Feeling the highs and lows of this journey? Sometimes it can feel a bit lonely or like a roller coaster.
Join us for our monthly Almost Local Coffee Circles in Auckland.
Small in-person gatherings in Auckland where international women meet, share stories and build friendships.
Join our next Coffee Circle August 8 – Auckland.
A space to slow down, have real conversations, and feel less alone.
Real conversations about life abroad — identity, career, belonging and everything in between.
Listen to the last Episode: Month Reflections on life in New Zealand with Maria.
What happens when life takes you across countries, multiple languages, and completely different cultures?
A private online space connecting women living between cultures around the world.
Join conversations:
belonging abroad, identity & reinvention and more.
Connect with women across cultures.
Maria, Founder of Almost Local
“It wasn’t one single moment — it was the presence in the room. The safe and trustworthy space Maria and Andrea created allowed us to truly connect. I felt seen in shared experiences and inspired by others’ stories. Even knowing only a few women beforehand, I left feeling a real sense of belonging.”
"Great initiative taking shape in this beautiful community! Always great to connect, share and meet new people! 🫶"
"Thank you so much Maria for inviting me today. And for putting together a very thoughtful event with a beautiful group of women. You and Andrea are very special women ❤️"
See what we've been up to
Almost Local Podcast Episodes, Almost Local Voices
Moving abroad doesn’t just change your address — it quietly changes the habits that shape your identity. Reflecting on Maria’s latest Almost Local episode.
Almost Local Podcast Episodes, Almost Local Voices
Almost Local Podcast Episodes, Life in New Zealand
Almost Local Podcast Episodes, Almost Local Voices, Life in New Zealand
Almost Local was founded by Maria Barciela after navigating life between cultures herself and realizing how important community and shared stories are when building a life abroad.
You don’t have to feel fully local to belong here.
Join the Almost Local community.
