So you want to know: How to make friends while you are studying abroad?
Studying abroad is scary. You are living in a new country, you probably don't know the local language, don't know where exactly you are living, don't know much of anything. AND on top of that you have to worry about making friends! I was terrified of this. Despite being at times "weirdly friendly" (so says my best friend), I was so worried that I would not make friends. I showed up the first day, jet-lagged and terrified. But the semester ending with me having an amazing group of friends, almost all whom I have stayed in touch with!
Below are my best pieces of advice for making friends while studying abroad. Although honestly, this advice can apply to many different situations.
1. Be that weird friendly person in your class(es)
Look, I know you don't want to be that weirdo who introduces themselves to every single person in your dorm, class, area, etc. But guess who was that weirdo: ME. That's right the very first day of me moving into my dorm in Prague, I went around to every single room and introduced myself. And it really wasn't awkward! I just explained that I was stopping by and asked where that person was from. By the end of day I know everyone in my dorm and everyone knew me. And you know what, everyone appreciated it. By the end of the semester 80% of the people in my dorm thanked me for introducing myself in the first day. Also haven't you heard? Trying hard is cool.
Look there is me! With two of my best friends who I met while studying abroad in Prague! Aren't we adorable? (PS Prague folks: this is Petrin's garden)
2. Get OUT of your comfort zone and INTO the local faves
So you could go to that fastfood place that you have in your hometown for dinner every night but SERIOUSLY?! SERIOUSLY?! You are in a new city, EXPLORE. Go out there and find what the locals love. There is a reason that random pub down the street is always full of people who may not look like you, its where the locals go and its where you should go. And while you're at it, bring some of your study-abroad friends. (If you are going to Prague, czech out Letna beer garden! Pictured below)
3. Be YOU
This advice is relevant no matter situation you are in. What is the point of making friends with someone if you aren't being yourself? If you like beer than go to that local Prague pub by Charles University where the students drink. If you like picking mushrooms then get your RA to take you (yes they pick mushrooms in Prague).
Some MORE friends I made studying abroad and, yes, we are picking mushrooms in a forest. (Yes we ate them and are alive to tell the tale)
After all "If I am not me, who will be" You are already awesome, that doesn't change when you study abroad. (Discount this advice if in fact, you aren't a nice person. Stop that. Life is too short to be mean)
Now I KNOW there is a lot I left out. There are so many things you can do to make friends while studying abroad. Like taking home random strangers (JOKING - DO NOT DO THIS... unless you want to and you have friends who are making sure it's safe). What have I missed? What would you do differently? Let me know!
