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As an international student, studying abroad is an exciting and enriching experience. Being able to immerse yourself in a new culture, language, and academic environment is a unique opportunity that not only expands your knowledge but also allows for personal growth.
Whilst adjusting to life as an international student can come with its challenges, making friends need not be one! In this blog post, we look at the various stages of adaptation when you move abroad, and offer tips to help you build lasting friendships during your time as an international student.
Table of Contents
Stages of Adaptation When You First Move Abroad
How to Make Friends While Studying Abroad
Stages of Adaptation When You First Move Abroad
Whether you’re a student in America, Canada, Australia, Europe, or anywhere else in the world, there are common stages and experiences you are likely to encounter when studying abroad for the first time.
Stage 1: Culture shock
Embarking on a study abroad journey can bring about initial feelings of culture shock and homesickness. The first few days may be challenging as you adjust to a new environment and crave the familiarity of home. However, these feelings typically subside within a week as your new surroundings and your host country become increasingly familiar.
Remember, the discomfort is temporary, and exploring new cultures will enrich your experience in the long run - there will be many brighter days ahead!
Stage 2: Enthusiasm and curiosity
As the initial culture shock of being in a new country fades away, feelings of excitement and curiosity take over. You'll take great pleasure in noticing small details about your new surroundings, and look forward to discovering more every day.
Stage 3: Orientation Week
Now feeling excited and prepared for new adventures, you’ll meet lots more people during Orientation Week, where there are a generally a host of events and activities on offer. You'll quickly find potential new friends to embark on this exciting journey with. Enjoy the festivities, but don't get too carried away - you need to save some energy for the coming weeks!
Stage 4: Motivation and inspiration
The activities of Orientation Week come to an end, and the first semester begins. The first few days are generally positive; you'll start to realize that everything is so different compared to back home, and feel inspired and motivated as you move forward.
Stage 5: Fear and panic
Often, the previous stage can be somewhat short-lived. Soon after, you may start to realize the extend of coursework assignments, essays and projects that await, and panic hits. You might have the sense that what’s being asked of you is simply too much. When you eventually get into your rhythm, you will realize it is actually do-able. And if you speak to international friends within your social circle and university advisors, you’ll discover that almost everyone goes through this stage.
Stage 6: Homesickness
After a while, you'll probably get a bit tired of all the socializing and the university coursework, and will start thinking about home again. Homesickness can sneak up on you, even when you thought you were over it. Missing your family or a best friend in your home country is normal, but having new friends nearby helps, and this phase will pass.
Stage 7: Adaptation
After you have gone through the homesickness and nostalgia for the second time, you'll realize that you have actually adapted to your new life as an international student without even noticing. You have made friends, you attend university and complete your work; your host country is becoming a home from home.
How to Make Friends While Studying Abroad
With the right group of friends, studying abroad can be one of the best experiences of your life. Friends can help you cope with culture shock, homesickness and are people you can explore your new surroundings with.
Here are some tips for making a great network of friends during your time abroad.
Be friendly and open-minded
When you arrive at your university, make an effort to smile, make eye contact and introduce yourself to other students. Strike up conversations and ask questions to learn about their cultures and backgrounds. Remember that everyone has something unique to offer, so be open-minded and embrace the diversity around you.
By approaching your new surroundings with a friendly and open mindset, you will not only make friends but also create meaningful connections that will last long after your study abroad program is over.
Take part in orientation events
When studying abroad, taking part in orientation events can be one of the best ways to make friends. These events are specifically designed to help international students and local students adjust to their new surroundings. It’s an excellent opportunity to meet others who share similar interests.
Whether it’s exploring the city together or attending a campus event, the activities organised during orientation week can serve as a catalyst for building new, lasting friendships. Additionally, the welcoming atmosphere during these events can help ease any fears or anxieties new students may have about being in a foreign country.
Join clubs and activities
Extracurricular opportunities are a great way to meet like-minded individuals who share your interests. Whether you’re a member of a sports team, or enjoy music, or volunteer work, there's always something going on where you can connect with others and enhance your student life.
Remember, joining clubs and activities is much more than just socializing – it's also an opportunity to grow personally and professionally. So, don't hesitate to step out of your comfort zone and explore all of the extracurricular opportunities available to you
Use social media to connect
Social media platforms like Facebook offer great opportunities to link up with people before you even arrive in your destination country. Facebook groups and other forums offer a great space for asking questions, finding potential roommates, and even arranging meetups to kick start your social life. Particularly if you are an introvert and find it hard to approach new people face to face, take advantage of social media to break the ice and meet people.
Explore your new surroundings
An important part of studying abroad is making time to explore your new city or surroundings. Make an effort to discover the local hotspots, and sights and sounds of the city. Immerse yourself in the local culture and try new things. This is a great way to meet local friends who share similar interests and passions.
Whether it's joining a local club, attending events or volunteering- the opportunities to make friends are endless if you are open to exploring your new surroundings.
Participate in language exchanges
Language exchanges offer a great way to practice and advance your language skills, while also meeting new friends and deepening your cultural knowledge.
As the term suggests, in exchange for conversing with you in their language, local students can then practise their own foreign language skills with you; your own native language may be one that they are also trying to learn, whether for academic purposes or just for fun.
Initiate conversations with others
One effective way to connect with other students is to initiate conversations in various social settings, like the library, study groups or during classes. Building relationships with your peers can lead to valuable connections and unforgettable experiences. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself, ask about their major or interests, and share a bit about yourself.
Taking the first step can lead to meaningful friendships with people that become close friends, that will enhance your study abroad journey.
Learn More About Studying in the USA
We hope that this article has offered some useful tips about making friends as an international student, and the stages of adaption you can expect to experience when you first arrive. Further articles about life and study in the US can be found on our blog, Kings Life, including:
The benefits of studying abroad
7 Best Cities for International Students in the USA
Through our Guaranteed Outcome programs in the US, students begin a bachelor’s degree at one of our partner universities in Boston, New York, California, Oregon and Wisconsin. After 2 years they are then able to transfer to a Top 50 or Top 100 university, from where they will graduate.
We also offer semester abroad programs (in Boston, California, New York and Oregon), for those who would like to experience American College life without taking a full degree.
Our High School Completion program offers international students the chance to complete their high school education at the prestigious Gilbert School in Connecticut. This leads to a recognized qualification in readiness for an undergraduate program.
For those who require English preparation, we also offer a range of English language programs, from general English tuition to exam preparation courses and specialist English for career success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here, we explore some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to making friends as an international student.
Q1. How do I deal with homesickness while studying abroad?
As an international student, it's not uncommon to feel homesick while adjusting to a new environment and new cultures. However, it's important to remember that homesickness is a normal feeling and there are effective ways to cope with it.
One strategy is to stay connected with loved ones back home through video calls or social media. It's also important to engage in activities that help you feel connected to your new host country, such as joining clubs or exploring the local area.
Additionally, seeking out support from your school's international office or counseling services can provide valuable resources and a sense of community.
Ultimately, it's important to be patient and give yourself time to adjust - homesickness is a temporary feeling that will eventually pass.
Q2. Are there important cultural differences to consider when making friends abroad?
International students must be aware of cultural differences to foster meaningful connections with their peers. Cultural sensitivities play a crucial role in creating rapport, communicating effectively, and avoiding misunderstandings. It is essential to respect and learn about the norms, practices, and values of the host culture.
Beyond the language, other aspects such as humor, gestures, or personal space can vary significantly between countries, and a good understanding of them can help avoid awkward situations.
Q3. How do I manage my time between studying and socializing while abroad?
Studying abroad is a unique and exciting experience, but it can be challenging trying to balance academics with socializing. It's essential to prioritize your academic obligations while still making time for the international events and activities that make studying abroad so memorable. One of the best ways to manage your time effectively is to establish a routine. Set aside specific hours each day for studying and attending classes. By planning, you can ensure that you complete all the necessary coursework while still having time to explore your surroundings.
It's also important to keep in mind that socializing is a critical element of the international experience and can contribute significantly to your personal growth. So, make sure to participate in events, clubs, and organizations as much as possible. With careful planning and a commitment to balance, you can fully immerse yourself in your international experience without sacrificing your academic progress.
Q4. What safety tips should I follow when meeting new people in another country?
When spending time a foreign country, no matter what the context, socializing with locals and fellow international peers can be a rewarding experience. However, safety should always be the top priority.
It's essential to thoroughly research the culture and customs of the country you'll be visiting to ensure that you're respectful and aware of any safety risks. Additionally, practicing safe communication techniques can prevent potentially harmful situations. Consider meeting new people in public places, and it’s a good idea to let someone you trust know your plans.
Keep your passport and other important documents secured, and be cautious when sharing personal information. By prioritizing safety, you can fully immerse yourself in the international community while enjoying a worry-free experience.
Q5. How can I overcome language barriers when making friends in a foreign country?
Whilst most international students embarking on a study experience abroad will have a good basic grasp of the local language (whether it’s English, Spanish, German, French or any other language) it is likely that many will not yet be fluent. Often, achieving fluency is one of the main incentives for their study abroad.
First and foremost, stay positive and be patient. Especially in an educational setting, your peers are likely to be understanding of any communication barriers and will do what they can to put you at ease.
Alongside enrolling in language classes to advance your level, seek out opportunities to engage in activities that foster communication, such as group projects, language exchanges, or cultural events. Finding common interests and activities that do not require extensive language skills can be a great way to bond with new friends.
If you would like receive more detailed information about the Kings and our programmes, please get in touch with us at us.admissions@kingseducation.com.
