Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to join the Guangzhou Women’s International Club?
Our yearly membership is 350 RMB for the year calculated from 1st June 2008 to
31st
July
2009. Membership applications are accepted throughout the year. Membership renewals commence each May.
What does my membership provide?
Your yearly membership provides 10 gazette issues (September through to June), 2 member directories (Autumn
and Spring), free monthly coffees and teas throughout the year, discounts at GWIC events and discounts at shops, restaurants and services in Guangzhou.
All newcomers are provided with a welcome kit including a GWIC bag filled with
useful information about Guangzhou.
Who can join the Guangzhou Women’s International Club?
Membership is extended to women holding a non-PRC passport or whose husband holds a non-PRC passport. Proof of citizenship is required.
How do I join the Guangzhou Women’s International Club?
To join simply attend one of the monthly events we hold in Guangzhou. For new Guangzhou arrivals we suggest our newcomers meeting.
Or you can attend the coffee or tea where you can meet our newcomers and membership coordinators who will welcome you and arrange for you to join our club.
Alternatively you can give your membership form and dues to your Housing
Representative.
How many expatriate women are in the club?
Our membership varies by year as many expatriates are on contracts lasting from one to five years. On average we have around 450 to 500 members annually.
What language does the club operate in?
The most common language amongst expatriates is English and is the language for all our club communication. We do have language representatives who volunteer their time to assist anyone with English language difficulties. There are also many different nationalities within the club, so there is opportunity to speak your native tongue.
How many different nationalities are in the club?
As of 2008 we have over 50 different countries. These include Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Czech, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia-Montenegro, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad/Tobago, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Vietnam and Yugoslavia.
Why are there less activities held during summer?
Many expatriates, particularly those with children, choose to travel during the summer months due to school holidays.
Summer is also traditionally a time for contracts to end and people to move on. For those here during summer the GWIC coffee, tea and lunches are still held each month.
I would like to start an expatriate activity group. How do I do this?
We have regular activities groups each month. However if there is not one to suit you – you can start your own activity club. In the past we have had scrap-booking and flower arranging. If there is an activity you would like to coordinate please contact us.
What do I do if lose my membership card?
Contact our membership coordinator at the welcome desk at either monthly coffee or tea for a replacement. There may be a replacement fee of 50 RMB.