Global Xchange UK Phase: First Week

May 16, 2010

 It has been almost a week since the Philippine delegation left Manila for a 3-month exchange programme in Hounslow, United Kingdom as part of the Global Xchange which aims to involve youths of UK and a developing country in specific volunteer works . The first phase will involve community works in UK followed by another 3-month volunteer works in a community in Cebu, Philippines.

After arriving at the VSO Training Centre in Birmingham, UK, we were warmly welcomed by our UK counterparts who did a welcome song for us. We were so equally excited as they were, it was so overwhelming that we didn’t care much about the jet lag we got from almost 15 hours of travel.

We spent 3 days in Birmingham and enjoyed much of our stay. We had tons of energizers, activities, there was a night of going to the pub, meeting other VSO volunteers and so much of adjusting. Being in UK is completely unbelievable. We have to wear thick coats, jackets, we sleep with socks on our feet, we now spend less time watching TV and try as much as possible to connect to internet. Taking a bath was a serious challenge, as it is always cold in the morning and the heater doesn’t function that right away.

Getting to know who our counterpart’s going to be is the most exciting and wonderful feeling in the first few days of our stay. It was crucial. Just imagine the person’s going to be your partner for the rest of the programme- the moment you wake up in the morning, and the time you get to bed, you’re always gonna be with him. Before we left Birmingham, we have been paired with our British counterparts. The decision made by our Programme supervisors wasn’t easy. They had to consider a lot of factors and I believe that they have made a good one. I am now partnered with Patrick Dougherty. He’s such a cool guy actually. The first time I saw him, I instantly felt that it would be great to be partnered with him since he’s at times quiet and mysterious. I just hope that everything will just go well between us.

At the moment, we are now staying in our respective host homes. I and Patrick, together with Neil and Mark (another Pinoy) live in Smith’s residence in Saxon Road, about 20 minutes from central Hounslow. Karla is our foster mother and I am very happy to have a foster sister named Kiana. They’re half-Jamaican but have lived here in Hounslow for years. Both of them are very wonderful!! And before I forget, they have a two-year old greyhound dog named Imka.

In the following days, we will be paired with another UK counterpart who’s going to be our work partner in the next 3 months. On Monday, we will have our first Global Citizenship Day and hopefully see our placements later that day.