The importance of expat host associations
Initially, joining an expat host association may not be an immediate thought upon arrival. However, most expats interact with these groups at some point. Dedicated to assisting expatriates in various aspects of their overseas lives—from settling into a new city and exploring neighborhoods to navigating administrative procedures and building professional and social networks—these associations have proven their effectiveness time and again.
While the advantages for members are clear, what about taking a further step by becoming a volunteer? How does it help? And how can you cope between volunteering in such structures and your own daily expat challenges?
The benefits of being an expat volunteer
Staying informed about current affairs
It's important to note that many expats volunteer at these associations, and some even comprise the entire staff. Whether they moved years ago or more recently, these expats understand the challenges newcomers face, having experienced them firsthand. Their volunteer work helps them stay informed about the latest developments—new visa policies, new registration processes at the town hall, validating foreign qualifications, accessing grants or social aid, or starting a business. One does not need to be an entrepreneur or expert in a specific field to provide useful advice to new expats. Through volunteering, one can gain valuable experience, which can also be beneficial professionally.
Enriching and developing professional networks
Many job opportunities are found in the hidden job market, which, as the name suggests, isn't visible on job search websites but circulates within networks. Volunteering at a host association not only provides access to this hidden market but also helps expand one's professional network. Whether actively job hunting or not, volunteering creates opportunities to meet new immigrants from diverse professions—engineers, entrepreneurs, managers, artists, bankers, and more. These interactions, which might not occur in other settings, facilitate network expansion and can lead to significant partnerships. The contacts made can benefit both the individual and the association.
Gaining expertise
Volunteers support expats in various life aspects, such as apartment hunting, moving preparations for students, advising families on the best neighborhoods for children, organizing tours to introduce new neighborhoods, interpreting work contracts, setting up bank accounts, etc. They gain expertise through these activities without being experts initially. In more complex cases, they can direct expats to specialists while continuing to manage the case. Sometimes, volunteers undergo training to become specialists themselves in areas like housing or legal matters. This training can spill over into their professional lives, with some even switching careers based on their volunteer experiences.
Overcoming loneliness
Expat life can sometimes feel isolating. Volunteering offers a way to mitigate this loneliness, whether as a member or a volunteer. By engaging in volunteer work, one can contribute back, creating a beneficial cycle among the association's members, which fosters both functionality and growth. Besides providing administrative support, these associations organize social events that encourage interaction (park outings, picnics, cultural outings, debates, etc.), creating venues for support and cultural exchange.
How to volunteer in an expat host association
You are likely to find expat host associations in your area through a simple online search or by checking embassy platforms for lists of expat organizations. The process to join is straightforward—just contact the association directly. Many offer online registration. If there's no existing association in your area, maybe you could consider starting one yourself.
