This course will cover a range of sociological, cultural, historical, climatic and environmental topics. Drawing on my experiences as a volunteer leader in various roles while taking part in expeditions to Namibia, the Pyrenees and Vietnam. I wish to convey the hopes and fears of those taking part, the challenges faced and the well earned achievements gained. I also want to share with you some of the exciting characteristics of these countries. There are five lectures: 1) The Skeleton Coast, Namibia, an introduction and overview, Raleigh International 1998; 2) The Skeleton Coast Namibia - the expedition; 3) The Pyrenees 2004 - Borders Exploration Group; 4) Vietnam, an introduction and overview 2005 - Borders Exploration Group; 5) Vietnam - the expedition. The topics are very much interlinked and will illustrate the diversity of conditions the indigenous peoples of these countries have both historically and currently live in.