WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO
Thank you for visiting the website.
It’s time to make the rest of your Life the BEST of your life
U3A.INTERNATIONAL is the presence on the internet of U3A International, an association registered in Marbella in the very south of Spain. Please note that u3a.es and u3a.eu and u3a.world are our sister websites and have no connection with any other institutions.
While on this site please take the opportunity to have a good look around and discover more about what we do. Hopefully you will find the experience informative as well as a really easy and enjoyable one whatever device you use.
The University of the Third Age (U3A) is a world-wide non-profit making movement for mature people. Its aim is the promotion of activities for enjoyment and personal fulfilment. However, while U3A International adheres to the essential principles of U3A, the association is not affiliated to any other u3a organisation and remains entirely autonomous, focusing on the interests and requirements of English speaking members who live in or visit the South of Spain. Membership therefore of any other organisation does not confer any rights to membership of U3A International.
A very broad range of courses, activity groups and lectures is offered and these take place predominantly in the Marbella area of the coast but also in Coín and Alhaurin El Grande inland. There are four separate bridge groups, for instance, where members play for free. This area is generally blessed with wonderful weather which, coupled with incredible scenery, makes it the ideal place for outdoor pursuits such as the extensive walking activities as well as cycling, birdwatching, tennis and padel tennis. A healthy mind in a healthy body is a relevant adage for U3A International.
Currently there are 800 members of many different nationalities. As well as British, Irish and other Europeans (including almost 100 Spanish nationals) members visit from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, South America, Canada, USA, Bahamas and many other parts of the world. The association is truly cosmopolitan
The administrators, activity leaders and lecturers are all volunteers who share their particular interests or expertise with other members and who also fervently believe in the special camaraderie of this particular association. Whether activities and lectures are held on the coast or inland, attendance is open to all members wherever they may be based in Spain or in other parts of the world.
The association also effectively acts as a catalyst for social interaction. Members have the opportunity to meet like-minded people at any of our activities and lectures as well as at other events held throughout the year. U3A International principally functions between October and May though there are some activities which continue through the summer months. All this is available at no cost to members other than an incredibly low annual subscription. New members may discover more about the association by perusing this website and/or by attending any coffee morning/helpdesk in the exceptional environment of the Hapimag Resort Hotel in Marbella or the Bar Dani in Alhaurin el Grande. Joining is extremely easy through this website.
If you are not yet a member (and you soon will be) more details are available on the MEMBERSHIP PAGE
So whether you visit u3a.es or u3a.eu or u3a.world or, of course, u3a.international you will always be in the right place!
I am sure that you will find the association of interest and I look forward soon to seeing you in the flesh, as it were.
Allan Edwards
President