How to Make Friends While Living Abroad

Learn practical ways of making friends abroad, from joining local clubs and classes to using social media and community groups.

Group of diverse friends laughing and enjoying coffee together at a cozy café, showcasing friendship and social connection.

Are you heading overseas to begin a new life abroad, or have you already arrived and are settling into a new country as an expat? While you’ve likely prepared for visas, housing, and logistics, making friends abroad is often the next big challenge.

Meeting new people at school, work, or through existing networks may not come as easily in a new country, but there are many practical ways to build connections and create a sense of community. These tips will help you build your social circle and feel at home in no time.

Join Local Clubs or Groups

Making friends while abroad is often easiest when you start with what you already enjoy. Shared interests naturally create conversation and repeated contact, which is how friendships form over time.

For example, if you enjoy food, joining a local cooking workshop can be a great way to meet people while learning regional dishes such as pasta in Italy or tapas in Spain.

Group of people participating in a sushi-making class, focusing on rolling and preparing sushi in a professional kitchen setting.

If you’re more creatively inclined, a weekend painting or pottery class can introduce you to both locals and other newcomers in a relaxed setting where conversation comes naturally.

From there, joining structured groups or classes is a natural next step. They provide regular opportunities to see the same people in a low-pressure environment where connections can develop gradually.

For instance, you might take part in a dance or music group, such as salsa lessons or a community choir, where collaboration and shared learning naturally lead to interaction.

Over time, these repeated encounters help turn casual acquaintances into real friendships without forcing the process.

Take a Language Class

Taking a language class is not only practical for daily life abroad, but also one of the most natural ways to make friends with others at a similar stage of adjustment.

Everyone in the class is learning, which removes pressure and makes it easier to start conversations. For example, you might find yourself practicing basic phrases with classmates who are also new to the country, and those small shared challenges often lead to conversations after class.

There are also many different ways to learn, depending on your style and schedule. You might choose a structured language school with weekly in-person lessons, a community college course, or more flexible evening and weekend classes designed for working adults.

Some people prefer informal language exchange meetups, where locals and newcomers pair up to practice speaking over coffee in a relaxed setting.

Others use blended options, such as language apps or online lessons combined with in-person conversation groups. This can help build confidence before speaking in public.

It’s also common for students to meet up for coffee or study together outside of lessons, which helps build friendships more quickly.

In some cases, language schools also organize cultural outings, such as museum visits, walking tours, or local food experiences. This gives you even more opportunities to connect outside the classroom.

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Take Part in Sports and Outdoor Activities

Sports and outdoor activities are another highly effective way to make friends abroad because they combine regular meetups with shared goals and teamwork.

When you’re part of a group that trains or plays together each week, conversation tends to happen naturally before, during, and after the activity.

Limerick in Ireland, one of the most expensive places to live

For example, you might join a local football or basketball team where people gather regularly for casual games and social time afterward.

Running clubs are also common in many cities, often meeting in the evenings or on weekends and welcoming all fitness levels.

If you prefer something outdoors, hiking or cycling groups can be a great way to stay healthy while living abroad and get to know people in a relaxed, informal setting.

In coastal areas, even beginner-friendly surf or paddleboarding lessons can quickly introduce you to others who are also new to the area.

Become a Volunteer

Volunteering is a meaningful way to make friends abroad and become part of your new community. Because you’re working together toward a shared goal, interactions tend to feel more natural and less forced than in purely social settings.

For example, you might help out at a local festival, assist with setting up community events, or support a charity initiative, such as a food bank or an environmental cleanup.

In many cases, volunteers also return regularly, which helps you build familiarity with the same people over time. This makes it easier to move from casual conversation into real friendships.

In some places, you may also be able to contribute your own skills, such as photography, design, language support, or event coordination. This can help you feel more involved and valued within the group.

Many volunteering opportunities also include informal social moments, such as shared meals, coffee breaks, or post-event gatherings. These allow people to naturally get to know each other outside of the task itself.

These shared experiences often create strong bonds because you’re collaborating rather than simply meeting socially, and you’re working toward something that has a real impact in your new community.

Join a Co-Working Space

If you’re working remotely or freelancing, a co-working space can be a surprisingly social environment in addition to a productive one.

While people are there to work, there are often natural opportunities to connect during breaks or informal events, especially since many members are also new to the city or working independently.

For example, you might start by chatting over coffee in the kitchen area, then gradually join colleagues for lunch or after-work drinks. Many co-working spaces also organize events such as networking evenings, talks, skill-sharing sessions, or weekend social gatherings designed to help members connect beyond work.

Some spaces also have shared lounges or communal tables, which make it easier to strike up casual conversations with the same people over time. In more active communities, members even form interest groups, such as running clubs, language exchanges, or weekend excursions.

In some cases, members even plan trips or group activities outside of work. This can make it easier to build friendships organically and turn everyday work relationships into lasting connections.

Online platforms are often the easiest way to discover social opportunities when you first arrive in a new country.

They allow you to find events, groups, and communities based on your interests before you even leave your home. For example, you might use Meetup to find language exchanges, hiking groups, or hobby-based gatherings in your city.

A group of women socializing and smiling with drinks at a sunset outdoor beach bar, creating a joyful and relaxed atmosphere suited for travel and leisure themes.

Meanwhile, expat forums and online communities, such as Facebook groups, Reddit threads, and dedicated relocation forums, are often a great source of practical advice, local tips, and informal meetups shared by people already living in the area.

Dating or friendship apps can also help you meet new people if you’re looking to expand your social circle more quickly.

For example, apps like Bumble BFF are designed specifically for friendship, while Tinder and Hinge can connect you with singles in the area and may also lead to broader social connections depending on how you use them.

That said, when meeting people from online platforms, it’s important to take the same precautions you would at home, such as meeting in public places, letting someone know where you’re going, and keeping personal information private until you feel comfortable.

Take Time to Let Friendships Grow

It’s important to remember that making friends abroad doesn’t usually happen all at once – it builds gradually through repeated moments, shared activities, and everyday familiarity.

Whether it’s a weekly class, a local sports group, volunteering, or simply showing up in the same places, each small step increases your chances of meaningful connection.

The key is consistency and openness. You don’t need to force friendships or find the “perfect” group right away. Instead, focus on putting yourself in environments where conversations can happen naturally over time.

With patience and a willingness to try new things, you’ll find that building a social life abroad isn’t just possible – it becomes one of the most rewarding parts of living in a new country.

Sara Kettler| Writer

Sara Kettler is a seasoned freelance writer and Dartmouth graduate who has lived in Japan, France, the UK, and Australia. She shares insights on international relocation, including healthcare, culture, and local laws, helping readers navigate life abroad with ease.

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