As an organisation dedicated to promoting equality and diversity, helping young people gain a better understanding of other cultures and worldwide issues is really important to us.

Through international opportunities girls are encouraged to further develop their knowledge and understanding of themselves, other cultures and of Girlguiding. All members of Girlguiding are taught to be globally aware and to regard themselves as a citizen of the world.

Through activities, events and trips overseas they learn to value and respect the diversity of other cultures, and also become committed to sustainable development overseas and the importance of looking after the environment.

GOLD

GOLD Guiding Overseas Linked with Development is an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. GOLD is open to members of Girlguiding Scotland aged between 17 and 30 and gives you a unique, international experience, helping local Guides, through participation in community development projects over-seas.

Projects take place all over the world and range from teaching English as a foreign language to running health awareness programmes. Projects take place between June and December and typically last between two and four weeks.

If you are interested in joining a GOLD project you should attend an INTOPS weekend (International Opportunities), which will help you to find out about the international opportunities available, as well as testing your own endurance and participation skills. If selected, you must fundraise for all the costs of the project including travel and living expenses yourself and you must attend a number of briefing weekends before you go.

World Centres

As a symbol of inclusion and friendship, The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) has four World Centres around the globe available to all Guides, Scouts, their families and their friends, for inspirational, international experiences.

You can visit:

• Our Cabaña in the heart of Mexico
• Our Chalet in the snowy mountains of Switzerland
• Pax Lodge in the midst of the bustling city of London
• Sangam in the exotic east, India

Each centre offers a whole host of activities and events to help visitors learn more about the countries they are in, and they are a perfect way to submerge yourself in a new culture in a home away from home.

For more information on international opportunities please contact Scottish Headquarters on tel: 0131 226 4511 or visit Girlguiding UK International Guiding

International and Pen Pal Enquiries

If you are part of an International Guiding group and are looking for information on Scotland for Thinking Day or a project, we can provide you with an information pack.

Please email us at this address administrator@girlguiding-scot.org.uk to receive an information pack. (N.B. You will need to provide us with a return email address which can receive multiple attachments including photographs.)

If you are interested in finding a Scottish Pen Pal please email us at administrator@girlguiding-scot.org.uk with your details.