Trefoil international opportunities
Being a member of Trefoil affords us many opportunities both for us as individuals and in our counties, countries, and regions. Wherever we go in the world and meet with other members of Trefoil, Girlguiding, or Girl Scouting we know that we are sharing a common bond. I know from the international travel experiences that I have had over the years with Trefoil and Girlguiding that it has been an absolute privilege to meet so many fantastic, inspiring individuals even if we have not been able to speak the same language. In Trefoil, we capitalise on the opportunities for international travel and connectivity at a a local level through engaging in organised holidays and trips abroad to places like the World Centres. Nationally, if you want to take up an opportunity for your own personal development, then get involved in our TOPAZ (Trefoil overseas partnership: adventure with zest) project - it’s out there waiting for you.
Sally Hollingham
Trefoil Guild national international adviser
What is TOPAZ?
TOPAZ stands for Trefoil overseas partnership: adventure with zest. Teams of Trefoil members work together on overseas projects combining adventure with supporting the growth of Trefoil in partnership with Girl Guide Associations around the world. Members are selected to take part after joining one of our team-building TRIO events.
TOPAZ participants get so much out of their pojects whilst abroad and back home, before and after the trip itself. One TOPAZ member says:
Following our incredible trip to Thailand, which was both eye-opening and informative about the way Thai people live, I have gained so much confidence to speak in public, something I would not do before. I have learnt how to put together presentations about our experience and shared these with local Trefoil members that supported me in my fundraising. I have made friends that will always be there for me and I have also gone on to form a new Trefoil. The trip has helped me outside of Trefoil too where I am expanding my skills by becoming a service leader with church, and a Girlguiding a mentor to new leaders locally.
Hear from TOPAZ members about the impact of their project:
Our team’s TOPAZ Thailand journey started in December 2022, and it’s been an absolute privilege to be part of this incredible project. One of the main highlights for me has been the amazing friendships I have made during this journey. Getting to meet so many people has been so fun and insightful, and I have heard so many cool stories about people’s international adventures with Trefoil Guild and Girlguiding. Being a part of this project has given me a massive boost in confidence. Believe it or not, I was a quiet and very shy person before joining a TOPAZ trip.
I have learned new life skills and love the opportunities that international Trefoil offers. Teaching English to schoolchildren in Thailand was an amazing experience that I will never forget, and I am hoping to complete a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course in the future so I can improve my skills. I also enjoyed the cultural exchange activities we participated in, including bead making with magazines, making friendship bracelets and learning embroidery.
I personally have gained so much out of this project and enjoyed every single moment of it. I would advise anyone to take a leap of faith and sign up for one of the TRIO events – you will love it! This is just the beginning of my international experience, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds…
Our TOPAZ team have talks and presentations booked for various Trefoil Guilds across the country and would love to speak to yours too - just get in touch.
TRIO events
If you are interested in potentially being invited on a future TOPAZ project, we welcome your application to take part in the TRIO weekend where you'll come together with other members to find out more about TOPAZ (Trefoil overseas partnership: adventure with zest).
There will be information on international opportunities, as well as working on activities that will put your team building, communication, flexibility and other skills to the test. The weekend is designed for you to get involved, have fun and expect the unexpected. It's the perfect opportunity to find out if TOPAZ is right for you and if you are right for TOPAZ.
Applicants will work together over the weekend individually and in groups through the various activities and challenges. These will aim to inform and educate participants about TOPAZ projects happening going forward. Applicants should be prepared to get stuck into the weekend, which will be interactive and a balance between having fun and learning important information. TOPAZ projects are more than just a trip overseas, they are working partnerships and require members to think on their feet and give lots of different things a go.
We are running TRIO events this year in 2 different locations. You only need book on to ONE event. Choose your date and book using the link below. An email will be sent to confirm your place once we have processed your application and payment. It may take a few days for us to do this.
Where and when
TRIO Weekend – 7–9 November 2025
Join us at Thirtover Place for a fun and interactive weekend exploring international opportunities through TOPAZ (Trefoil Overseas Partnership: Adventure with Zest). Open to members interested in future projects. Cost: £75 (£30 deposit within 10 days of booking, final £45 due by 30 Sept).
If you're interested in international Trefoil but aren't sure you're quite ready for an overseas trip, why not start with the TOPAZ challenge and earn yourself a badge.
As more and more Trefoils, counties, countries and regions are taking part in international trips, guidelines have been put together to help organisers ensure they have considered all aspects and made complete plans to ensure the success of the trip. Download the guidelines for international travel here: