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Despite its reputation as an international city, life in Stockholm can still be lonely and complicated for people who move here from other countries. But a new members club is aiming to give foreign diplomats and professionals a jumpstart to life in the Swedish capital. 

In January, Global Expat Partners opened the doors of its Global Expat Centre in Odenplan. It’s the result of a collaboration with Stockholm Business Region, Stockholm University, international companies and embassies in Stockholm. 

Claudia de Leeuw-van Wijk founded the organisation, having moved to Stockholm from the Netherlands three years ago with her family, after her husband was offered a job here.  

“I thought it would be very easy to find a job and integrate in Stockholm, but it wasn’t. Once the family situation was settled it became a very empty life doing nothing”, Claudia de Leeuw-van Wijk said. She added that there is a surprisingly high failure rate among expatriations and an existing need for ongoing support during the whole of their foreign posting. 

With her background in human resource management, de Leeuw-van Wijk started to study the topic of global mobility, supported by Stockholm University professor Ingemar Torbiörn. 

“I wanted to create a home away from home for those on a foreign posting", she said. "I also wanted to create international exchange of culture and experience for foreign people living here. A third focus was to offer development opportunities to the accompanying spouse.” 

Headquartered in a centrally located apartment of 250 square meters, with white sliding doors, stucco ceilings and wooden floors that squeak when you walk on them, the organisation tries to create a cosy and intimate atmosphere. 

“As a member you can come here during the weekdays, grab a coffee and meet with other people”, de Leeuw-van Wijk explained.

“We also offer workshops and seminars that help our members ease their integration in Stockholm. Social events are organised, to help those who left their families and friends behind, to build up a social network. We organize social events for all members of the family.” 

Within a year, she expects to have 160 member families, paying 830 kronor ($130, €95) a month. The organisation also has a growing number of sponsors, like Atlas-Copco, Siemens, Air France KLM and Sheraton, and is supported by Stockholm Business Region Development.  

“This is not a commercial money-making machine. Our aim is to cover the costs and spread out to other main cities in Sweden and abroad”, she said.  

Next year Global Expat Centres will open in Madrid and Copenhagen. 

“We are building a blueprint here and will expand the concept to more cities and more countries. You have the same demand for support during a foreign posting all over the world”, de Leeuw-van Wijk said.    

Read more about the club and membership here.  

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Commissioned advertorial. This article was published in collaboration between Stockholm Business Region and The Swedish Wire.

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