Moving to a foreign country is an exciting season in life. You can make the most out of this time by diving in and making new friends to enhance the overall experience. Here are eight ways to make new friends when you move out of the country.
Leverage Social Media Connections
In today’s increasingly digital world, it is easier than ever to make friends wherever you are. Leaning on the power of social media is an easy way to make connections and develop lasting friendships. Consider joining a neighborhood group in the area you are living. You can also find groups based on special interests or age, helping you to fine tune your contacts so that you increase the odds that you make a meaningful connection.
Choose Student Housing
Where you choose to live will have a direct impact on your ability to meet new people and make friends. By choosing a dedicated student housing arrangement, you will increase the chances that you find people in the same situation as you. For instance, Waterloo student housing provides common areas where students can hang out or study which can lead to building new relationships with your neighbors.
Join a Gym
Joining a gym is a no-brainer when moving to a new place. Gyms are great places to meet people, particularly if you enjoy group fitness classes. Even if you do not attend group classes, you will likely begin to see the same faces over and over again if you work out at a similar time each day. This familiarity makes it easier to strike up a conversation. As a bonus, joining a gym will also provide numerous health benefits.
Volunteer Your Time
There is no better way to meet like-minded people than to volunteer your time to a cause that you are passionate about. Giving back to the local community will connect you with your neighbors in a meaningful setting. Good ideas include helping local youth clubs, the homeless population, or senior citizens. An additional benefit of getting plugged into a volunteer opportunity is that you will also enhance your mental health by giving back.
Cultivate Friendships with Work Colleagues
Even if you are a student and do not need to work, getting a part time job can provide countless opportunities to meet new people. Spending a considerable amount of time each week with the same people will naturally cultivate new friendships. Getting a job is also a fun way to learn more about your new community and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Participate in a Language Exchange
Depending on where you are now living, you may also be struggling with picking up a new language. There are many language apps that bring people together with exchange events. During these events, locals can connect with foreigners and take turns speaking in their native language. It is a win-win situation for both parties. Not only will you boost your language acquisition skills but you may also find a friend out of the experience.
Take an In-Person Language Class
As an alternative, consider signing up for an in-person language class. Here you will likely meet people in the same boat as you are adjusting to living in a foreign land. It is amazing what a common shared experience can do to bond people together when trying out new things. Use the time in class to plan fun activities for the group during your free time.
Put Yourself Out There
Starting over in a new country provides a great chance to re-invent yourself and who you want to be. This fresh start gives you the perfect excuse to put yourself out there. Do not be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new. Maybe that is a new sport or an art class? Or perhaps that is simply heading out to a local cafe or bar to strike up a conversation with the locals.
These eight ways are all easy strategies that you can employ to make new friends when you move out of the country. You will not regret putting in the effort to make new connections in a new land.
We hope you found this blog post on Guide to Making New Friends When Moving Out of the Country 2023 useful. Be sure to check out our post on 10 Things You Need When You’re Moving Out for more great tips!
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