After all the initial excitement of living abroad fades, many find themselves feeling lonely and isolated. These are common challenges when moving to a new and very different country.
The key to successfully dispelling these feelings is building a support network abroad. Easier said than done, you cry! Here we bring you actionable tips on how to achieve this and build a support network abroad and combat loneliness and isolation.
Loneliness When Living Abroad
It is possible to feel lonely even in a new and exciting environment, where everyone talks and bustles around. An unfamiliar culture and different way of life can really make you feel like a ‘square peg in a round hole’. Not only are there language and cultural differences to deal with, often it can be difficult even meeting like-minded people. Making friends abroad can be really hard.
A prolonged feeling of loneliness can start to negatively impact a person’s mental well-being, leading to anxiety and depression. It is really important to be open about how you are feeling and to seek medical help early on.
Why Building a Support Network Is Crucial
Having friends and a support system is essential for your emotional well-being and can ease the problems of culture shock and homesickness. When you have a strong support system you can get all types of practical help.
Someone in your group will be able to help you navigate local customs, understand the healthcare system, or simply just be there when you are feeling low. Making friends and building connections will foster a sense of belonging in you and this helps you adapt to living in a foreign country.
Tips on How to Build a Support Network Abroad
Parents have a strong advantage when it comes to meeting people, as the school gate is the ideal place to join in the conversations! If you are feeling lonely and isolated it is important to be proactive and give yourself opportunities to meet other people. This is the effective way to build a support network abroad.
1. Join Local or Expat Communities
A good way to combat the loneliness of living abroad is to seek out local expat communities and groups. Their contact details can usually be found online. Some of these groups are purely online groups, but others meet regularly for coffee and other various events. They are a great place to meet others who have have had similar experiences and challenges.
Language exchange clubs with both local people and expats can be really beneficial. They will not only help you improve your language skills, but they are also a fun way to learn about the local culture and news, including special events, the best restaurants etc.
Immersing yourself in a special interest group can also be great fun. Expat groups often organize a range of different sports and leisure groups including walking, reading and cooking. Why not go along to the local Zumba or yoga class? Joining a local cooking class is a great way to sample local dishes.
It can be daunting the first few times, but if you keep a close eye on the instructor no one will tell that you don’t speak the language and the ice soon gets broken!
2. Take Initiative in Social Situations
It definitely takes more effort to make new friends in a foreign country and to be successful you must be proactive. Go along to local events and initiate conversations at them. If you meet someone new, why not invite them for a coffee?
Sometimes in a new environment, saying ‘yes’ to an invitation can be challenging if the activity is unfamiliar. Never the less, it is a great social opportunity, and you may well find that you enjoyed yourself much more than you thought you would. Meeting the same people regularly is a great way to build a support network abroad.
Getting yourself a pet is also a great way to beat loneliness. If you opt for a dog, you will soon meet many other local dog owners too.
3. Volunteer Your Help
A great way to get involved in your new home country is to volunteer for a local organization. In many countries, charitable organizations are run by foreigners. There are often many to choose from. In Paphos, Cyprus for example, there are two animal rescue centers and a thriving cancer patient support group.
There are other ways to volunteer your help within your locality, such as offering to walk the dog for an older person, or babysit for a busy mum. Don’t be worried about not being able to speak the language well as just a few words, talking with your hands and a big smile usually works!
I used to look after three young Greek children who would give me the funniest looks when I tried to explain things to them, but we certainly managed and they all developed a love for English sandwiches, cakes and hopscotch!
4. Use Technology to Stay Connected
These days, learning about local life is made far easier by social media with access to local Facebook groups etc. The various platforms are a great way for expats ad locals with shared interests to meet.
When settling into life in a new country it is also very important to maintain connections with friends and family back home. Just because you cannot physically be with them, a regular weekly video or voice call will dispel any homesick feelings for a while. Be conscious though of any time differences.
Overcoming Barriers to Making Friends
There are three main challenges to face and these all exacerbate loneliness living abroad:
Dealing with Language Barriers: If you have arrived in your new country, not speaking the language will soon prove challenging in all types of every day situations.It is really essential to get a good foundation of the language as soon as possible, either by joining the local language classes or using one of the excellent learning apps online.
Cultural Differences: In the early days, many of the country’s cultural differences will seem very strange. It is important to respect these new social norms and to take care when navigating cultural difference with new friends. Being both patient and open in all social situations will definitely help.
Combating Social Anxiety: Overcoming social anxiety can start in small ways such as casual conversations in the local shops and attending small events. If you find yourself being pulled back by social anxiety, seek some professional support.
How to Nurture Meaningful Relationships in a Foreign Country
Once the packing boxes have been emptied, many people feel that their new life is strangely quiet and empty – having left their friends behind. Some people try to get to know absolutely everyone as quickly as possible, but it is more important to focus on building a few meaningful connections.
To help this process, aim to be a good friend. Try and be a reliable and supportive. Show interest in the other person’s culture and experiences as this will be very rewarding. It is important to reciprocate their kindness with unexpected friendly gestures. Slowly but surely you will find new friendships blossom and these help you build a support network abroad.
Long-Term Strategies for Staying Connected While Living Abroad
When settling into a new lifestyle, it is important to invest time and energy in new friendships. Relationships may take longer to form when living abroad – especially when it is with local people. They come with tremendous rewards.
Although you may feel lonely, it is best not to try too hard. Some new friendships do not work out and disappointing though this is, no one is to blame. It is essential that you keep your expectations in check and adjust them as you learn more about your new community. Staying connected with communities from your home country can provide reassuring familiarity as you try to integrate into the local culture.
Building a support network of new friends while living abroad can do wonders for your emotional well-being. It also ensures that you have a richer experience of local life in your new country. To achieve this, take steps to make new friends by joining local groups, volunteering for charitable causes and participating in online forums. Forming lasting friendships takes time and persistence, but will make your time abroad more rewarding.
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