International Opportunities

There are dozens of international opportunities available to Senior Section members, whether you’re interested in seeing the sites, learning about other cultures or making this world a better place.

1. INTOPS

2. GOLD

3. International events

4. Raleigh International

5. Four World Centres

1. INTOPS

Find out about all the INTernational OPportuitieS (INTOPS) available for 17-30 year-olds over an action-packed weekend. Expect to be informed, surprised and have your tenacity and teamwork tested. It can also count towards the Residential Clause in the Queen’s Guide Award and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. (Are there any more?)

To find out when the next Girlguiding UK INTOPS event is taking place check out the international pages of the Girlguiding UK website the New pages.

2. Guiding Overseas Linked with Development (GOLD)

GOLD gives members aged 18 to 30 the chance to volunteer in developing countries on vital community development projects.

In 2007, the programme allowed people to visit Madagascar, South Africa, Russia, Thailand (working alongside Guides Australia) and Honduras.

At the invitation of overseas guiding Associations, teams of up to seven work with local Guides on projects ranging from teaching health awareness to a business skills training programme. Projects are typically two to four weeks long and currently take place from July to December.

You’ll need to fund-raise for all project costs including travel and living expenses, and any equipment you may need tofor use. You’ll also commit to a minimum of three briefing weekends and a debrief weekend on return to the UK.

To take part you need to attend an INTOPS weekend, which will reveal a lot more about what’s involved. On top of this – you’re signing up for an unforgettable, life-changing experience. Take it from the people who know!

insert GOLD reports (These will also need to be edited!).

If you have any specific questions regarding GOLD, please email gold@girlguiding.org.uk .

3. International events

Camps and residentials abroad happen all the time. Many of these are posted here on the Girlguiding UK website. (if we cant do this because of potential age, where do we update people?)

UK-based International camps in the UK are also organised by Counties, Regions or Countries. These are open to Guides and/or Scout groups from other countries as well as the UK. There could even be an opportunity to host a foreign participant at your home!

HTo help to run a local or overseas event by gaining a spot on its service team. As a part of WAGGGS this could be for a Scout, or Guide or joint camp. Speak to your County International Adviser on all of the above.

4. Raleigh International

Raleigh International offers the chance to explore remote destinations, contribute to worthwhile projects and grow in confidence in yourselfself-confidence. Thise well- established charity that offers five- or ten- week expeditions overseas consisting of community, environmental and adventure projects like installing water systems in remote Nicaraguan communites and building schools in Malaysian Borneo.

Visit www.raleighinternational.org to find out more about how you can be part of something amazing!

5. Four World Centres

You can visit the amazing and unique World Centres on your own, with your family or with a guiding group. As a member of WAGGGS, you can apply to work in one of the World Centres if you are 18 or over. Generally you need to apply six months in advance but see the individual websites for full details.

Our Cabaña

Since 1957 more than 68,000 people have travelled to the outskirts of Cuernavaca to visit the beautiful Our Cabañna.

Fiestas and five acres of tropical gardens offer an amazing experience once you arrive.

Programmes include friendship sessions for girls, which include arts and crafts, tours, community service and discussions on worldwide issues.

The price is from US$40 per person per night for bed and breakfast.

www.ourcabana.org

Our Chalet

Set in Switzerland’s spectacular Bernese Oberland, Our Chalet overlooks the nearby village of Adelboden from a height of 1,350 metres above sea level.

The oldest of all the World Centres, it provides access to some of the most beautiful hiking opportunities in the world in summer and everything from igloo building to cross country ski-ing in the winter.

The price is from 40 Switzerland Francs/CHF (approx £18) half board, per person per night or 25 CHF (approx £11) self-catering.

www.ourchalet.org

Pax Lodge

Even UK-based members can get a taste of something foreign by chatting to the international staff team based at Pax Lodge in Hampstead, London.

The newest of the four World Centres is situated next to the WAGGGS headquarters, the World Bureau. As a base to explore London it can’t be beaten!

Prices start from £19.00 per person per night and all prices include a complimentary breakfast.

www.paxlodge.org

Sangam

Pune in Western India is one of the eight mega cities of the vibrant continentcountry?. In the middle of this thriving metropolis lies Sangam - a Sanskrit word for 'coming together'. It provides peace and tranquilitytranquillity in its leafy gardens and a cool, refreshing swimming pool.

A range of events seminars take place on site and off-site you’ve got every opportunity to experience life in a bustling, Indian city. Try meditation or ride a rickshaw. Learn how to wear a sari or try a vada pav with red chutney. You will never be bored!

The price is from 1,025 Indian Rupees (approx £16) per person per night, which includes bed, breakfast, lunch and an evening meal.

www.sangamworldcentre.org