Community: Finding Expat Communities in Your New Home
By Mark Francisco
Moving to a new country is an exciting adventure, but it can also be challenging to build a new social network. Fortunately, many popular expat destinations have thriving communities of like-minded individuals who have made the same journey. This guide will help you discover and connect with expat communities in your new home, with a special focus on Portugal and Spain.
Why Join an Expat Community?
Cultural Support: Navigate cultural differences with those who understand your perspective.
Practical Advice: Get tips on local bureaucracy, healthcare, and daily life from experienced expats.
Social Connections: Build friendships and professional networks in your new country.
Language Exchange: Practice the local language while helping others with your native tongue.
General Strategies for Finding Expat Communities
Online Platforms:
Facebook Groups: Search for "[City Name] Expats" or "[Country] Expats"
InterNations: A global expat network with local chapters
Meetup.com: Find local expat meetups and events
Local Expat Associations: Many cities have formal expat associations that organize events and provide resources.
Co-working Spaces: Popular among digital nomads and remote workers, these often host networking events.
Language Exchange Events: Great for meeting both locals and other expats.
International Schools: If you have children, these can be excellent places to meet other expat families.
Finding Expat Communities in Portugal
Portugal has become increasingly popular among expats, offering a high quality of life, beautiful landscapes, and a welcoming culture.
Lisbon
Lisbon Digital Nomads & Expats (Facebook Group): With over 40,000 members, this group is a goldmine for information and connections.
InterNations Lisbon: Organizes regular events, from casual meetups to gala dinners.
LIDE - Lisbon International & Digital Entrepreneurs: A co-working space that hosts regular networking events.
Algarve
Expats in Algarve (Facebook Group): A community of over 20,000 members sharing advice and organizing meetups.
afpop - Association for Foreign Residents and Property Owners in Portugal: Offers support services and social events for expats in the Algarve.
Porto
Porto Expats & Digital Nomads (Facebook Group): A growing community of expats in Portugal's second-largest city.
Porto i/o: A co-working space that hosts events for the international community.
Finding Expat Communities in Spain
Spain's warm climate, rich culture, and relaxed lifestyle have long attracted expats from around the world.
Barcelona
Barcelona Expats (Facebook Group): With over 80,000 members, this group is a hub for expats in the Catalan capital.
InterNations Barcelona: Hosts a variety of events, from professional networking to cultural outings.
Meetup.com Barcelona International Friends: Organizes regular social events for expats and locals alike.
Madrid
Expats in Madrid (Facebook Group): A community of over 40,000 members sharing tips and organizing meetups.
Madrid Expat Meetup Group (Meetup.com): Organizes regular social events for English-speaking expats.
American Club of Madrid: Despite the name, it welcomes expats of all nationalities for social and professional networking.
Costa del Sol
Costa del Sol Expats (Facebook Group): A community of over 30,000 members in the popular southern coastal region.
Costa Women: A network specifically for women expats on the Costa del Sol, offering support and organizing events.
Tips for Engaging with Expat Communities
Be Proactive: Don't wait for invitations; reach out and participate in events.
Offer Help: Share your own experiences and knowledge to build relationships.
Stay Open to Locals: While expat communities are great, don't forget to engage with local culture and people.
Explore Multiple Groups: Different communities may cater to different interests or age groups.
Consider Volunteering: Many expat organizations need volunteers, which is a great way to get involved and meet people.
Conclusion
Finding your community as an expat is crucial for a smooth transition and enjoyable life in your new home. Whether you're heading to the sun-soaked beaches of the Algarve or the bustling streets of Barcelona, there are plenty of ways to connect with fellow expats and locals alike.
Remember, building a community takes time and effort, but the rewards of a strong social network in your new country are immeasurable. Start your search before you move, if possible, and don't be afraid to put yourself out there once you arrive.
For more information on expat life and to calculate your potential cost of living in different locations, check out the RetiRise nomad digital calculator. It's an invaluable tool for planning your new life abroad.
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