How to Form and Sustain Friendships as an Expat?

Oct 26, 2024

Let’s be real – making friends as an adult is hard. Add moving to a new country into the mix, where everything from the language to the local culture feels unfamiliar, and it can feel nearly impossible to make genuine connections. If you’ve found yourself in a new country and struggling to find "your people," you’re not alone. Many of us expats face this same challenge.

The good news? With a bit of openness and effort, you can create meaningful, lasting friendships, even in the transient world of expat life.

Why Making Friends as an Expat is Different?

When we were kids, friendships just happened naturally, right? You’d sit next to someone in class or meet them at the playground, and that was it – instant best friends. As adults, it’s more complex. We’re busy, we’re juggling responsibilities, and sometimes, it feels easier to stay in our own bubble.

Now add the challenge of living in a foreign country, where you might not speak the language, understand the culture, or know where to go to meet people. It’s tough, but it’s definitely not impossible.

For expats, especially in places like Dubai where people are constantly moving in and out, friendships can feel temporary. The truth is, they might be! But that doesn’t mean they can’t still be meaningful.

Where to Start: Building Friendships From Scratch

If you’re feeling a little lost on where to begin, here are some tips to help you start building those important connections:

Step Out of Your Comfort Zone: The easiest way to make friends is by putting yourself out there. This could mean attending events, joining groups, or even just starting conversations with people you meet in your daily life. It’s not always easy, but taking that first step can lead to wonderful friendships.
Join Local Expat or Interest Groups: Being part of a community that shares your interests or your expat experience can help you form deeper connections. Groups like Coffee With An Expat are designed for this very reason – to connect like-minded women who understand what it’s like to start over in a new country.
Be Open and Authentic: Don’t feel pressured to present a perfect version of yourself when meeting new people. Being open and real about your own challenges as an expat can help you connect on a deeper level. Vulnerability often leads to more meaningful relationships.

Nurturing Friendships in a Transient World

Once you’ve started to form those connections, how do you keep them alive, especially in a transient expat community where people are constantly coming and going? Here are some tips to sustain and nurture friendships:

Invest in the Present: It can be tempting to hold back emotionally because, as expats, we know people might leave. But if we constantly hold back, we might miss out on the joy of forming close, supportive friendships. Embrace the present and invest in the relationships you’re building right now.
Stay in Touch: Whether you’re traveling, moving again, or your friend has left, staying in touch has never been easier. With social media, WhatsApp, and Zoom, distance doesn’t mean the end of a friendship. Schedule regular catch-ups, even if it’s virtual.
Find Your “Anchor” Friends: Not every friendship will be deep, but having a few "anchor" friends who you can rely on and trust will make all the difference. These are the friends who are there through the ups and downs, and you’ll support each other no matter where life takes you.

The Importance of Community

Forming friendships as an expat can sometimes feel like navigating uncharted waters, but finding a supportive community can make all the difference. At Coffee With An Expat, we’ve created a space where women can connect, share their experiences, and support each other through every twist and turn of expat life.

We believe that the beauty of expat friendships lies in their diversity – in the stories, cultures, and experiences we share with one another. And even if some friendships are temporary, the memories and growth they bring can last a lifetime.

Ready to Make Meaningful Connections?

If you’re ready to meet other women who understand what it’s like to live abroad and are looking to form real friendships, join us at Coffee With An Expat. Our community is full of like-minded women eager to connect, whether over a cup of coffee or through our virtual events.