8 ways to get more connected after your arrival to a new country
The expat journey is very lonely sometimes – especially in the first months when you just arrived to your new home. It takes time – sometimes weeks and sometimes months – to finally feel like you found your place and your people.
When we arrived to Liege in Belgium, we were very alone – but we knew the strategies how to meet people. It was cold and dark, at the beginning of January, and we had zero mood to leave the flat we just moved into. Everything we had was still in boxes, we did not know where anything was in the city. But we went out anyway, because we knew that it is crucial to get connected in order to make our stay pleasant.
So even though I know the feeling of loneliness – luckily I also know some remedies to it. I put them together for you so you can be more prepared as well.
Here are my tips:
1. Go to language exchanges and expat meetups
This is my number one go to place to find new friends. Sometimes locals are not that open to meet new people, but you can always count on your fellow expats! Our first stop in Liege was also the local language exchange and I met many wonderful people there already. We still go there every month 😊
2. Start a group activity or sign up for group classes
This could be language courses, sport sessions, dancing classes, book club, improv, anything really. The main point is to get out of the house and join a group. When you go to activities, the pressure to network and mingle is much lower and you will connect to other easier.
3. Try out something new
Learn to cook, go to wine tasting, take a pottery class, go on hiking events, social dancing parties… the list can go on and on. When you do something for the first time, you will have compassion from others (which you will feel as well) and you can connect on the basis of being clumsy in the thing.
4. Go volunteering at local organizations
Local animal shelter, soup kitchen, donation centre… all places where you can meet other kind souls. You can also tutor kids or the less fortunate and help them learn languages. This is an absolute win-win. They get help and you get new friends!
5. Join InterNations events and local communities on Facebook and WhatsApp
Organizations like InterNations bring together many expats in their events. A great place to meet new people! Also, check out local communities on Facebook and WhatsApp, where you can get useful infos and news about any upcoming activities. If you are stuck with something, you can always ask there – or simply post a call for coffee meetups! You will be surprised how many people are open to make new connections.
6. Give a chance to communities like women’s circles, expat groups or join the expat circle
Finding people who have been through what you struggle with is one of the best things you can do to move forward. Support blooms in the environment of mutual respect and similar experiences. Check out women’s circles for nurturing connection and self work, or join the expat circle with me, where you also get professional help with your challenges.
7. Check out local events and festivals where many people gather – with this you can also immerse yourself in the local culture!
Wine festival, book festival, thematical food events… there is always something going on in cities! You can try the cuisine of the area you live in and observe what the natives like to do in their free time. Since these are events focused on one thing usually, it is much easier to strike a conversation with strangers. The topic is already there, just add a smile and a casual opening 😉
8. And when your things don’t exist in your area? start your own group – craft meetups, board game nights, film club…
Start by writing a post in your local Facebook group and ask if someone wants to get together for that certain activity you enjoy. I organize a regular craft meetup, but I saw many other mini communities forming this way: hiking group, board game sessions, bbq group… No matter how small it might be, just start!
No matter what you choose, it is guaranteed that you will meet many new people and get a chance to find something in common with them. Just remember: building friendships and integrating into a community takes time. Trust the process and trust yourself! You will find your people.