Global Xchange is an exchange programme that brings young people from the UK and from Africa to live alongside each other and work together as volunteers so they can share their learning with their host communities. Developed out of a highly successful VSO exchange programme called ‘World Youth’, Global Xchange seeks to support the advancement of a global perspective among young people.
This programme is a partnership between Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) and the British Council.
Global Xchange works with teams of up to 18 young people (aged 18-25), with equal numbers coming from the UK and from African countries. The teams are formed to reflect diversity in terms of geography, ethnicity, ability, education and gender. Together, in cross-cultural counterpart pairs, they live with host families and work in host communities, for up to three months in the UK and three months in Africa. They also work on a global citizenship project specifically aimed at raising awareness of development and diversity within their host communities.
Exchanges are simultaneously taking place between the UK and the following countries: Indonesia, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Malawi, South Africa, Africa, Kenya and Bangladesh.
For participants of Global Xchange; knowledge, learning and experience is derived from direct personal engagement and developed through structured reflection. The programme impacts on the young people who volunteer, the families who host them, the community projects with which they work and the wider communities in which they live.
For all of these participants in the programme, Global Xchange demonstrates the potential and promotes the values of active global citizenship.
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| Global Xchange accepts applicants for volunteer positions. Interested applicants must have the following: |
- a positive and realistic commitment to the programme
- a genuine commitment to learning
- ability to solve problems
- flexibility and adaptability
- self confidence
- sensitivity to the needs of others.
- treat everyone equally and with respect, regardless of any difference
- abide by and respect all the laws, both of the UK and Africa
- abide by all the rules and regulations established by the Programme to protect their health and safety
- always stay within host communities unless they have prior agreement from their Project Supervisor
- respect the customs and cultures of host communities and specifically their host families
- take part in all the activities and phases of the Programme, including pre-departure preparation and returned volunteers events.
Applications are only accepted at certain times of the year and differ per country. The dates will be advertised here on this site and in the local newspapers. If you would like us to notify you of web updates on this page please complete the website feedback form.
To learn more about the programme, contact your nearest office or take a look at the Global Xchange website.
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