5 Fun Ways of Making Friends Abroad

You know what’s a real adventure? Trying to make new friends, especially when you’re living in a whole new country. It might sound a bit challenging at first, but trust me, making friends abroad is like unlocking a whole new level of excitement! Picture this: you’re in a place that’s both foreign and fascinating, and you’re in the perfect spot to build a squad of awesome friends from scratch. And guess what? It’s not just about having people to hang out with. These new connections can totally broaden your horizons, giving you fresh perspectives, support when you need it, and a boost of inspiration as you chase after your dreams. So, let’s dive into this adventure of making friends abroad and see where it takes us!

Making friends abroad through social media

The most convenient way of making friends abroad nowadays is online. There are dozens of websites and applications for every taste. Facebook is good for searching for local clubs and groups, e.g. hiking or salsa groups. It’s also a great way to connect with fellow expats, like in the Project Expat Facebook group!

Tinder and Bumble are applicable not only for dating, but also for making friends. It is important to clearly state in your profile what you are looking for, and you will find it! Instagram is great to look for free tours or social events and even for a hairdresser who might share some tips about the local life.

Couchsurfing is another platform where you can not only find a place to stay overnight, but a new friend. The website is convenient and efficient, because you get access to complete profiles of people and can easily find ones you resonate with. Telegram is particularly useful for solving queries in expat chats and getting in touch with like-minded people. In search of a language buddy, turn to good old Interpals.

Please remember that people in different countries may be active on different websites and platforms. Your task is to figure out which ones are the most popular and keep trying until you find suitable communities and friends to make you feel at home. This is only a question of time and your dedication.

Making friends abroad through hobbies

Making friends abroad through touring and hiking

Be open-minded and brave. Even if you do not feel like going out, bear in mind that a meeting can bring you something amazing. If somebody invites you to check out a new restaurant, do not refuse, find courage to say yes, even if your hopes about the place are not that high. Firstly, it might turn into your best culinary experience and secondly, give you a great chance to socialize.

Hiking is another kind of social activity that not only gives an opportunity to go to a new place and try local dishes, but also win new friends. If you overcome difficulties on the way together, it is even better, as it will create trust that is hard to get over a cup of coffee in a cafe.

One-day tours are perfect for a change of scenery and expanding your circle of friends. Such activities accompanied by vivid emotions and lived experience with others help to create strong bonds between members.

A universal recipe for a friendship is having joint activities and sharing intense emotions. It is important to note that not all activities are equally effective. Climbing lessons, where you need to rely on a partner for safety, gives a better chance for a new friendship than going to a classical concert.

Making friends abroad at work

Making friends abroad through education and volunteering

Similarity of values and mutual understanding are very important for forming strong connections in general, not just when you’re making friends abroad. You need to look for people who are like you. Sometimes, it is also worth approaching the ones that seem different at first sight, as these people can give you a different perspective on things.

Education is an inspiring opportunity to get to know like-minded people. Think about a skill you would like to acquire. Maybe you have always wanted to learn how to use a sewing machine or design websites? Learning together creates a favourable condition for communication and provides common topics which foster friendship.

If you are passionate about volunteering, try and look for a friend in volunteering organizations, markets and events. People who join such activities are likely to share your core values and have empathy and compassion,  which drove them to volunteering in the first place.

There is a saying that goes “Friendship is like a treasury: you cannot take from it more than you put into it”. It’s like one of those golden life nuggets that really makes you think, right?

Now, when it comes to building friendships, especially in a whole new country, here’s the scoop: don’t just cross your fingers and hope for the best. The key is not to rely on a chance set up. Instead, take part or organize a trip out of town, play board games on the weekend or biking. Be proactive, do not be afraid to reach out to people, and you will create a circle of wonderful friends.