How do I keep the contact with my friends and make new ones?
During several moments in the life of a nomad, expat, digital nomad or just a continuous traveler, we find ourselves submerged in effective memories. It’s normal to feel this way.
I believe that what surrounds us is the thoughts of how to keep our friendships or how not to be alone in our new destination.
On the occasion of the World Day of Friendship we took the time to talk a little bit about what to do when we see ourselves in a different country, with a different culture and often with a different language. Below you will find some nice ways to change the situation! Follow me!
A good tip to adapt yourself better in a new place is to find out about the habits of the country that you are going to. One of the biggest problems I realized is the routine. Those who are not newcomers do not know our difficulties. How about looking for people who are in the same situation?
Where to look? Nowadays, that the world is so well-connected, social media is a great way to network and find new groups. It can be a great start. Believe me, whenever I go to a new country I look for groups of the same nationality, people who speak the same language or who have the same interests. There are many groups divided by sports and even activities in common. I once met a group of people who came together to help each other on the challenge of how to clean the house with the variety of unknown products the new country offered.
A new country could mean a world of discoveries. Who better to talk than people who have been through it? Already, in this first contact we can discover many people with the same affinities, same routines and challenges. These people end up becoming our circle of friendship.
Language schools are also good places to bond with people in the same situation. Besides being very good to learn a new language, the local language can open many doors.
In some countries, these classes are free, subsidized by the government or cheap. It is worth checking.
Another nice tip: find out when are the national holidays! Many cities have a very nice cultural calendar. Promoting meetings with locals and expats, whether they are from work, friends of friends or someone you just met. It can also help you to know more about the culture and integrate yourself better in the new place.
Besides, many people are willing to help a foreigner and it could result in a beautiful friendship.
What about my friends who are at my home country? Usually it is cool to send photos and videos, funny little stories and events.
This helps our friends and family know how we are doing. Besides, it can always encourage them to come to visit. Which is always a delight!
Nowadays we can say that our circle of friendship is international and wherever we go we will have company. Being nomad has its advantages.
How about you, tell us what challenges you have already encountered in making new friends!
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Written by Tábata Martín