Global Xchange: In Depth
Counterpart Pairs
As a volunteer on Global Xchange you will live and work with a partner. This partner will be from your exchange country and will usually be the same sex as you.
The ideas is that can learn a great deal about another country and culture through talking, working and living with someone from that country. You can also support each other through the experience - you will support your overseas counterpart during the UK phase, and your counterpart will support and help you when you go overseas to their country.
You can act as cultural guides, practice language with each other, and show each other the delights and features of your own country.
"I came on to the GX hoping my counterpart would end up a life-long friend - she became so much more... she's now my sister."
"Your counterpart relationship is the most challenging and at the same time most rewarding aspect of Global Xchange. He or she will provide you with invaluable support during the overseas phase (and vice versa), giving you a unique but true insight into an entirely different culture. The more you open up to one another the more worthwhile your experience will be, and the closer you will become. And I miss my counterpart dearly."