Making Friends Abroad
Share Your Travel Experiences with Other Study Abroad Students
One of the biggest benefits of studying abroad besides learning a foreign language and being educated in another school system is making friends abroad. When you reach your host country destination it can be very intimidating to be around an entire culture of people that you do not know. However, you can’t let that stop you from finding friends abroad that you can have for the rest of your life.
Just like when starting at a new school, beginning a new job, or moving to a new town, meeting people and making friends is always a challenge. Add to that a new country and new customs, and even the most extroverted of us would be shy! Here are some tips for making friends abroad:
Break out of your comfort area
One thing that most students do once they get to their study abroad program is to make friends with other students from their home country. This is because they feel more comfortable around each other. It’s okay to do this, but you don’t want to limit yourself to fellow Americans. You have an exciting opportunity to meet native citizens of a country who have diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
Live with someone from a different country
There are many different places you can stay at. Your host school may provide dorm rooms or an apartment, or you may have the opportunity to stay at a student hostel. Hostels are a great place to meet other international students, as well as other types of travelers from around the world.
If you have the opportunity you should also take advantage of staying with a host family. A host family is the best way to see firsthand how families live and work together in different countries. You can learn about traditions, food preparation, modes of transportation and everything else related to living in that host country. See, you can find friends abroad anywhere!
Go make small talk
You won’t be able to meet other people if you don’t talk to them. That means you need to break from your shyness and go right up to people and start a conversation. Even though you may not be fluent in the language most native people are happy to help visitors with their questions. You can make small talk anywhere, from a coffee shop or video store to a restaurant or shopping center.
Join some social activities
Almost every college or university offers various social activities for students, so there are countless opportunities to make friends abroad. These activities can include sporting events, clubs and volunteer organizations. You should find out what is happening on campus and join any activities that are of interest to you. You can also go to nearby cities and see the hot spots that other students visit.
Volunteer
Volunteering abroad is one of the best things that you can do in your spare time between classes. There are always opportunities for students to volunteer, whether it’s at the host school, the surrounding community or through international volunteer programs like Habitat for Humanity or the United Nations Volunteers. Volunteering gives you valuable work experience and also introduces you to other people with similar interests.
You may feel lonely and intimidated when you get to your host country, but if you take advantage of the situation then making friends abroad will be easy. You never know, many of these people can end up being study abroad friends for life.
Share with us how you became friends with your roommate, other study abroad students and the locals during your study abroad experience!
