Making Friends Abroad: An Introvert’s Guide
Embarking on a journey abroad can be daunting, especially for introverts. But fear not, as the world is full of potential friends waiting to be discovered. Let's explore how introverts can navigate social landscapes overseas and form meaningful connections.
7 Strategies for Making Friends Abroad
Use an activity as a buffer: meeting new people during a local class or volunteering event means there’s no pressure to hit it off or talk 100% of the time.
- Meeting people through a shared interest or history means you already have things in common.
Volunteer with an organization you care about
You’ll be working alongside others who share similar values, and you’ll have plenty to talk about between activities.
- It’s a great way to learn about your town’s strengths and challenges, making you less of an outsider.
Join expat groups for your country on Facebook
Some groups are for expats from a certain country living in another, while others are open to any expats living in a particular area.
- Most Facebook groups are set to private, so you need to submit a request to join and wait for admin approval.
Volunteer with Hands On London
Create a volunteer profile on their website and set up a calendar of when you’re free to participate in events
Host a dog meetup
Take your pooch for a walk in the nearest dog-friendly park.
- A lot of communities host regular dog meetups, so join an existing group if you’re too shy to join an already established one. Share stories about your furry friends and ask for their best interests.
Make use of your local common
Many London neighborhoods have large, open green spaces that host community events, running clubs, and doggy dates.
Sign up for an intramural sports club
Adult sports clubs are popular
- Everyone on the team shares a common interest, and a common goal
- Camaraderie starts from the first practice
- Check online or at the community’s athletic center for sign-up information
Engage with locals on Instagram
The best way to find friends on Instagram is to follow hashtags for your area.
- Spend some time leaving meaningful comments on their latest posts, and they’ll probably reciprocate. You can also chat with people via direct message.
Take a hobby class
These are a great way to meet people with the same passion for the same hobby as you
- Experienced hobbyists can share experiences and successes with newbies
- Online classes are easy with the help of the internet
- Even small communities tend to hold a few classes at the local community center or school
Find a language exchange partner or club
If your new country doesn’t share your native language, this strategy is perfect for making friends abroad.
- You’ll start the practice in one language, and then switch to the other. Both speakers will need to have a basic grasp on each language.
Take a course via General Assembly or FindCourses
General Assembly
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