Expat Social Networking Groups and Organisations
American Women’s Club (AWC)
AWC is open to female US citizens living in Berlin. They hold regular meetings both in member’s homes and around Berlin. http://www.awcberlin.org/
Berlin Dining Club
This is a relaxed and friendly group of native English speakers in Berlin. The group meets regularly (1 – 2 times per month), exploring some of Berlin’s restaurants while meeting other expats. http://www.Berlindiningclub.com
Berlin International Women’s Club (BIWV)
BIWC helps women and their families adapt to life in Berlin and Germany through the organization of a variety of activities including monthly meetings, special interest groups such as businesswomen, exploring Berlin, fitness programs and international dining, neighborhood groups, and annual events. http://www.biwc.de
The Booker Tea Reading Group
The group meets on the third Sunday of every month from 18:30-20:30 to discuss literature and share a pot luck dinner. No smoking or pets. http://www.thebookertea.com/
Dish in English
Social club for English speakers living in or near Berlin aged between 21 and 38. Meet up regularly for drinks, dinner and social events. http://www.geocities.com/
Embassy Singers
Members are from all nationalities, but predominantly English-speaking. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings in the British Embassy from 18:30 – 20:30. Wilhelmstr. 70, Mitte, Tel: 40 91 32 67. For more details contact Andrew: simsfamily@t-online.de
The English Speakers Social Club
Connect is a social club for native and non-native English speakers. They run a variety of activities, check out their website for the current social calendar. http://www.connectberlin.de
English Theatre Berlin
English language theatre company produces two plays a year and organizes interactive workshops. http://www.etberlin.de/index.php?option=com_content&task=firstitem&id=1&Itemid=31
Friends of Canada
An informal group of ex-pat Canadians who meet once or twice per month for a variety of activities. They are happy to help newly arrived Canadians to integrate and orientate themselves in Berlin. Tel: 782 52 42
Friends Club International English Speaking Social Club
This group meets, without fail, every Tuesday at 7.30 pm in “La Rosa Mexicana” located at the crossing of Koch and Friedrich Strasse near Check Point Charlie. Make contacts, network, participate in group and social activities and of course improve and practise your English.
Games Nights
Small group meets every 3 weeks to play various board games, eat, drink and socialise. New members always welcome. Contact Paul for more information., Tel: 0162 843 7664
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Business Networking Groups and Organisations
American Chamber of Commerce in Germany
AmCham Berlin promotes trade, investment and unrestricted competition between the United States and Germany. The organization arranges events throughout the year providing its members the opportunity to network. http://www.amcham.de
The American German Business Club AGBC Berlin e.V.
A club of entrepreneurs and mid-size enterprises of various nationalities with more than a decade of successful international networking – a source of valuable information, business experience and opportunities. http://www.agbc-berlin.de
British Chamber of Commerce (BCCG)
The BCCG promotes trade between Germany and the United Kingdom. Throughout the year, numerous networking opportunities are arranged for business members. http://www.bccg.de
Berlin Historical Association (BHA)
Berlin’s only English-speaking historical association. BHA holds regular monthly meetings on historical themes with guest speakers and follow-up discussions. In addition, BHA organizes guided tours to historical sites in and around Berlin.
British Legion Club
New members are invited to join the British Legion Club which meets on Wednesday mornings and Friday evenings from 19:00-23:30. At Karolinger Platz 2A, 14052 Berlin-Charlottenburg (near Theodor-Heuss Platz). Tel: 030 306 2015
The Deutsch-Britische Gesellschaft e.v.
This is a non-profit, non-partisan, non-governmental and politically independent registered association. Its aim is to promote German-British relations in all areas of public and cultural interest. http://www.debrige.de/en
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Private Clubs
Club Vivanova
This is an international business networking and premium wine club that operates in both Berlin and Prague. Attendance to events is via membership only. This club focuses on bringing together interesting business people and entrepreneurs to unique locations for enjoyment in the finer essences of life.
Also, refer to sporting clubs that are outlined in the ‘Health and Beauty’ section of this guide.
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Volunteer Organizations
Finding volunteering opportunities in Berlin can be challenging, both with the bureaucracy and also the language barrier. One great organization that can help you find the right cause for your time is the Treffpunkt Hilfsbereitschaft (Volunteer Center). They will put volunteers in touch with agencies/organizations that need volunteers. Though their website is in German, they do have staff on hand that speaks English to help you find what you are looking for.
http://www.freiwilligenagentur-berlin.de
