Moving to a new country can be both exciting and overwhelming. We have to deal with multiple things suddenly that nothing can prepare us for it. We miss our families, our food, our friends while dealing with everyday culture shocks.
Faced with such a situation you are bound to feel lonely and in need of a friend. But then you realize that the last you made new friends was probably in your college and it's been some time since you went to college. You really are at a point where you don't know how to talk to strangers anymore unless they are from your workplace. And with Remote work increasing, that too has become extremely challenging. But what I want to tell all of you is that, making friends as an adult in a new country can be challenging, but it's not impossible.
Here are 7 tips to help you make friends in a new country that you call home.
Join Social Groups or Clubs
One of the easiest ways to meet new people is by joining social groups or clubs. These groups could be anything from a book club to a hiking group, a cooking class to even just a movie club. When you join a group that aligns with your interests, you'll have a shared topic of conversation and a reason to spend time with people who share your passions.
You can find groups on social media platforms such Facebook, Instagram, online forums, or community centers.
Start by searching for groups that interest you, and attend a few meetings or events. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself and strike up a conversation with the other members.
To give you an example, when I first moved to this country, 2 groups I actively looked for were cricket groups and some sort of a movie club. I found another group for Indians in Jersey City on Facebook where someone had posted about playing cricket. I joined them, become friends and eventually was get introduced to others who were interested in movies or film-making and even Indian food.
The easiest way to actually strike friendship with Indians at least is to talk to them about food. That opens us up quite a bit.
Volunteer
Volunteering is another great way to meet people and make a positive impact in your community. Not just that, if you're a dependent in the US on H4 Visa, there's a possibility that you won't be allowed to work until you are eligible to apple for H4 EAD. Volunteering is the best option for you in that case. Not only does it help you channelize your energies, it also gives you a wider exposure to how things work in a new country.
You can choose a cause that is important to you and find volunteer opportunities through local organizations or online platforms.
We know so many people who reached out to us after reading our blog or after watching on volunteering telling us that they actually tried it and it was a life altering experience for them.
When you volunteer, you'll be working alongside other people who share your values and interests. You'll have a chance to get to know them and build relationships while doing something good for the community. Plus, volunteering can be a great way to learn more about the local culture and customs.
Attend community events
Most cities and towns have a range of community events, from festivals and concerts to markets and fairs. Attending these events can be a great way to meet new people and learn more about your new home. If you like to perform, you can also sign up to perform at these events. That is something that will definitely help you reach out to a much larger group of people with similar interests.
When you attend community events, you'll be surrounded by people who are also looking to have a good time and meet new people. Strike up conversations with people around you, and don't be afraid to ask for recommendations on things to do and see in your new city.
Take hobby classes
Taking classes is another great way to meet people who share your interests. Whether you're interested in cooking, painting, dancing, or anything else, there are likely classes available for it.
When you take classes, you'll be surrounded by people who share your passion for that particular activity. You'll have a chance to get to know them and build relationships while learning something new. Plus, taking classes can be a great way to build your skills and knowledge in a particular area.
Related Blog: How to Deal with Loneliness H4 Visa in the US
Use social media
Social media can be a great tool for meeting new people and finding events in your new city. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Meetup and so many others allow you to search for events and groups that align with your interests.
When you find a group or event that interests you, be sure to attend a few meetings or events. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself and strike up a conversation with the other members. You never know who you might meet!
Be Open and Approachable
Finally, it's essential to be open and approachable when trying to make new friends. Smile, make eye contact, and be willing to initiate conversations with new people. Remember that making friends takes time and effort, but with persistence and patience, you'll be able to build a strong social network in your new country.
In summary, making friends as an adult in a new country can be challenging, but there are several steps you can take to increase your chances of success. Joining social groups or clubs, volunteering, attending community events, taking classes, using social media, and being open and approachable are all great ways to meet new people and build lasting friendships. Remember to be patient, stay positive, and be open to new experiences and people. With time and effort, you'll be able to build a strong social network in your new country.
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