The best ways to meet people when living overseas
My suggestions for how to make new friends as an expat in a new country.
The latest episode of my podcast The Expat Diaries is out now! In this episode I give all my advice on things you need to know and do when you first move overseas. I also chat lots about how to make new friends when you move overseas, which is what this week’s newsletter is all about. Listen now and don’t forget to follow and subscribe, I would really appreciate it.
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One of my main concerns when moving overseas, was how, and if, I would make new friends. Making new friends in your 20’s is hard enough, let alone in a whole new country. My main advice would just be to get out there and give everything a go. Say yes to everything and accept that it may take a while to find your people in your new home.
These are some of the ways that I’ve met people so far while living overseas, and some ways others have told me worked for them.
Meetup.com
Meetup.com is a handy website/app where you can search for local events to meet new people. You can find events such as trivia nights, yoga classes or hiking trips. You can even host your own events on Meetup if want!
Facebook groups
I know Facebook is a little bit old and untrendy now but I still think it can be a really good place to find groups to join in your new country. I’ve found Facebook has groups for so many different interests and niches in each city/town/area so I think it’s worth looking into. Just search for the group/interest your wanting to find plus the name of the place you live and see what comes up.
Slide into someone’s DMs
I know sending a DM to a random person on the internet asking them to hang out with you may be daunting but you never know, they could turn out to be your new best friend. We are so connected by the internet now, so if you do follow someone who lives in the same place as you and you think you’d vibe with them, then why not reach out. The worst they can say is no. They also may be looking to make new friends, so shoot your shot. Your parasocial relationship could turn into a beautiful friendship!
Bumble BFF
I’ve personally never used Bumble BFF but I’ve met people who have and said it was a great way to make new friends. I’ve been meaning to give it a go based on the good reviews I’ve heard.
Pub crawl
Every city should have some sort of pub crawl that you can sign up for, and it can be a fun way to make new friends. While there might not necessarily be other expats or locals there, you could make some fabulous friends for the night. You might also meet people from your home country which can be nice if you’re missing home (I reckon you’re almost guaranteed to find an Australian on every pub crawl in Europe).
Sport
Sport is always an awesome way to meet new people. Whether it’s finding a mutual passion for the same team, or playing the same sport, it really can bring people together. It’s a guaranteed way to see the same people at least once a week during the sport season and bond over a mutual interest.
Hobbies
If your passions lie more with reading, or crocheting, or going to jazz bars, find a local group where people do just that. A weekly bookclub or a monthly craft night could be the perfect way to meet people who have similar interests to you.
There are so many other ways you might meet people and make friends while living overseas, but I think the most important thing is to keep yourself open to making new friends at any opportunity.
Weekly update
It’s been a busy week-and-a-bit of travelling in Denmark and Portugal, and we’re currently still travelling around in a van in the Algarve, having the loveliest time. We’ve been very busy though so I’ll have to give you a proper rundown of what we’ve been up to in next week’s newsletter when I have more time, but in the meantime here are some photos from our latest adventures!
