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The Expat Files
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BHANU MATHI MOHAN checks out some groups that help expatriates cope with life in a new country
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Chennai has seen a boom in the number of expats who have made this city their home. And, new clubs are being formed to cater to their many interests and varied requirements. These clubs provide an opportunity for expats to get together, be it for sporting events, charity work, children’s activities, social gatherings, cultural workshops or even a bit of politics. Here is a round up of a few popular clubs catering to those who now call Chennai home.
TUNING INTO TRADITION Expats at a show
InKo Centre
www.inkocentre.org
With the aim of promoting Indian and Korean cultures, this club offers its members a wide array of programmes in language, literature, music, dance, films, the visual arts and cuisine. Also, professional trainers handle wellness programmes, including Pathanjali Yoga, Taekwondo and Korean calligraphy to enhance equilibrium, concentration and composure. The Centre also hosts regular concerts and performances by international artistes in its spacious premises, open to members and non-members.
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Chennai Expat Network
www.facebook.com
Relatively new on the scene, this club is primarily aimed at young foreigners — students, interns, volunteers and BPO staff on short-term projects. Membership is free and open to ‘expats and their friends’ and the main purpose of the group is social networking as well as connecting with other foreigners to find accommodation or get tips on living in the city. Currently, the club coordinates its activities through Facebook, but a website and magazine are due to be launched soon. The club organises weekly social gatherings at various venues, popular with members.
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Indian Immersion Centre
www.globaladjustments.com
This club focusses on providing expats a place where they not only learn about local culture but also how to cope with it. With a cultural museum, auditorium, conference room and rooftop terrace, the India Immersion Centre, offered by relocation company Global Adjustments, gives expats a space for cultural activities such as film or music nights, classes in Indian languages, art or cooking, and the opportunity to meet and network with others like them and learn more about India. Membership is open to anyone for an annual fee.
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Overseas Women’s Club
www.owcmadras.com
Formed in 1972 as a sporting club for expat women, this is open to all women who live in Chennai and hold foreign passports or are married to someone holding a foreign passport. Among various activities conducted by the group is the monthly meet-and-greet held for new members. Here, they learn about the support and social network the OWC offers as well as the opportunities to involve themselves in raising funds and do voluntary work for nominated charity groups. The club has an official monthly meeting, and also organises other social gatherings.
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Democrats Abroad – Chennai Chapter
www.democratsinindia.org
The members of this club are U.S. citizens who are registered with the Democrats Abroad organisation. They provide information on the American political scene through regular e-mails to members as well as coordinate the process of voting from abroad. The club also organises several social gatherings that are open to all, including popular events such as the function to commemorate the inauguration of President Barack Obama.
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British and International Social Club
www.bbscchennai.com
Originally formed in 1997 as British Business and Social Club for British citizens residing in Chennai, it has grown considerably and now includes expatriates from many countries. The club organises monthly social gatherings such as pub-quiz nights and horseracing evenings, and hosts well-attended annual events such as the Christmas and Valentine’s Ball, which are open to everyone. Thanks to growing membership, the club now involves itself with local charities.
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OTHER EXPAT FORUMS
* The Bike and Barrel Pub Darts: Held informally at The Residency Towers Hotel, this regular event sees a good turnout of lively expats who come to enjoy a friendly darts competition over plenty of ale and food.
* Hash Harriers: Although this running club is not exclusively an expat club, there are many foreigners who take part in the weekly runs and associated social activities ( www.madrashash.com)
* American International School, Chennai – PTA. Many expats who come to live and work in Chennai send their children to the American International School and their PTA is a well organised group that provides many extra curricular activities for their members. ( www.aisch.org)
* India Mike: This popular website provides a place for expats to discuss various topics such as travel, shopping, education, accommodation, safety and employment in Chennai. ( www.indiamike.com)
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