Are you an expat struggling to adapt to a new country or planning to move abroad but worried about not making new friends? In this article, Portico & Bridge will guide you through simple ways to find your community when moving abroad, check it out.

Connect with communities online

Connecting with communities online is one of the simplest ways to find a suitable community that anyone can do.

You can use social media platforms like Facebook groups to search for and connect with other expats who have moved to the same city or country.

Additionally, you can look for expat communities at meet-up events organized by locals or other expats in your new city. These events are a great way to meet other foreigners who are also looking to make new friends and connections. They may be from your home country or from other countries around the world.

This will not only help you connect with others but will also help you feel less alone living in a new city. They can also provide you with support and understanding as you adjust to your new surroundings.

Find the right community by connecting with local communities

When you feel like there’s a barrier between you and the locals in your new city, chances are you’re missing out on truly connecting with your new home. This connection isn’t always an easy step to take, especially when you’re facing language or cultural barriers, or when you feel unsafe meeting strangers. But there are many ways to bridge this gap and foster a sense of belonging.

– If the language barrier in your new country is something you’re struggling with, signing up for a language class can be a great way to meet both expats and locals while learning more about the country and culture you’re now living in.

– Find a hobby, sport, or other activity that you’re passionate about or that you used to do back home. Engaging in something familiar and that feels less outside of your comfort zone can make you feel braver and more likely to connect with like-minded people who share your interests.

-Volunteer at a local organization. This is a great way to meet new people while giving back to your community. You can find volunteer opportunities online or at your local community center.

-Visit local businesses. Make an effort to get to know the businesses in your neighborhood, such as your local coffee shop or bakery. The more you go, the more people will start to recognize you, and the more comfortable you’ll feel. Plus, you might make some new friends!

Connect with yourself

Ultimately, the best way to find the right community when moving abroad is to connect with yourself, as all the previous methods we’ve shared will only make sense when you start focusing on yourself first. If you want to have a successful life abroad, where you feel connected and at home, then your mindset is very important.

– Be Your Most Authentic Self: If you want to make deep connections with others, you have to show your true self. You may feel like you always have to adjust yourself because of all the changes you’ve been through and create different personalities to ‘fit in’ with them. However, you will only create real connections if you show up as yourself, then you will attract those around you and that is who truly understands the real you.

– Be Patient: There is no need to rush into making new friends. If you want to find a suitable expat community and have long-lasting relationships, then you need to identify that you want to take the time to learn who you are in the new environment and how you want to spend time on relationships. Allow yourself time to learn that, trust the process, and honor yourself on this exciting journey you are on.

– Create Opportunities: If you don’t take any action towards meeting other people and putting yourself out there to connect with strangers, then not much will change. And of course, you have to create opportunities for yourself as well as know how to seize opportunities. Prioritize all the possibilities of connecting with the community and make an effort to expand your social circle.