UK-Pro - An International Leader in Social Service Placement

Testimonials
Bonnie Balsamo
Back in February, 2006 I dared to take a plunge that would soon take me 5,000 miles away from culturally familiar ground. When I decided to move overseas and join the teams of social workers that strive to make the world a better place for children, families and all people I did not foresee the depth of new experiences, knowledge, and adventures that I would encounter. I came over to England as a permanent employee; my term would be at least 2 years. This was not just a little holiday; this was a complete career move that would alter my way of thinking, my approaches to social work, and change my life forever! I found myself placed within a financially limited county, yet even so I immediately encountered social workers that still persevered to serve the public despite the limitations that some areas face. I was lead, sheltered, and challenged by my colleagues who have shared with me their cultures, their beliefs, their experiences, and their views on social work within England. With this I have obtained new confidences that I can take with me wherever I go in the future, whether I remain in England, return to the United States, or travel on further into the world to continue my career as a social worker. The experiences that one gains here as a social worker are priceless, and I cannot express just how wonderful and valuable this is, although I will not hide the fact that it is not without it's difficulties, as is anything that is worth your while! Bonnie Balsamo

Melissa Ganser, San Diego State University
I have been on the Assessment Team for Children and Families for the Past five months. I knew this would be an interesting experience, but did not expect it to turn out this great. It was a little scary at first, not really knowing anyone, having to find a flat and go on job interviews, but it was also really exciting. Once I began working, things got better and I settled into my job really quickly because my boss and co-workers are wonderful. I have never worked in an environment that is so friendly and helpful, we really work as a team. Being a new graduate I had a million questions to ask but that was ok. I work with social workers from all over the world. I have met good friends through my job. The Borough I work for has asked me to become permanent and stay for two years. I decided to go for it, because I cannot imagine going home yet, there is just way too much to do in this city and more places I want to travel to, and I am also earning a salary that is better than I would be earning at home. Melissa Ganser

Brittany Heeren & Leigh Montagnet from Louisiana State University outside Havering Social Services
Life in London is great. I feel as though I have adjusted far better than I could have imagined. I love my job and my fellow employees. I have been blessed with an amazing supervisor/manager who has taken me under his wing. I love the city, and have been having such a blast wandering around. Brittany Heeren Louisiana State University This is almost the end of my second week of working and it seems to be going well. I'm still trying to orient myself to all the different aspects of my job. I'm in Children in Need and it seems to be mostly child protection. In fact, yesterday I helped to remove 3 children and had my longest day yet. The job is challenging, but I think once I become more organized things will get easier. I've also been overwhelmed with how much there is to learn. There is no manual for me, or even an orientation packet. Even my manager wasn't able to sit down with me and do an orientation/supervision during the first week. Now that I'm settling into a routine, life seems much easier. But at first, everything seemed to be a difficult task and it was all very frustrating like grocery shopping or even using the Internet. The beginning has been much harder than I anticipated and I cried many times, but it is all getting better. But, now that I am working and will get my first paycheck tomorrow I'm much happier. Thanks! Leigh Montagnet Louisiana State University


I'm learning so much, and I love every minute of it. Today an outreach worker and I went to a school to give a talk on the different drugs used in the UK to 14 and 15 year olds. It was loads of fun. I can't believe the differences between drug policy here and in the U.S. WOW! Then she showed me around to the different substance misuse agencies in the area and actually showed me a NEEDLE EXCHANGE PROGRAM. This is virtually unheard of in the U.S. I nearly fainted. It was awesome. Laurie Pennington Louisiana State University

Thank you for helping me before and throughout my stay in London. It was an amazing experience and I cannot imagine my life if I had not gone! Mary Hundley

So far the job has not been that rough for me. I have actually gotten a chance to settle into my cases before any major drama happens. I had a little bit of drama yesterday but nothing tooo crucial. I am really enjoying my coworkers; they are all pretty cool and welcoming. Aside from that, I am working overtime trying to find myself a studio. I finally think I've found something off of Baker street. I am excited to finally get settled into my own spot. Thanks for checking up on me and thank you for linking me to this wonderful environment. Loseca University of Central Florida

Jessica Denstedt, Linde Grant and Lynne Delancey at Pub outing
It has definitely been the best year of my life!!! I thank you, Linde and Rosie, for making the year possible for me! Words cannot express my gratitude!!!!! Lynne Delancey

Thanks for everything Linde and Rosie, it has been such a fabulous experience. Truly one of the happiest times of my life so thanks for all that you did to make it happen to get me such a great job! Ann Strandoo University of Washington

It's a great pleasure working for UK PRO. Keep up the good work. Juliet Imobhio British Social Worker

Hi Linde, Hope this finds you well!! I have officially become a permanent member of staff here at Brent, but only for 10 days because I will be moving over to Camden (where I will also be permanent). Linde, thank you for everything you and UK Pro have done in providing me with this AMAZING opportunity to live and work in London. I have loved every minute of being here! I truly hope we will stay in touch! Thank you and take care, Laura Rosynek, MSW Virginia Commonwealth Alumni

Can you believe 6 months has come and gone?? What an amazing time...visited 10 countries total and really took advantage of being in London---went to the theatre 12 times, London film fest, Brighton, Stonehenge, Salisbury, Bath, Oxford, Cambridge, football games, rugby games and so much more. Sara Bellefleur California State University

"Thank you for helping me before and throughout my stay in London. It was an amazing experience and I cannot imagine my life if I had not gone!" Mary Hundley

"Life in London is great. I feel as though I have adjusted far better than I could have imagined. I love my job and my fellow employees. I have been blessed with an amazing supervisor/manager who has taken me under his wing. I love the city, and have been having such a blast wandering around." Brittany Heeren Louisiana State University

"I loved my time that I spent in London. I did most everything that I wanted to, including shopping, going to shows, eating out (most every night) and traveling on the weekends (or on two occasions for a week at a time). I was pleasantly surprised when my 6 months were over that I would be taking home a sizable amount of money. Speaking to the UK Pro staff I was ready to come out even as it is in all of the paper work that this is not a “money-making opportunity.” It was very easy for me to live on the salary and, thanks to the great exchange rate, I have been able to travel quite a bit more and do other things at home that I haven’t had a chance to do- such as spend quality time with family and friends whom I do not get to see often. What shocked me the most about bringing home all of the money is that I was not trying to skimp or save money. I ate out all of the time (occasionally at places where the prices shocked me!) I did go shopping often (and had to ignore how much I was paying in US dollars) and I lived in a great part of town (with a flatmate I met on www.gumtree.com and was blessed my living arrangements). London was a great opportunity and the salary was more than enough for a single person to live on. I am loving what I can still do with what I have brought home!" Traci Chapman University of Denver, CO