Janice Lozano
Making friends as an international student can be challenging due to cultural and linguistic differences, but it is a rewarding experience. To help international students make friends, it is important to encourage them to join clubs or societies that align with their interests, as these provide opportunities to meet people with shared passions. Additionally, participating in group projects and spending time in communal areas, such as the library, can foster connections. International students should be reassured that many others are also seeking friendship and that shared interests can bridge cultural and linguistic barriers. Encouraging students to initiate conversations, attend social events, and embrace new experiences will contribute to building meaningful friendships during their studies abroad.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Joining clubs | Sports teams, drama clubs, hobby clubs |
| Socialising in accommodation | Organising parties, providing drinks and snacks |
| Making friends in class | Group projects, study groups |
| Exploring new places | Visiting local tourist sites, museums, events |
| Working on campus | Campus jobs |
| Overcoming language barriers | Practising speaking English |
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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 and settle into university life. It can be daunting to move to a new country and adapt to a new way of life, but joining a society can ease this transition by bringing together international and local students through shared interests and passions.
Universities offer a wide range of clubs and societies, from sports teams and drama clubs to more unusual hobbies such as Quidditch or 90s movies clubs. There truly is something for everyone, and these groups provide an ideal icebreaker as you already have something in common with the people you meet. Societies also host lots of meetups, giving you the chance to get to know others better while bonding over shared interests.
The structured nature of clubs and societies, with their shared goals and activities, makes it easier to connect with others. You can bond with your fellow society members through teamwork and shared experiences, without having to put in extra effort to find things to talk about. This can be especially helpful for international students who may face linguistic and cultural barriers when trying to make friends.
For example, an international student who joined a theatre group at Cambridge University immediately found herself in a supportive and enthusiastic community, meeting students from all over the UK and learning more about her new home country. Another student who joined a volunteer group at an Australian university made friends with students from various countries and connected with local communities.
So, if you're an international student, don't be afraid to jump out of your comfort zone and join different clubs or organisations. You'll not only pursue your interests but also make friends and feel more at home at your university.
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Talk to classmates
Making friends as an international student can be challenging, but it is important to know that this process takes time. It is also important to be open to new environments and step out of your comfort zone.
One of the easiest ways to make friends is to connect with your classmates. You will inevitably share interests with other students in your major classes or electives, making it easier to start conversations. You can ask them about their interests, goals, backgrounds, and future plans. You can also join academic clubs and interest groups related to your major. This way, you will meet like-minded people with similar interests.
When you first arrive in a new country, you might be self-conscious about your language skills. However, don't be afraid to talk and express yourself in a new language. You will not be the only one with an accent or some language barrier, and people who have not experienced a different culture are often curious about others. If you are unsure about how to connect with people, starting conversations with your classmates will help you make friends and improve your social skills. Ask open-ended questions to keep the conversation going and avoid questions that can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no".
It is also a great idea to share your culture with your peers. Whether it is through joining an international club or teaching friends about your favorite foods, sharing what makes you unique can be a great conversation starter and help build connections. Remember that friendship is a two-way street, so don't be afraid to set boundaries.
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Host a get-together
Hosting a get-together is a great way to help international students make friends. Here are some tips to make it a success:
Choose an Appropriate Setting
Host the get-together in a comfortable and relaxed setting, such as your home or a local park. If you're part of a student club or society, you could also use a meeting room or social space on campus. Choose a time when most people are likely to be free, such as a Friday evening or Sunday afternoon.
Plan an Activity or Theme
Having a specific activity or theme for the get-together will give your guests a common focus and make it easier for them to interact. This could be a board game night, a movie marathon, a sports game in the park, or a potluck dinner where everyone brings a dish from their culture. If it's a special time of year, you could also host a celebration for a cultural or seasonal holiday, such as a New Year's party or a mid-autumn festival.
Invite a Mix of Guests
When creating your guest list, consider inviting a mix of people, including international students from various countries, local students, and perhaps even some of your own friends or family members. This will provide a diverse range of perspectives and conversation topics. It's also a good idea to invite people with similar interests, such as those who are part of the same club or course, to give them a natural topic of conversation.
Encourage Interaction
As the host, it's your role to ensure everyone feels welcome and included. Introduce people to each other, suggest conversation topics, and provide refreshments or activities to keep your guests engaged. You could also encourage your international student guests to share something about their culture, such as a traditional game or dish, as this can be a great conversation starter and help break the ice.
Follow Up After the Event
Friendships often develop after repeated interactions, so consider making your get-together a regular occurrence if possible. After the event, follow up with your guests, especially the international students, to see how they're doing and if they'd like to meet up again. You could suggest going for coffee or attending another social event together.
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Seek out sporting events
For international students, making friends can be challenging in a brand-new environment. However, seeking out sporting events can be a fun and effective way to meet people and build connections. Here are some tips to guide you:
Explore Campus Sports Events:
Colleges and universities often have a vibrant sports culture, with regular games and matches throughout the year. Keep an eye out for posters, social media events, or newsletters advertising these events. Attend basketball, football, or any other sports competitions to immerse yourself in the campus community. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or not, these events offer a casual setting to meet fellow students and experience school spirit.
Join a Sports Club:
Consider joining a sports club or intramural sports team on campus. This is an excellent way to find people with similar interests and build friendships. Look for clubs that align with your interests, whether it's a traditional sport like basketball or something more unique. By joining a club, you'll have regular interactions with teammates, fostering connections and a sense of belonging.
Be Proactive and Social:
Making friends requires initiative. When attending sporting events, don't be afraid to strike up conversations with those around you. Chat with people sitting nearby, or invite classmates or neighbours to join you. You can also offer to help with organising events or supporting the team behind the scenes, which will create further opportunities for social interaction and collaboration.
Host Social Gatherings:
Take the initiative to host casual events like a game night or a backyard sports activity. This can be a great icebreaker and a relaxed way for international students to bond with peers. Having a specific activity planned makes it easier for everyone to engage and creates a more comfortable environment for socialising.
Understand Cultural Differences:
Sports and cultural events can go hand in hand. Be open to learning about the cultural nuances and traditions associated with the sporting events you attend. This can be a fantastic way to break the ice and build connections. Remember that international students bring a unique perspective, and sharing your own cultural experiences can make you more relatable to your new friends.
By actively seeking out sporting events and embracing these suggestions, international students can enhance their social networks and create meaningful friendships during their time abroad.
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Be curious about others
Making friends as an international student can be challenging, but there are many ways to overcome this challenge. One of the most important things to do is to be curious about others and their lives.
Firstly, it is important to understand that everyone is in the same boat, and everyone is just as nervous as you are. On orientation day, take the plunge and be the first one to say "Hi" or start a conversation. Ask them about themselves and be curious about their lives. Ask them where they are from, why they chose this university or country, and what their hobbies and passions are. Be open to learning about their culture and customs, and be curious about the differences between your cultures. Ask questions and be interested in their answers. This will help you build meaningful connections and integrate into the local social scene.
Secondly, be open-minded and willing to step out of your comfort zone. Be proactive and take the initiative to engage with others. Go to every party, gathering, or event you are invited to, especially during the first few weeks of university when friendship groups are still forming. Join clubs and societies with people who share your interests, but also be open to meeting people who are different from you. You never know who you might need or who might need you.
Thirdly, remember that international students are a minority and you need to stick together and help each other out. Be curious about how you can help each other and what you can learn from each other. Offer to help with things like rides to the supermarket or help with English, and be open to receiving help as well.
Finally, be yourself and be authentic. People will be curious about you and your culture, so don't be afraid to express yourself and share your unique perspective. Be proud of your accent and your language, and use it as a topic of conversation. Americans, for example, are used to relating to people from other countries and cultures due to their domestic diversity, so don't be shy about being yourself.
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Frequently asked questions
Joining clubs and societies is a great way to meet people with shared interests and passions. Most universities have a wide range of clubs, from sports teams to drama and other hobbies. These societies host meetups, providing the perfect opportunity to get to know people and develop meaningful connections.
Speaking the local language is a great way to improve your language skills and make friends. Start conversations with classmates and fellow students, and don't be afraid to use broken English. Ask questions about where they're from, what they enjoy doing, or their thoughts on a professor's joke. The more you speak, the stronger your language skills will become, and you'll make friends along the way.
International students can initiate friendships by attending social events, sporting events, and exploring their new city. They can also consider getting a campus job, which provides an opportunity to earn money while getting to know people on campus. Organising a small get-together or soirée can also be a great way to unite people from different circles.
Making friends as an international student is extremely rewarding. It can help you feel happier and more connected, and provide a support system in a new country. Many international students build lifelong friendships and gain valuable cultural experiences through these connections.
