Expat Connection was born out of American Martin Frankel’s need to “connect” to his new city after moving to Buenos Aires. The city is a massive destination for foreigners looking for something different, and Martin met hundreds in his same situation; looking for a way to make friends and really get to know their new home. Martin found himself organizing many social events and bringing people together; and with his background in marketing he finally decided to take it on, and do it properly.
Expat Connection’s first events were attended by the people Martin had made friends with during his time in the city. But just a few months on, each event has so many new faces that it’s impossible to keep up! Though that might be the wine.
Martin’s work has been recognized in several English-speaking publications, including the feature article “Expats and Wine: an intoxicating combination” in the world-famous Buenos Aires Herald.
Expat Connection is fast becoming the point of reference for all the new people setting foot in Buenos Aires, be it short term, medium term, or I’ll-never-leave-this-fabulous-place term!
BA Herald - August 9th, 2008
Argentimes - April 25th, 2008
Clarín iEco - April 20th, 2008
Clarín - February 6th, 2008
BA Herald - December 22nd, 2007
BA Herald - November 24th, 2007
BA Herald - October 20th, 2007
BA Herald - July 21st, 2007
Martin
Hi, Martin Frankel here, sushi addict and social animal. Born to an Argentine mother and American father in Sydney, Australia, I spent most of my life in the US. I grew up in West Palm Beach, FL and then studied International Affairs at George Washington University, in DC. I stayed there for 9 years, working in sales and marketing for Miller Brewing Company and GlaxoSmithKline, before returning to GW for my MBA.
During an internship with Siemens in Buenos Aires I was possessed by the certainty that I would one day live in the city. This was in 2003. I finished my MBA in DC and then worked for FedEx for a couple of years in New York City, but there was no avoiding the inevitable.
Two massive life changes landed me back in BA in December 2006, and I found it more intoxicating than ever. The sensation on the streets was electrifying, and all the foreigners I was meeting felt it too. As a fresh and friendless Expat, I made a constant effort to meet new people, and soon found myself making connections on a daily basis with people from all over the world. When I realized how many others were in the same boat, I decided to help them make those connections too. Conceived as a bridge between a vibrant new Expat community and the local Argentine world, Expat Connection was born in June 2007.
In Expat Connection I see three things that I love. An opportunity to genuinely help others feel more at ease and connect with their new city. The potential to make social connection and facilitate networking for those around me and the opportunity to build a company in a market that I know well - one where I myself am the target customer! 
Guille
Hey, I’m Guillermina, but you can call me Guille – “Ghee-shae” if you can handle our Argentine accent. I was born in Patagonia and traveled all over the country with my family before settling in Buenos Aires 12 years ago. Though I adore the city, I still love traveling and meeting people from all different cultures, which is why Expat Connection is the perfect environment for me.
They say I have a skilful tongue, and it’s true: I can speak some German and Portuguese as well as English and Spanish. I’m studying to become an actuary in the University of Buenos Aires, as well as teaching English, and I’ve been involved in Expat Connection since July 2007.
I’m outgoing, straightforward and definitely not what you could call shy... My friends tell me I’m not sporty, but they don’t realize that buying shoes and matching purses is a sport for me – and I’m very good at it. Apart from that I do yoga, when I’m not lazing around by the river in San Isidro, or going out with friends and chatting to interesting people like you!
Rita
Hi there! I’m Rita and I was born in Azul, in the province of Buenos Aires. In my family teaching English was the law, so I grew to love the language. I’m learning some French now, but it’s pretty tricky!
After high school I moved to Tandil to study International Relations, but my true love shone through and I ended up studying Literature in the University of Buenos Aires. The artistic and cultural offerings of the city captivated me at once. Unable to escape my family curse I began to tutor English, and in July 2007 I joined the Expat Connection team. I love meeting all kinds of people and learning about their cultures.
Books, films and rock music fill up my free time when I'm not out with friends. I also enjoy long walks in my lovely neighborhood of Caballito. Whether you’d like to discuss The Unbearable Lightness of Being, explore Donnie Darko’s philosophical implications or just have a word or two on mainstream and alternative culture, I’ll be there!
Vicky
My name is Victoria, (but you can call me Vicky) and I was born in Buenos Aires, where I've lived all my life, so I guess I'm 100% "porteña".
I am a college student, at first I did some Architecture studies but then decided to go for Art History at the University Of Buenos Aires. I am currently taking painting and drawing classes, so you could somehow call me the "artist" of the group. In my free time I also enjoy watching movies and going to museums and exhibitions.
I am the newest member of Expat Connection, and I enjoy my work very much. I like meeting new people and I'm very social and talkative. I like going to the events and have a good time thinking of new and interesting things to do. I also love speaking in English, so I think this is the right job for me!
