I've never really understood this need for a network and wanting to mix with others from your own country.
I have lived in quite a few places - most recently moved to Luanda, Angola. The last place I wanted to live is Talatona - a suburb of Luanda - where all the British and English speaking expats live. I couldn't speak a word of Portuguese when I arrived but I moved directly from my hotel in to a rented house in a bairro where I have never yet met an English speaking expat since I moved here.
There are a few whitish Brazilians and Cubans and a fair few Portuguese around. If you only mix with your own country men you will never master the language quickly nor integrate in any way.
Sometimes it's nice not to stand out. Lived in Portsmouth for about six months and outside of the Uni term time could go for ages without seeing another black face. Coming back to Bristol, the first thing I noticed was that I might as well have been invisible and that was such a relief.
Another factor is the availibility of cultural products ie foodstuffs, cosmetic goods, clothing etc entertainment ie music, films, books, ya get me

and remember that I'm a born and raised Englishman only internally migrating a 100 or so miles.

thats very funny