When Odiva Vassell first moved to Korea for work, she didn’t know much of the language and found meeting new friends to be a challenge.

Then she heard about InterNations, a group set up in cities around the world to help expats connect in a social setting and offer guidance to ease their transition into life in a new country.

Ms Vassell said the group “really helped a lot” when it came to adjusting, so when she decided to return to Bermuda after 15 years of being overseas she knew she wanted to establish a group on the Island.

For many people moving to a new country can prove to be a “huge cultural shock”, she said. When it comes to relocating in Bermuda, people may have to get used to a different culture, language, food and a slower pace of life.

She said the group is suited for anyone who hasn’t fully adjusted to the culture and lifestyle on the Island. It’s also the ideal setting for anyone open to meeting people from different countries outside of their regular social group.

Since launching the Bermuda-based group a year ago they’ve hosted a variety of social events and seen a lot of growth on their website.

There are a total of 50 or 60 people who have been actively involved, but Ms Vassell still wants to get the word out to more residents.

“I’m looking for more people to actually come out to the events,” she said. “I want them to understand that even if you don’t know anyone there, by the time you leave you will have met at least 15 new people and made lots of good friends.

“One thing I find is that a lot of people are intimidated and say ‘I won’t know anyone there’, but I’m just hoping people will become more open minded and step out of their social circle and give a different cultural experience a try.”

Founded in 2007 by three young entrepreneurs (and former expatriates) from Germany, InterNations has become the biggest expatriate network worldwide, including more than one million people online.

The organisation aims to make life easier for expats, by offering up specific information and advice on everything from housing, jobs, tax issues, medical services and education.

One woman from Brazil contacted Ms Vassell online and she was able to put her in touch with people from her native country living in Bermuda before she arrived.

“It just eased her nerves about relocating,” the organiser explained.

“I think it takes a lot of courage to move to a new country and it takes a lot of courage to actually adapt to the culture.

“There is a tendency for people to just stick with the people that they know for the duration of their time in a place and they probably don’t get the full Bermuda experience.

“The great thing about InterNations is it aims to be a mixture of Bermudians as well as guest workers who can share about their culture.”

Ms Vassell said the events have also proved to be a lot of fun for the global-minded Bermudians who come out.

“It’s kind of like a ‘staycation’. You get to see the world from the view point of someone from France, Africa, Asia, without actually leaving,” she said.

“And what people find is that we all have a lot of similarities.

“Another benefit is that if a Bermudian is interested in travelling to a particular country, then they have met a friend there that can tell them where to visit, what hotels to stay at and how to get around.”

Their next event, tomorrow night, will mark InterNation’s first anniversary on Island.

Taking place at Beau Rivage at Belmont Hills, people will be able to enjoy cocktails, music from DJ Danger Donnavan and the stunning setting overlooking Hamilton Harbour and the City of Hamilton.

There will also be amazing raffle prizes, such as a dinner for two and a bottle of wine, on offer.

Ms Vassell encourages their online members to come out and experience first-hand what InterNations is all about.

She said: “Nobody leaves without saying they had a fun time, so it’s very different from the typical night out where you go stand in the corner with your friends and stay with those same people all night long.

“This is an event where you are open to mingling and everyone is looking forward to learning more about you.

“Everyone embraces you and your background and if you’re new to Bermuda they welcome you and you have a good time.”

To attend the social event tomorrow night at 8pm, you need to sign up on InterNations.org.

The group also has a Facebook page: InterNations Bermuda for those looking for more information.