Networks Europe

BELGIUM

BRUSSELS
Community Help Services
CHS is a not for profit organisation that has been offering a mental health counselling service and a 24 hour English speaking crisis and information telephone line to the expatriate community here in Belgium for the last 30 years. We have 17 qualified psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers on our clinical staff who work on an independent, private basis. The telephone Help Line and administrative office are manned by between 40 and 50 volunteers. Contact Joanna de Vos van Steenwijk on 02 647 67 80

BRUSSELS
Focus Career Services
Focus Career Services is a non-profit, membership based, voluntary organisation providing career advice, training and support to the international community. Focus offers courses in on Personal and Professional Development and some relevant to coping with life overseas. For details call at 02 646 65 30 or check their website http://www.focusbelgium.org

BRUSSELS
Professional Women International
Meeting on the second Monday of the month, the thriving PWI in Brussels provides a forum for women to establish contacts and exchange ideas in an international, cross-cultural business environment. With more than 120 members from all over the world, the busy and inspiring programme takes place at Hotel Le Meridien. Contact the President Eva-Lotte Eriksson on 02 209 1411.

BRUSSELS
MOSAIC
A group of parents at the International School of Brussels have formed an organisation to explore the opportunities for cultural learning and growth present in the international school community. This group, named MOSAIC, is committed to fostering a strong feeling of community while facilitating intercultural understanding among the diverse, internationally mobile families that make up the school population. For more information contact Tamara Homburg email: Homburg@skynet.be.

CZECH REPUBLIC

PRAGUE
The American Women's Group of Prague
The AWG is open to American women, or women married to Americans, living in Prague who wish to network and support each other. Activities include monthly meetings, speakers, evening events, and a website providing lots of information to all English-speakers relocating to, or living in Prague. For more information, please visit http://www.americansinprague.com.

PRAGUE
The International Women's Association of Prague
IWAP has about 500 members from over 30 countries. It welcomes newcomers to the Czech Republic, funds local charities, and has many community activities scheduled among its membership. For more information please visit the IWAP website: http://volny.cz/iwap/.

FINLAND

HELSINKI
Caisa Club in Helsinki
Founded 1995 as an easily accessible meeting place for all, this group is now divided equally into expatriates and locals. The group focuses on openness, co-ordination, guidance, counselling, cultural matters, art exhibitions and concerts, education, Finnish and a series of lectures. Radio Caisa is a radio station with a multicultural voice every Thursday at 8.30pm at radiocaisa@yahoo.com. Find out more at http://kulttuuri.hel.fi/caisa/

FRANCE

PARIS
Paris Professional Women's Network
PWN is a networking forum for professional women working in France, associated with many women's groups (AAWE, WICE, AWG, Femmes and Finances, Harvard Alumni Club and PAN). Regular monthly lunches showcase a diversity of successful women within a variety of sectors.
Contact Chairwoman, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox on wittenberg-cox@mba-exchange.com or look at http://www.pwn.link.be.

GERMANY

FRANKFURT
GB Business Network
An international networking club for professionals in Frankfurt. Membership is predominantly English speaking women who have come to Germany with the intention of developing careers in the Rhein-Main region. Networking success stems from the energy of its members and the variety of industries in which they work: marketing, banking, entrepreneurs, IT, teaching, automotive, bio-chemical to name a few. Currently in its fifth year, the GB Business Network is one of the most active clubs in the area with at least two events a month, ranging from corporate visits, business workshops, latest technology presentations, personal development and social networking. The network has also forged links with the Frankfurt Marketing Club and British Chamber of Commerce to develop further networking opportunities for its members within the local professional community. For more information please visit the website at http://www.network-news.de.

FRANKFURT
The American Women's Club of the Taunus e.V.
The AWCT has been connecting American expats and internationals in the Frankfurt/Taunus region with their host community and each other for 30 years. The club is well known for its charitable contributions via their popular annual Christmas Market and Gala Ball in March. Seven hundred members strong, newcomers are encouraged to dive right in and get involved. AWCT has a niche interest group to suit every schedule from new mothers to "empty nesters" and working women. The range of activities and support services are remarkable. A monthly newsletter keeps everyone informed. The AWCT has produced invaluable guides to living in the Frankfurt/Taunus area and is currently updating these with other AWC's in Germany.

Find AWCT on the web at http://www.AWCTaunus.org or phone the club's office at (49) 06171 580835 or contact Susanne Nally at Susannenally@hotmail.com.

BERLIN
The Berlin International Women's Club eV
This non-profit group is a young and lively, yet well-established organisation dedicated to the international women's community in Berlin, former and fast-growing present capital of Germany. Founded in 1992 by two Englishwomen with an original membership of seven, it is the first and only women's club to recognise all nationalities equally. Now with a membership of approximately 500 from over 50 nations who represent more than 70 professions, it aims to support this diverse and dynamic international community by promoting cultural and social exchange among its members, also including their families, friends, and guests. BIWC is non-profit, apolitical and involved in charity as well.

The language of the Club is English. One of its strongest services is helping women of all ages, nationalities and work backgrounds integrate and adapt to life in the host city and country. This takes place by means of the wide selection of Club activities offered every month, at which women come together and share aspects of their active and different lives. In addition to a monthly Club event, there are 23 Special Interest Groups and four Neighbourhood Groups which assist members in meeting new friends, making contacts and becoming acclimated to their new environment.

BIWC is a voluntary organisation, depending on the support of its members, with annual membership dues of DM 140. The Club Newsletter appears monthly and provides information on scheduled activities as well as feature articles and news about what's on in Berlin. BIWC looks forward to seeing you if you will be visiting or moving to Berlin! Please contact the BIWC office on: Telephone +49 30 84490650; Fax +49 30 84490651 or by visiting http://www.biwc-berlin.de.

COLOGNE
American Women's Club of Cologne
The American Women's Club of Cologne was founded in 1961 as a social and philanthropic organisation. AWCC provides the opportunity to make new friends in both the American community and host community throughout various cultural and social activities. Membership includes American women who have made their lives in Germany, American women who are here for short or extended stays, and English speaking friends from a variety of countries. There are monthly meetings, informal get togethers, cultural visits and tours, mum's and kids groups, international dinners, monthly bulletins, special interest groups as well as other special activities. Take a look at the website on http://www.awccologne.org or contact the president Mary Tobin at mary.tobin@pcubed.com or on +44 49.2236.322357.

NETHERLANDS

Expats with Dutch Partners Dinner Group
Started in Autumn 2000 by Julia and Maarten Andriessen, Expats with Dutch Partners Dinner group's goal was to provide an avenue for couples to make friends, find support and enjoy their lives fully while living in the Netherlands. Restaurant dinners are organised by a different couple each month so the group rotates throughout regions of Holland making it easy for as many couples as possible to participate. Over 35 couples are currently registered and a variety of nationalities represented including British, Mexican, German, American, Spanish, Israeli and more! For more information visit http://www.juliaferguson.com/dinner.html.

PORTUGAL

Association of Working and Business Women in Portugal
Network aims to encourage women who work in Portugal to promote their professional services. Set up in 1990, currently it has 140 members drawn from 11 different nationalities and a wide range of businesses. It holds luncheon meetings twice a month in the Algarve where members exchange ideas, and keep others informed about their businesses. Speakers keep members abreast of current thinking and provide up-to-the-minute information on doing local business. Network members receive a quarterly newsletter, are listed in the annual Network Directory and can participate in Network's events. Whether you are new to Portugal or an old hand, work in your own or an established business, there is a place for you in Network. To find out more, contact Network's Co-ordinator, Tel/fax: + 351-282 697 190.

SPAIN

MADRID
International Newcomers Club of Madrid
If you are new in town, or even if you have been living here for years, and miss the companionship of other women who speak English, this group urges you to join. members are from all corners of the globe. Monthly meetins and coffees, trips, and several special events throughout the year. Please contact Jenny Escuder, Hospitality Director on Tel: 91715935.

Spanish Federation of Business and Professional Women (FEMENP)
An organisation with a solid presence in the Spanish territory. Created in 1983 the group now has over 2,500 members. It provides affiliates with information, training, financing and aims to promote and expand national and international co-operation between SMEs and micro-enterprises through its associate networks. For more information contact empresaria@bitmailer.net or telephone +34 1 3196669.

SWITZERLAND

ZURICH
Professional Womens Group of Zurich
The Professional Womens Group (PWG) provides support for English speaking women who are interested in meeting and networking with other women, for professional or social purposes, and to exchange experiences about the working world. PWG is a non-profit organization providing a support network for career women in and around the Zurich area. Women of all nationalities are welcome whether currently employed or not. Membership of 150, meets monthly during the evenings. Website:http://professionalwomensgroup.com
Contact: Lisa Sennhauser at lisa@sennhauser-kelly.com

UNITED KINGDOM

EXPATAGENCY
Gail MacIndoe's comprehensive site, providing free information on living in
the UK. You can also find her at http://www.macindoe.com.

LONDON
ew-network
Dynamic network for businesswomen. ew-network is a conduit for information, support and advice for businesswomen, particularly those who are running their own businesses. As well as offering promotional opportunities, they organise a variety of networking events and monthly Breakfast Briefings in central London. Although most Associates are based in the greater London area, we welcome overseas Associates to events when they are in London on business. For more information visit http://www.ew-network.com or call Gwen Rhys on +44 (0)704 404 7497.

LONDON
International Women's Development Network
IWDN is a London-based organisation created to provide international women with a platform to network, have fun and learn something new. Women of all nationalities are welcome to come to informal gatherings and seminars on topics relating to personal and professional development. There are at least five meetings a year, often on the last Wednesday of the month, at Boston University London Campus, 43 Harrington Gardens with a nominal charge of £10-20. Typical themes are: Personal and Professional Development, Culture in Review, Inspirational Women, or the New Millennium. Potential members are welcome on a trial basis and can thereafter become members for £50 per annum. If you would like to obtain information on upcoming events, attend an introductory meeting or become an IWDN member, email IWDN_UK@yahoo.com.

EDINBURGH
The International Women's Club - Edinburgh
Last month, after years of searching for an international, multi-cultural women's group of diverse interests, a small group of women came together with the vision of providing a unique, international women's group in Edinburgh. The main focus of the club is to provide the opportunity for women of all nationalities living in Edinburgh to come together for the appreciation of civilizations, cultures, arts, languages and culinary tastes of each country represented. The founding board includes The Lady Provost, Mrs Janis Milligan as patron, German Dietlinde Singer as President and American Paula Wallis as Vice President. For more information please call Dietlinde Singer on 0131-5587247, or Paula Wallis at paula@ednet.co.uk