Creating Connections

Navigating thousands life in a new country of miles away from home can have its challenges but it doesn't have to be lonely!

- MEGAN HOBSON

Singapore is brimming with expats from all corners of the world who are keen to make connections and learn about life in the Lion City. If you've just landed and are wondering how to find your feet, the American Women's Association (AWA) is a haven for networking, socialising and having fun. To find out more, we asked JULIE SAMRA and SARITA RIMAL, two members of the women's social club, about how the AWA has shaped their experience in Singapore.

Firstly, tell us about yourselves.

Julie: I'm an American expat, my husband is British, our son was born in Shanghai, and our daughter was born in Hyderabad, India. So we were all born in different countries!

As expats for the last 15 years, we have lived in Shanghai, Tokyo and India, plus in Boston and Chapel Hill in the United States. However, we have been living in the Emerald Hill area of Singapore for almost three years.

I love living abroad and am really happy to have landed in such a wonderful place for not just me but for our whole family.

Sarita: I moved to Singapore from Seattle in May 2021, and this is my first round as an expat. My daughter, who's here for work, sponsored my LTVP and I was thrilled at the idea of living abroad and being closer to her. So, I packed my bags and flew halfway across the world! My move was in the midst of the pandemic, and it got pretty lonesome.

Having no kids to look after and not being able to socialise, it was difficult to enjoy myself until I joined AWA.

How did you get involved with the AWA?