How to make new friends abroad?

Moving to another country is a step that is as brave as it is hard to take. The emotions you feel about leaving are very different and conflicting as well. The idea of making a radical change in your life is certainly very exciting, but there are some difficulties to face. First of all is the fear of being alone once you get to another place. 

In fact, before leaving, it is quite common organizing parties with friends and relatives who want to give you a last farewell and a wish for the new experience you are about to undertake. The period before departure can be very suggestive, you tend to surround yourself with the people who are part of your life and consequently to think that you will have to separate from them for a while. The thought of leaving behind all those ties, and the fear of not being able to rebuild them from scratch in another country, is often a strong deterrent to departure. In particular, many people are scared of being alone abroad, without anyone to hang out and have fun with or just talk to.

But don't worry about that! Here you will find a list of useful tips that will help you make new friends very quickly, and have a pleasant stay abroad. 

Having social connections with other people is extremely important, especially if we are in a country that is not our own. That’s not just about having people to go out with, but also to ask for advice in hard times, to share bad or good moments, to know which is the nearest supermarket or what time the bus leaves. 

So, the easiest thing you can do is get to know other expats such as Erasmus students, international workers, or recent immigrants. It will be extremely easy to make friends with them because they are in the same situation as you. Indeed, they also need to meet new people and they can understand how you feel. Generally expats are very friendly and welcoming people so you will have no problem becoming their friend.

During your stay abroad always try to have a friendly and polite attitude with other people; even if you are an introvert leave aside the shyness and don't worry about making mistakes or being the one with an egg on his face, it can happen to anyone at least once!

Think that no one knows your past or what you've done, so this can be a good opportunity to start over and form new relationships with people who won't judge you for who or what you've been. 

When you meet someone ask lots of questions but without being too invasive. Show yourself to be open to people with cultures and traditions different from yours. Take advantage of the conversation to arrange a future meeting, for example by proposing to go to see a movie or have a drink together in a pub.

Another very useful way to meet new people is to join groups, associations or courses that interest you. Surely you will be in contact with people who share the same passions as you and it will be easier to get along with them. 

Finally, try to learn the local language, this will help you better orient yourself in the city you live in, make contacts with the locals and let them know you are willing to learn more about their culture. Every nation has its own social and behavioral codes, learning the local language will allow you to fully immerse yourself in their culture and appreciate their traditions. 

The most important advice of all to remember absolutely is: always be yourself! 

It is normal to try to adapt your behavior and be more open when you are in a new country. However, this does not mean changing who you are, your ideals and what you believe in. Don't lose sight of your values, your goals and above all the reason why you moved and enjoy every single moment of this amazing adventure. 

So what are you waiting for? Now that you know how to make new friends abroad, all you have to do is pack your bags and leave!