Why I Joined the Association of American Women in Europe (AAWE)

I joined AAWE in June 2024 after meeting some of their members at a cocktail event at Fluctuart, the hip bar located on a barge along the Seine. There was no pressure to join, yet I could chat with current members and see how they had benefited from AAWE. Some of the members had been with AAWE for years, while others had joined recently, but all of them were welcoming ladies who understood my complaints and joys of being an expat in Paris.

Little did I know, I had actually already attended another of AAWE’s events in December—their annual Christmas Bazaar at the American Church, one of their most popular events open to the public. Here, I met female entrepreneurs, learned about some English-language bookstores in Paris, and enjoyed the feeling of camaraderie as French people and foreigners alike mingled. 

AAWE was created by female American expats, for female American expats. Whether you’ve lived in Europe for years, are a newcomer, or are planning to move, AAWE can offer friendship and guidance on a wide range of topics. In France alone, over 600 women are members of AAWE, some of whom were part of the founding members in 1961.

According to the association’s current president, AAWE is a registered non-profit in France and was originally founded by Phyllis Michaux and a group of other American women married to French or European men. These women banded together to discuss their concerns about a new immigration law that would affect their children’s American citizenship. Over the years, AAWE’s efforts have included building a sense of community among female American expats, promoting education surrounding bilingualism and dual citizenship, and encouraging voting abroad.

Today, AAWE is run by volunteers who serve as board members, making sure the organization functions on a daily basis and is successful in fundraising and hosting events throughout the year. Other volunteers help out during events or write for the quarterly News issues, among other roles. 

One of AAWE’s largest events is Winterfest, which takes place during the holiday season. Other popular events include the Welcome Back Party to celebrate the start of the school year and the Garden Party at the end of spring. While most of these big events are open to the public for a slightly higher entrance fee than for members, smaller, members-only events occur regularly throughout the year. These include happy hours, speaker series, children’s events, virtual events, and other social and educational events.

An AAWE membership also gives access to the organization’s numerous clubs, such as book club, film group, or yarn club. For members who are too far away to join in-person meetings, WhatsApp groups offer a welcoming forum to keep in touch, ask questions, and share advice. I personally have found job opportunities, restaurant and bar recommendations, and even a physical therapist thanks to fellow AAWE members—after only a few months of membership!

In addition, AAWE has a philanthropic giving program to support various charities and promotes volunteer opportunities in the local community. As a member of FAWCO (Federation of American Women’s Clubs Overseas), AAWE supports their yearly Target Project through various initiatives and fundraising events. The most recent Target Project was the Awesome Blossoms project in Kenya, which focused on education and sustainability through teaching entrepreneurs and students farming techniques, conservation tactics, and the importance of balanced eating. 

While AAWE’s mission has changed over time, at its core, the association focuses on friendship, support, culture, community service, education, and citizenship, aiding women both personally and professionally. AAWE members who are part of the French chapter must be women with American citizenship who live long-term in France. For those who don’t meet these criteria but are interested in joining, AAWE offers an associate member program that is open to all, regardless of gender, nationality, or location. For anyone considering joining AAWE as a full member, non-members are welcome to attend up to three members-only events to get a feel for the organization and meet current members. Up-to-date rates of membership, including discounted rates for members under 35, can be found on their website.

Whether discussing the best schools in Paris, how to renew a visa, or where to meet new friends abroad, AAWE is an invaluable resource for American women living in France.