Everyone who seeks the expatriate experience in a different country wants to make new friends abroad, introverts and extroverts alike. Introverts have strengths that make them both great expats and devoted friends – here are tips to help introverts bring those good things together.
Introverted people are considered quiet and reserved, enjoying time to themselves. They are self-aware and independent, which helps them adapt quickly to expat life. Introverts tend to travel on their own, too, outside of tour groups with built-in socializing. They may choose to live in a new country, for a while or for the long term. As they seek adventure and change, they are resilient, content with their own company and interests.
Yet introverts like and need people, too, and want to learn about new cultures with new friends. For introverts, friendship often runs deep – they seek true friends with whom they can talk about life’s realities and challenges. Friendship can surprise you around the world, with plenty of options outside of bars or chatty tours. Here are some ways to open up to it.
Online Communities Make it Easy to Meet Up
Thanks to online communities and meet-ups organized online, it’s never been easier to meet new people in a new location. Introverts often enjoy online communities because they can choose how much they want to interact. It’s okay to ‘lurk’ for a while – to read without participating while you decide if this online community is for you. If it’s not, try a different one.
There are plenty of online communities for expats and areas to choose from. Search for “expat forum” and you’ll find long-standing discussion groups focusing on expats. Facebook groups for expats may seem like your mom’s Internet – or their warm, personal style may feel friendly right away. Reddit groups for cities or for expats range from serious to wacky, always with a casual edge. And discussions around location-based or travel Instagram accounts can lead to connections.
The next level of online community is finding an event or meet-up online, then attending it to meet people face to face. Meetup.com helps people around the world find events. If going to a purely social event isn’t for you, try an event around your work or a volunteer interest.
Also Read: Expat Forums, Twitter and Social Networks
Do What You Love and Make New Friends Abroad
Spending time abroad is about exploring and doing what you love. Make the most of that and you’ll meet like-minded people. If you are getting started in a new place, this is the time to try that activity you’ve always wanted to do. If that activity is part of your new country’s culture, that’s even better. Enjoy art lessons in Japan, birdwatching walks in Australia, or craft, performance, and creative groups around the world.
There’s a reason why doing what you enjoy with others opens up new friendships. Activities are the glue that brings adult friends together. A well-known study showed that it takes about 50 hours to go from pleasant acquaintances to friends. This time together is part of what helps young people become lifelong friends in school. Activities help people bridge that gap in busy adult lives, wherever we are located. And for many introverts, the quiet space of sharing an activity with someone builds fondness.
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Seek Other Expatriates
When people in a country are friends with childhood schoolmates, or close to their families, it can be hard to befriend them. In cultures like this, people may take time to open up. In the meantime, you can meet other people who are open to friendship by seeking out other expatriates.
Open yourself to expat events with expats from different countries as well as from your home. Expats from different countries can spark mutual interest around what they have in common and their differences, too. Sharing travel and settlement stories can lead to the deeper connections that introverts value.
Make Holiday Plans Early
Around the world, holidays are often a time when people focus on seeing their family. And that’s a challenge if you are in another country, far away from your own family. Even if you are happy with your own company most of the time, during holidays, you may still want to celebrate with others.
Activity and meet-up groups, especially for expats, often have events near holidays. For holiday days themselves, take the initiative and invite a few people in a similar situation to socialize. A group of four to six people is just right for good food and good conversation. Or find a local group to volunteer with and help others enjoy the holiday, too.
Also Read: Celebrating Public Holidays Abroad
Stay Safe Socializing With These Tips
Introverts may feel that, to make new friends abroad, they need to push themselves out of their comfort zones. Some of that is true. But an introvert’s preference for quiet settings and a few reliable friends can also help them stay safe while socializing abroad. These tips will help keep introverts out of risky social situations for expats.
It’s a stereotype that expatriates drink a lot of alcohol. Unfortunately, this is based on fact. Bars are an easy way to socialize, and expat social events are often based there. Trying local beverages can be a social lubricant or lull lonely nights. Wiser expats choose a responsible limit, like two drinks a day, or alcohol only one or two days a week. The best reason to drink less is to enjoy different ways to stay busy or socialize.
Related to this, be cautious about socializing around gambling. Intelligent people can enjoy games of strategy or chance and do well at them. But out-of-towners and expats are traditional marks for gambling professionals. Gambling also has addictive aspects. Enjoy an occasional trip to a casino or the races but stick to a budget.
Finally, think twice before trying to make new friends abroad on dating applications. This is a common mistake because dating applications do help people connect. Other people on the applications are looking for romance – or trying to run a romance scam. Those looking for love will be sad when you want friendship. And scammers will happily switch over to wanting to be your best friend online if it helps them empty your bank account. New applications around the world are working to match people who seek friendship, so try those instead.
Also Read: The Safest Places to Live Abroad
To Make New Friends Abroad as an Introvert, Be Sincere and Be You
Introverts are known for their strong, unique personalities. If you were like most people, you would have stayed at home! Enjoy where you are as you explore a new country, and enjoy who you are, too.
Be honest and open with people you meet. Perhaps you’ll only have one conversation with them, so it’s all right to take a few honest risks and show your deeper side. That honest conversation may spark another, and you’ll be making a new friend in a new country.
Also Read:
- 5 Tips for Finding Friends as an Expat
- How to Become an Expat – Successfully
- Coping With Culture Shock When Living Abroad
