Hello and Hola! I'm the organiser. My name is Germaine, I'm Australian, moved to Bcn 5 years ago after 4 years in Dublin. I set up the English Oasis group based on my own initial difficulties in getting to know Barcelona, its people and languages.

It seemed silly that in a city where masses of foreigners were studying Spanish and masses of locals were studying English, these two complimentary groups didn't seem to mix in a social manner. This eventually led me to set up the English Oasis Cafe.

We foreigners leave behind out friend and knowledge network when we come to Barcelona and seek to rebuild it as soon as possible when we arrive in order to feel at home. Who better than to help us do so than locals and other expats! Create a friendly social atmosphere, add in some linguistic advantages and social opportunities and you set the stage for a open, welcoming, friendly and international and diverse group of friends who meet up as often as their schedule allows them to.

The English Oasis Café is still in its embryonic stage, which is why we are still calling it a "Project". It is continuously evolving according to people's needs and feedback. All suggestions for improvements and developments are always welcome!

THE FEEDBACK about the English Oasis project has been extremely positive both from our members, institutions and the press in general..

Through the English Oasis Cafe contacts people have:
- Found accommodation
- Found work
- Had CV translated
- Travelled to other countries and visited friends / relatives of Oasis members
- Discovered new places to eat, places to visit, things to see
- Made many friends (Oasis expats often say that Oasis members make up about 50% of their social network).

Germaine,
Tomorrow I will go back home, to Amsterdam...I had a great time at the intercambio's and being introduced to some very nice real catalan things.
So: THANK YOU!!!!!!!
Dorien (Holland, March 2008)

Germaine,
I've left Barcelona now so I'd like to be taken off the list. I'd also like to thank you for running the Cafe: ...it's a very friendly, useful and well-organized event, and I hope it continues to be a big success.
All the best,
Tom (England, March 2008)

Hola Germaine
...., just wanted to say well done on such a good intercambio and all your organisation. As a newcomer to Barcelona, i really appreciate this. Siobhan, (Ireland, Jan 2008)

Hi Germaine!!!!
.... I just want to tell you thanks for giving us very good times in our intercambios, I must recognize that this group of people have something special, at least for me....You are helping us to improve our english, so I'm very grateful to you. I hope to enjoy meeting up with the group next year......It is the most sincere email for you and the best way to wish you Merry Cristmas and happy new year.........Take care.......
Adrian (Barcelona, Dec 2007)

Hello Germaine,
Merry Christmas and Happy 2008! ...and my congratulations for your work in English Oasis, I know is very important for a lot of people in Barcelona and I hope in the new year to be present in tour activities, I need a lot!!! Good days in England and i hope see you soon.
Best regards,
Javier (Barcelona, Dec 2007)

Germaine,
It was nice meeting you. You have such wonderful and interesting experiences!! I hope we have more time to chat next time ;-)...I just want to drop you and let you know that I really enjoyed the meetup tonight. And I like this group a lot...I look forward to seeing you again soon!!
Cecilia (USA, Nov 2007)