Perhaps in your home country you already belong to some group such as Rotary International, Lions, an association of university women, or a professional group (of journalists, chemical engineers, doctors, and so on). Perhaps you belong to a sports club — ski, tennis, soccer, or hiking. Many overseas universities have alumni chapters scattered around the United States.
If you are already a member of an organization at home, look for its affiliate here and let them know of your desire to participate. You will get an immediate welcome. If you are interested in (but not yet affiliated with) a group, try to become a member before leaving your own country. You will then automatically be eligible to join activities with your American counterparts on arrival without waiting for membership formalities. Such channels for making new friends will be most useful when you first arrive, so it is good to come with introductions and with memberships already established, if you can.
There are, of course, many sports and activities that anyone can engage in without joining formal organizations. Hunting and fishing enthusiasts can find colleagues here in great numbers, as can climbers, hikers, skiers, bridge players, photographers, chess players, ham radio enthusiasts, birdwatchers, or cellists! Whatever your nationality, you can also find a national group in any large city. Ask at your nearest consulate or look under "Associations" in the Yellow Pages to find the Turkish Society, India House, African Center, or whatever exists locally.
Labels: Interest Groups, Organizations
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