How to Make Friends Abroad as an Expat
Moving to a new country can be exciting—but also isolating. One of the biggest challenges for expats is building a meaningful social life. Whether you’re an introvert or social butterfly, learning how to make friends abroad as an expat is essential for emotional wellbeing and cultural integration.
Here’s a practical guide to help you build lasting friendships overseas.
Why It’s Hard to Make Friends Abroad
Even outgoing people may struggle with:
- Language barriers
- Cultural differences
- Limited local connections
- Temporary or transient lifestyles
- Working remotely without colleagues
But don’t worry—many others feel the same, and that shared experience is a great foundation for connection.
Proven Ways to Make Friends Abroad as an Expat
1. Join Local Facebook or WhatsApp Groups
Search for:
- “Expats in [City]”
- “Digital Nomads in [Country]”
- Interest-based groups like hiking, yoga, or language exchange
📱 These groups often organize meetups, dinners, game nights, and even weekend trips.
2. Attend Language Exchange Events
Even if you’re fluent in the local language, language exchange meetups are excellent for socializing.
Try:
- Tandem App
- Meetup.com
- ConversationExchange.com
💡 Tip: Offer your native language in exchange for local language practice—it’s a win-win.
3. Use Friendship Apps (Yes, Really!)
It’s not just for dating—try apps built for social connections:
- Bumble BFF
- Meetup
- Friender
- Patook
- Internations (expat-specific)
🌍 Great for finding people in the same boat—especially solo expats and remote workers.
4. Attend Coworking or Co-living Events
Working from a coworking space? Ask if they host:
- Weekly lunches
- Skill-sharing sessions
- Networking happy hours
Staying in a co-living space? Join communal dinners, workshops, or cultural outings.
🤝 These shared environments are built for community.
5. Volunteer or Join Local Clubs
Volunteering is a powerful way to meet like-minded people and give back to your host country.
Ideas include:
- Animal shelters
- Environmental clean-ups
- Teaching English
- Community events
You can also explore local sports teams, dance classes, or book clubs.
6. Take a Class or Join a Workshop
Learning something new in a group is a natural icebreaker. Sign up for:
- Cooking classes
- Art or pottery workshops
- Surf or diving lessons
- Photography courses
🎨 Shared passions create easy conversation starters.
7. Go to Regular Events or Cafés
Repetition builds relationships. Instead of café-hopping every day, try:
- Visiting the same café or bar regularly
- Attending a weekly open mic, quiz night, or Sunday brunch
- Becoming a “regular” at a gym or market
🧠 Familiarity + consistency = social trust.
8. Say Yes (Even When You Feel Awkward)
If someone invites you for coffee or a hike—say yes! Even if it’s not your usual vibe, these small moments open the door to deeper friendships.
🫂 Friendship requires vulnerability and effort—especially abroad.
9. Connect With Locals Respectfully
It’s easy to stay in the expat bubble—but don’t forget the people who actually live there.
✅ Learn a few words of the local language
✅ Ask questions about culture and history
✅ Avoid assuming your way is the “right” way
✅ Be patient—many cultures build trust slowly
🤝 Locals can offer invaluable insight and lifelong friendships.
10. Host Your Own Events
If you can’t find a meetup you like, create one!
🎉 Ideas:
- Potluck dinners
- Weekend hikes
- Skill shares (e.g., photography, yoga, coding)
- Movie nights or board game sessions
Use Facebook Events or WhatsApp to invite a small group and encourage +1s.
Overcoming Loneliness Abroad
If you’re still struggling:
- Talk to a therapist specializing in expat life
- Journal about your feelings
- Focus on quality, not quantity—just one or two good friends can be enough
- Don’t compare your experience to curated social media posts
💬 You’re not alone—connection takes time.
Final Thoughts
Making friends abroad isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it. By stepping out of your comfort zone, showing up consistently, and engaging with both expat and local communities, you’ll build a support system that transforms your international experience.
This guide on how to make friends abroad as an expat is your starting point—now take action and say hello to someone new!
