How to Make Friends Abroad: 10 Real Tips from The Global Girlfriend

May 28

Moving or traveling abroad? Whether you’re staying for a week or a year, one of the biggest challenges and greatest joys is making new friends in a foreign place. Here’s how to build meaningful connections, based on real experiences from our own lives abroad.

1. Acknowledge That It’s Weird… and Do It Anyway

Making new friends as an adult is weird. Doing it in a foreign country? Even weirder. Acknowledge the awkwardness, then show up anyway. It gets easier, and it’s always worth it.

2. Start with a Smile (and an Open Mind)

You don’t have to be the most extroverted person in the room. Sometimes eye contact, a smile, or a quick “hello” is all it takes to open a door. Look approachable, stay open, and trust your instincts.

3. Treat Friendships Like Dating

Not every connection will be deep or lifelong, and that’s okay. Some people are there for a reason, a season, or a weekend trip. Be open, but don’t force it.

4. Use the Internet to Your Advantage

Too shy to cold-approach people? No problem. Try:

Facebook Groups for expats or travelers
Bumble BFF for one-on-one meetups
Meetup.com for group activities (language exchanges, yoga, hiking)
TimeLeft for curated dinners with strangers

Digital tools can help break the ice and get you to the fun part: actually connecting.

5. Say Yes to Invitations

Even if you're nervous or don’t know anyone, go! That brunch, hike, or dance class might be where you meet your next favorite person. Connection often happens when you least expect it.

6. Lean Into Shared Activities

Classes, clubs, sports, dance, volunteering - doing something you enjoy is one of the easiest, most natural ways to meet people. One of us joined a bachata class and found a whole new community (and dinner invites every week).

7. Move Beyond Small Talk

Yes, the “Where are you from?” stuff matters, but get to the real stuff. Try questions like:

What brought you here?
What’s been the highlight of your trip so far?
What’s something you’re working on or excited about?

Deeper questions lead to deeper friendships.

8. Embrace Cultural Differences with Curiosity

You’re a guest. Be open, respectful, and eager to learn. Avoid assumptions, especially Western-centric ones, and take each conversation as a chance to grow.

9. Let Humor and Body Language Do the Work

Don’t speak the same language? A smile and a good sense of humor go a long way. Learn a local phrase or joke, it breaks down walls and builds trust fast.

10. Be Patient and Keep Showing Up

Friendship takes time. Keep going to the dance class, the coffee shop, the park. Familiarity breeds connection, and your “new” friends will soon start to feel like home.

Final Thoughts:

You deserve connection. Even if it feels scary, messy, or slow, put yourself out there. Whether your friendships abroad last a day, a season, or a lifetime, they’ll shape your experience in the best way.

Got your own “how I made a friend abroad” story? We’d love to hear it! Connect with us at @theglobalgirlfriend or email us at theglobalgirlfriend@gmail.com.

theglobalgirlfriend .