Study Abroad Tips: Making Friends

Making friends while studying abroad!

When you ask people, who have studied on an exchange programme what the best part is, the usual response is the amazing people and friendships they made.

Although one of the most rewarding parts of studying abroad is making friends, that doesn’t mean to say that it’s not easier said than done! It may seem like a scary thought before arriving but the friendships you will form on your programme will be some of the best.

Here are some tips on how to make friends abroad!

Make the most of resources

• Go to as many student events as possible! Whether it’s going to orientation or joining a new society, take advantage of events where there will be other people in the same boat as you looking to make some friends.

Get outside

• Spend less time in your room. The only way you’re going to meet people from all over the world is by getting outside and being brave!!

Use social media

• Take advantage of social media. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram can be great ways to connect with people who are also looking to make friends. Follow our social media pages, @highschoolsintl / @highschoolsintl to connect

Take charge

• Plan an outing! If you have met a few classmates but don’t yet consider them great friends, why not create some sort of activity to do together to develop the friendship! Don’t wait for activities and events to come to you, be the person who initiates it…

Branch out and take advantage of this new opportunity

• Don’t put all your eggs in one basket! It’s easy to flock to other international students who perhaps look like you, act like you and speak the same language as you. But studying abroad is an amazing opportunity to meet people you wouldn’t meet at home, keep an open mind and take full advantage of the new people and friendships to be formed.