Like The First Day of School All Over Again
So you’ve started your new life abroad and you want to go out and do something.
BUT…with WHO?
TOUCHING DOWN IN A NEW COUNTRY MEANS BUILDING AN ENTIRELY NEW FRIEND GROUP.
If you’re an introvert like me, making friends in a completely new country might sound horrifying. ☠️
I once took a test that measured my level of “introvert-ness” at 96%. Soo…making friends fast has never been my superpower.
And yet, I have made more friends in my three years abroad than I ever had back home.
SO HOW DID I DO IT?
I can honestly say that it was easier than I thought.
Here’s exactly how I made friends as an expat so you can do it too.
Related Reads
-
5 Hard Truths About Living Abroad You Should Be Aware Of Before Moving
-
Moving Abroad as an Introvert: How to Mentally Prepare Yourself
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⭐PRO TIP⭐:
Allow yourself to make friends in your native language first. You don’t need the pressure of being social in your second language yet. Trust me.
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Making friends in the local language will come naturally later as your language skills improve. 🙃
Strategy #1 For Making Friends Living Abroad: JOIN FACEBOOK GROUPS
I know…Facebook 😖.
But Facebook is a necessary evil when you are moving abroad. Trust me on this!
DO NOT SLEEP ON FACEBOOK AS AN EXPAT!
Facebook groups will be helpful for:
- Finding social events in your native language
- Learning about common struggles of people from your culture
- Locating other expats with a similar lifestyle to you
- Finding rental properties
- Locating good restaurants
- And much, much more.
It’s an easy way to integrate into your new community without ever getting out of your pajamas 😎.
- Start by looking up “Expats in [your new city or country]”
- Join that Group, then see what other Groups are suggested
- Peek around the groups to see what people are talking about, and what the general vibe is
- Keep lists of restaurants that look good, coffee shops that look fun, movie theaters, art classes, etc.
- Look for those places on Google Maps and save them to a folder
Then by the time you touch down in your new place, you won’t feel like a total stranger!
BY THE WAY, if you want to join a Facebook Group that I created called “Families Living Abroad,” you can do that HERE.
I’d love to see you on that platform! ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Strategy for Making Friends Abroad #2: JOIN WHATSAPP GROUP CHATS
📣If you don’t have WhatsApp yet, you absolutely must download it as it’s 100% crucial to living abroad. 📣
There are countless Whatsapp groups and you will be able to find one for almost ANY interest!
MY FAVORITE EXPAT GROUP IS FOR THE FAMILIES LIVING IN MY AREA.
We learn about events happening, summer camps, play-dates, and more.
One time, there was even a mom frantically asking for a pediatrician late at night who was ~immediately~ connected to one by another mom in the group.
THAT’S THE POWER OF COMMUNITY.
You will get a huge vibe check for your community by seeing how they talk to each other in the group chat.
To find WhatsApp groups: Google them! “WhatsApp Group [city] for Families, “WhatsApp Group [country] for Yoga”, for Women, for Vegetarians, for Single Moms, etc.
You can even ask about recommended WhatsApp Groups within the Facebook groups that you joined!
Strategy For Making Friends Living Abroad #3: ATTEND LOCAL GATHERINGS BASED ON YOUR INTERESTS
Both Facebook and WhatsApp Groups support my golden strategy for making friends as an expat:
- find a nearby event that genuinely interested you
- attend the event,
- and find your people.
IT’S THAT SIMPLE!
- You’re a Reader —> Find a Book Club 📚
- You practice yoga —> Find a Local Class🧘🏻♀️
- You like Arsenal —> Find a Fan Group ⚽
Rely on your personal interests to easily connect you with other people who are a lot like you!
When I first moved abroad, I joined a yoga class, located an English library, found a small theater, and joined a parent groups. Between all of this, I made friends similar to me super quickly.
You’ve TOTALLY got this!
Friendships Abroad Grow Faster Than You’d Think
Listen, expats are like magnets to each other.
Living abroad is a unique experience that few people choose, so you already have a lot in common with the English-speakers in your new country.
In my 3 years living abroad, I’ve made Mexican, Welsh, English, Swiss, Dutch, Canadian, and French friends.
ALL NEW FRIENDS. ALL SUPER INTERESTING PEOPLE!
Give yourself time to:
🏚️get settled into your new home,
🪅start putting yourself out there in aligned community events, and
👩🏽🤝👩🏻you will find your people fast.
You’ll have days when you feel more introverted and days when you feel more social – ride the wave, that’s totally normal!
Your people are out there waiting to meet you! I have NO DOUBT.
🌟By the way – if you are dreaming of moving abroad, I am working on the PERFECT course for you! Sign up for more info below. I wish I’d had this when I was in your shoes! 🌟
Have fun 😎
Bri