Moving to a new country can be both exciting and challenging. For expatriates, joining expat groups and associations can provide invaluable support, social connections, and a sense of community. Spain, with its vibrant expatriate population, offers a wide range of groups and associations catering to various interests and needs. Here’s a guide to some of the most popular expat groups and associations in Spain.
- Costa Women
Costa Women is a vibrant and supportive community for women living in Spain. Founded in 2010, it has grown to include over 9,000 members.
- Focus: Costa Women provides a platform for women to connect, share experiences, and support each other. It offers networking opportunities, social events, and professional development resources.
- Activities: Regular meet-ups, workshops, webinars, and social events. The group also offers online forums and resources for new arrivals.
- Locations: Active in various regions, including the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, and Costa Brava.
- InterNations
InterNations is one of the largest global networks for expatriates, with a strong presence in Spain.
- Focus: InterNations aims to help expatriates connect and integrate into their new environment. It offers a mix of social events, networking opportunities, and practical information.
- Activities: Monthly get-togethers, professional networking events, cultural activities, and interest-based groups.
- Locations: Active chapters in major cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, and Málaga.
- British Benevolent Fund
The British Benevolent Fund (BBF) is a charity organisation dedicated to supporting British nationals in Spain.
- Focus: BBF provides financial assistance and support to British expatriates facing hardship. It also offers information and guidance on living in Spain.
- Activities: Fundraising events, social gatherings, and informational sessions. The organisation works closely with the British Embassy and Consulates.
- Locations: Primarily operates across Spain, with a strong presence in Madrid and the Costa del Sol.
- American Club of Madrid
The American Club of Madrid (ACM) is a social and cultural organisation for Americans living in Madrid and its surroundings.
- Focus: ACM aims to foster friendship and cultural exchange between Americans and the local community. It offers social events, cultural activities, and networking opportunities.
- Activities: Annual events such as Thanksgiving dinners, Fourth of July celebrations, and monthly happy hours. The club also organises cultural outings, volunteer opportunities, and professional networking events.
- Location: Based in Madrid.
- English-Speaking Clubs
Various English-speaking clubs across Spain cater to expatriates from different English-speaking countries.
- Focus: These clubs provide a social and support network for English-speaking expatriates. They offer a variety of activities, from social events to language classes and cultural outings.
- Examples:
- English Speaking Club of Costa Brava: Offers social events, language classes, and cultural activities for English speakers in the Costa Brava region.
- Barcelona Women’s Network: A social and charitable organisation for English-speaking women in Barcelona.
- Locations: Found in major cities and popular expatriate regions such as Barcelona, Madrid, Costa del Sol, and Costa Blanca.
- Age in Spain
Age in Spain is a non-profit organisation that supports English-speaking older people living in Spain.
- Focus: Age in Spain provides practical information, emotional support, and social opportunities for older expatriates. It aims to help them live independently and integrate into the local community.
- Activities: Information and advice services, volunteer support, social events, and community projects.
- Locations: Services are available nationwide, with a focus on areas with significant expatriate populations.
- MeetUp Groups
MeetUp is a platform that hosts a variety of interest-based groups, many of which are geared towards expatriates.
- Focus: MeetUp groups cater to a wide range of interests, including language exchange, hiking, photography, book clubs, and more. They offer a way for expatriates to meet people with similar interests.
- Activities: Regular meet-ups, social events, workshops, and activities based on group interests.
- Locations: Active in cities and towns across Spain, including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, and Málaga.
- International Women’s Clubs
Several cities in Spain have International Women’s Clubs that provide a supportive network for expatriate women.
- Focus: These clubs offer social, cultural, and educational activities to help women integrate and make the most of their time in Spain.
- Examples:
- International Women’s Club of Barcelona: Organises social events, cultural outings, and charitable activities.
- American Women’s Club of Madrid: Provides a social network for American women and organises cultural and social events.
- Locations: Found in major cities such as Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, and Málaga.
Conclusion
Joining an expat group or association in Spain can greatly enhance your experience by providing social connections, support, and valuable information. Whether you’re looking for social gatherings, professional networking, or community support, there’s likely a group or association that meets your needs. By getting involved, you can make new friends, integrate into the local community, and make the most of your time in Spain.