Discover 11 Approaches to Friendships During Study Abroad Experience

Make Friends While Studying Abroad

Upon arriving in a foreign land, far away from your homeland, you find yourself immersed in a fresh setting filled with distinct cultures and lifestyles. Chances are, you're unsure about the nearest supermarket or pharmacy. While you can consistently seek directions from locals, envision having a special group of locals to not only guide you but also accompany you there. This is just one of the perks of forging friendships overseas. Forge lifelong friendships during your study abroad journey, overcoming homesickness and transforming your time abroad into an extraordinary adventure.

Social media for connecting with friends worldwide

Social media possesses underrated power when it comes to making friends effortlessly. Begin by joining university or city-based social media groups. Engaging with group members opens doors to a plethora of dinner or party invitations that will pleasantly surprise you. Seize the opportunity to attend these occasions, providing ample chances to make friends along the way.

Join a company: Engage in a university society, where simply attending their upcoming events is all it takes. By participating in these gatherings, you'll have the opportunity to interact with fellow students, enjoy yourself, and increase the likelihood of forming new friendships.

Work together on projects: Group chats serve as an excellent initial step toward forming friendships with both local and international individuals. Many class sessions involve group projects, creating opportunities for discussions and reflections. During coffee meetups or evening outings with your group members, you may discover potential new friends among them.

Host a party: After engaging with a few classmates or locals, organizing a party presents a fantastic opportunity to meet numerous new individuals. What's more, students have an affinity for social gatherings, leading to a large turnout. This affords you ample time to establish connections and form bonds with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Don't miss Fresher Week: The initial week of a new academic year, commonly known as orientation, serves as a remarkable occasion to connect with fellow students who, just like you, are enthusiastic about forging new friendships. Embrace the opportunity to initiate conversations without hesitation. You never know, you might end up making lifelong friends within the very first week of the school year.

Don't be afraid: Feel at liberty to choose a seat next to someone new during class sessions. By doing so, you can engage in discussions about the course material or collaborate on assigned tasks, providing an avenue to interact with fellow students and initiate conversations.

Participate in as many events as you can

Whether you come across event invitations on social media groups or the college notice board, make it a priority to attend as many of these events as possible. Seize the opportunity to meet and engage with new people.

Go out more often

Avoid confining yourself to your bedroom, spending excessive time watching Netflix, and snacking. Instead, venture outside, take a stroll on campus, or study at the library. Doing so provides opportunities to meet new people beyond the confines of your living space.

Live in student accommodation

Whenever feasible, refrain from living alone. Opting for university accommodation provides proximity to numerous fellow students, enabling you to engage and establish remarkable connections.

Go to a cafe or bar

Expect to encounter individuals from both your university and neighborhood. Initiate casual conversations with them, as these initial interactions have the potential to blossom into meaningful friendships.

Visit a local place of worship

It serves as a simple approach to connecting with a diverse range of individuals, including international students, from various backgrounds. Religion acts as a unifying factor, providing an opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals who may become lasting friends.

Combat homesickness by establishing new friendships in the foreign country where you embarked on your innocent study journey. Begin by employing some of the aforementioned methods to make friends while studying abroad. You'll soon discover a wealth of companions, surpassing your expectations, resulting in unforgettable moments during your time abroad.

FAQs

How can I overcome language barriers when trying to make friends abroad?
Embracing non-verbal communication, using translation apps, and attending language classes can be immensely helpful. Remember, a genuine smile and friendly demeanor transcend language.

What if I'm an introvert and find it hard to initiate conversations?
Start by attending group activities where conversations flow naturally. Joining clubs or attending workshops focused on your interests can provide a comfortable environment for interaction.

Is it common to feel homesick while studying abroad?
Yes, homesickness is a common experience. Stay connected with loved ones through video calls and engage in activities that bring you comfort. Additionally, seek support from fellow students and counseling services offered by your institution.

How can I maintain long-distance friendships while abroad?
Utilize technology to stay in touch, plan virtual hangouts, and send thoughtful messages. Additionally, make an effort to meet up during holidays or invite friends to visit you.

What if I face challenges in adapting to the new culture?
It's normal to face cultural adjustments. Seek support from international student services, join cultural exchange programs, and be patient with yourself. Remember, it's all part of the learning experience.

Are there any safety tips for making friends in a new country?
Always meet in public places, let someone know your whereabouts, and trust your instincts. Additionally, familiarize yourself with local emergency contacts and resources.