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How to Make Friends and Network as an International Student: A Guide for Socializing and Building Relationships

Written by Michael Nz. on December 24, 2023

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4 min read
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Photo of a Man and His Friends Talking while Walking

When you study in another country, you can learn many new things. You can see a new culture, speak a new language, and have new experiences. But you also have to deal with some hard things. You must get used to a different place, miss your home, and find your way in a new community.

One of the most important things to do when you study abroad is to make friends and network. Having good friends and connections can help you with many things. You can feel less stressed, do better in school, and have more chances for your future. But how do you make friends and network as an international student? How do you talk to people who are different from you?

In this article, I will tell you some tips and ways that I learned from my own experience as an international student. I will help you make friends and network with people who have different backgrounds, likes, and goals. I will also show you how to use some words and phrases that can make your talk more fun and interesting.

Tip 1: Be open-minded and curious

The first thing to do to make friends and network as an international student is to be open-minded and curious. This means you want to learn from others, respect their ideas, and like their differences. It also means you want to know their stories, cultures, and views.

Being open-minded and curious can help you start a talk with anyone. You can ask questions, tell your stories, and find things you have in common. For example, you can ask someone:

  • Where are you from and what do you study?
  • How do you feel about living and studying here?
  • What do you like to do when you have free time?
  • What are some of the hard things that you have as a student?
  • What are some of the things that you want to do in the future?

You can also use some words and phrases that can make your questions more fun and natural. These words and phrases have a meaning that is different from what they say. For example, you can say:

  • How do you deal with the culture shock? (meaning: how do you handle the feeling of being confused and worried when you see a different culture)
  • What are some of the rules and habits in your culture? (meaning: what are some of the things that you should do or not do in your culture)
  • How do you manage your time and choices between school and personal life? (meaning: how do you decide what to do and when to do it for your school and your personal life)

Tip 2: Be proactive and outgoing

The second thing to do to make friends and network as an international student is to be proactive and outgoing. This means you want to talk to others, join groups and events, and do things with others. It also means you are confident, friendly, and happy.

Being proactive and outgoing can help you meet more people and find people who like the same things as you. You can join groups and events about your hobbies, passions, or goals. For example, you can join:

  • A team or a class for sports or fitness
  • A group or a class for music or dance
  • A club or a group for language or culture
  • A group or an event for helping others or making a difference
  • A group or an event for your career or your future

You can also use some words and phrases to make your talk more catchy and easy to remember. These words and phrases use a part of something to mean the whole thing or vice versa. For example, you can say:

  • I’m a bookworm. (meaning: I love reading books)
  • I’m a night owl. (meaning: I stay up late at night)
  • I’m a foodie. (meaning: I like trying different foods)

Tip 3: Be supportive and respectful

The third thing to do to make friends and network as an international student is to be supportive and respectful. This means you want to help, listen to, and understand others. It also means you are nice, honest, and reliable.

Being supportive and respectful can help you build lasting relationships with others. You can show your support and respect by:

  • Listening to others and giving them feedback
  • Helping and advising them when they need it
  • Being happy for their success and achievements
  • Being there for them when they are sad or worried
  • Saying sorry when you make a mistake or hurt their feelings
  • Doing what you say and keeping your promises

You can also use some words and phrases that can make your talk more sincere and warm. These words and phrases compare two things that are not the same but have something in common. For example, you can say:

  • You are a ray of sunshine. (meaning: you are happy and make my day better)
  • You are a breath of fresh air. (meaning: you are new and different from others)
  • You are a diamond in the rough. (meaning: you have great skills and value)

Conclusion

Making friends and networking as an international student can be a good and fun thing to do. It can help you grow as a person, learn new things, and reach your goals. By following these tips and ways, you can make friends and network with people from all kinds of life. You can also use some words and phrases to make your talk more fun and interesting. Remember, the world is your oyster. (meaning: you have many chances and choices) So go ahead and enjoy it!

2 thoughts on “How to Make Friends and Network as an International Student: A Guide for Socializing and Building Relationships

    1. I would be happy to provide information about my city, but unfortunately, I cannot include external websites in my response. However, I can give you a general overview and some details about my city without any external links.

      My city is a vibrant and diverse place with numerous attractions and opportunities. It has a rich history, beautiful architecture, and a thriving cultural scene. The local cuisine is renowned for its delicious flavors and unique dishes. There are also several parks and green spaces where you can enjoy nature or engage in recreational activities.

      To learn more about scholarships or funding options to study in my city or any other location, you can try searching on scholarship databases, government websites, and educational institutions’ websites. These platforms often provide comprehensive information on available scholarships for international students.

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