1. How does it feel to be a winner in the expat star awards?
Absolutely delighted to be nominated and even more to be an “expat stars” winner! There are lots of informative sites for expats around so to be picked by Global Currency Partners Ltd was a huge honour
2. What is costawomen.ning.com?
Costa Women is a social and business networking group for Women living in Spain, or Women who plan to move to Spain in the future. We originally started with members on the Costa del Sol only, but now we have members all over the Spain and the Islands (1,660 at the time of writing!)
3. What was the inspiration for launching costawomen.ning.com & what problem are you solving?
My inspiration came from living in Dubai and Thailand and seeing the Women’s networking groups there.
It’s not easy moving to a new country and getting advice about good locations, schooling, local laws and cultures, as well as keeping up to date with what’s on, social events and activities plus promoting your business. Costa Women has been set up to help make the transition just that bit easier. Members can ask Women already living here the appropriate questions under the Forum. We also have a Classifieds section, 70+ interest groups, Jobs pages and a space for Women to promote their businesses too.
4. Are there any competitors doing anything similar?
Something similar over the whole of Spain? Not that I have found. There are regional groups and networks but none seem to cover Women and the whole of Spain. I have tried to connect with as many similar groups as I can find and offer them free advertising on our site too. Life now is very much about collaborating with others, rather than competition. What appeals to one person may not to others so I much prefer giving Women variety and choices!
5. If you could only give one piece of advice for a new expat, what would it be?
Do lots of research about your chosen country. It’s important to get a balanced view so use a selection of sites to get a balanced view.
6. If you could only give one piece of advice for someone repatriating back home, what would it be?
It can be a tough decision to go back although for some there isn’t another option. You will now have enjoyed different experiences, been part of a diverse culture and have a changed view of the world; use that to your advantage.
7. What can we expect to see over the next 12 months at Costa Women?
Now that would be telling! Lots of things are happening including a Book which has been put together, written and illustrated by 27 members called “Diversity Meets Creativity”. Also music and lyrics have been created for a song which is just waiting to be released called “Nosotros Costa Women”.
New meet ups are being organised in different locations to add to our existing locations. We now have meet ups in Barcelona, Tenerife, Valencia, plus six in the Malaga area (Sotogrande, Marbella, Fuengirola, Calahonda, East of Malaga x 2 Groups) and Granada.
8. What are you most proud of since launch?
That’s a difficult question! There isn’t one thing because so much has happened to celebrate and be proud of… the growth (in just over 2 years), the Book collaboration, members connecting and sharing the community with their friends, the Telegraph Expat award for Best British Social Club and of course our latest accolade thanks to you!
9. Biggest challenge growing Costa Women?
Time! There is so much more I could be doing to grow the network and share spread the message if only I had the time.
10. How do you transfer money abroad? Bank or Broker?
“Too easy” as my Australian family say… Broker of course!
Come and be a Costa Woman register at http://costawomen.ning.com/
Voted Best of British Social Club for 2012 by The Telegraph
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