive program briefing process to ensure students are well prepared for their program
