A whole new World awaits at Internations

From as far as Beijing to Paris, Port-of-Spain to New York, InterNations is an international organisation for connecting expats globally to exchange information in a safe environment online and offline. While there are obvious benefits to being an expat (most times such as large allowances to cover housing, travel and other perks commensurate with their highly skilled and educated background), they do encounter some very real challenges when relocating to a foreign country.

These may include the language barrier in some cases, the differences in culture, foods, standard of living et cetera, especially when relocating from an industrial nation to a developing country.

Founded in 2007 by three Germans who met at college, Malte Zeeck, Philipp von Plato, Christian Leifeld, InterNations was borne out of the need to alleviate the difficulties when working in different countries. It is the largest global expat network with 1.9 million members and communities present in 390 cities worldwide. Former TT InterNations ambassador Gillian Harding introduced the organisation to Trinidad in 2009 which now has a local membership of 1600 members.

Current ambassador Janice Learmond-Criqui and co-ambassador Vera Deokiesingh- Frazer provides the answers to questions that may not be readily available to expats such as schooling for their children, safe places to rent and visit in TT, cost of living, opening bank accounts, crime, regulations about bringing pets and even boats into the country.

Learmond- Crique also explains: “If you are a Trinidadian wanting to do business in China for example and you want to network with others in that country, you can change your flag on your profile on the InterNations website. This will let others know you would be travelling to China and your intentions so you can receive invitations to events in that country.”

As a member you also have access to information before relocating abroad, you can learn about other expats’ experiences and share your own, as well as trade tips and join forum discussions.

During my encounter with InterNations at their last meeting, I have witnessed that it is also a place where like-minded individuals can network, form bonds, exchange ideas and even reconnect with long lost friends!

All memberships are approved and processed at the InterNations’ head office in Germany and Learmond-Criqui explained that there are two types of membership. The first is free and members can sign up online with a quick turnaround time, while for a fee Albatross membership affords you access to the expat magazine, official events, group activities, country and city guides just to name a few of the benefits.

As an approved member at both levels, you are invited to ‘meet and greets’ which are held once a month at a different venue. The ladies shared that InterNations has been in TT for only six years, but each meet and greet is unique and continues to grow as the good work of the organisation is spread via word of mouth. Learmond-Criqui credits her predecessor Harding for this foundation who launched events in TT beginning from January 2011.

While there are many activities that will be rolling out from Germany within the coming months, local ambassador Learmond-Criqui says one of her goals for 2016 is to work more closely with the embassies. “We would love to see all expats connect with each other and transition smoothly, so we’d like if the embassies can let us know when new expats arrive in the country, so we can assure them that there’s a safe organization in TT where they can all enjoy this beautiful land together in harmony.’”

“Making life easier for expats - InterNations helps expats to feel at home abroad, meet people and find information about their new environment.” To become a member or for more info contact 1-868-740-4120, email: internationstt@gmail.com