The Volunteer Journey
Getting ready for the programme
After you have applied and been selected for the Global Xchange programme, we run a number of interactive training courses for you and your team. These are designed to get you ready for the programme and give you a chance to learn a bit more about the country you are going to and the kind of work you will be doing.
There are three training courses you are expected to attend before the programme begins. These are:
1) The Introductory Training Course (ITC)
This is the first course you attend after being selected. It's held around three months before you start the exchange. On this course, you will:
- Explore what you want to get out of the programme and what you want to achieve
- Meet and build relationships with other volunteers in your team and your UK project supervisors
- Learn about the aims, objectives and basic structure of the Global Xchange programme
- Become aware of your 'cultural baggage' and the potential difficulties and opportunities that arise from cross-cultural living
- Develop strategies for tackling publicity and fundraising in your home communities
- Explore health and safety responsibilities, standards of behaviour and medical issues.
You'll then start fundraising, researching the country you'll be visiting and planning your global education projects. You'll also sort out your vaccines and fill in some forms.
2) The Programme Preparation Course (PPC)
You'll attend the PPC just before the programme starts. This will prepare you for the arrival of the overseas volunteers and will also look more specifically at preparing you for working in a cross-cultural environment. On this course you will:
- Receive an introduction to the history, culture and languages of the exchange country
- Explore what makes a cross-cultural team work
- Plan how you will start to share your culture with the overseas volunteers
- Consider specific development issues related to your exchange country and how to put them into context.
3) The In-Country Orientation (ICO)
The PPC goes directly into the In-Country Orientation, which starts with the arrival of the overseas volunteers - your future counterparts! Training at the In-Country Orientation focuses on building supportive and trusting relationships, and getting you started on working as a team. Together, you and your team are given the opportunity to:
- Hear more about the host communities and host homes you will be going to
- Find out more about the different work placements available to you, and choose what placement you'd like to volunteer with
- Find out who your counterpart from the overseas country is, and begin getting to know them
- Explore the cultures of the UK and your exchange country and challenge stereotypes about both
- Understand the work of the British Council, VSO and the overseas partner organisation
- Practise and reflect on working as a cross-cultural team
After this, the programme itself begins...