Making Friends, Joining Groups & Finding Belonging Abroad

Moving to a new country can be one of the most exciting decisions of your life — but it can also be one of the loneliest.

New streets, new systems, unfamiliar social rules, and a different language can make even confident people feel invisible. The truth most relocation guides don’t talk about is this:

 You don’t just need a visa, a job, or a university admission to settle abroad.
 You need people.

A strong support network is what turns a foreign place into a safe space.

At Global Living I focus on helping individuals not only relocate but also emotionally and socially integrate into their new environments.

If you’re already working on your emotional adjustment, you may also find this helpful:
 How to Build Emotional Resilience When Moving Abroad

And if you’re still preparing mentally for your move, read:
 What I Wish I Knew Before Moving Abroad – Tips from Experienced Expats

Why a Support Network Is Essential

Research in cross-cultural psychology consistently shows that social connection is the strongest predictor of successful adjustment abroad.

People with support networks experience:

 Less homesickness
 Lower anxiety
 Better academic and professional performance
 Faster cultural learning
 Higher life satisfaction

Without it, even small daily tasks feel emotionally exhausting.

Humans are wired for connection. When you lose your familiar environment, you must rebuild your social safety net.

Step 1: Accept That Loneliness Is Part of the Process

Almost every expat experiences:

• Missing home food and festivals
• Language hesitation
• Fear of being judged
• Weekend loneliness
• Identity confusion

This phase is called culture shock, and it is completely normal.

You are not failing.
You are adjusting.

Step 2: Start Small — One Person Is Enough

You don’t need a big friend circle immediately.

Start with:

• One classmate
• One colleague
• One neighbor
• One friendly barista

One familiar face in a new country can:
 Reduce anxiety
 Increase confidence
 Help you understand local norms

Belonging begins with a single repeated interaction.

Step 3: Use Everyday Places to Meet People

Friendships don’t always start at big social events.

They start in:

• Cafeterias
• Libraries
• Gyms
• Public transport
• Coworking spaces
• Local markets

Try simple, human conversation starters:

• “I’m new here — what do you usually order?”
• “Is this your first time here?”
• “How long have you been living in this city?”

Small talk leads to familiarity, and familiarity leads to connection.

Step 4: Join Communities — The Fastest Way to Belong

If you wait for friendships to happen naturally, it can take months.

Instead, join structured communities:

Cultural Communities

• Indian associations
• International student groups
• Religious centers
• Expat networks

These provide:
 Emotional comfort
 Familiar language
 Festival celebrations
 Shared experiences

They become your home away from home.

Interest-Based Groups

Join groups based on what you love:

• Dance classes
• Yoga or fitness groups
• Book clubs
• Photography communities
• Cooking workshops
• Language exchange meetups

Shared interests remove cultural barriers.

You are no longer “the new foreigner” —
you are “the person who loves the same hobby”.

Step 5: Build Local Friendships Too

Staying only within your own cultural group can feel safe, but it can slow your integration.

Local friendships help you:
 Learn the language faster
 Understand social norms
 Discover hidden parts of the city
 Feel truly included

Ask locals about:

• Traditions
• Food
• Festivals
• Weekend activities

Curiosity builds connection.

Step 6: Create a Weekly Social Routine

Loneliness grows in empty schedules.

Create a weekly structure:

• Monday: Gym or walk group
• Wednesday: Language exchange
• Friday: Coffee with a classmate
• Sunday: Video call with family

Consistency builds trust.
Trust builds friendship.

Step 7: Use Online Platforms — But Move Offline

Join:

• Expat Facebook groups
• Meetup events
• University forums
• LinkedIn local networking events

But remember:

 Online interaction alone does not create belonging
 Real connection happens offline

Move from chat → coffee → shared activity.

Step 8: Volunteer — The Most Powerful Integration Tool

Volunteering helps you:

 Meet kind and open-minded people
 Improve language skills
 Understand local culture
 Feel valued and included

You shift from
“I am new here”
to
“I am contributing here”

That emotional shift is transformative.

Step 9: Learn the Social Culture

Every culture has unwritten social rules.

Observe:

• Do people plan in advance?
• Is small talk important?
• Do they prefer personal space?
• How do they express friendship?

Adapting to these norms helps you connect faster and avoid misunderstandings.

Step 10: Build Different Types of Support

A strong support network includes different people for different needs:

You don’t need one person for everything.

Step 11: Balance Home and New Connections

Staying connected to family is important — but living mentally only in your home country can increase loneliness.

Create a balance:
 Scheduled calls with family
 Active local social life

You can love home and still build a new life.

Human Sources & Research Base

This article is based on:

• Cross-cultural adaptation theory (John W. Berry)
• Social support and migrant mental health research (APA, WHO)
• International student adjustment studies
• Expat community behavioral research
• Real lived experiences from global relocation programs

These sources consistently show that social belonging is the strongest factor in successful cultural adjustment.Making Friends, Joining Groups & Finding Belonging Abroad

Moving to a new country can be one of the most exciting decisions of your life — but it can also be one of the loneliest.

New streets, new systems, unfamiliar social rules, and a different language can make even confident people feel invisible. The truth most relocation guides don’t talk about is this:

 You don’t just need a visa, a job, or a university admission to settle abroad.
 You need people.

A strong support network is what turns a foreign place into a safe space.