Apply Now to Global Xchange

Global Xchange Netherlands homepage (c)r.r.

Global Xchange is managed by a partnership of two organisations:
British Council Logo

And it is managed in the Netherlands as part of the Our Shared Europe project

	Our Shared Europe/Global XChange


	Apply now to participate to a 6 month voluntary exchange programme in Egypt and in the UK.

Please note that we don't accept anymore applications

As part of the Our Shared Europe project, the British Council office in the Netherlands is seeking applications for a voluntary international exchange programme which starts in March 2010.

Are you between 18 and 25 years old? Interested in volunteering and community service in Egypt and the UK? Are you looking for opportunities to learn about other cultures? Can you fully devote six months of your life to this valuable exchange?
Yes? Then take this opportunity and apply for the Global Xchange programme by Monday 25 January 2010 before 12:00. Note that we don't accept anymore applications.

		What is GlobalXchange?

Global Xchange is an international volunteer exchange programme for young people aged 18 – 25yrs and is a partnership between the British Council and Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO). Global Xchange puts together teams of young people, with equal numbers of UK and overseas members, to work on exciting voluntary initiatives. The programme is managed in the Netherlands as part of the Our Share Europe Project. For more information on Global Xchange, visit the Global Xchange website.

		How will this project work?

			This year the British Council is piloting an exchange where a total of 24 volunteers will be drawn from 6 different countries - the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Bosnia, Egypt, Yemen and Morocco.
			These volunteers will be hosted by two countries during the exchange - Egypt and the United Kingdom.
			Beginning in March 2010 the volunteers will live and work for three months in Sharkeya, Egypt. Immediately afterwards, the next three months will be spent in Southwark London, the United Kingdom.
			Each volunteer will be partnered with another from a different cultural background. Both will then be placed with a host family and work as volunteers with a local community organisation for four days per week.

		What are the criteria to apply?

			Be 18-25 years old
			Have a high level of spoken English
			Be prepared to work voluntarily for six month
			Commit to spending six months full time on the programme: Selected applicants will be away from the Netherlands between March and September 2010
			Be open to learning
			Be flexible and adaptable
			Be able to work with others
			Respect other people and their cultures
			Be available, if selected, for an Assessment Day on 27 January* and an introductory training course on 12 February 2010*

*Please note that the dates of the Assessment Day and the introductory training are subject to change. In this case, selected volunteers will be informed with due notice.

		What is provided by Global Xchange?

			Costs of travel, visas, medical check, accommodation and food.
			A modest allowance each week..
			Ongoing support from experienced Programme Supervisors.
			Introduction to a global network of volunteers.
			An invaluable experience for life!

Note: All essential costs are covered by the programme, but volunteers are asked to demonstrate their commitment through relevant fund raising and/or voluntary work in advance of the exchange. If your profile matches the criteria above and you are interested in applying for this programme, but you have never raised funds or done voluntary work before, we advise that you contact Manon de Ruijter for further discussion.

		What is the application procedure?

			If you meet the criteria and wish to participate in this exchange programme, please complete the application form in English and send it by Monday 18 January 2010 before 12:00 to Manon de Ruijter at manon.deruijter@britishcouncil.nl
			If successful, we will invite you to attend an Assessment Day, which will consist of an interview and a number of group activities. The aim of the day is for us to find out more about you, and for you to find out more about the programme. It is not possible to be selected for the programme without participating to the Assessment Day on 27 January 2010*.
			Ongoing Support for Selected Volunteers: Those who are selected after the Assessment Day will receive an introductory training on 12 February 2010, one month before the start of the programme, and further training as part of the programme* itself. This will help you begin developing the necessary skills to succeed in this Global Xchange opportunity. You will also discuss cross-cultural issues and start team building. Please note that this introductory training is compulsory.
			There will be two Programme Supervisors supporting volunteers during the exchange, one from Egypt and one from the UK. The Programme Supervisors will provide training, mentoring and also medical support if needed.
			Please note that if you have been selected for this exchange, a medical and police check will be a compulsory part of the preparation process.

*Please note that the dates of the Assessment Day and the introductory training are subject to change. In this case, selected volunteers will be informed with due notice.

		Contact info and downloadable documents

For more information contact Manon de Ruijter:
E-mail: manon.deruijter@britishcouncil.nl
Telephone: + 31 (0)20 524 76 70

Downloadable documents:

			Download the information document (Word version of the website text)
			Download the application form