Greetings from Thomas Kuan of U3A SINGAPORE which was formed by the core group who organised the successful 2nd U3A International Conference, 2011 in Singapore.

Members: It has a small group of 20 members but growing fast, with main objectives to share the model of U3A's community learning among senior citizens in Singapore, and to reach out to regional U3As in South East Asian Nations. We welcome friends from U3As worldwide to visit us and to share learning of their U3A activities.

U3A-Singapore is a member of the U3A Asia Pacific Alliance.
Contact: Mr. Thomas Kuan at kuanthomas@gmail.com, and Tel: (65)97433515.

Graham Collett of U3A York, UK, sent us the following: The York Group of U3A has over 1200 members and offers a wide range of activities. In 2011-12 there are more than 90 courses and groups covering subjects like:-

Art & Art History - Cultures, Religion and Philosophy - Contemporary Studies - History - Languages - Literature - Science and Technology - Games of Skill - Music - Hobbies - Outdoor Pursuits - Dancing and Swimming

We also have monthly lectures on a Saturday morning and an active Travel Committee which arranges day trips and holidays to venues both in the UK and Abroad. Details of all our events appear in the York U3A Newsletter which is produced every two months. For more information please see our website at http://www.yorku3a.org.uk

From Roger Knight, former chairman of U3A Swansea,, which is on the Gower Peninsula of Wales:
Swansea U3A has just celebrated its 25th birthday with a day of events at the Taliesin Theatre on Swansea University's campus. Among the guests were Jean Goodeve and our founding Chairman, who closed the proceedings in fine style.

History: After a hesitant start, we found our feet in the early '90s and came to a mutually convenient arrangement with Swansea University, since when we have continued to grow and now have over 700 members and more than 40 groups.

Swansea was active in promoting and encouraging several other U3As to get started in South Wales and were also involved in the local Network that provided a forum for mutual support and encouragement

Meetings and Speakers: Unusually among UK U3As, we hold weekly lectures during University terms and have 150 - 250 members attending. Our arrangement with the University is that they provide a large lecture room with appropriate facilities without charge. The lectures are organised by U3A members and attempt to provide a consistently high standard to stretch the minds of those attending. The Vice Chancellor encourages his staff to offer lectures and personally gives a lecture once a year. Other speakers are drawn from a wide range of sources, including members from our own and other nearby U3As.

Range of Activities: Our groups range from Armchair Travel to Welsh Conversation as well as conversation groups for French, Italian and German and the prospect of Spanish starting soon. The Astronomy group works in conjunction with the local Astronomical Society and has access to big telescopes via the internet from time to time. Our original discussion group voluntarily avoids political and religious matters as a matter of course but a number of members missed the opportunity for political debate and started another group devoted to Politics and Citizenship where lively debate takes place without undue acrimony. One of our crowning achievements was the creation of a Research Group, with strong encouragement from the late Professor Maurice Broady. The Group trawled through local archives to produce a History of Swansea Markets. Just prior to the 1995 Annual Conference, Swansea joined with nearby U3As to provide choral entertainment at the event and went on to create our Singing for Pleasure group. We also have Gardening, Walking, Tai Chi and several reading groups.

What I like best: No longer as physically active as I was, I enjoy [almost all of] our weekly lectures and the opportunity this gives for social interaction with members. Whilst Chairman for two years, I attended all funerals of current and former members and was struck by the small number of these events for the size of our U3A. Thus I am convinced of the truth behind the first part of an old motto "U3A adds years to your life and life to your years"

Barbara Foley from Brisbane U3A, Australia

1. Brisbane is located on the east coast of Australia, the capital city of the state of Queensland. The third largest city in Australia with a population of 1.6 million. For more information of our beautiful city with sub-tropical climate visit www.ourbrisbane.com

2. Brisbane U3A was established in 1986 and has grown to over 2100 members.

3. Close to 200 classes are held in our central city rooms and throughout Brisbane suburbs - including anthropology, art, bridge, computer, discussion groups, history, languages, mahjong, philosophy, scrabble etc. for a full list visit our website on http://www.uq.net.au/u3abrisbane/index.htm

4. The opportunity of like minded retirees to learn and share experiences

5. I hope to see more interaction between U3As in the future and I congratulate Tom and Jean for
organising this website. I am thoroughly enjoying reading messages from other countries.

Universite Inter-Ages de Creteil et du Val-de-Marne, in France

Location: We are situated near Paris, about 25 minutes by Metro ;

Number of members: We now have about 1,300 members

Range of Activites: Our activities consist of some 10 to 25 conferences per month, some 20 or more guided visites of museums in Paris or at locations near Paris and a few guided sight seeing tours in or around Paris. Our main activities however consist of Painting and Drawing courses, six language courses, some 33 Humanities courses including History, Literature, Egyptology, Musicology, Philosophy, Psychology and Sociology, only to mention a few. We, of course, have computer courses ranging from Beginners to Intermediate and Advanced courses, including Word, Excel, digital photography, video editing, photoshop, and not but not least we have a few Science courses in Botonic Garderning, Stars-Space and Man, and a short course of Man and Nature.

What I like best about my U3A: My friends and I had a talk about this and they tell me (and I agree) what they like most about UIA of Creteil is the wide range of courses, the fair prices and above all the competence of the Professors who are for the most part are paid Professors, except for a small number of volunteers teachers in specialised areas such as Computer Courses and some Language Teachers,

My Personal message: I am not a member of the Board nor active in much of anything but I know people who work many hours at their homes so our UIA ,and maybe yours too, keeps running. I hope that the members of UIA’s or U3A’s around the World appreciate all the work that volunteer and unknown and usually unrewarded people do so that UIA’s or U3A’s are working.

My name is Cath Lockett and I am Secretary of East Berwickshire U3A, Scotland.

Current membership 249

Range of activities: We offer a varied programme of 35 groups covering Art & Culture, Books & Literature, Languages, Music and Dance and Sports & Leisure. Our members attending our Monthly Open Meetings enjoy a varied entertaining and informative programme of speakers.

My personal message: Where would we be without the U3A? Further information is available by emailing info@eastberwickshireU3A.org.uk

Hi Jean - I'm Richard Aime of the Lifetime Learners Institute, located in Norwalk, Connecticut, USA.

2. We have 750 members.

3. We mainly give courses at the local community college where we are based. About 40 courses in both the Fall and Spring terms. Our members act as "Facilitators" and volunteer to lead the courses on their favorite subjects. We cover history, literature, religion, arts, sciences and many other fields. We also sponsor trips to interesting places not too far from home base, including New York City.

4. I like mostly the courses. They are not expensive and usually last up to eight weeks. It costs $25 to become a member and we charge $15 per course taken. As many as you like. I haven't been on one of the trips yet.

5. Our ILR is a godsend, even though we do have the privilege of attending the community college free of charge (if you're over 62), and they offer many interesting courses as well.

Maj Aldskogius, rector emerita, Ph.D. UPPSALA, Sweden
1. Name and location: Uppsala U3A - Uppsala Pensionarsuniversitet, Box 386, SE 751 06 Uppsala, Sweden tel. + 46 18 24 35 01 Home page Internet: www.upu.nu (in Swedish and English)

2. How many members? 1700. Annual fee ca 20 Euro, which includes two lectures in various topics each month September - May.

3. Range of activities: There are three different kinds of activities:

Lecture series, at least five each semester (cost: ca 30 Euro/semester = 60 Euro /year)
* multidisciplinary lecture series (history, art history, music history, energy-health-environment, current research themes, the development of gardens)

Study circles, over 50 each semester (cost ca 30 - 60 Euro/semester = 60 - 120 /year, depending on the length of the series)
* religion, philosophy, natural and social sciences (including e.g. bird watching)
* languages - both modern languages and e.g. Latin
* music (e.g. jazz), art (e.g. watercolour), writing
* IT classes (Word, digital photos etc.)
* research oriented study circles (e.g. to become and to be retired, what happened when we were young)

Study visits and tours, at least 10 per semester (varied costs)
* study visits in Sweden and abroad, sometimes prepared through a study circle before the trip
* trips to cultural activities in Sweden (theatre and opera performances, concerts, museums, exhibitions etc.)

4.What I like best about my U3A
The wide range of activities and the exchange of ideas, especially in the study circles.

5. My personal message
As an international coordinator of the Uppsala U3A I hope to establish links for exchange with other U3A members, especially in Europe. Please let me know if any U3A would like to discuss this further.

Maj Aldskogius
tel/fax. + 46 18 46 03 30

Ron Topp, President, Pakenham and District U.3.A.

Annual Fee $30. Totally Volunteer.

160 Members and rising rapidly

In 2005 23 Subjects as follows:-
*Introduction to Computer Computer Basics
*Introduction to Publisher Windows 2000 Publisher
*Creative Computer Publisher, Corel Magic, Hallmark Card Studio Deluxe 2 Arcsoft Photo 2000. Paint Shop Pro.
*Email and Searching the Web
*How to Read Music Beginners in 10 Lessons ( or we will break your arm !!)
*Monthly Graphics Session Questions and Answers arising from the above

We put on many extra courses during the year and those to be presented this year are :- Digital Story Telling, How to make a Clock on a C.D., Convert your L.P,s and Tapes to C.D in MP3

What I like best. The fellowship the lack of grumbles and mature age people not talking about their medication, and the amazing life stories of the members.

My Personal message. Keep Learning, widen your horizons, don't resist change, do embrace younger people if they wish to join, redefine the U.3.A. boundaries to be as inclusive of all things where ever you can Carry your age with dignity and pride, be an example rather than a grumpy old fool.

We have a GREAT U.3.A. and the learning aspects together with the ability to relieve social isolation in this rural area is wonderful and we daily see examples of mature age people doing great stuff. We have an old house(grandly called U3A. House) we call home and enjoy very much.

Helen Borg Bonnici of U3E Malta
1. Name and location of my U3A We call ourselves U3E Malta ( A = Age ; E = Eta in Maltese or Italian). Our U3E is housed at the Old University building in Valletta.
There is also a branch in the sister Island of Gozo.

2. How many members? In Malta 650 members and in Gozo 40 this year.

3. Range of Activities We have a full programme of lectures in various subjects. Each subject- unit is made up of 8 consecutive weekly lectures.There are morning lectures in Valletta from Monday to Friday from 9.00a.m. to 11.a.m. and there are evening lectures in Sliema twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday from 5.00p.m. to 7.00p.m.We are free to attend any study-units we like.

4.What I like best about my U3A I believe in life-long learning and U3A is a splendid way of satisfying my desire for learning. In addition, I have made so many friends. We have set up a U3A Choir . It is 60 Members strong. The number of ladies approx is four times greater than that of males! I am a Choir member.
Our U3A organises about 5 Cultural Tours a year to various places of interest on the Island.On the First Friday of every Month, we celebrate the Holy Eucharist together and afterwards enjoy having lunch together.(Last Friday, 6th May, we were a group of 115 and had a lovely lunch at the SeaBank Hotel in Mellieha Bay.)

5. My personal message Let us all enjoy our years of Retirement by using sensibly the time we have at our disposal!

June Lynn, Past President of Sydney U3A Inc. We are in New South Wales, Australia and we cover the whole of the Sydney basin. We are a self-help organization, as are all Australian U3As. Each is autonomous and democratic.

2. How Many Members: We have approximately 5000 members over 7 regions - Upper North, Harbourside North, East, Manly and Peninsular, Endeavour, Inner West and Greater Western. Our U3A was started in 1988.

3. Range of Activities: We present between 250 and 300 classes in each 5 monthly semester. Each region finds class leaders and venues for the classes run in their region. Venues may be in Community Centres, Scout halls, Church halls, RSL clubs, Senior's clubs, private homes etc. Our main criterions for a venue is it be suitable for the class, close to public transport and at a reasonable cost (preferably at no cost!).Venues and insurance are our greatest expense.

We cover classes in Aboriginal studies, anthropology, architecture, art, calligraphy, computing, dance, discussion groups, economics, environment, films, gardens, genealogy, geography, health, history (ancient, medieval, modern, Australian, European, Asian, Aviation etc), languages, linguistics, literature, music, mythology, philosophy, psychology, comparative religions, science and technology, sociology, Tai Chi, theatre, travel, walking and writing. Some regions have social events like lunches, trips and even holidays. Class leaders come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Some may be retired teachers or academics, some have life experiences to draw on.

4. What do I like best about U3A: I was widowed in 1993 and was lucky enough to hear about U3A from an aquaintance. Joining this organization gave me friends, social contacts and interests to keep my brain active - I lead both a creative writing and an introductory computer class and attend an Australian history class. I have been much involved in the management of the organisation, firstly as regional secretary, then as regional president and now as President of Sydney U3A.

Gordana Panijan, Coordinator of UTD Belgrade in Serbia
1. 'Univerzitet za trece doba', U3D for short, is in Belgrade, the capital of the Republic of Serbia, and the capital of Serbia. Serbia is the biggest of ex Yugoslav republics, and in many ways its only successor. The country has suffered a long crisis and is still recovering.

2. Membership: We now have around 400 members participating in different activities.

3. Foreign Languages available are English, German, Spanish, French, Italian and Greek, with English having more students than all others together. Art - drawing, painting and sculpture.
Music - Includes the piano, the guitar, the accordion, the keyboards, the drums and the 'frula' (a kind of a wooden pipe.)
Computer literacy - Presenting and mastering basic packages: Windows, Word, Internet, Multimedia.
Fitness - Yoga is a very popular class. History of Theatre, Art and Acting Crafts and handiwork - Practical manual activities offered are designing and sewing clothes and other decorative item. We also organize activities such as artistic colonies, picnics, trips, evening meetings, literary, film and other panel discussions.

4. As an English teacher these are my motives for joining the U3A. First of all, I believe that practicing our memory skills is essential in life. Research confirms that learning a language later in life helps to stave off certain illnesses associated with old age, eg. Alzheimer's. I also believe in lifelong learning. Seeing people with such strong motivation as some of my students have, I feel so much better about life in general.

Jeevan Raj Lohani is Coordinator of Council of U3As in Nepal

1. We started in 2006 and have grown to six groups in a short time. Some of these groups for elderly already existed and we have oriented them and given them a national identity and an international awareness. We are now registered as a Non-Government Organisation (NGO).

2. Membership: So far we have only 120 members in our groups but we are growing fast and trying to bring all of the many other existing groups under the umbrella of the Council of U3As.

3. Activities: Health and fitness events, informal programmes for schools such as poetry, English language, sports events, etc. Current affairs, religious programmes, tours of famous places, visits and help for Old Age Homes.

4. My personal comment is that U3As can contribute in various ways to reducing the inter-generation gap and bring the experience of elders to help society.

Iveta Kacerova from U3A Zilina, Slovakia

1. Name and location
Our Slovak name is Univerzita Tretieho Veku and we belong to the University of Zilina. The town is located in north-west Slovakia (100 000 inhabitants).

2. How many members?
Approximately over 200.

3. Range of Activities
Planning studying courses for the next semesters 2010/2011: Philosophy, Psychology, PC, Art, Media, Society, The history of town Zilina. The students like also creating meetings - decoupage, glass painting, batik. Discussion hours about literature are very popular and well attended.

4. What I like best about my U3A
Our U3A offers people of retired age many interesting study courses. The members like the education, which is taught by professors, prolectors and specialists of various science. Not just the teaching, but also the organization of excursions twice a year helps to form new friendly contacts.

5. My personal message
"Life can be beautifull in every age!" If you like to get in contact with us, send an email to u3a@uniza.sk

Hazel George is from Oxford U3A, England

We started at least 25 years ago and have nearly 300 members.

We have 24 special interest groups which meet informally once or twice a month in members' homes. These cover a variety of subjects with languages and literature very popular. Being in Oxford we are fortunate to have as members a number of retired academics with connections to the University, and consequently are able to have in our programme talks by eminent speakers.

We have a general meeting with a talk every Thursday during term time covering a wide range of subjects. You can see our current programme at http://u3aoxford.org.uk

<< Back to
first page