Being a foreigner in a new land is not just about discovering new places; it’s also about building connections with people who call that place home, that’s including other foreigners by the way. Making friends as foreigner can be both exciting and challenging, but it’s a crucial part of creating a sense of belonging. Here are my tips on the art of building bridges and forging meaningful connections with locals and fellow expats. Mind you, some of these tips may be more inclined to students and others to people coming to work instead.
Tips for Making Friends as Foreigner
- Joining Local Activities and Groups: Getting involved in local activities and groups is a fantastic way to meet people who share similar interests. Whether it’s joining a sports club, attending cultural events, or participating in community projects, these experiefnces provide a platform for connecting with both locals and other expats. Here are some ways I recommend how to do that:
- Join international Facebook groups as some people post when they are looking to connect with people and meet up to watch a game or something.
- Allow new event notifications for the area you live in so that you’re kept up to date about what’s happening around you.
- Join a local gym or sport club and try Making friends as foreigner there – you can simply initiate conversations by asking questions about workouts and so forth.
- Living Other Foreigners in Shared Housing: Being in dormitories or co-living spaces is one of the best ways to Making friends as foreigner when you’re first settling into a new country. You are surrounded by people having shared experiences and that can help you make the first connections. Don’t be afraid to start conversations with others in the kitchen, share your culture through food or just talk about your home. These are all ways to connect with strangers over such general topics.
- Language Exchange and Conversation Cafés: Language is a powerful tool for connection. Engaging in language exchange programs or attending conversation cafés not only enhances your language skills but also offers an opportunity to meet new people. To find these language-focused gatherings in your new community, explore on social media as they’ll likely post there or ask around from other foreigners you cam interact with on a day-to-day basis. Google is also your Making friends as foreigner in this case!
- Volunteer in the Community: Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community while also meeting like-minded individuals. It provides a shared purpose and a chance to connect with people who share similar values. You can look for the local Red Cross and assist there, they are often willing to get helpers. You may work as a translator or help out in any other way they need. Making friends as foreigner can also be an opportunity to find good networks that can advance your career so don’t be afraids to take the initiative through volunteering.
- Host Social Gatherings: Take the initiative to host small gatherings or dinner parties. Inviting neighbors, coworkers, or fellow expats over for a meal or social event can create a relaxed atmosphere for making new making friends as foreigner. It may take a little while but be patient and persistent. Keep putting yourself out there, attending events, and engaging with others, and over time, you’ll likely form lasting friendships.
- Acts of Kindness and Openness: Small acts of kindness and openness go a long way in building connections. Be open-minded, approachable, and willing to step out of your comfort zone. Whether it’s offering help to a neighbor or attending a local festival, these gestures create a positive ripple effect in your social life.
Making friends as a foreigner is a rewarding journey that requires openness, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace new experiences. By building bridges with both locals and fellow expats, you not only expand your social network but also enrich your overall expat experience, turning a new place into a true home.
As always, feel free to let me know if you’ve got questions by dropping me a DM on any of our social platforms.