Our Story

You know how stories have an introduction, a conflict, a climax and a resolution? Well, ours is nothing like that. There’s certainly no end to our story in sight.

As quite a young organisation, we’re actually a lot more like a person than a story. Since our birth in 2015, we’ve experienced it all: the sleepless nights, the tears, the tantrums, a lot of mess… but thankfully we found our feet and started running.

In leaps and bounds, we have grown from just 16 students on a couple of assessment-based projects in January 2016. We now have an alumni community of over 700 trekkers from around the world, have trained nearly 100 people in team and senior leadership, and have university partners all over Australia. Our projects have also grown across all of our countries of operation, with over half of our ventures returning revenue, including FarmEd, the Rocket Stove, and Everest Recycling Solutions.

We could lie and say that we hired industry pros, or hid in a garage and “just hacked it out”, but that isn’t even close. Our growth and success is a testament to our people: talented, passionate, and dedicated to enabling social change, and as a result, we have built an incredible community around us at home and in country (our second homes).

So what are the next steps for our growing organisation?

Our Internships

Our Ventures

Our Training

The value of our internships is becoming exponentially recognised by universities and organisations alike. We are continuously securing credit, grants and funding for students from a range of unis to seek financial support and academic acknowledgment of their internship experience. Beyond this, companies such as UBER have jumped on board as graduate partners, offering advanced opportunities to our alumni at the point of their graduation.

This year we’ve partnered with Rough Diamonds, a tech-based project incubator working to further develop our ventures through to commercialisation. Whilst we are yet to operate overseas 12 months of the year, our project commercialisation team will work in Australia to support the rate of growth.

With newly accredited avenues for our team leaders, senior leaders, and business development consultants, our training is recognised to count towards certificates in project management and leadership. We continuously develop our training immersions to ensure that our people are best prepared for project and skills beyond their time in country.

So that’s our story, and like any good parent, we’re going to keep nurturing and supporting the organisation until it’s all grown up and making its mark… and even that won’t stop us.

What are you waiting for?

Get Involved

Google Rating

5.0

Project Everest Ventures

Kristen Bartell

05:41 24 Feb 17

My month in Fiji with Project Everest has been challenging but worthwhile and rewarding. I was able to deepen my knowledge of fuel sources as well as improve on my confidence and communication skills and also had the change to improve my leadership skills. I worked in a diverse team from a range of backgrounds that I wouldn’t have worked with in any other context and through this learnt more about myself. I really enjoyed being a trekker with a company that focuses on sustainability and long term achievements. I found that Project Everest took impact assessments serious to ensure that we mitigate any potential negative impacts and cultural awareness and sensitivity played a huge role in all our work. Would highly recommended getting involved

Amelia Gartner

23:22 27 Jan 17

Going on project with Project Everest has been one of the best personal/professional development experiences I have had. I have left this venture with experiences and new skills which I will take forward into my personal and professional life going forward which I know will make me more successful in my career. I appreciate everything PE did to make the trip fun, comfortable and enjoyable and they made me feel supported and engaged the entire time. Could not recommend enough!

Caitlin Bloor

00:04 31 Jan 17

If you want to truly make a difference in the world this is the opportunity for you. I went on the Fiji Fuel Assessment with no prior knowledge about fuel, but was able to learn so much from visiting villages. In turn, I was able to contribute to the research and building of ideas that will help Project Everest provide socially beneficial services and products for those in the developing world that need it. Would recommend this to anyone! Such an eye opening experience, and with a great bunch of people.

Ned L

08:57 28 Jan 17

My experience with Project Everest so far has been nothing short of amazing. Surrounding yourself with like-minded budding entrepreneurs driving social change motivates you to want to get involved and see what you're capable of doing both on your own and with others. I was fortunate enough to be involved with the Cambodia FarmEd food security project which gave me the opportunity to apply my agricultural and business knowledge to the venture. Having the opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture not only improves your cultural literacy and appreciation, but it develops a side in you that wants to venture on towards social change alongside your current team, the previous tram and the future team. All this, of course, stems from the leadership program Project Everest implements to ensure the high quality and standards are consistently applied across all projects to develops leaders in social business. For me, this is key for making sustainable solutions and I'm so keen for the times and adventures that lies ahead

Ash Xu

02:47 12 Mar 17

Going on project was one of the best decisions I've ever made.That one short month developed my personal and professional capabilities more than what I thought was possible. The Project Everest team is made up of incredibly passionate people looking to make a difference, and being able to work next to them is an enriching experience by itself. I would highly recommend Everest to anyone looking to push themselves and make a difference.

Larissa Steele

22:54 28 May 17

Prior to working on a project overseas with Project Everest, trekkers are required to attend trekker training. This is a weekend event whereby trekkers are introduced to the wider cohort and their team leaders whilst also learning about building social enterprises through presentations and participating in activities that require design thinking to address the case provided. Over this weekend, I have met a cohort of like-minded, passionate individuals that want to initiate positive social change through the various projects. I have sat through presentations given by inspirational speakers with content I know will equip me for my Project as well as in my career. Having just arrived back from trekker training, I can honestly say that I am feeling excited to work with my team on our project in a month's time. I feel assured knowing that I am in the capable and experienced hands of my team and group leader and am eager for us to work together. Based on my experience of trekker training, I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn, develop their leadership and be a part of a group of amazing people. Last but not least, the food provided over the weekend was excellent!

Emily Armstrong

03:30 01 Jun 17

During my weekend I gained more knowledge then some full semester at University gave me. This may a reflection of my procrastination, however, I believe that it illustrates Project Everest's ability to get you engaged, active and keep your mind open. The information sessions were clear and enthusiastic, with knowledgeable project leaders teaching you everything from first aid training to social business. Honestly, I never thought I'd be running up and down hills to find fictional villages, find 'missing' team members, 'apply' first aid, build a prototype of water filtration systems and boot camp all in a weekend. Thank you for a wonderful time!

Daniella Foley

07:51 16 May 17

I've had an amazing experience as a trekker and embarking on Team Leadership training with Project Everest. I love that I can surround myself with like-minded people that are passionate about making social change. This experience is truly unique as it enables you and your team to create an ongoing, sustainable and positive impact in developing countries. The Team Leader training was an extremely challenging experience that has equipped me with practical leadership skills and enabled personal growth.

Harry Telford

03:34 17 May 17

Project Everest runs an excellent program for students looking to get more out of their time at Uni! PE Provides amazing personal, and leadership development through an experience impossible to be matched in a classroom. After completing a month of developing a socially beneficial enterprise overseas as a ‘Trekker’, Project Everest also allows students to continue growing personal skills with additional leadership training, enabling them to lead teams of ventures overseas. Through these extensive training programs, it is evident that PE personally cares about their Trekkers, and takes the role of Team Leaders very seriously. It is fantastic to be apart of a company that feels more like a family than a business.

Corey Middleton

23:28 16 May 17

If you want to leave your comfort zone, experience intensive self-development, open your eyes to new possibilities, have fantastic experiences and meet some bloody brilliant people along the way; Project Everest should be your answer. I can't stress enough the extent to which my skills have developed through project Everest. If I left tomorrow and all this ended, I'm in such a better position now than I was 6 months ago that I feel as though there is no one I couldn't convince to put me on their team. I am now surrounded by the most fantastic, like-minded people and it is an incredible feeling.

Alexandra Staples

03:08 22 Jul 17

I set out on project in Fiji with no idea what I was getting myself into. I returned with a changed perspective and a new outlook on the world. Personally and intellectually project will challenge you to push yourself. Having now been through team leadership training I feel a part of a community of people so driven to improve themselves and the world. It is like nothing I have ever been apart of.

Joshua Ward

23:06 27 Jul 17

At trekker training we were engaged in activities to help prepare us for our time in country. We were placed into unexpected situations and had to work as a team to overcome various scenarios. The skills learnt over the weekend can be applied to your university degrees and will encourage growth in your personal development as a person and as a leader. It has been a great experience and I believe those who attend this training will be thoroughly prepared for their project in country. My time in Fiji has been an absolute incredible experience. I met some of the best people in my life, whilst working on a fuel assessment project. These people will remain some of my closest friends and as a team we smashed our part of the project. The past month has been extremely rewarding as we were trying to solve real world problems. I would recommend Project Everest to anyone who wants to make a difference in the world, improve yourself and meet some great people along the way, venture on and get involved.

Krystal Kennedy

23:56 27 Jul 17

I have been left absolutely speechless after the month I have experienced with Project Everest! I have never been placed with so many like minded individuals who all share the same passion (if not more) and determination to hustle in a month while in country. I joined Project Everest wanting to make a difference in the world and as cliche as that may sound, you really do make a difference! Project Everest values millennials and gives you the ability to dictate where your project goes. The environment Project Everest creates is so nurturing and supportive and provides you with many opportunities for self development. This was one of the best experiences I have ever done and would not regret anything. If you are considering in going on project with Project Everest, I 100% would recommend.

Justin Biceski

11:14 02 Aug 17

My experience as a Trekker with Project Everest was truly life changing. Being in an environment where everyone is striving to physically, mentally and emotionally push the limit really catalyses the process of personal development. Whats more, my team and I endeavoured on this journey of personal and professional growth whilst simultaneously creating positive and sustainable impact in the communities we collaborated with. I strongly believe that what Project Everest offers cannot be matched: the unique combination of experiencing country like the locals, team building, operating business, understanding entrepreneurship and implementing initiatives aligned with the UN sustainable development goals. I will certainly be back!

William Atkinson

03:32 29 Oct 17

The overall weekend as a whole was run in an incredibly professional but also an enjoyable way. The presentations were run very successfully within the given time fragments and the presenters showed obvious enthusiasm making the potentially dry content move in a more quick and engaging manner. The practical tasks were extremely helpful and gave a good idea of the challenge's we may be posed with when in country due to the professional and helpful support of the Project Everest Staff. The Food and Venue were amazing. My only critique would be that the Equipment List was rather vague in terms of what items were needed which could be improved by adding 'pen and notepad' to the list and also using a visual image for what kind of glow stick was required, also the pillow could be listed as a preference as a pillow was already provided which negated the need for me to bring one from home. Overall an amazing weekend

Isaac Crawford

07:14 31 Oct 17

The leadership training with Project Everest is one of the most unique experiences an individual can go through. My outlook on tasks and life in general now has completely changed. I now have a better understanding of the incredibly broad scope of issues that can arise in any situation, and how to deal with them. You are put in a position that you could not EVER pre-conceive. That discomfort is what you feel in real pressure situations and to now understand techniques on how to mitigate these issues is invaluable.

Jock Willoughby

07:15 31 Oct 17

Project Everest provides an excellent opportunity for extensive personal and professional development. The intensive training prepares you for a challenging but rewarding experience working on a projects focused on making a difference in developing countries. You'll also meet heaps of awesome other people who will become your friends for life.

Edwina Jones

07:11 31 Oct 17

If you’re looking for an experience to push yourself to the ultimate limits, or unsure of what your limits are. You’ll find them when your in country. It’s a tough month, but you’ll be supported by your team and your leaders. You’ll be asked what you want to get out of it and pushed to achieve it. I had the most incredible experience in country and was actually surprised about how much power I personally had on making the project happen, as a student you don’t get many opportunities like this. I found I was actually applying the things I had learnt at University to a real life situation to make an actual difference in a community. If you’re looking for personal development or a chance to test yourself, I found this experience a great opportunity to do so. Living in a developing country for a month with lots of other University students is tough, and you’re going to hate it at times, but you’ll leave feeling accomplished if you put everything you had into it.

eugenia hutton

Team Leadership Training with Project Everest was one of the best personal development experiences I have gone through. They challenge you in ways you wouldn't imagine and showcased to me my strengths in weaknesses as a leader. I honestly do not know how they pull of a training this good!

Connor Moon

09:59 02 Nov 17

My time with Project Everest has led to some of the most rewarding, exciting and influential experiences of my life. My overseas trek in Cambodia in July, as well as Team Leadership Training in September have both assisted my development in communication, team work, leadership and business methodology. I wholeheartedly believe the opportunities provided for uni students by PE are the only ones of their kind and will be of immense benefit for anyone looking to broaden their knowledge, skills and friendship base! PE's two biggest assets are definitely their team and their training. Their attention to detail and commitment make your PE journey so much easier; and the training provided prior to your first trek, in conjunction with the first hand experience you gain in country will aid your personal development greatly. This is only intensified if you chose to continue training and growing with PE. Granted, going on a trek can seem a daunting and costly experience, but I cannot stress enough how worthwhile it has been to me.

soni lawson

07:44 03 Nov 17

My experience with Project Everest has been one of the most challenging and beneficial experiences. Challenging because you experience things that make you super uncomfortable. By learning to get through the uncomfortable situations and learning how to control the situation to make it more comfortable for you, was something I never thought I would learn in life. We cruise by and ignore situations if they get too hard because no one likes sticky situations and we choose to ignore them. But Project Everest pushes you so when these situations arise you are aware and will be able to control yourself and how you react or behave to it. Overall Project Everest encourages you to push yourself, allowing you to perform to your full potential. This experience has been beneficial because it is an experience you do not get at university and its something you cant learn through a power point in class. When you get out your comfort zone and go through the emotions, challenges, you are able open yourself up and you would be amazed how much you can benefit from that.

Alex Ng

10:00 23 Dec 17

It has been an amazing summer going on a venture with Project Everest. The venture with Project Everest is not easy but it will develop you. You will be placed in a team to learn how to and solve complex issues in developing countries through social business. You will be exposed to several business methodologies such as Lean Start-up and different ways of thinking (i,e Design thinking & moonshot thinking). You will be trained to pitch in front of a crowd and to potential business prospects. In our first week at Timor-Leste we have already started pitching to real businesses and have succeeded in getting businesses on-board customers. Throughout the venture, we were running our social business to make it sustainable while creating a positive social impact. The personal development I went through in this 1 month cannot be described in words. I left the project with more confidence and better interpersonal skills. I highly recommended this to anyone who is interested in self development and highly motivated to create positive social impact

Grace Ford

14:44 23 Dec 17

Project Everest is an amazing business that focuses heavily on personal and professional development. Over the past month, I have greatly enhanced a variety of skills through the immersive environment that they provide. The staff were integral in providing this training and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity they have given me

Esmond Ye

06:29 24 Dec 17

It's not everyday that you get a chance to practice an area of interest in a foreign environment. I believe that, 'everything happens for a reason'. Some call it dumb luck, others call it being in the right place at the right time. Upon learning about Project Everest, I was instantly captivated by the thought of working in Fiji as part of the only social consulting team across the entire company. Little did I know or expect that Project Everest would extend me an official offer less than a week after our first interaction. There's a reason why people constantly use the cliche that 'the people made the experience unforgettable'. It's because without the people, an experience would be solely based on the individual self (which is absolutely acceptable if you're on a spiritual journey of discovering the individual self). The other members of the team, the project and the company wouldn't be where it is today if it wasn't for each individual coming together with their varying talents and quirks to make the entire experience worth repeating. To those who are thinking about coming on board, my message to you is to do your own research, stay true to your passions and follow your gut. The people you meet will change your life forever. They might even save your life.

Katherine Han

08:03 24 Dec 17

Being a Project Everest trekker has been my most enriching experience by far. Working on the FarmEd project as a multidisciplinary team not only gave me exposure to the running of a lean, sustainable business model, but also gave me the opportunity to develop various skills whilst being surrounded by an amazing group of people who have continued to inspire me day after day. Project Everest has demonstrated that people lie at the core of delivering business solutions that effectively address social issues. The leadership team sets measurable goals, enable autonomy and ensure timely impact assessment, as such, empowering leaders to be built through this experiential learning process.

alla jade

09:54 24 Dec 17

The Project Everest leadership team is comprised of some of the most influential and capable leaders I have ever had the experience of working with. As a team, they strive for excellence and to reach the organisations overall goals, day by day. The ventures which they run are an experience of a life time with the opportunity to strengthen your skill set, whilst enabling you in fostering your own style of leadership through the resources provided. Throughout the past month, I've had the privilege to be a part of this team on the ground in Malawi. People will often say this may be cliche, but it truly is the people who work beside you that make the time worth while. Whilst in country, I have been lucky to be part of such an inspiration group, who have influenced me in becoming the best possible version of myself. For anyone thinking of joining the team, I recommend you do it without fault, as it is truly one of the most challenging but incredible things you will ever do.

Jiajun Zhang

13:19 24 Dec 17

Who knew that being on project overseas for one month would be one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences in my life. The highly valuable skills that I've learnt and developed on project will benefit me in both my personal and professional development. The experience is not easy however there is an abundance of support from the group leader all the way to fellow trekkers. I could write an essay on how amazing my experience working overseas was, but you really should come on board with Project Everest and see for yourself!

Thien B

22:44 24 Dec 17

My Social Consulting project at Project Everest was an experience I cannot forget! Having the opportunity to apply knowledge from my university degree practically and witnessing the impact to the local community of Fiji was amazing! There were many late nights, long days, early starts and tough weeks. The program isn't made for someone expecting a one month holiday. It's made to build you, test you and deliver sustainable results. I would highly recommend Project Everest to anyone looking to gain practical experience combined with the opportunity to live overseas.

Matthew D'Souza

09:29 28 Dec 17

As an Engineering and Science student I am always on the lookout for experiences that give me an edge over my peers, something which spending a month in Fiji with Project Everest accomplished. Working on FarmEd Field Development was tough at times, but it was the basic accommodation, heat, insects and call to be a team player 24/7 that taught me so much. The community that I was with, from our leaders to the other “Trekkers”, were all extremely supportive and a pleasure to work with. Certainly not a holiday, I would recommend PE to anyone interested in doing meaningful work overseas while engaging in intense self-development at the same time.

Jessica Hunter

04:19 31 Jan 18

Working with Project Everest has been one of the best experiences of my life. Not only are the leadership team highly professional and capable, they are also fun, passionate and inspiring individuals who it is a pleasure to be around. The culture of PE is such that I would highly recommend the experience to anyone interested in growing professionally and personally. The leadership skills you will develop are the best that I have come across, and the experience and skills you will gain through real life application of working on a business cannot be valued highly enough. Skills from all university degrees are useful in this endeavour. PE is making such a positive impact in working towards achieving the UN's sustainable development goals, I highly recommend the experience of working with PE to anyone interested in personal growth, challenge, fun, and bettering the world.

Tim Phillips

05:20 31 Jan 18

Going away with Project Everest to Timor-Leste was an experience I'll never forget. The way they have conducted themselves in country as well as in Australia in their professionalism, passion, hustle, and genuine care for the trekkers is something to be truly admired. I was continually encouraged to grow both personally and professionally within an environment which always felt safe. If you're looking for personal growth or just trying to get that accreditation or work experience, I can't recommend Project Everest enough.

Nikolaos Kappos

01:16 01 Feb 18

What.A.Month. Going to Timor-Leste with Project Everest is one of the best decisions I have made in my life. The amount you grow personally and professionally is unimaginable. All the leadership team works tirelessly, and all their energy is put into moving the project forward, and helping you achieve goals to benefit communities less fortunate then your own. It’s a bonus that you will meet friends for life on the trip, all trekkers are like minded and have the underlying goal of helping people and pushing each other to be the best they can possibly be. It doesn’t matter whether you’re are doing arts, law or engineering, Project Everest is for everyone. It develops your confidence, communication skills and allows you to think of creative and practical ways to solve social issues. There are also many opportunities to stay connected post project, and highlights how much Project Everest cares about those involved with them. So, if you like adventure, but need a little push, Project Everest is for you!

Sam Whalley

22:22 07 Feb 18

I have never experienced anything quite as fun and beneficial on both a personal and professional level. I trekked in Timor-Leste and I can testify it is one of the best experiences of my life. I gained confidence, business skills and countless other benefits. I could not recommend Project Everest enough to anyone out there who is looking for adventure while changing the world and growing in every way at the same time.

Jess Girardi

06:11 01 Mar 18

The team at Project Everest are some of the most dedicated and generous individuals I have ever encountered. Always willing to share knowledge and help out where possible. All the staff are friendly and maintain strong family values which is so rare in a business environment. Yet, they remain exemplary professionals in each of their respective fields and are always up for a challenge. I can not speak higher of Project Everest.

Sapphire Loebler

20:13 26 Apr 18

Project Everest is an amazing organisation that empowers you with the skills, autonomy and community to make a difference in a meanigful way. I trekked earlier this year in Cambodia and have just completed the week long Business Development Training before returning on another project later this year. Both experiences we're absolutely amazing! I have never been so challenged, pushed to my limits and shown that I can achieve whatever I set my mind to. The worst part is returning back to your everyday life and realizing just how much more from it you want. I highly recommend PE for anybody as a life experience and even more so for those who are looking for an opportunity to generate real social change in our world!

Rumin

04:08 27 May 18

My training at Project Everest has been challenging and exciting and fruitful and I look forward to the field project. My fellow trekkers and I are really pushed beyond our comfort zones as we get to learn a wide range of skills such as business planning, marketing, personal development, and more. I am also really impressed by the staff’s professionalism and how they are so dedicated to our well being.

Jayanth Paranji

04:20 27 May 18

I went into Trekker Training quite skeptical over details and what I would be doing but the weekend training changed that all. Despite the lack of sleep, the whole weekend was structured in a way that made it easy to understand what was to occur in country. The use of staff and support was really well done and it does shock you at first but you'll feel a genuine, infectious buzz from them. The timings of some activities could be better spread out. Overall, the Trekker Training would significantly improve your view and understanding of PE and lead to a deeper appreciation of their business.

Will Abbey

04:23 27 May 18

Project Everest’s training program covered all grounds in terms of theoretical knowledge, in country advice and practical challenges. It was great to learn more about the driving values of Project Everest and not only their role in achieving sustainable development goals but how I can help in this process. Every challenge came with a lesson and it was a fantastic overall experience.

Jakob Voo

Had a fun and challenging weekend over the trekker training. It is really cool to be able use our skills and knowledge (from Uni and the training) through a series of scenarios, knowing that we will be able to make a Social impact in a-month time.

Stephanie Tan

08:27 21 Jun 18

Genuinely one of the best experiences of my entire life. My decision to go on a Cambodian venture was rash and spontaneous, so I hadn't expected to develop as much as I did during my incredible month. I formed amazing relationships with absolutely wonderful people who I will always treasure. PE also hugely enhanced my public speaking and leadership skills, which continues to benefit my life significantly. It has given me newfound confidence to achieve more than I thought I could, and anyone else who embarks on a venture with PE could feel the same.

Tanushree Thapa

20:53 27 Jul 18

My trekking experience with Project Everest has been nothing short of enlightening. I was surrounded by motivated trekkers and leaders fully committed to our goals and the betterment of the community around us. It was very heartening to see the emphasis that is placed upon empathizing and remaining transparent with the people in Fiji, ensuring that we're truly doing something that is needed. Being a trekker has taught me strong work ethics, a need to live by the values that I preach, and has only increased my passion for sustainable development. Taking an internship with Project Everest if you want to travel, learn about building a business that is rooted in making a positive social impact - you'll grow in ways you never imagined!!

Caity Touzell

05:14 16 Aug 18

Working with PEV truly is an unrivalled experienced. From starting out as a Trekker to moving into a Business Consultant position I've learned so many skills which I couldn't have obtained elsewhere. Working in country is hands on and can push you to your limit, but only then can you stretch your comfort zone and grow. Would recommend PEV to anyone and everyone.

Thomas de Heus

12:13 11 Sep 18

I can safely say my involvement with Project Everest Ventures is the best decision I've made as a university student. The experience I've had has been nothing but positive, and the skills I've gained both as a Trekker and a Team Leader have given me the inspiration to continue to pursue a career that I am passionate about. Landing in Timor-Leste for the first time as a Trekker, I had no idea I'd come away with such amazing pitching, leadership, engineering and business knowledge from the passionate people I was surrounded by in country. Returning as a Team Leader, I was given the opportunity and support to have my own positive influence on my team and develop myself as a leader, with my own leadership style. In terms of being able to be directly involved with real, long-term, positive change, PEV is second to none!

Madeleine McArthur

08:25 30 Dec 18

My time in Malawi with Project Everest was without a doubt one of the most challenging, but rewarding months I've ever had! It's incredible the amount of growth you see within yourself and the friendships formed during your time in country are lifelong. Project Everest gives you such a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture and gain real life experiences within a developing country, and I could not recommend it more highly!

Felix Zerbib

22:20 24 Jan 19

I have been involved with Project Everest Ventures for almost a year now, and I genuinely believe it has been one of my most formative and educational experiences. The people you meet and get to work with, the training and the work you get to do overseas are invaluable and something I've never seen done anywhere else.

Sebastian Arnold

22:09 06 Feb 19

I have recently spent two months with PEV on project in Malawi and can with all honesty say that it has been both one of the personally most challenging as well as rewarding experiences. I want to highlight that while working in country I was introduced to a variety of business methodologies and equipped with new practice-oriented tools, with regard to public speaking, problem-solving, leadership and communication. Overall, PEV provides you with the opportunity to experience a country and its culture in a very unique way. You work together with people from a variety of different backgrounds and can use your own ideas and knowledge to push social enterprise projects forward. Therefore, I can highly recommend to get involved with PEV.

James Balzer

03:05 27 Mar 19

I want to sensibly and critically express my disgruntlement towards Project Everest Ventures (PEV), primarily due to what I perceive to be their non-sensical and irresponsible business model. This is both in respect to their competency as a business and also as a social impact organisation. I am writing this review after spending 1 year working with PEV in a variety of ways. Note well that this is a relatively long time with this company, as it notably extends, in length and depth, beyond the normal 1 month of overseas intern work that a large amount of people do with the company. I began my work with PEV motivated and driven, but slowly began to question its ethical and business legitimacy to the point of me writing this review. Overall, I would not recommend spending $3590 (plus flights and spending money) on this experience. I have done 3 separate overseas internships with the company, twice as a 'Trekker' and once as a Social Business Consultant. Likewise, I have interacted and worked with PEV's Commercialisation and Marketing team, along with writing some Grants for the company as well. As a result, I consider my judgement as a well-rounded and informed one. The company seemingly has good intentions. I support their publicly communicated "why" and "what", with these being to "enable 1 billion people" using a business model as opposed to a charity model (i.e. the use of Social Enterprise). The serious criticism that I have with the company comes down to their "how". As it stands, the company operates a number of different ventures across 3 countries. The company only operates 4 out of the 12 months of the year, with the Trekkers and Leaders for the ventures changing most months. This is not only an ineffective time frame for on-the-ground business operations, but also an ineffective turnover rate of workers. Likewise, the Trekkers and more critically, the leaders (in charge of approximately 7-50 people) are young University students, the vast majority of whom have no experience in social impact or business development, particularly within a Developing Country. The leaders are only required to do a 7 day course and are then provided the responsibility (both ethically and business-wise) to establish scalable social enterprises in precarious and uncertain overseas environments. Not only is this non-sensical in a business sense, but also in a safety sense. Most notably, a number of the ventures conduct themselves in a manner that is non-conducive, if not counter-productive, to positive social change in the countries of operation. From what I understand, the solar project in Malawi, for example, sells cheaply made and low-quality imported solar units to Malawians at a severely high mark up. When these solar units are sold on a payment plan, the interest rate over a period of 6 months exceeds 60%. This places significant financial strain and pressure on the customers of the product, who in turn don't receive a sustainably beneficial product, with PEV being the ones who financially benefit. Likewise, from what I've heard, the Hidden Hunger project in Malawi supports and advocates for locals to purchase fruits and vegetables that are commonly out of the budget for most Malawians, deeming it a product with minimal use and thus benefit to the customers. Furthermore, I personally experienced ostracisation and harassment from the leadership team when I sought to question and engage in constructive dialogue regarding the ventures' effectiveness and social benefit. I personally found this to be highly irresponsible, unprofessional and immature. While it's okay to respectively disagree on matters, the manner in which I was treated due to my critiques was completely unreasonable and disrespectful.

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