Part 13 of 31 Things Americans Should Think About Before Moving Abroad: Making Friends Abroad

Making new friends as an adult isn’t easy. When you're a busy mid-career professional with kids, living in a country where the language isn't your mother tongue, it's even harder. So if you move abroad in midlife, how do you make friends? This is Part 13 of 31 Things Americans Should Consider When Planning a Move Abroad.

When you move to a new country in mid-life, chances are good that folks there already have their friend network. So how do you break in?

Darien and friend Amy Branger of Perfect Avocado Retreats

Of course, if you have kids, you might hit it off with other parents. But if you move with older kids, there might not be a lot of opportunities to run into other parents once you're no longer part of the school drop-off gang.

Most people find that the easiest way to make friends is to join a group of some sort. In the Netherlands, a lot of social life is structured around sport clubs, for example. Maybe you like singing, in which case you could join a choir, like I did.

Another great way to make new friends abroad is through your language lessons if your new country has a different language. It's a great way to meet not only other immigrants but also people from that country who have made it their hobby to welcome immigrants.

And of course, there's always volunteering for a cause that matters to you. Giving back is a fantastic way to connect with like-minded people while doing something meaningful.

You can also find local events through social media or expat groups, which can be a goldmine for meeting people in the same boat as you. Another option, if you're a woman, is to find a FAWCO group. FAWCO stands for Federation of American Women's Clubs Overseas. The FAWCO group in the Netherlands, the American Women's Club of Amsterdam, is nearly 100 years old.

Whatever ideas you've had for making friends in your current location are likely to work for making friends abroad as well. But whatever the method, it's important to devote time and mental energy to making new friends. Having strong social connections is critical to feeling at home in your new country and making your expat experience a fulfilling one.

Did you find this helpful? Are you planning a move abroad? Work with me to make your move from a place of clarity and organization.