Becky Canadian Social Worker

An Ode to AASWS:

(okay, so there will be no rhyming and no pentameter verses)

Moving to a new country is an exciting, albeit challenging time.  Having an agency that provides up to date and informative information is so important to that move being a success.  I was living in Canada and thinking about moving to the UK to do Social Work, when a friend suggested that I contact Paul Mansi.  I sent Paul an email to say that I was interested in moving to the UK.  Within no time at all, Paul called me at home in Canada and walked me through everything that I needed to know about moving to and working in the UK.  Paul walked me through the appropriate visa, the in's and out's of getting a bank account in the UK, the good and not so good places to think about living in London, the GSCC, and the all important aspects of practicing Social Work in the UK.  Paul provided me with literature and information to read in preparation for practising Social Work in the UK. 

Paul and the team at AASWS were always available by email or phone when I was still in Canada and had questions about my move to the UK.  On the day of my arrival in the UK, the team at AASWS made sure that I got safely and happily to my flat and continued to walk me through the important first steps, like getting to interviews, opening a bank account and buying a mobile phone.

The day after my arrival, Paul and Vanda offered me an interview, but I wanted a few days to acclimate to the new city.  Every interview that Paul lined up for me, he ensured that I had a map and directions of how to get from my door to the door of the office and a named person to ask for.  I started work within two weeks of arriving in London thanks to the hard work of AASWS.

Since being in London, Paul and Vanda have done everything they can to help with adjustment to life here.  They are always available by telephone and have thrown a few really great parties for us all to have a nice meal, a few drinks (although Vanda is a killer for never letting your glass go empty!) and a chance to meet other travelling Social Workers.

The best thing I did when I decided to move to London from Canada was email Paul Mansi at AASWS.