Denise - joined SWIC Oct 2009 after returning to Australia from the UK

"I think that SWIC is superb!  The members couldn't be more welcoming or friendly and so far, I have enjoyed EVERYTHING !  In my short time as a member I have attended the Book Group which really is well run;  Art & Culture, Lunch Bunch, Members Forum, Coffee Mornings and Mahjong where they have been so patient and encouraging of absolute beginners.  I would recommend SWIC to anyone. "

Susan - joined SWIC Sep 2009 after returning to Australia from Vietnam, the UK and Singapore

"We have all experienced the stresses associated with relocating - whether it be to a new country or a new state - the 'sourcing' and 'settling' phases.  The sourcing of appropriate housing, schooling, medical, dental, etc - and the settling into the cultural environment, neighbourhood, road systems, etc. These are challenging but manageable.  To find a friendship group in a new environment is one of the most challenging, and at times, daunting experiences.  Our move to Sydney from our last posting in Singapore was set to follow this same path until I was introduced to SWIC.  I was overwhelmed by the immediate and sincere friendships offered and the opportunity to join with these women in such a diverse range of cultural and entertainment activities.  I have been welcomed within the group from the moment I stepped through the door and can honstly say that my transition into Sydney has been one of the easiest and most enjoyable of all, thanks to the delightful women of SWIC"

Eva - joined Swic Sep 2009 and is from Germany having lived in Cologne, New York and Paris

"When I arrived in Sydney a few months ago, I was eager to meet people and find some interesting activities for myself as soon as possible.  Before I came here, I used to have a very busy day, working and taking care of my children, so I hardly had time for anything else.  Now I have lots of leisure time to fill and in the beginning I was a little concerned about what to do with it.  So I joined SWIC right away and got involved in two weekly activities - the Choir and Golf but I also attend a few other SWIC events.  Through this, I got to know the city and was never alone.  SWIC makes it easy to meet people and find others with similar interest."

Joey - joined SWIC May 2009

"Prior to the actual move, one of the preparations for adjusting to the new country of our next posting, was to browse on the internet for an international ladies assiciation. From experience I knew that to be the most efficient way to settle in, to make new friends and to ban loneliness, being the utmost scary part of moving to another country. SWIC did not disappoint me! I enjoy living in Sydney and I realise that a lot of credit is due to the lovely companionship that I enjoy with my new acquaintances at SWIC. SWIC offers an activity for my every mood and the co-ordinators make it so easy to participate. I have never felt uncomfortable to enter into a new activity where I had not known any of the ladies yet. Bottom line is, that SWIC made me feel "normal" and not like an alien in a foreign country."