Janice Lozano
Making friends as an international student can be challenging, but it is a rewarding experience that can make your time abroad a lot more fun. It is important to remember that this process takes time and varies from person to person. One of the best ways to make friends with locals is to speak the local language. You don't have to be fluent, but locals will appreciate the effort, and it will help you forge deeper connections. Joining clubs or sports teams is a great way to meet people with similar interests and build genuine friendships. Many schools make it easy to mingle with both international and native students by hosting outings and events. It is also beneficial to be open-minded and socialize with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Socialising with other international students | Easier to befriend other international students than locals |
| Language barrier | Easier to make friends with good English skills |
| Socialising with locals | Easier to make friends with locals in the UK or US than in Australia |
| Socialising within the same culture | Easier to make friends with people from the same culture |
| Socialising within the same race | Easier to make friends with people from the same race |
| Socialising with people with similar interests | Easier to make friends with people with similar interests |
| Socialising with people with similar study plans | Easier to make friends with people with similar study plans |
| Joining clubs | Easier to make friends by joining clubs |
| Joining sports teams | Easier to make friends by joining sports teams |
| Socialising with neighbours | Easier to make friends by socialising with neighbours |
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What You'll Learn
Join clubs and societies
Joining clubs and societies is a great way for international students to make friends. It can be daunting to move to a new country and adapt to a different way of life, but joining a society can ease this transition. It is a great way to meet people with shared interests and passions, and the structured nature of clubs and societies provides a perfect framework for making friends. There will be regular meetings and events, and a shared goal to work towards, which makes it easier to bond with others.
Universities offer a wide range of clubs and societies, from sports teams and drama clubs to more unusual hobbies, so there is something for everyone. For example, you could join a football team, take up a cookery course, or even attend a meeting of the Viking Society! It is a great opportunity to try something new and step outside your comfort zone. Joining a society that is a little different might also be a great icebreaker, as you will have something interesting to talk about and will meet people with diverse interests and backgrounds.
However, it is important to remember that you don't have to stick to one type of club or society. You might want to join a sports club and a communication club, for example, to develop a range of connections. These relationships can be beneficial both personally and professionally, and can help you navigate any linguistic or cultural barriers you may encounter.
Joining clubs and societies is a fantastic way to become part of a community and build self-confidence. You will meet people from all walks of life, and develop teamwork skills while working towards a shared goal. So, if you are an international student looking to make friends, take the plunge and get involved!
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Learn the local language
Learning the local language is a great way to make friends as an international student. It can be challenging to make friends when you're studying abroad, but it's important to remember that this process takes time and varies depending on your personality, expectations, and college.
One way to ease this process is by learning the local language. While it may seem daunting at first, there are many ways to learn a new language and improve your conversational skills. For example, you can join a language club or take cultural classes offered by your study abroad program or local businesses. These classes can be a great way to meet people with similar interests and a desire for cultural immersion. Additionally, some tutors offer cultural and language exchange services, providing an informal setting to learn and practice the language.
Language tables are another excellent way to meet people and exchange languages. You can suggest to your new acquaintances that you learn the local language together while also exploring the new city, hanging out at cafes, or spending time on campus. This shared activity will not only help you improve your language skills but also provide an opportunity to develop deeper connections and establish a stronger sense of belonging in your new environment.
Don't be afraid to speak and express yourself in a new language. It's natural to feel insecure about your accent or language proficiency, but remember that many people are curious about different cultures and may even find your accent attractive. Embrace the language-learning process, and don't hesitate to join clubs or social activities where you can practice your conversation skills and build friendships simultaneously.
Lastly, while it's important to make local friends, don't shy away from socializing with other international students as well. They can provide a valuable support system, especially during the initial stages of your time abroad. Many international students share similar experiences and challenges, so building relationships with them can be comforting and help you expand your global network.
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Be open-minded
As an international student, you will likely experience cultural and linguistic differences that can make developing friendships and connections challenging. However, being open-minded can help you navigate these differences and form meaningful connections. Here are some tips to embrace open-mindedness during your time as an international student:
Embrace New Experiences
Be willing to step outside your comfort zone and try new things. This might include joining a sports club, taking up a new hobby, or simply striking up a conversation with someone new. University is a time to explore and discover shared interests that transcend cultural and linguistic barriers. You might be surprised to find that shared academic interests can lead to strong connections, as libraries and study groups provide excellent opportunities to meet people with similar passions.
Diversify Your Friendship Groups
While it's natural to be drawn to people who share similar cultures and values, pushing yourself to diversify your friendship circles can lead to more genuine and sustainable friendships. Don't be afraid to reach out to people from different backgrounds and countries. By embracing diversity, you'll not only broaden your horizons but also establish a rich network of friends from across the globe.
Be Approachable and Socialise
Making friends is a two-way street, so ensure you are approachable and socialise in a way that feels comfortable for you. This could be as simple as leaving your door open in your student accommodation, offering snacks or drinks, or posting in social media groups dedicated to international students. Remember that many other students are also seeking friendly connections, so don't be afraid to take the first step and say hello.
Manage Expectations and Stay Positive
Friendship takes time, and it's important to manage your expectations. Not every social interaction will lead to a deep friendship, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't reach out. Stay positive, embrace vulnerability, and keep an open mind. Remember that university is a time to embrace new experiences, expand your horizons, and make meaningful connections.
By following these tips and maintaining an open-minded attitude, you'll be well on your way to creating a supportive network of friends from diverse backgrounds, enhancing your international student experience.
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Socialise with locals
Socialising with locals is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture of your host country and make new friends. Here are some tips to help you socialise with locals as an international student:
Orientation and Student Clubs
Orientation is a great opportunity to meet other international students and locals who are also new to the university. Attend orientation events and be open to introducing yourself to others. Joining student clubs is another excellent way to meet people with similar interests. Look for clubs that are not predominantly made up of international students to increase your chances of making local friends. Whether it's a sports team, hobby club, or a group that explores local pubs, you'll find plenty of opportunities to connect with locals who share your interests.
Classmates and Group Projects
Your classmates are an excellent starting point for making friends, both local and international. You already share a common interest in your chosen subjects, making it easier to start conversations. Don't be afraid to initiate small talk and ask about their interests, hobbies, and why they chose this university. When working on group projects, actively seek out opportunities to work with local students. This will give you dedicated time to chat, collaborate, and potentially make new friends.
Social Events and Activities
Keep an eye out for social events and activities organised by the university or local communities. These could include dinners, get-togethers, cultural classes, or sports events. Participating in these events is a great way to meet people and experience new things. Offer to bring snacks or drinks to these events to encourage attendance and create a more social atmosphere.
Explore the Local Area
Organise day trips, explore the local cuisine, and experience the nightlife with your new friends. Invite both international and local friends to join you as you discover your new city. Many locals may be eager to join you in exploring their own city, especially places they may not have visited themselves. This provides a great opportunity to bond and create shared memories.
Online Communities and Social Media
Use social media platforms to your advantage. Look for local groups dedicated to expats, international students, or locals interested in making new friends. It's perfectly acceptable to post something like, "I'm new to the city and would love to make some friends!" This can be a great way to connect with locals who share your interests and are also looking for companionship.
Remember, making friends as an international student is about putting yourself out there, being open to new experiences, and embracing the culture of your host country. Enjoy this exciting time and don't be afraid to initiate conversations and social gatherings!
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Attend events and outings
One of the best ways to make friends as an international student is to attend events and outings. These can be organised by your university, or you can find local events to attend.
University-organised events
Many universities organise events specifically for international students to meet each other and local students. These can include orientation events, sports events, and cultural celebrations. For example, the Office of International Affairs at CU Denver organises events for international students, such as the spring "Festival of Colours", Holi, and activities honouring Diwali and the Lunar New Year. They also host monthly informal social events, such as InternationaliTEA, where international students can get to know each other better.
During the pandemic, OIA also organised online social events, such as weekly game leagues, movie nights, and an open chat feature, so that international students could stay connected.
Local events
You can also find local events to attend by searching on social media platforms or asking other students for recommendations. These could include language tables, where you can meet people who want to share their language or learn yours, or events organised by local clubs and societies. For example, if you're interested in sports, you could join an intramural team, or if you're interested in art, you could take a painting class.
Other tips for attending events and outings
- Be open to new experiences and meeting new people.
- Try to attend events outside of your university, as well as on campus, to meet a wider range of people.
- If you're nervous about attending events alone, ask a classmate or roommate to come with you.
- If you're living with roommates, you can also plan cultural events at home, such as international potlucks.
- If you're not comfortable with large groups, you can suggest meeting one or two people for coffee or a drink after class.
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Frequently asked questions
One of the best ways to make friends with locals is to speak the local language. You don't have to be fluent, but locals will appreciate the effort. Familiarize yourself with local sports teams and popular culture to find common ground with locals. Many international students socialize mostly with other international students, but if you want to make local friends, it's worth putting yourself out there and trying to connect with locals.
University is a great place to meet people from all walks of life. Students often form groups with people who share similar cultures and values, so if you're looking to make friends with other international students, you can try to find people from your country or similar backgrounds. Joining clubs is a great way to make friends, as is attending meetups and events sponsored by your university.
While it can be intimidating, remember that many other students are in the same boat and want to make friends. Try to be open-minded and connect with people who are different from you. You can start conversations with simple questions like "Where are you from?" or "What's your home state like?" and go from there.
Take advantage of the first few weeks of university, when friendship groups are still forming. If you live in student accommodation, leave your door open and invite people in for a chat over coffee. You can also host a dinner or soirée to get to know your dorm-mates. Joining sports teams or hobby clubs is another great way to meet people.
