<\/span><\/h2>\nThe hardest step is making the risky move of trying out another country. I\u2019ll assume you\u2019ve already done that, why else would you be reading this? The good news is that it only gets easier from here.<\/p>\n
If you are interesting in making friends abroad, because you want to have a more local experience and fun, or if you connect with some people you meet, or maybe you are studying in the country or visiting for an extended time.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s time to put your social anxiety aside and start making friends. The thought might be exciting for some but frightening for others. Hopefully though, you\u2019re old enough to not overthink social interactions like you did back in your high school days.<\/p>\n
So whether this is a study abroad program or you\u2019re just moving countries, here are a few tips that will help you make friends abroad.<\/p>\n
Rule #1 \u2013 Just talk!<\/h3>\n Try to learn a bit of the language before your trip. You will get better as you are in the country and actually need to speak it.<\/p>\n
Overall, your conversation skills improve with age and confidence. Depending on how old you are, striking up a random conversation may be easy for you. This may be tougher if you\u2019ve hung out with the same friends your life, though. But it\u2019s really easier than most think. What do you have to lose?<\/p>\n
You\u2019re a foreigner in a new country; there\u2019s a good chance that the stranger is as interested as you are. Whether you\u2019re trying to pick up a girl, make a friend, or just get comfortable with locals, the easiest start is your name.<\/p>\n
Yes, it\u2019s as simple as \u201cHi, my name\u2019s ____\u201d. The conversation should flow from there. From my experience, they\u2019ll ask you where you\u2019re from because of your accent.<\/p>\n
Hostels and dorms<\/h3>\n This should be in the bag for you study abroad folk. People in dorms and hostels are in the exact same situation as you. They may be travelling solo or on a study course from another country. The younger crowd is usually more friendly and open to conversation, too, so just go for it!<\/p>\nMaking Friends While Traveling<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIf you\u2019re on a holiday, then staying in hostels is a full-proof method. When I went to Toscana last year with a couple friends, we were on a tight budget and decided to stay in a hostel. We immediately made friends with a young couple visiting from Germany right next to us and practically spent the whole trip with them.<\/p>\n
Remember: they are as open to friendships as you are. Keep your safety in mind and go with your gut.<\/p>\n
Social networking \u2013 Facebook, Twitter, and Meetups<\/h3>\n There are groups dedicated to expat and travelers just like you. Twitter and Facebook communities have sprung up to make the change easier for foreigners delving into an unrecognized country.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s nothing wrong with building online friendships to get a head start. You may also get early opinions about what you\u2019re getting yourself into! Start following people on Twitter and be open and friendly. A lot of people stay away from Meetup.com claiming that it isn\u2019t natural to meet people online.<\/p>\n
But in today\u2019s day everyone spends a lot of time on their handhelds and computers. Besides the generic \u2018expat\u2019 or \u2018new in town\u2019 Meetups, you could find one about hobbies. Reading, working out, movies are all common hobbies amongst people, no matter where you\u2019re from. Ask people with similar interests to join you for a drink on Saturday night. If it\u2019s a local, ask them to show you around.<\/p>\n
Just like with everything, always use common sense and trust your instinct. Safety is the #1 priority.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t let your work control you<\/h3>\n Take a break every now and then. If you\u2019re being sent abroad from a company, make use of the weekends and days off. Get to know your co-workers and go out for drinks after work.<\/p>\n
The worst thing you can do is keep your work and personal lives separate. There just aren\u2019t enough hours in a day for everything. Make friends from day one. Talk to clients and get to know them. You may even get bonus assignments that will help your work.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a win-win situation, really. When the working day is over, don\u2019t run back to your hostel or hotel. Try a new restaurant.<\/p>\n