How to meet people while (living) abroad
I’m an introvert but I enjoy people to a certain extent so I call myself an extroverted introvert. I once hosted a 4th of July party at my house and at 1:30am I was wired up and dancing to the song selection that the DJ, my extroverted coworker, had lined up in the queue. He had a program that displayed a lot of song titles and I wanted to hear every one of them. My husband looked like he was about to have a conniption fit and the DJ’s ride and carpool buddies looked like they had had enough. But me, I could have gone another hour or two. You play a great song and I’m done. It’s no wonder I didn’t go to the club a lot as a young adult, I would have been one of the last ones out. While the following list of great places to meet people won’t include “the club” or “disco” if you’re in Europe, I hope you find yourself connecting in settings and with people who will be like the DJ to your life soundtrack.
The library. I got to know the man who would later become my husband at the library. We even have an annual “Library Day” where we attempt to visit a library. I love books and learning new things. A lot of libraries provide community lectures, classes or other community oriented events where you can get to know other folks with similar interests or talents.
Work. Of course if you live in another country or have moved to a new city, your job would likely be the best place to meet new people. Of course it depends on your work environment and the work-life culture. I remember having a blast with a group of fabulous public health lawyers and public health fellows when I lived and worked as a fellow in Atlanta. I also had some of the best connection with my co-workers when I lived and worked in Bahrain. We used to go to competitive BINGO nights every Wednesday (don’t sleep on BINGO).
The gym. I am no gym rat. If you want to find me, it probably won’t be at the gym. On the rare occasion that I venture into the gym, it’s to try out a group class. When I tried TRX for the first time, I felt like I’d been missing out on building connections with folks who go through and come out of the fire. Gym friendships are great because you have people who can help motivate and push you when you’re on the verge of tapping out. They also help you stay accountable to your health and wellness goals.
Classes. When I first arrived, I started taking Flamenco classes. While I’m no longer studying under my first instructor, I still know and greet the people I met in that class when I see them out in town. When I started semi-private lessons with another instructor it was great. I got to connect with a new person and enjoyed dancing with my dance partner. I’m also taking Spanish classes. I’ve been in group Spanish lessons since April when I realized my language learning style was best in a class setting where I could possibly meet up after class to practice with a classmate.
Language groups. These are great opportunities to meet new people. When I lived in Eastern Washington, I attended a few group Spanish lesson with folks who wanted to improve their Spanish fluency. I found this group via MeetUp. Here in Spain, I have both an English/Spanish language group and a 1:1 language buddy who I meet with twice a week. It’s great because we all have the same goal of communicating in a new language and we do it in a more relaxed and familiar setting.
Professional groups. I used to be a member of Toastmasters International. I joined for two reasons. Initially I joined because I lived on Bainbridge Island and really wanted to get to know my community. My daily commute to and from Seattle was long and I didn’t really know anyone. But then I joined Toastmasters and met a whole heap of great people. My second reason for joining was of course to refine my public speaking skills and become comfortable with speaking to all audiences about my campaign to promote Racial Healing and Reconciliation.
Faith community. In addition to the encouraged assembly of your particular faith tradition, if possible, you can meet to study and learn more about what you believe. Shortly after arriving, another military spouse invited me to Bible Study. I’ve met and reconnected with a few people since that first gathering and at on point, one of the women and I considered starting a Bilingual Bible Study since Spanish is her mother tongue. Not only is it a great way for us to mature in our faith but it’s an exciting opportunity to perfect our language.there’s opportunity to meet
Affinity groups. Do you like to eat, watch birds, sample beer or geocache? Find or create an affinity group. I love books and I’m part of two bookclubs. I love beer and came across the Facebook page of a brewmaster group in town. I love food and plan to join a foodie group on one of their weekly or monthly excursions. Do you like travel? See if you can join a travel group and if one doesn't exist, that's your cue to start it.
Volunteering. Last but not least, volunteering is probably one of the best ways to meet new people in any new city and setting. If I had to choose one to dive into first, I would recommend volunteering. From Girl and Boy Scouts, to elder care and animal shelters there is always something to invest your time and talents in and your time is probably the best gift to give.
Feel free to add to this list. I’m sure there are plenty more ways to connect with and get to know new people