CelinaGHere is how to connect with locals
So you’ve decided to set off for the far unknown. Emigrating abroad is an incredibly exciting event, and I’d like to congratulate you on it.
But unfortunately, when you travel to a foreign country to live and work, you often have to leave family and friends behind. However, thanks to modern technologies, they are almost always with you.
Nevertheless, it’s great to make new acquaintances and form wonderful friendships in a foreign country,
Here I’ve put together some tips how to make friends in Germany
From experience, I can say that friendships, especially abroad, are indispensable. They not only they help you with advice and understanding, but also give you an incomparable stay. Even if many years later you have forgotten the name of your former employer, the memories you created with your friends will always come back to you. With an extra dose of courage and a curiosity for other cultures, it won’t be too hard for you to settle in your new home and make a lot of friends.
Get out of your comfort zone – be brave
Even as children, we were always reminded by our parents not to talk to strangers. Although this upbringing prepares us well to avoid unexpectedly dangerous situations and to be better able to judge unknown people in general, it may not always be beneficial in adulthood. This is because it forms the view that it is better to stay away from strangers. Introverts in particular find it extremely difficult to walk up to and approach a person they’ve never met before without a second thought.
This task is made more difficult when you are in a foreign country, with a foreign language. To avoid this tricky situation, I suggest you to leave your comfort zone and be a bit braver. Although it may feel safer and more comfortable to cosy up with a book and a glass of wine in your free time or to lull yourself to sleep by binge-watching, it is much more exciting and fulfilling to really immerse yourself in the local life and meet new people. After all, it’s in the most difficult situations and far-flung places that the best friendships often develop. You might even meet the love of your life.
Fill your free time with activities
The best advice to help you connect with people abroad is to fill your schedule with as many group activities as possible. Whether you need the local language for your current job or not, taking a language course is not only beneficial for your resume. It also gives you the opportunity to meet new people. Of course, it would be better if you choose a course with several participants. However, if you really prefer one-to-one lessons, perhaps your tutor can also become a confidant.
Google in your local area for VHS. It means Volkshochschule, and they offer a lot of courses in adult education in almost every area.
Participate in several activities
- Take a language course
Learning a language also brings you closer to the local people. After all, in most countries English is not common at all, and many people are far too shy to talk to strangers because of their minimal knowledge. As you can see, Germans may have the same problems with foreigners as you do. That is why you should gather all your courage and approach the people there. They will be very grateful to you for taking the first step.
There is hardly a German town, no matter how small, that does not offer sports activities or dance groups. Maybe your favourite sport is on the program. Or you may fulfil your long-awaited dream and dare to learn a new sport or dance. People may differ culturally in some areas, but we all have something in common: the desire to belong, to learn new things and to have fun. So if you’re ready to explore your interests, you’re sure to meet like-minded people here.
- Take the first step
- Enrol in sports or dance classes
Contact friends of friends
It is very often the case that someone in your circle of friends has friends of their own in the country you are staying in, or knows someone who knows someone. If you find it difficult to meet new people yourself, you could ask your buddy to introduce you to one of his friends and arrange a meeting. It is therefore very wise to maintain old friendships as well. Such relationships are often very helpful abroad and usually lead to further acquaintances, which can help you both privately and professionally.
Take advantage of social media
Although certain status updates and hundreds of photos of various meals may be nerve-wracking at times, Facebook, Instagram and so on also have some positive things to offer. In almost every country, groups of various interests and activities are opened on social media for people to join. Even events or regulars’ tables are often organized by groups of different nationalities. While it may be a bit scary to meet people online, since you never really know who you’ll be dealing with. However, in general, such associations are quite reputable. Besides, the advantage of such an online platform is that you can get an idea in advance.
Say yes to every invitation
When you’re just getting used to your new way of life in a foreign country, it may be tempting to take things slowly. However, it’s wise to say yes to invitations from work colleagues or from participants in your chosen activity. Especially when you’re feeling lonely or homesick, you like to retreat to your own four walls. Being in regular contact with your family and friends back home is essential for our well-being as well as theirs, and provides the necessary support as well as comfort.
But instead of contacting your loved ones non-stop via Face-Time, you should also engage in new adventures. After work, you may want to get away from this environment as soon as possible, but strong friendships can also be built with colleagues. It will also help you in your job if you get along well with your co-workers. Maybe an old acquaintance will come to your area for a short holiday. Be open-minded and join the plans if you don’t want to miss the chance to experience a lot of fun.
Meet people in cafés
Meeting people you don’t know in a café in a foreign country is easier said than done. You’re probably afraid of eliciting as surprising a reaction from the person you’re meeting as you would the other way around. But take a deep breath! Because the conversation may even be started by a local or the barista himself. Depending on what country you’re in, people may differ significantly from your culture in this area as well.
For example, people in more southern countries are often more open-minded and friendly when dealing with strangers. I don’t advise you to wander around bars and clubs alone at night – although you can meet incredibly nice people even there. But getting into a conversation in a cafeteria during the day shouldn’t cause too many problems. Besides, you can also improve your language skills in the process.
However, if you are too shy to approach someone, the tried and true tip of asking for directions almost always helps. Depending on how much interest you arouse, your counterpart may ask you about your origin and voilà , one word leads to another.
Be open to other cultures
It always amazes us to learn that someone has lived for decades in Germany and has yet to make any real friends with local people. Immigrating to a faraway place certainly brings with it some hurdles and misunderstandings. The culture shock may be very strong, especially in the beginning. But don’t forget why you chose this country. Although acquaintances with people of the same nationality, as well as foreign friends, create a very familiar feeling and are especially beneficial in moments of doubt, you should not miss the opportunity to make local friends.
Nothing brings you closer to the magic of a culture than the local people. You will experience this, especially when you are invited to family meals and celebrations. Being able to really immerse yourself in the culture through food, dialects, old traditions and customs is an incomparable experience that you should never miss. You have certainly not travelled to this country just for the sake of work. So take advantage of the opportunity you are given, especially if you are only staying in this place temporarily.
Look for accommodation in a shared flat
Living in a shared flat not only makes your wallet breathe easier, but also gives you the opportunity to be around people 24/7. Online, you will find many requests from young people who have a room available and are looking for roommates. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, you can also post on Facebook that you’re looking for a vacant room. Very often, long-lasting friendships develop from such connections, as you not only share similar experiences and backgrounds, but also a physical space.
To sum up
Friends make good times better and bad times easier. That’s why it’s important that you don’t hide away in your own four walls while you’re here in Germany, unless of course you’ve already been so successful at making friends that you need to kick back a bit. If you’re still feeling lonely in your new home, I hope my tips has helped you a bit. Remember that everything passes, even the loneliest hours. So enjoy your adventure and increase your circle of friends!
Start here, get in touch with me 🙂
