Real Talk: Sliding Into Your Study Abroad Social Life (No Awkward Phase Required)
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| Remember when we had to wear these? South Korea 2021 |
Let's be honest - studying abroad is main character energy at its finest. But even main characters need a supporting cast, right? Whether you're touching down for a quick three-week summer program or committing to a full year abroad, finding your people is essential to unlocking the full study abroad experience.
And yes, this applies to everyone: the introverts quietly panicking about making friends (that's me!), the extroverts wondering if their vibe will translate in another culture, and everyone in between. Whether you're mixing with locals at a university or in a program bubble with fellow Americans, I've got you covered with legit strategies that actually work.
20 Ways to Meet People That Don't Feel Forced
Campus Life Hacks
1. Find Your Niche with University Clubs
Your social media algorithm might know your interests, but campus clubs know your potential friends. Whether it's photography, climate activism, or esports, joining a club instantly connects you with people who share your passion. Pro tip: Many clubs have WhatsApp groups (groupme for those living overseas) or Discord servers...be sure to get added ASAP to stay in the loop about hangouts.
2. Language Exchange = Friendship Exchange
Struggling with conjugations? There's an app, and a person, for that. Apps like Tandem or HelloTalk connect you with locals who want to learn English while helping you with their language. It's the perfect low-pressure setup: you both suck at something, you both excel at something else, and the awkwardness becomes the bond.
3. Don't Skip Orientation (Seriously)
Yes, it might seem basic, but orientation events are literally designed to help you make friends. Everyone's equally lost and looking to connect. Plus, universities often pair international students with local buddies during these events. #InstantTourGuide (and friend) unlocked.
4. Hit Up Local Social Media
Before you even land, search Instagram hashtags and location tags for your host city + university/study abroad program. Follow student accounts, respond to stories, and DM people with "Hey, I'm studying at [university] next semester too!" Trust me, sliding into academic DMs feels way less awkward than romantic ones.
Beyond Campus Boundaries
5. Find Your Fitness Fam
Group fitness classes hit different abroad. Whether it's yoga or a sport popular in your host country (cricket in India, futsal in Brazil), you'll meet locals and expats while battling workout endorphins together—instant bonding.
6. Volunteer Your Time (Get Back Way More)
Nothing connects people faster than shared purpose. Find local volunteer opportunities through your university's international office or online. Even if your program is short, many organizations welcome help with one-day events or translation projects.
7. Go Where the Locals Go
Skip the tourist traps and find where locals your age actually hang out. This might mean smaller cafés, neighborhood parks, or local markets. Bonus points if you can find places popular with university students...check university social media accounts for clues.
8. Leverage Those Apps
Bumble BFF, Meetup, and even Facebook Groups are goldmines for connection. Search "[your city] + international students" or "Americans in [city]" to find existing communities. There may be study abroad-specific apps through your program or school that connect you with students at your host university.
For the "I'm Only Here for a Few Weeks" Crowd
9. Join Short-Term Cultural Workshops
Many cities offer weekend workshops in cooking, crafts, or cultural practices. These bite-sized experiences are perfect for short-term programs and attract both locals and international visitors.
10. Day Trips = Friendship Accelerators
Sign up for day excursions through your program or local tour companies that cater to students. Being together for a full day exploring creates bonds faster than any campus meetup.
11. Be the Planner in Your Program
If you're in a bubble with other American students, be the one who says "Anyone want to check out that museum this weekend?" in the group chat. Planning simple outings makes you the connection point for others who are also looking to make friends.
For Long-Term Study Abroad Students
12. Become a Regular Somewhere
Find a café or study spot you love and go there consistently. Baristas will start to recognize you, fellow regulars will notice you, and eventually, small talk turns into real connections. (This actually works—I became friends with a barista in Barcelona who later showed me all the hidden local spots!)
13. Take a Semester-Long Class Outside Your Comfort Zone
Whether it's a local cooking class, martial art, or instrument that's culturally significant, committing to learning something new over several months creates a community. The shared struggle of mastering something difficult breaks down social barriers fast.
4. Level Up Your Housing Connections
Whether you're with a host family, in a dorm with international students, or in program housing with other Americans, your living situation is a friendship goldmine. With host families, ask to help cook dinner or join family outings. In dorms, leave your door open when you're hanging out and create a group chat for your floor. Even if you're with other Americans, organize movie nights or cooking competitions. Your housing isn't just where you sleep...it's your built-in community.
Digital Connection Boosters
15. Create Content About Your Experience
Start a lowkey study abroad Instagram, TikTok, or even LinkedIn series about your experience. Tag your location and use local hashtags—you'd be surprised how many people will reach out saying "I saw your post about struggling with the metro system, I go to university here and can help!"
16. Join Discord Servers for Your Host City
Many cities have Discord communities for expats, international students, or specific interests. These often include channels for meetups, events, and recommendations that aren't on tourist sites. Don't ask me more. I know they exist...but that is as far as I can tell you!
Level Up Your Small Talk Game
17. Ask Better Questions Than "Where Are You From?"
Instead try: "What's been your favorite spot in [city] so far?" or "Any classes or professors you're excited about?" Questions that invite stories rather than one-word answers lead to actual conversations.
18. Bond Over Food (Universal Language)
Organize a potluck where everyone brings something from their home country, or start a "Local Restaurant Tour" group that tries a new spot each week. Nothing brings people together like sharing meals and comparing notes on the best local finds.
19. Embrace Being Slightly Uncomfortable
Say yes to invitations even when they make you nervous. That karaoke night where you don't know anyone? The hiking trip where your fitness level is questionable? These slightly uncomfortable scenarios often lead to the best stories and strongest friendships.
20. Be Real About Your Struggles
Don't be afraid to admit when you're homesick or confused about local customs. Vulnerability is actually a superpower when making friends abroad. It gives others permission to be real too.
How to Turn "Hey" into Actual Friendship
Be Consistently You
Authenticity travels well across borders. You don't need to pretend to be someone else to fit in. Your unique perspective as an American student is actually interesting to many locals.
Follow Through
If you say "Let's grab coffee sometime," actually suggest a time and place. Being reliable and intentional with plans makes a huge difference in building trust.
Document Your Connections
Take photos together and tag each other. Create shared playlists or Google Maps lists of places you want to explore. These digital breadcrumbs create a shared history that strengthens bonds.
Accept That Some Friendships Are Season-Specific
Not every connection needs to be forever. Some friends will be perfect for your time abroad but naturally fade afterward (it's OK).
Keep Your Expectations Flexible
Different cultures approach friendship differently. In some places, people might seem reserved at first but become incredibly loyal friends once you break through. In others, people might be super friendly immediately but keep relationships relatively casual. Neither approach is wrong, just different.
The Most Important Thing to Remember
Why? Because there's something uniquely bonding about navigating a new culture together, about being slightly lost and finding your way with someone else, about creating inside jokes that literally wouldn't translate back home.
So take the chance. Start the conversation. Send the text. Join the club. Your study abroad social network is waiting to be built, one authentic connection at a time.
What's been your experience making friends abroad? Drop your best tips or questions in the comments (or in our MC Scots Abroad WhatsApp group!
