How to Make Friends Abroad: 11 TOP Tips
So, you moved abroad, and now you’re realizing something… Making friends as an adult is hard. Making friends as an adult in another country? Even harder.
But don’t worry—just because it’s challenging doesn’t mean it’s impossible. You just need a solid game plan. Here’s how to find your people abroad…
Table of Contents
- 1. Adjust Your Expectations
- 2. Be Proactive—Friends Won’t Fall Into Your Lap
- 3. Try Meetup & Event Apps
- 4. Learn the Language (Even a Little Bit Helps!)
- 5. Work, Co-working Spaces & Volunteering
- 6. Join Classes or Hobby Groups
- 7. Say Yes More Often
- 8. Befriend Other Expats (But Don’t Stay in the Bubble)
- 9. Be Consistent & Follow Up
- 10. Be Open-Minded About Who Your Friends Are
- 11. Need Quick Travel Friends? Do Tours & Group Trips
- Final Thoughts
- WAIT! There’s More…
1. Adjust Your Expectations
Friendships don’t happen overnight. Some cultures are naturally more reserved, and it may take time before people warm up to you.
You also might have to work harder to form deeper connections, especially if you’re in a transient expat-heavy area where people come and go frequently.
2. Be Proactive—Friends Won’t Fall Into Your Lap
Unlike back home, where friendships form naturally through school, work, or mutual friends, abroad, you have to put yourself out there.
Get comfortable initiating conversations—it might feel weird at first, but you can’t expect people to randomly invite you into their social circles. The more effort you make, the more likely you’ll find your people.
I’ve found apartments by chatting with locals at a tiny shop, and I once met a travel buddy on a tour—within days, we were planning two weeks of travel together. Talk to people! You never know where a simple conversation might lead.
3. Try Meetup & Event Apps
There are plenty of ways to meet new people, and apps like Meetup, Internations, and even Bumble BFF can help. Many cities have groups for expats, travelers, language exchanges, and different hobbies.
In touristy areas, some hostels and co-working spaces also host social events that make meeting people easier. You just have to show up.
4. Learn the Language (Even a Little Bit Helps!)
You don’t need to be fluent, but showing effort goes a long way. Locals appreciate when you try, and even knowing a few basic phrases can open the door to conversations.
Language exchange meetups are another great way to meet both locals and fellow expats. Even better? Taking classes! Not only are you learning the language but you’ll make friends with the people in your class.
5. Work, Co-working Spaces & Volunteering
If you work abroad, your job might naturally introduce you to new people. If you’re remote, co-working spaces are a great alternative for social interaction, especially in digital nomad hubs.
Volunteering is another solid way to meet both locals and other foreigners who share your values while also giving back. Try out apps like Worldpackers to save on rent and get instant local friends!
6. Join Classes or Hobby Groups
Taking a class is one of the easiest ways to meet people with similar interests. Whether it’s a language course, a fitness class, or a creative workshop, shared experiences help build friendships faster.
Personally, I met some great friends while taking Muay Thai classes in Thailand and Spanish lessons in Ecuador.
It’s an instant way to connect with someone—you’re learning together, laughing at your mistakes, and supporting each other’s progress.
7. Say Yes More Often
Got invited to something that’s slightly out of your comfort zone? Go. Social energy is valuable abroad, and you won’t make friends by staying in.
Accept random invites, even if it’s not your usual scene—you never know who you’ll meet or what new experience you’ll enjoy.
8. Befriend Other Expats (But Don’t Stay in the Bubble)
Other expats and immigrants understand what you’re going through, and they’re usually easier to connect with at first. However, relying only on this community can limit your experience.
Try to make local friends too—it will deepen your connection to the place and help you understand the culture in a more meaningful way. Expat/immigrant groups can help bridge the gap.
9. Be Consistent & Follow Up
Meeting someone once won’t magically turn them into a best friend. You have to put in effort to keep the connection going.
If you meet someone cool, follow up—invite them to coffee, a hike, or another event. People are busy, but consistency builds friendships.
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10. Be Open-Minded About Who Your Friends Are
Your best friend abroad might be a decade older or younger, from a completely different background, or someone you wouldn’t have hung out with back home.
Let go of the idea that your friendships will look the same as they did before. Some of the best friendships come from unexpected places!
11. Need Quick Travel Friends? Do Tours & Group Trips
If you’re traveling around and need instant connections, tours and group trips are the way to go. Whether it’s a multi-day adventure or a simple day trip, these setups force interaction, and you’ll bond faster than you would in everyday settings.
The friendships you make while traveling are different from the ones you make at home.
You’ll be sharing experiences and instantly doing things that would normally take months to build up to with someone back home—like splitting a hotel room after knowing each other for 48 hours (yes, I’ve done this multiple times!).
These are the same friends who will drop everything to meet up with you after three years of not seeing each other. It’s a unique, unspoken bond that only travelers understand.
Final Thoughts
Making friends abroad takes effort, but it’s absolutely worth it. If you go in with realistic expectations, put yourself out there, and say yes more often, you’ll eventually find your people.
Worst case? You learn something new, have an interesting experience, and move on. Best case? You make lifelong friendships in a place you love.
Now, go out there and make some friends!
WAIT! There’s More…
Check out my other resources:
- How To Work Abroad & Travel The World
- How to Make Money While Traveling—73 Travel Jobs
- Longest Tourist Visas for U.S Citizens, How to Extend, & More
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