Five Unusual InterNations Groups You Should Know About

By Monica Hide

InterNations is proud to be the home to a large array of groups, some more common than others. So, whether you’re a sociable person with a canine companion or a sports fanatic who loves to jog with a beer in hand, InterNations has something for everyone. In light of our Experience Life Abroad campaign, let’s take a look at how our activities can help you enjoy your expat life to the fullest and get to know five groups that have one thing in common: they’re weird and wonderful at the same time!

Battling through Mud and Obstacles

Like the title suggests, the Dubai Obstacle Course Racing Group is for those who love to whiz around a track and jump over various hurdles. Consuls Ainee Listana and Demetrios Agrios regularly organize a variety of activities, from group fitness training sessions to participating in some of Dubai’s toughest obstacle challenges.

If you enjoy working out and want to take your fitness to the next level, or if you are bored of going for a jog every day, this group is the perfect way to mix it up, train harder, and increase your physical strength while meeting other expats in Dubai. Some of their future challenges include the Tough Mudder 5k race on 12 April, and volunteering in the world’s best obstacle race, the Spartan race.

Paris Dog Club Group

The Paris Dog Club Group welcomes both InterNations members and their canine friends. Its members take full advantage of this perk, hosting frequent activities with their dogs, such as “Let's Brunch & Dog Walk Together!”, dog speed dating, and outings to the oldest pet cemetary in Paris!

What is more, they welcome members who don’t own dogs to come along and socialise, too! If you have ever wanted a dog but aren’t sure if you are ready to keep a dog in the city, or if you would like a chance to walk and play with dogs without the responsibility, you should join these expat dog owners and explore Paris together with them.

Let Your Imagination Run Free

In Munich, the Augmented Reality Role-Playing Group meets up on a regular basis to try out, discuss, and brainstorm all things augmented reality related. Combining elements of a virtual world with the real world, augmented reality offers new concepts and possibilities to explore gaming and technology.

In the past, Consul Federico Miroballo, has organized brunches to discuss gamification in charity projects, and trips to the worlds largest AR+VR conference, the Augmented World Expo.

A Drinking Group with a Running Problem

The Istanbul Beer Running Group meets on a frequent basis to combine two things they love — beer and running. Aside from working out and enjoying a nice drink, this is a great way to get to know Istanbul a little bit better. The St. Patrick’s Day Beer Run took the group members along the city’s ancient streets, and an Island Run took them to Kınalıada, one of the Prince Islands. Consul Maria Allen hosts an activity every other Sunday, which usually involves jogging around the city, before enjoying a beer at the finish line.

Discovering Hidden Gems

The Berlin Chameleon Group is all about discovering the German capital’s hidden gems, visiting some of the lesser-known museums, botanical gardens, and restaurants. The Consuls Karsten Hoffmeyer and Anne Unterforsthuber are both German and, albeit not born and raised in the city, have lived in Berlin for various years.

Thanks to them, the group has already been on various outings to the botanical garden in Dahlem (including one right around the time that the camelia’s were in bloom), a trip to the Berggruen Museum to look at some modern art, and visits to the last resting places of several famous, historical figures, including the Grimm Brothers.

Do you want to explore your community in all kinds of fantastic ways, together with other expats and global minds? Take a look at the many different groups in your community and maybe even start your own.

About Monica Hide

Monica Hide is a German Student at Queen Mary University of London, who was working as an Editorial Intern at InterNations. In her spare time, you will most likely find her riding her bike, or in a modern art gallery.

Article Topics

InterNations Community

Travel & Leisure

Keeping Up the InterNations Spirit: Online Events and Activities to Make It Through Social Distancing

After social distancing laws were implemented in many of our communities, our Ambassadors and Consuls had to get creative. They have organized a variety of online events and activities, ranging from parties and coffee chats to therapy sessions and science talks. Have a look at some of the highlights!
Create Online Events and Connect with Your Community

With the worldwide surge of cyber creativity, there are many more ways now to stay entertained and connected to one another during these difficult times. Creating a virtual event is a great opportunity to share your interests and to meet new people. Let’s keep up the community spirit together!
How to Zoom — An Introduction to the Videoconferencing Tool of Choice

We have integrated Zoom as the video conferencing tool for our communities around the world. With this important change, we decided that it was time for a handy guide on how to use Zoom. Here, we cover the basic process, features, and what to do if you need help with the tool.
Bike Tours and Picnics in the Park — Reintroducing In-Person Events

With a few safety measures in place and the weather getting warmer in the Northern Hemisphere, some InterNations Communities have resumed in-person events, giving our members the opportunity to finally meet in real life again. These are some of the highlights!
Invisible Heroes — The Brussels Changemakers Meet Non-Profit Organizers

The Corona crisis has confronted non-profit organizations with new challenges. In their latest activity, the Brussels Changemakers met organizers of two organizations in their city and learned more about the people who work on the front lines to make their community a better place.