A nonprofit community in The Woodlands, Texas

Together, The Woodlands becomes home.

We help new families settle in, learn how things work here and find the tools to become good neighbors, and we give local families a simple way to welcome them.

Join as a family Join as a business

A nonprofit program of GRacademic Foundation, a 501(c)⁠(3). Free to join, in seven languages.

We open to everyone on November 11. The families joining now are our founding circle.

See where our families come from

Moving is hard. Belonging shouldn't be.

New schools, new systems, a new language at the grocery store. We know, because many of us have been there. Global Families exists so no family has to figure out The Woodlands alone.

Welcome every new familyA friendly face in your first months, from the first coffee to the first school day.
Connect neighbors who share a storyFamilies who speak your language, go to your school, or come from the same country, state or city as you, right around the corner.
Make U.S. schools easier to understandPractical guidance so parents can support their children with confidence.
Celebrate our traditionsThe local ones, from the Fourth of July to Thanksgiving, and the ones families bring with them.
Help local businesses grow with usA directory and network for the professionals and companies that serve our families.
Learn the ways of The WoodlandsNeighborhood rules, school and road rules, trash days and the little things that make life here work, so new families start on the right foot.

New here? Start with your first 30 days.

A simple checklist in your language: school enrollment, driver's license, neighborhood rules, doctors, and the first steps to feel part of The Woodlands.

Open the checklist

Our cultural calendar

Local traditions and the celebrations our families bring, all in one place.

See the calendar

Two programs, one community.

Join as a family, as a business, or both. Each program has its own directory, events and ways to take part.

Global Families

of Conroe ISD

For families who just arrived, families who have lived abroad, and local families who love the world.

Family DirectoryFind families by language, country, village and kids' ages.
AmbassadorsEstablished families who welcome new arrivals.
GlobalFestOur festival of world cultures for the whole community.

Global Businesses

of Conroe ISD

For professionals and businesses that serve, hire or were founded by our international community.

Business DirectoryBe found by the families who need you, in the languages they speak.
NetworkingMeet international and local professionals right here in The Woodlands.
The GalaOur signature fundraising celebration, with sponsorship and recognition.

How it works

1
Tell us about your family
About five minutes, in your language. You decide what to share.
2
We connect you
Invitations made for your family, an Ambassador if you'd like one, and neighbors who share your language and school.
3
You feel at home
Your first GlobalFest, your first friends here, and that moment you realize The Woodlands is home.

Nobody should figure out a new home alone.

Born here or settled here, you can be the friendly face a new family needs. Our Ambassador families welcome newcomers during their first months with a coffee, practical tips and a few introductions.

Become an Ambassador

Our communities

American families and families from around the world, all neighbors in The Woodlands.

Where our families come from

Each country fills in as families join. Yours could be next.

Family Directory

Meet families who share your language, your village, or where you come from. Each family chooses what appears.

Open the directory

Business Directory

Find local businesses that serve families in your language, many with special offers for members.

Find a business

You decide what you share

Every family and business shares only what they want to. Here is how it works.

A registered nonprofitGlobal Families and Global Businesses are programs of GRacademic Foundation, a 501(c)⁠(3).
One switch for each detailWhen you register, each piece of information has its own switch. Only what you turn on appears in the directories.
As much or as little as you likeShow only your family name, or your languages, village, schools and interests too. It is up to you.
Questions? Just askWrite to us at globalfamiliesofthewoodlands@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you.

Questions about Global Families

Who can join?

Any family or business in The Woodlands and nearby areas: families who just arrived, families who have lived abroad, and local families who love meeting people from around the world.

Is it free?

Yes. Everyone who joins before May 11, 2027 is a founding member and stays free. After that, new members will join with an annual membership that includes the directories and member benefits.

What happens after I register?

We welcome you by email, invite you to gatherings that fit your family, and, if you'd like, introduce you to an Ambassador family.

Who can see my information?

The directories show only what each family or business turns on in the form. Everyone decides for themselves.

Do I need to speak English?

No. This website and our registration forms are available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Hindi and Arabic, and our families speak many more languages.

Who is behind Global Families and Global Businesses?

Local families in The Woodlands, through GRacademic Foundation, a 501(c)⁠(3) nonprofit. You can reach us anytime at globalfamiliesofthewoodlands@gmail.com.

How is Global Families connected to Conroe ISD?

Your family's story belongs here.

It takes about five minutes. The friendships last much longer.