This post is the second in a series dedicated to the best EXPATS GROUPS on Facebook.
You can read the first one by clicking HERE.
As I mentioned in the previous post, one of the best ways to detect the needs, fears, problems, questions of my Expat or international clients is undoubtedly the EXPATS groups on FACEBOOK.
The three questions I have asked each of the administrators are these:
What was the reason that motivated you to create this group?
What is it about this group that other groups don’t have?
If you were President of Spain, what would you do to improve or ease the lives of expats in Spain?
If you didn’t know about these groups, what are you waiting for?
FACEBOOK GROUP: Southern Spain Questions & Answers
ADMINISTRATOR: Ray Farmer
“The fact is, Facebook offers a superior way for members to interact as a community”
What was the reason that motivated you to
create this group?
“When I first came to Spain in 2004, there was nothing to help the ‘new-arrivals’ and we all had to struggle through and learn just how to get things done correctly. But with the advent of Facebook, I noticed the possibility of using that knowledge that was forced upon us to help those new arrivals and hopefully make the whole process easier for all (plus, I’m still learning as well). The group helps all members and relies on the combined knowledge of the members to help others, plus by leaving the FB-site totally open, EVERYONE can see the information (including non-members) with the only stipulation being that all help is freely offered, and no direct advertising is allowed.”
What is it about this group that other groups
don't have?
“The Admins are all of a similar mind, all of moderate views with no real political leanings (neither Left or Right wing extremist views are allowed). I also ask all members to be polite and accepting of the other members and openly state that I will remove (or close) anything that turns into unpleasant or rude behaviour. I will also remove these extremist members if needed, to ensure the continuation of a friendly atmosphere where all members can be heard.”
If you were President of Spain, what would you do to improve or ease the lives of expats in Spain?
If you were President of Spain, what would you do to improve or ease the lives of expats in Spain? As said above, I am not a political person (although I’m often accused of being either a fascist or communist depending on the accusers views), but I am generally in favour of Pedro Sanchez’s effort to deal with the corona-virus crisis, together with many other Spanish concerns. To me, the middle of the road, moderate politicians are all acceptable with the left or right wing politicians being far less favourable. There’s not really much I can add to Pedro Sanchez’s current policies, but perhaps make ‘regular’ weekly statements to the nation (he does do this already, but not regularly), perhaps on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday evening so as to prepare the nation for whatever is planned over the coming week or two
Alternatively, the government could get a quick win for expats by offering all documentation relevant to immigration in English. Their websites are currently sparsely translated, even when an option for “English” appears to be available.
