Being an expat in a foreign country where you don't speak the language is hard at the best of times. And if you're single with the most romantic day of the year looming, what do you do?

You could sit at home and feel sorry for yourself, but the modern expat in Europe is turning to exciting new ways of finding Mr or Mrs Right before February 14.

One way is through SpeedDating, where you get 25 different three-minute dates in one evening.

SpeedDating was nothing more than a fad in cities such as London and New York, but for expats in Europe, it's proving to be a lifesaver come February 14.

Many single expats find SpeedDating an attractive, safe and efficient alternative to the superficial bar scene and torturous three-hour blind dates.

A Valentine's edition of Expatica SpeedDate, in central Amsterdam, has proved so popular that people are queuing up just to be on the reserve list.

Although the concept was intended for English-speaking expatriates, more and more locals are looking to meet interesting international people.

But, is three minutes enough? Can you really meet Mr or Mrs Right? And if so, will it develop into a long-term relationship?

The answer to all three questions was " yes " for Canadian expat Jay Parker* who met Australian Monique Frey* at an Expatica SpeedDate evening in Amsterdam in 2002 -- and is about to get married. The happy couple now lives in Canada and last told Expatica they are busy in