How to make Friends abroad: 10 easy ways
Welcome to today’s video on how to make friends abroad. Making friends in a new country is challenging but not impossible.
Moving or vacationing abroad is an adventure full of excitement and novelty, but it can also feel isolating if you don’t know anyone. Today, we’ll share ten effective strategies to help you meet people and build connections, organized from less impactful methods to more effective strategies.
1. Attend Public Events
Start with public events like festivals, cultural celebrations, or concerts. They’re a great way to immerse yourself in local culture and meet people casually. Even if you don’t know anyone, simply being there makes you more approachable.
2. Explore Your Neighborhood Actively
Sometimes, making friends is as simple as getting to know your surroundings. Regularly visit local spots like cafés, markets, or parks. Familiar faces turn into friendly conversations and, over time, friendships.
3. Attend Cultural Meetups
You can also join cultural workshops or cooking classes to share and learn new traditions.
4. Join Recurrent Activities Explore Local Gyms or Universities
Recurrent activities give you the advantage of seeing the same people regularly, which naturally builds rapport. Whether it’s sports, art, or dance, you’re likely to meet locals and other expats who share your passions.
Gyms and universities are perfect for meeting people who have shared interests. Join a fitness class, participate in campus activities, or even strike up a conversation during a study session. It’s a natural way to connect with others over shared goals.
5. Volunteer Locally
Volunteering is not only rewarding but also a fantastic way to meet people with big hearts. Check for local charities or events that need volunteers and get involved in the community.
6. Joining Clubs Dedicated to Your Hobbies or Interests
Clubs dedicated to specific hobbies are a fantastic way to meet people who share your passions. Whether you’re into golf, painting, photography, or even wine tasting, joining a club helps you connect over common interests.
These shared activities naturally spark conversations and foster camaraderie. Plus, they often involve regular gatherings, making it easier to turn acquaintances into genuine friends.
7. Use Social Media Groups
Social media platforms like Facebook are goldmines for finding like-minded people. Search for local interest groups or events for expats, and don’t be shy about joining discussions or attending gatherings.
8. Meetup: A Hub for Shared Interests
Meetup is perfect for finding people. You can join communities that match your hobbies.
Here we have, as an example, Valencia, in Spain.
You’ll also find events tailored to your interests. From book clubs to yoga classes, hiking groups, and even language exchanges.
The best part? Many meetups are recurring, helping you build lasting connections.
9. Join Expats or Newcomer Networks
Expat networks cater specifically to people like you. Attend their events, and you’ll instantly find others who are navigating the same challenges. These connections can be your gateway to broader social circles.
10. Internations: Building Expat Communities
Internations is designed for expats, offering curated networking events and meetups for people living abroad.
Here we are again, in Valencia.
It’s ideal for creating friendships and professional connections with others who understand the unique challenges of life in a foreign country. Some events are casual, like dinners, while others focus on career growth or cultural exploration.
Making friends abroad requires effort and patience, but every smile, hello, and shared experience brings you closer to forming meaningful connections. So step out, try these tips, and embrace the friendships waiting for you.