You finally made it! After months of planning and preparation, you’ve arrived in your new home away from home to study abroad. However, in between exploring your exciting new city and trying delicious foreign foods, one question clouds every international student’s mind— How to make friends while studying abroad?
The best part of studying abroad is making new friends. While learning how to make friends while studying abroad is tricky, it is rewarding. Classes and schoolwork will keep you busy, but putting in the effort to build friendships will make your experience abroad truly meaningful and memorable.
Don’t worry, making friends in a new place is not as intimidating as it sounds. With an open and outgoing attitude, a willingness to step out of your comfort zone, and by joining social activities, you’ll find yourself surrounded by new friends from all over the world in no time. Your study abroad experience is a chance to gain independence, learn about different cultures, and forge long friendships. In this blog, you will find the answers to— How to make friends while studying abroad. Remember a friend you made while you were studying abroad will always be extra special!
To make friends while studying abroad, you will need these quick hacks. Follow these tips to make the most of your experience and enjoy with your study abroad friends:
Join student clubs and organizations
Joining clubs and student organizations is one of the best ways to make new friends while studying abroad. There are so many options, you’re bound to find groups that match your interests. Making friends while studying abroad is quite easy with clubs and groups.
Look for clubs related to your hobbies and passions. Do you love volunteering? Check out organizations that help the local community. Are you an athlete? Join a recreational sports league. Are you a fan of culture? Sign up for a dance, cooking, or language class. Don’t be afraid to branch out and try something new. Studying abroad is all about new experiences. You could discover a hidden talent or passion by joining an organization outside your comfort zone.
Attend and organize student events
Some schools also have programs specifically for change students that organize social events, group trips, and other ways to meet local students. Take advantage of these opportunities to mingle and mingle some more. Now you don’t have to think twice about how to make friends while studying abroad. You can even organize an event with the help of social media.
With a friendly attitude, you’ll be making new friends in no time. Don’t be shy, put yourself out to start conversations, show genuine interest in others, and soon you’ll have a thriving social circle and memories.
Make connections in your classes
One of the best ways to make new friends while studying abroad is by connecting with your classmates. Start by introducing yourself to the people sitting next to you on the first day of classes. Participate actively in discussions and group activities. Raise your hand, ask questions, and share your perspective.
Your enthusiasm and passion for the subject will shine through, allowing others with similar interests to notice you. Strike up a conversation with one or two of your most engaged classmates and suggest grabbing food together after class.
Also read: 6 Simple Ways to Make New Friends in College
Form or join a study group
Studying with others is a great way to make new friends with common goals. In a study group, you can quiz each other, exchange notes, debate ideas, and push each other to reach your full potential. The bonds formed over late-night studies often lead to lasting bonds. A friend you made while you were studying abroad turns into a best friend in a study group.
Attend office hours
Attend office hours and ask your professor questions. Chances are, some of your classmates will have questions as well. Offer to grab a coffee or a snack together to continue the discussion. Professors also appreciate students who actively participate, so don’t be afraid to volunteer to help down the road.
Attend social events on campus
Attending social events on campus is one of the best ways to meet new people and make friends while studying abroad! There are so many opportunities to connect with your fellow students. Attend some meetings and introduce yourself with a big smile-you’ll make new friends in no time.
Dorm events
If you live in a dorm, get to know others on your floor or in your building. Strike up conversations, join in dorm activities, movie nights, or game nights. Suggest grabbing food together in the dining hall. A dorm is all about community, take advantage of every chance to socialize and enjoy.
Campus events
Keep an eye out for events, festivals, concerts, plays, or guest lectures on campus. Make sure to invite some people from your classes or clubs to join you, or just show up ready to chat with new people. There’s no better place to strike up an interesting conversation than at an event you’re both enjoying. Making new friends in a foreign place can seem daunting, but putting yourself in social situations and engaging with others is the key. Here are the steps to follow:
- Introduce yourself
- Suggest grabbing food or coffee
- Get people’s contact info so you can stay in touch
Get a part-time job or volunteer
Getting a part-time job or volunteering while studying abroad is one of the best ways to make new friends. When you work or volunteer alongside others, you immediately have a shared experience that bonds you together. You’ll get to know your co-workers through casual chats on the job and may find you have common interests outside of work too.
Also read: The Benefits of Living With Your Friends
Look for positions that match your interests
Seek out jobs or volunteer gigs that align with your hobbies, passions, or field of study. You’ll naturally connect with like-minded people in these. Check your college’s bulletin board or local job boards for opportunities. Or you can visit nearby cafes, shops, and community centers and ask if they’re hiring or need volunteers. Some options to consider include:
- Working as a barista at a coffee shop
- Volunteering at an animal rescue center
- Teaching English online or at a local language school
Use social media and dating apps
Studying abroad is an exciting time, but making new friends can be challenging when you’re in an unfamiliar place. Luckily, technology makes it easier than ever to connect with people who share your interests. Utilizing social media and dating apps are two of the best ways to meet new friends while studying abroad.
Platforms like Facebook and Instagram are perfect for finding people, like ones for your university or city. Strike up conversations with people who post about things you’re into. People in the group will likely appreciate your friendliness as much as you appreciate theirs. How to make friends studying abroad has found the right answer on social media.
Putting yourself out there on social media and dating apps takes courage, but the rewards of new friendships are well worth it. Don’t get discouraged if it takes time. With an open and friendly attitude, you’ll be meeting amazing new people from all over the world in no time. After all, stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing new experiences is what studying abroad is all about!
You’ve come so far, traveled across the world, and need yourself in a new culture. Now go make some friends to share it. Some of your best adventures abroad may happen with new friends by your side. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, make the most of every moment. Years from now, you’ll look back on photos and inside jokes and stories, and be grateful you were brave enough to start that first conversation. Your study abroad experience will be defined by the people you meet, starting today- you’ve got the Go, start a new friendship, and begin an exciting new chapter of memories. Your adventures await!
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