Roger, Founder and Director

Roger first got involved in gap years and youth travel in 1994, after an adventurous career in the army, followed by years running another gap year organisation and working as Operations Director of World Challenge Expeditions. He founded Oyster in 2006.

Favourite travel memory: Kayaking down the Zambezi on the Zambian/Zimbabwe border passing crocs, hippos and elephants – being told not to put our hands in the water was good advice.

Strangest travel experience: Flying Aeroflot in Russia in 1994 and not being offered a brightly coloured drink because the hostess couldn’t reach where I was sitting because of all the heavy luggage left in the aisle.

Top travel tip: Take two portable battery chargers. Offering electricity is always a good way to make friends and running out is very distressing.

Next destination on my bucket list: It has to be Iceland, I have wanted to go there since studying Geography a very long time ago.

You can contact Roger directly on +44 (0) 1892 771971 or by emailing [email protected].

Sami, Programme Director

Sami became a member of the Oyster Worldwide team in 2022, following her previous role leading recruitment teams and relocation programmes for large companies. She has lived in multiple countries and now focuses on helping others live and work abroad through Oyster!

Favourite travel memory: It’s hard to choose just one, but in 2022, some highlights were watching the sunsets on deserted beaches in Ilha Grande, Brazil, and getting caught in the rain in Venice, Italy – one of my favourite places to visit.

Strangest travel experience: Hiking through the jungle in Mexico to find ‘off the map’ Mayan ruins. We were followed by a family of monkeys for two hours, and when we finally reached our destination, they tried to attack us from the trees!

Top travel tip: Research your destination, but don’t be too disappointed if things don’t go as planned. Every experience makes a great story when you get home, whether it goes smoothly or not.

Next destination on my bucket list: I would love to return to Asia, especially after hearing about the wonderful experiences our Oysters have had on the tours we offer there! Japan is still on my list, as well as visiting Petra in Jordan, hopefully later this year

You can contact Sami directly on +44 (0) 1892 771976 or by emailing [email protected]

Kate, Operations and Partnerships Manager

Kate joined Oyster in 2022 after teaching English in Vietnam for 7 years, where she also had plenty of adventures! She’s been a key part of the team ever since – helping shape our programmes and processes – and making sure every Oyster volunteer has a smooth journey, from enquiry to departure.

Favourite travel memory: Age 19 in Peru… climbing up the steps of Huayna Picchu with my best friend for an early morning view of Machu Pichu. It was the first time I had been travelling and I remember feeling so overwhelmed with joy and wonder!

Strangest travel experience: Sipping a coconut whilst sat on the end of a Violin shaped pier in a former Leprosy Colony in Vietnam!

Top travel tip: Learn a bit of the language if you can – as even if no-one understands your accent, it shows goodwill and respect to local people.

Next destination on my bucket list: I’m excited to travel around Europe more as I was based in Asia for so long, that most of the travelling I’ve done has been there. I think next on my list has to be Portugal. That said… I’d love to go and visit my friends in Vietnam and Borneo is definitely on my bucket list!

You can contact Kate directly on +44 (0) 1892 771971 or by emailing [email protected]

Overseas representatives and coordinators

None of what we do would be possible without our incredible overseas teams. They are the true heart of every Oyster experience — the local knowledge, warmth, and steady support that helps each participant feel at home, however far from home they are.

Many have been with us for years, and it’s their warmth, humour, and experience that our travellers most often mention as the thing that made settling into life abroad feel that bit easier.

On each of our projects, you’ll be supported by an Oyster Representative, alongside a local Volunteer Coordinator or Leader — both deeply familiar with the community and culture you’ll be joining. Behind them stands a wider team of local experts, each bringing their own specialist knowledge and a genuine passion for sharing it with our travellers.