Recently moved to a new country? Relocating can be daunting, particularly if your list of contacts is limited. Here\u2019s how you can quickly build your network and make the most of your time living abroad…<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether it\u2019s a friend who\u2019s done the move abroad, or someone in your friendship circle who\u2019s well connected, don\u2019t underestimate the benefits of asking your friends for help. Even if they put you in touch with just one person they know living in your new country, it\u2019s a great start. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Another thing not to underestimate is how much people are willing to help other people. So don\u2019t let negative thoughts hold you back from meeting up with someone you\u2019ve never met. Even if you simply meet up for a quick coffee, you may find you have lots in common. And they may introduce you to their friends. Before you know it, you may even have a little gang going on.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Social media is one of the most powerful tools we have, and it\u2019s a great way to meet new people. Take advantage of Facebook groups dedicated to different capital cities. Simply use the search function and locate a relevant group in your country. You\u2019ll then be in the know of any expat meet-ups in your area.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n LinkedIn is another great tool for expanding your network. It\u2019s also the host of expat community groups, such as InterNations<\/a>. Finally, Twitter<\/a> is a great way to strike conversations with people you\u2019ve never met. You may even build a friendship with somebody in your vicinity. But even if they\u2019re not local, it\u2019s still an excellent tool for communication.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Living in shared accommodation is a great way to meet new people and build your network. But if you\u2019re living in your own digs, we recommend introducing yourself to your neighbours. This is particularly easy if you\u2019re in an apartment block as you\u2019ll often be crossing paths will other residents in your hallway\u2014<\/span>the perfect place to strike up a conversation.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you find that you\u2019re not often naturally bumping into people, don\u2019t be afraid of knocking on a neighbour\u2019s door. Explain how you\u2019ve just moved in and are new to the country. The chances are they\u2019ll be friendly and will also want to be on great terms with their neighbour. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have a hobby, take advantage of websites like Meetup<\/a> or Eventbrite<\/a> to find local get-togethers in your area. Joining a book club is a great way to meet a variety of people. Since they\u2019re usually only once a month, it\u2019s a great thing to do that doesn\u2019t require too much regular commitment.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n And if you\u2019re physically active, look out for nearby sports clubs that might be looking for new people to join their sports teams. Also, don\u2019t underestimate the power of joining a gym in terms of meeting new people. In fact, according to a recent study commission by Kettler, 50% of 2,000 participants said they only go the gym to check out the opposite sex or meet friends. Once you start going regularly, you\u2019ll soon be a familiar face to other gym goers (and vice versa).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n We couldn\u2019t end this list without mentioning one of the easiest and most convenient ways to meet new friends. Since you\u2019ll likely be spending around 40 hours a week there, your workplace is one of the best places to build your network.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Try to get out of the habit of eating lunch alone or running errands on your lunch break. Take advantage of any communal spaces in your workplace and make an effort to talk to the people around you. Even during working hours, make an effort to be friendly to everyone you\u2019re conversing with.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, put yourself out there in terms of after-work meet-ups. If there\u2019s an office party, go. If somebody invites you to their birthday drinks, go. Even if you don\u2019t have much in common with your colleagues, you never know who you could meet outside the office.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n On that note, a new country is full of endless possibilities for meeting new people and expanding your horizons. Who knows where you\u2019ll be and who\u2019ll you be with in a few months\u2019 time? We wish you the best of luck on your new adventure.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nUse social media<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Introduce yourself to your neighbours<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Join a group<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Make an effort with your coworkers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n