EDITORIAL
FOCUS is a unique community for expats and international professionals living in the UK. Our multinational team share their first-hand knowledge on all aspects of living and working here. Members gain access to essential information, events and seminars and dual career programmes. Operating as a non-profit organisation, we are proud to have been supporting expats for over 35 years. We hope to see you soon at our office in Central London.
13 Prince ofWales Terrace, London W8 5PG Telephone 020 7937 7799 email
office@focus-info.org
Editorial
It seems like I was just writing an editorial for the Christmas edition not too long ago and here we are again, another year under our belts. And what a year it has been at FOCUS. In the last issue, I mentioned that I’d be introducing FOCUS’s new executive director Gael Panhelleux and I’m pleased to do so here. Gael comes to FOCUS after a career in education, marketing and sales. Like all of the FOCUS team, she has experienced the life of the globally mobile and is looking forward to steering our unique network for international people onto its next stage. Turn to page 33 for Gael’s own personal introduction to our community.
In this issue, we’re focusing on ways to give back during the holiday season. Not only is volunteering a worthwhile endeavour on its own but, as our contributors point out, it’s a great way for expats to become fully integrated into their communities. We hope you find the recommendations for volunteering your time or your resources useful and inspiring.
Staying with the holiday theme, check out our guide to carol concerts and our look at tips to avoid piling on extra weight over the season. We also look at ways to beat the blues if you’re missing your home country and family over Christmas.
Before I read the article on page 26 I had no idea ice skating has been around for thousands of years let alone happened on the Serpentine in Hyde Park in the 18th century. I hope you enjoy our look at the history of ice skating as well as our guide to the best places to skate in London this winter.
If you’re considering a career change over the holidays, consider our article on MBAs. And if you have school-aged children looking at universities, our contributor Lillian McNeila comprehensively covers everything you need to know about applying to US universities from the UK. She provides the kind of advice parents are willing to pay for and it’s available right here along with much more. As ever, our issue is rounded out with events and seminars and we look forward to seeing you at one soon.
Merry Christmas and happy new year to all.
Monday–Thursday, 10am–4pm
www.focus-info.org
Core Services
n Essential information & recommended resources navigate UK life with ease
n Networking opportunities 50+ seminars and events in London every year
n Dual career programmes get partners’ careers back on track
To advertise in this magazine please contact Jaspreet at
jgrewal@focus-info.org
FOCUS Staff
Executive Director Gael Panhelleux
Director of Business Development Stephanie Vogel
Director of Finance Irene Kuan
Director of Marketing Jaspreet Grewal
Director of Events & Seminars Maria Renzi
Director of Resources Paola Longobardi
Career Development Consultant Denise Donoghue
Career Coaches Satu Kreula Geraldine McKendrick Vincent Pizzoni Karin Mueller Debbie Fisher
FOCUS Magazine Francine Bosco FOLLOW US
Catch regular FOCUS updates via our social media channels
Facebook.com/FOCUS info linkedin/FOCUS info UK Twitter@FOCUSinfoUK Instagram@ FOCUSinfouk
Editor Francine Bosco
Assistant Editor Naeemah Miah
Art Director Rebecca Hunt-Davis
Image researcher Jacqui Johnson
www.focus-info.org
FOCUS The Magazine 1
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40
