Moving to a new country as an international student or worker is both exciting and challenging. While you get to explore new cultures, advance your career or studies, and broaden your horizons, there’s no denying that the process of making friends in a foreign land can be daunting. Being far from your familiar support system, you might initially feel isolated or unsure of how to navigate social interactions in a new cultural context.
Making friends is essential for your well-being and happiness, helping you feel more connected and integrated into your new environment. In this article, we’ll explore practical and effective strategies for making friends as an international student or worker, helping you build meaningful connections that will enrich your experience abroad.
1. Embrace the Power of Being Open and Approachable
The first step to making new friends in any environment is to be open and approachable. When you’re in a foreign country, it’s easy to retreat into your shell out of fear of cultural differences or language barriers. However, embracing a positive and open attitude will signal to others that you’re friendly and eager to meet new people.
Tips for Being Approachable:
- Smile and Make Eye Contact: Non-verbal cues like smiling and maintaining eye contact can immediately make you appear more friendly and approachable. People are more likely to strike up a conversation if you seem open and welcoming.
- Start Conversations: Don’t wait for others to approach you. Take the initiative to start conversations, whether it’s with a fellow student, a coworker, or someone in your community. Simple questions like “How are you?” or “Can you recommend a good restaurant nearby?” can lead to more in-depth conversations.
- Be Yourself: It’s important to be genuine when meeting new people. Don’t feel like you need to fit a certain mold to make friends. Authenticity helps you form deeper and more meaningful connections.
Pro Tip: Try to avoid staying in your comfort zone. Step out and engage with locals, fellow students, and workers rather than sticking solely to other expats or international students.
2. Join Social Clubs, Student Organizations, or Work Groups
One of the best ways to meet people with shared interests is by joining clubs, organizations, or work groups. Many universities and companies offer various extracurricular activities or special interest groups, and this provides a natural setting for building friendships.
Ways to Get Involved:
- University Clubs and Societies: If you’re an international student, your university likely has numerous clubs that cater to different interests—sports teams, cultural groups, debate societies, and academic organizations. Joining these groups will help you meet people who share your interests and passions.
- Professional Networks at Work: Many companies have employee resource groups or professional networks designed to bring workers together. Joining these groups will not only help you build relationships but also expand your professional network.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteering is a great way to give back to the local community while meeting new people. Whether it’s participating in a charity event or volunteering for a local organization, you’ll meet others who care about the same causes as you.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to try new things! Even if you’re unsure whether a particular club or group is right for you, participating in a variety of activities can expose you to new interests and new friends.
3. Take Advantage of Orientation Programs or Social Events
Most universities and workplaces host orientation programs or social events specifically for newcomers. These events are designed to help you integrate into your new environment, and they’re an excellent opportunity to meet fellow students or colleagues who are in the same boat as you.
Why Orientation Programs Matter:
- Shared Experiences: Everyone attending these programs is new to the environment, just like you. This shared experience can serve as a bonding opportunity and make it easier to connect with others.
- Icebreaker Activities: Many orientation programs include icebreakers or team-building activities that help people get to know each other. While it might feel awkward at first, these activities are a great way to start conversations and form friendships.
- Community Building: Participating in organized social events (such as welcome parties, networking nights, or casual meetups) will help you become a part of the community, and attending regularly helps deepen those connections over time.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip orientation programs or social events, even if you’re nervous. These activities are tailored to help you connect with others and are often filled with people looking to make friends.
4. Leverage Social Media and Apps for Expats
Social media and mobile apps have made it easier than ever to meet people, especially if you’re an expat or international student. There are platforms designed to connect you with other expats, travelers, and locals who are interested in making new friends.
Popular Apps and Platforms for Making Friends:
- Meetup: Meetup is a great platform for finding social groups based on shared interests. Whether you enjoy hiking, reading, or attending networking events, you can join groups and participate in activities that interest you.
- Facebook Groups: Many cities and universities have Facebook groups for international students, expats, or people with shared hobbies. These groups are an excellent way to stay informed about upcoming events and meet new people.
- Bumble BFF: Bumble BFF is a friendship-focused version of the popular dating app. It allows you to match with people in your area who are also looking to make friends. It’s a great way to meet locals or other expats.
- Internations: Internations is a global community for expats that offers events and networking opportunities. It’s an excellent way to meet other professionals or students living abroad.
Pro Tip: Use social media strategically to expand your social circle. Joining online communities that cater to international students or workers will connect you with people who understand the unique challenges of living in a foreign country.
5. Be Consistent and Follow Up
Building lasting friendships takes time and effort, so it’s important to be consistent in your interactions. When you meet new people, don’t hesitate to follow up and make plans to meet again. Whether it’s grabbing a coffee, attending an event together, or studying as a group, regular contact helps solidify budding friendships.
How to Follow Up:
- Send a Friendly Message: After meeting someone new, send them a message thanking them for the conversation and suggesting another meetup. A simple “It was great talking to you! Let’s grab coffee sometime next week?” can go a long way in maintaining the connection.
- Create Routine Hangouts: Whether it’s a weekly study session or a weekend brunch, establishing a regular activity with your new friends gives you something to look forward to and helps deepen your relationship over time.
- Be Patient: Friendship-building can take time, especially if cultural differences come into play. Be patient, and don’t be discouraged if friendships don’t form instantly. Continue making an effort to stay in touch and engage in social activities.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to take the initiative. If you’ve met someone you’d like to get to know better, be proactive in reaching out and planning social activities.
6. Embrace Cultural Differences
As an international student or worker, it’s likely that your new friends will come from diverse cultural backgrounds. Embracing these cultural differences rather than seeing them as barriers can help you connect with others on a deeper level.
Tips for Navigating Cultural Differences:
- Ask Questions: Show genuine interest in learning about your friends’ cultures. Ask them about their traditions, food, and customs. This curiosity not only helps you bond but also enriches your cultural understanding.
- Share Your Own Culture: Don’t hesitate to share aspects of your own culture with new friends. Hosting a cultural event, sharing traditional dishes, or talking about your background can foster mutual understanding and respect.
- Be Respectful: Be mindful of cultural sensitivities and differences in communication styles. For example, some cultures may prioritize personal space, while others may be more physically affectionate. Being respectful of these differences ensures smoother interactions.
Pro Tip: Embrace the opportunity to build a multicultural network of friends. These friendships can offer valuable perspectives and broaden your worldview.
7. Overcome Shyness and Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
If you’re naturally shy or introverted, the idea of making friends in a new country may seem overwhelming. However, stepping outside your comfort zone is crucial for forming meaningful relationships. While it’s okay to feel nervous, remember that everyone else is likely feeling the same way.
Overcoming Shyness:
- Take Small Steps: Start by setting small social goals, like initiating one conversation a day or attending a group event. Over time, these small steps will build your confidence.
- Practice Active Listening: One of the best ways to connect with others is to be a good listener. People appreciate feeling heard and understood, and active listening can help you form deeper connections.
- Join Smaller Groups: If large social gatherings feel intimidating, start by joining smaller groups or one-on-one meetups. This can help ease social anxiety and make the interaction feel more personal.
Pro Tip: Don’t let fear hold you back. Everyone feels nervous when making new friends, but pushing yourself to engage with others will lead to rewarding friendships.
Conclusion
Making friends as an international student or worker can be challenging, but it’s an essential part of building a fulfilling life abroad. By being open and approachable, joining social clubs, attending events, and leveraging social media platforms, you can meet new people and form lasting friendships. Embracing cultural differences and being consistent in your efforts will help you create meaningful connections that will enrich your experience abroad.
Remember, the friendships you build during your time as an international student or worker can
