American Women's Auxiliary (AWA) http://www.awamelbourne.org/
Founded in 1931 with the primary objective of providing fundraising and volunteer services to the Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) of Melbourne. The AWA is also a social group, gathering in members' houses or at venues around the metro Melbourne area for fun and friendship. Membership is made up of women who are American citizens or who are the spouse/de facto partner of American citizens and women of other nationalities living in Melbourne who are friends of Americans.
Expatriate Club in Sydney http://www.expatriatesclub.net
Our aim is to bring together ladies in similar situations as ourselves, where we are many miles from our family and friends. We offer friendship and support. We have monthly meetings, plus we also provide other activities throughout the month such as crafts, golf, bridge and tennis. However, we encourage members to introduce any other activity which we currently don't offer.
Ionians Clubs - Making newcomers welcome http://www.ionians.com.au
Are you new in town? Would you like to meet women who are, or have been, in the same situation? There are 20 Ionian Clubs around Australia as well as in Auckland and London, all devoted to friendship and support. Our members are from both Australia and overseas. We organise regular outings and activities such as movies, restaurants, galleries, walks, book groups, card games, craft activities and much more. There is something for everyone and we invite you to attend our meetings and activities before deciding if you would like to join. We look forward to hearing from you.
Melbourne Newcomers and Friends Association http://www.melbournenewcomers.com
Melbourne Newcomers & Friends is a friendly group who provide opportunities for people who are new to Melbourne from interstate and overseas, to meet with others who have lived in different places to come together in friendship through interesting activities.
Newcomers Clubs in Australia http://www.newcomersclub.com/au.html
Network for Newcomers with events, activities, resources, local information and message boards.
Newcomers Network http://www.newcomersnetwork.com/events
Newcomers Network is the first and now the largest online information and advocacy service for newcomers in Australia. It also holds free Welcome events in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide on the Second Friday of every month. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Sydney Women's International Club Inc. (SWIC) http://www.swic.com.au/
A non-profit association, founded and incorporated in January 1997 by a group of like minded women who collectively sought to create a club that welcomes women to Sydney, promotes opportunities for social contact between newcomers and local women, and provides opportunities to explore Sydney with friends.
Aussiemigrant.com http://www.aussiemigrant.com/index.htm
Aussiemigrant.com is the official web site of LBD Solutions Pty Ltd, which is incorporated in Australia and trades as Aussiemigrant. Provides a holistic approach to life goal strategies including personal, business, financial and investment needs required by new immigrants taking up residence in Australia. Advice is provided by a range of professionals including financial advisors, accountants, real estate agents, business brokers and buyer agents; relocation specialists, recruitment specialists and finance brokers
Aussie Move http://www.aussiemove.com/
Aussiemove.com brings it all together - everything you need for your move to Australia.
Brits in Oz http://www.britzinoz.com/gip.htm
Providing information for Migrants, potential Migrants and British Expats, coming from the UK to Australia.
Easy Expat: Sydney http://www.easyexpat.com/sydney_en.html
The mission of this website is to provide English, French, Italian, Spanish and German speaking expatriates with accurate information and answers about the major cities with the most expatriates.
Go Matilda http://www.gomatilda.co.uk/home.cfm
A company that provides migration and visa assistance to individuals and businesses that are moving to Australia. The website provides a wide range of information and links to subjects that are relevant to a move to Australia including visas, tax and financial planning, businesses for sale, shipping, jobs, houses, schools, telecoms, and many more.
Housing Search http://www.housingsearch.info
Find all property and accommodation types including; shared housing, student housing, family homes, flats, apartments, holiday homes and university accommodation and many more.
Life is 4 Living http://www.lifeis4living.com.au
If you are experiencing isolation, disappointment or homesickness instead of living the dream you anticipated, get help and support from someone who understands what you are going through. Beverly Nerden provides personalised, affordable coaching services. Beverly moved from London to Sydney 15 years ago and has a wealth of experience to offer.
PomsInOz.com http://www.pomsinoz.com
An expatriate community for British folk looking to or have moved to Australia. It has a lively forum, personal blog section and image gallery. Resources for Relocating To Australia http://www.escapeartist.com/australia/australia.htm
Moving To Australia ~ Living In Australia.
SG Women Abroad http://www.sgwomenabroad.org
Provides resources for Singaporean women living overseas and helping them keep connected to their home. Aside from useful articles, quizzes and calendar of events, sgwomenabroad also have an active forum community of Singaporean women from all over the world helping to ease newcomers into their new environment.
The Relocation Network http://www.relocationnetwork.com.au
The Directory of Australasian Relocation Service Providers. Provides free information about the many services available which can ensure a successful corporate or personal, national or international relocation. The Network also provides networking, marketing and business opportunities.
Urbanboheme http://www.urbanboheme.com.au/
A lifestyle directory for discerning women. The site provides women traveling to Sydney and Melbourne for business and pleasure with information on all of the best lifestyle information as recommended by local women!
Welcome Waggon of Australia Newcomers Club (Brisbane) http://www.wwnewcomersbrisbane.asn.au/home
Established in 1966 and meets monthly. It is the social arm of Welcome Waggon of Australia's greeting service to new residents. The Club boasts a friendly membership and an excellent committee who voluntarily give their time to organise outings, visits to places of interest and guest speakers at its monthly lunches. It is not only for overseas arrivals as it also caters for country to city, interstate and intra-city movers.
Schools
American International School of Sydney http://www.amschool.com/
An American based curriculum, Australian content and the International Baccalaureate.
Carey Baptist Grammar School http://www.carey.com.au/
Carey is a co-educational Christian school for students from 3-year-old kindergarten to Year 12.
Glenunga International High School http://www.gihs.sa.edu.au/
At Glenunga International High School we value Internationalism in many ways: The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an International two year Matriculation Curriculum, taken in some 1000 schools in more than 75 countries throughout the world. Glenunga is the first Government High School in Australia to offer the diploma. The diploma aims to increase international co-operation and understanding, and the students who gain it qualify for entry into most courses in Universities throughout Australia and the world.
Kardinia International College http://www.kardinia.vic.edu.au
Kardinia International College is an IB World College offering high quality education to boys and girls from Australia and all parts of the world. The College provides a caring environment for both day and homestay students from Kindergarten to Year 12, preparing them to be leaders and productive participants in the world of the 21st Century.
St Paul's Grammar School http://www.stpauls.nsw.edu.au/
A co-educational Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12 interdenominational Christian school, St Paul's Grammar School is dedicated to equipping its students to become people of discernment who value Christian faith, integrity and excellence in all of life, and who will serve in the world as confident, competent and compassionate adults.
UniSA International http://www.unisa.edu.au/inthome/
Australian University with affiliations around the world and programmes for international students.
Advance http://www.advance.org
Global Australians. Global Networks.
A dynamic and diverse communityof Australians overseas, with more than 11,000 members, extensive industry networks and strong relationships with global business, government and academia. Australians Abroad http://www.australiansabroad.com/
Website with interesting links for Australians.
Aussie Favourites http://www.aussiefavourites.com.au/
Selling Australian food souvenirs and gifts to expat aussies abroad and anyone interested in Australian products...vegemite, milo, tim tams, cherry ripes, freddo frogs, twisties...
About Australia - Gifts & Souvenirs http://www.about-australia-shop.com/
Buy your authentic Australian products here. Vegemite, Confectionery, Hats, Aboriginal Art & more. W/sale inquiries welcome. Owned & operated by Australians living in the USA.
Expatriate Connect http://www.expatriateconnect.com/
ExpatriateConnect (EC) offers an on-line matching facility that connects Australians with global market experience to Australian companies seeking international business insights, to accelerate their export outcomes. This matching service provides a virtual bridge to share global Australian know-how with fellow Australians looking to expand overseas.
Expats Australia http://www.expatsaustralia.com/
Dedicated to providing an easy to use overseas jobs service for Australian professionals, Expats Australia links you to jobs, CV and contract advice, country information, medical matters, travel and much more.
Smart Traveller http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/tips/working_os.html
At any one time there are approximately 900,000 Australians living and working overseas. This brochure, prepared by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), is designed to provide Australian expatriates with information on issues to consider when taking up foreign residence.
Southern Cross Group http://www.southern-cross-group.org
Lobbying Group. The SCG's philosophy is that those in the Australian Diaspora are a fundamental part of Australia in today's globalised world. Put simply, Australia is the sum of all Australians, regardless of their geographic location.
Yanks Down-Under/Mates Up-Over http://www.matesupover.com
Provides support for Australians living in North America and expatriate North Americans living in Australia, with discussion forums, chat, stories, etc.
Looking for work in another country requires more than just the obvious CV translation. You will be confronted with issues
that probably didn't even cross your mind when you decided to go for an international career, but don't underestimate
the big impact they can have on the outcome of your adventure! Think for example about the different rules and
habits regarding immigration, job application procedures, the selection procedures and the management culture.
Medical Recruitment Australia http://www.beatmedical.com.au/ Specialising in the recruitment of General Practitioners, Anesthetists, Emergency physicians and ICU specialists from around the world and placing them in permanent and locum roles within the Australian health system.
These tips were kindly provided by volunteer Expat Women Mentors in 2007. ExpatWomen.com shares these tips in an effort to help but takes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information.
Provided by Katrina C, Australian, Brisbane, Australia
1.
Organise a car and drivers license – get mobile! Join RACQ to cover yourself for motor vehicle breakdowns
2.
Organise accommodation – this could be a problem as rentals are in short supply.
3.
Make sure when renting or buying a house that it does not face West. West–facing will mean it will be extremely hot in summer. North/East is the best aspect.
4.
Organise schooling as a lot of the private schools have waiting lists.
5.
Drinks lots of water because it is very hot and humid in summer. Also, make sure you wear sunscreen, as the sun is extremely strong.
Provided by Lisa F, British, Perth, Australia
1.
Register with a dentist. Check out dentist first, especially if they have an agreement with private health care. If they are not part of a private health care scheme, they can charge what they want and you may find you have to have more work done than required.
2.
Familiarize yourself with the local creepy crawlies. Put a chart up somewhere easy to see, so you can identify any intruders!
3.
Research schools. You may need to put your children's names down up to a year in advance, depending upon the school and your children's ages.
4.
Get out and about (Perth has an outdoor lifestyle), keep yourself active and meet people. Join one of the local yacht clubs, they are very reasonably priced, very sociable places and very good for families.
5.
Watch your speed when driving. Mobile speed cameras are common. Be especially careful on public holidays when fines and demerit points are double.
Provided by Nancy C, Australian, Melbourne, Australia
1.
Surf the internet for social groups and make contact.
2.
Upon deciding where you will live, look up the council website for general information. This is where you will also find the local social groups, clubs & community centers where you can partake in activities & meet people.
3.
Join the nearest library. This in turn gives you access to the other libraries within the same council.
4.
The local community newspaper is a good source for what's happening in the area, jobs, services and volunteer work.
5.
For anything else, nothing is impossible to find with surfing the internet!
Provided by Angela H, American, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
1.
Get to know people – it does take a long time to make good friends, but getting to know local shopkeepers, parents at your children's school, fellow volunteers, or book club members is a great way to start getting to know others. These people will be helpful as you sort out important things like good doctors, places to live, how different systems work, things to do. They will be your first source of information – always a good place to start.
2.
Give yourself permission to miss home, family and friends. It is easy live in the present and be courageous but sometimes we have to just sit and have a good cry over the distance that separates us from our loved ones. They are special and irreplaceable.
3.
Always have your next trip 'back home' to visit friends and family set on your calendar. It will help you weather lots of things to know that you have a time and place set for a trip home – no matter how far out it might be. (Make the budgeting of that trip a central part of your budget if money is tight).
4.
Take time to do the things that give you peace. For those of us who are mums it will be natural to focus our energy on our kids and put ourselves last. Ironically, as much as we worry about them, our kids usually adjust better than we do. So take up your hobbies as soon as you can. Your kids will be content to see you happy and settled as well.
5.
Have fun and explore. The stress of a new place to live can sometimes cause us to pull in and make our world rather small as a way to make it feel manageable. To combat this, as a family, we always take one or two Sundays a month to set out to a place we have never been to within a day's drive of home. We are always so pleasantly surprised by what we discover. It also forces you to learn road systems and maps of your new world much more quickly.
Provided by Kim F, Australian, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
1.
Find networking groups (eg. Sunshine Coast Business Women's Network).
2.
Join an Interest group (eg. sport, book club).
3.
If appropriate assist/volunteer at local events (eg. schools, community events).
4.
Take long lazy walks on the beach, and
5.
Area orientation to discover the wonderful places the Sunshine Coast has to offer.
