Moving to a new country can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be a lonely and isolating experience, especially if you don’t know anyone in your new location. One of the biggest challenges that expats face is making new friends abroad. However, with some effort and creativity, it is possible to build a network of friends and acquaintances who will help you feel at home. In this article, we will explore the different ways expats can make new friends abroad, from joining local groups and clubs to using social media and apps.
Why Making Friends Abroad Can Be Challenging
Making friends in a new country can be challenging for several reasons:
- Cultural differences: You might find that people in your new country have different customs, values, and behaviors than what you are used to. This can make it difficult to connect with others and form relationships.
- Language barriers: If you don’t speak the local language fluently, it can be challenging to communicate and understand others. This can limit your ability to socialize and connect with people.
- Social norms: Different countries and cultures have different social norms and expectations when it comes to socializing and making friends. You might need to adjust your approach and behavior to fit in and form connections.
- Feeling like an outsider: As an expat, you might feel like an outsider or a “foreigner” in your new country. This can make it difficult to connect with locals and form meaningful relationships.
Strategies for Making New Friends Abroad
Despite these challenges, there are several strategies you can use to make new friends abroad:
1. Join Local Groups and Clubs
Joining local groups and clubs can be a great way to meet people who share similar interests and hobbies. Look for groups related to your interests, such as sports teams, book clubs, or language exchange groups. Here are some tips to get started:
- Research online: Look for local groups and clubs online, such as on Facebook or Meetup.com. Join groups that interest you and attend their events and meetups.
- Get involved: Don’t be afraid to volunteer or take on a leadership role in a group or club. This can help you build deeper connections with other members.
- Be consistent: Attend group events and meetups regularly. This will help you get to know other members and build friendships over time.
2. Take Classes or Courses
Taking classes or courses in your new country can be a great way to meet people who are also interested in learning and growing. Look for classes related to your hobbies, such as cooking or dance classes, or take a language course to improve your language skills and meet other learners. Here are some tips to get started:
- Research local schools and universities: Look for classes or courses at local schools and universities. This can be a great way to meet other students and learners.
- Take classes related to your interests: Look for classes or courses related to your hobbies or interests. This can help you connect with people who share similar passions.
- Attend social events: Many language schools and universities host social events for students. Attend these events to meet other learners and practice your language skills.
3. Volunteer
Volunteering can be a great way to give back to your new community and meet people who share your values and interests. Look for local volunteer organizations or events, and get involved in causes that are important to you. Here are some tips to get started:
- Research local volunteer organizations: Look for volunteer organizations online or ask locals for recommendations. Join organizations that align with your values and interests.
- Get involved: Take on a leadership role in a volunteer organization or participate in events and activities regularly. This can help you build deeper connections with other volunteers.
- Attend volunteer events: Many volunteer organizations host events and activities for volunteers. Attend these events to meet other volunteers and form connections.
4. Use Social Media and Apps
Social media and apps can be a great way to connect with others and find like-minded people. Look for local groups on Facebook, use meetup apps to find events and activities, or try language exchange apps to connect with locals. Here are some tips to get started:
- Join local groups on Facebook: Look for local groups on Facebook related to your interests or hobbies. Join these groups and attend their events and meetups.
- Use meetup apps: There are several apps available that can help you find events and activities in your area, such as Meetup or Eventbrite. Use these apps to find events that interest you and attend them to meet other people.
- Try language exchange apps: Language exchange apps, such as Tandem or HelloTalk, can be a great way to practice your language skills and connect with locals who are also interested in language learning.
5. Connect with Other Expats
Other expats can be a great source of support and companionship when you are living abroad. Look for expat groups on Facebook or other social media platforms, and attend expat events or meetups in your area. Here are some tips to get started:
- Join expat groups on Facebook: Look for expat groups on Facebook related to your new country or city. Join these groups and attend their events and meetups.
- Attend expat events: Many cities and countries host events specifically for expats, such as expat fairs or networking events. Attend these events to meet other expats and form connections.
- Connect with expats through work: If you are working in your new country, connect with other expats in your workplace. They can be a great source of support and advice.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to make friends abroad?
A: It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to make friends abroad, depending on the individual and the environment. Be patient and persistent, and remember that forming deep connections takes time.
Q: How can I overcome language barriers when making new friends abroad?
A: If you don’t speak the local language fluently, it can be challenging to communicate and form connections with others. However, there are several strategies you can use to overcome language barriers when making new friends abroad:
- Take language classes: Taking language classes can help you improve your language skills and feel more confident speaking with locals.
- Use translation apps: Translation apps, such as Google Translate, can help you communicate with locals who don’t speak your language.
- Practice active listening: When communicating with someone who speaks a different language, practice active listening by paying close attention to their body language and nonverbal cues. This can help you better understand what they are saying.
Q: How can I make friends with locals when I am an expat?
A: Making friends with locals can be challenging, but it is possible with some effort and persistence. Here are some tips:
- Learn the local language: Learning the local language can help you communicate with locals and understand their culture and values.
- Respect local customs and traditions: Showing respect for local customs and traditions can help you build trust and credibility with locals.
- Attend local events and festivals: Attend local events and festivals to learn more about the local culture and meet new people.
- Be open-minded and curious: Approach new experiences with an open mind and a sense of curiosity. This can help you connect with locals and form deeper relationships.
Bottom Line
Making new friends abroad can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By joining local groups and clubs, taking classes or courses, volunteering, using social media and apps, connecting with other expats, and overcoming language and cultural barriers, you can build a network of friends and acquaintances who will help you feel at home in your new country.
Additional Resources
- InterNations: InterNations is a global expat network with communities in over 420 cities worldwide. Joining InterNations can help you connect with other expats and find events and activities in your new city.
- Meetup: Meetup is a platform that connects people with common interests and hobbies. You can join local groups related to your interests, attend events and meetups, and connect with like-minded people.
- VolunteerMatch: VolunteerMatch is a platform that connects volunteers with nonprofit organizations. You can search for volunteer opportunities in your area and get involved in causes that are important to you.
- Tandem: Tandem is a language exchange app that connects language learners around the world. You can practice your language skills with native speakers and make new friends.
