Quest Overseas is founded by Michael Amphlet. Driven by a desire to leave the city and create a more rewarding lifestyle both for himself and others, he contacted just 20 different schools and convinced 8 students to join him on Quest's maiden voyage. And so it began, on the 15th February 1996, the first ever Quest Overseas team flew out to Lima for a 10 week adventure - six weeks working on a children's project followed by a four week expedition trekking, bussing and boating through Peru. The trip had a lot in common with the expeditions of the great explorers; everyone (leaders included) was stepping out onto unknown terrain, but all were willing to face whatever came their way, to learn, work and explore.

A lot was learnt from this first journey, above all, that there was so much to see and do out there and that there was huge scope to combine enjoying the diversity of our planet with offering much needed support to social and environmental causes - time to plan the next adventure!