A ready made network of friends-in Italy
by Steenie Harvey

As in almost every European country, Italy boasts a serious list of expat groups, clubs, and associations. Below is a list of those in and around Rome. If you want to integrate into your new community, you can also enquire at your town hall or municipio for local social or sports groups , or the American Embassy can provide you with an updated list of American groups to contact in your area.

American International Club of Rome, Via Parigi 11, 6th floor, 00185
Rome; tel. 06-4544-7625 (Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. -12 noon); e-mail: aicr@aicrome.org; website: www.aicrome.org. This group provides an opportunity for Americans andnon-Americans alike to enjoy mutual interests and experiences through cultural,educational, and social exchanges. Members can enjoy Happy Hours, dinners, cocktail gatherings, as well as volunteer and community service opportunities.

American Citizens Abroad (Italy), Via della Vetrina 28, 00186 Rome; tel:
(39)06-687- 9695; e-mail: tl@iccrom.org; website: www.aca.ch. This non-profit organization acts as a forum for the concerns of U.S. residents throughout Italy. Its stated purposes are to promote the interests and protect and enhance the rights of Americans living abroad; inform Americans in Italy of their rights and responsibilities and to provide information on issues that may be of concern to them; solicit the views and concerns of Italian-based Americans and communicate them to policy makers; bring together Americans residing in Italy to strengthen the American community and to gain support and companionship; and foster a greater understanding and appreciation of both Italian and American societies by promoting cultural information programs.

Welcome Neighbor, Via Barbarano Romano 15, 00189 Rome; tel: (39)06-3036-
6936 303; fax (39)06-3036-1706. This group is dedicated to helping English-speaking newcomers "bloom where they are planted" by providing contacts, new friends, and information about Rome and Roman life. Once notified of a newcomer's arrival, a friendly neighborhood greeter calls upon the newcomer to welcome him or her. The greeter also makes him/herself available to answer any questions that may arise while settling in. Further
introductions and information are given through neighborhood coffee mornings, special information packets, and lectures. This service is offered free to newcomers as it's sponsored by local merchants, organizations, companies, and individuals, some of whom offer special gifts, services, and discounts to new residents.

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