One of the most common obstacles for young travelers when going abroad is the fear of being alone – specifically, the challenge of making friends. But here is the truth: it’s perfectly normal to have this stress, whether you are a first-time solo traveler or consider yourself a travel pro.
Building friendships abroad is far more than a social perk; these connections become your emotional support system, your guides for cultural exchange, and a crucial part of your long-term professional network. International internships and structured programs are actually one of the best ways to forge these bonds, as you’ll be surrounded by like-minded international interns. We know the path isn’t always easy (cultural differences, shyness, homesickness), but this post is your complete guide. We’re providing practical, actionable strategies to move from feeling isolated to building a thriving social life abroad.
In the following sections, we’ll dive deep into shifting your mindset, leveraging your Roots internship structure, and using specific communication techniques to guarantee you leave with both invaluable experience and a global network of lasting friends.
Mindset Matters
Be open and Approachable
The first impression you make is important—both inside and outside the workplace. Maintaining a positive, relaxed, and genuinely friendly attitude encourages others to reciprocate. Humans respond strongly to friendly body language and interest, so smile, maintain eye contact, and initiate conversation.
During your international internship, simple actions like saying “hello” in communal spaces, greeting team members before briefings, or joining others for coffee are easy ways to start connecting. Offering to share a snack or help with a small task can also create natural opportunities for friendship.
Being approachable extends beyond the office. When exploring your host city, look up from your phone and be open to interaction. For example, noticing someone with a book or T-shirt from your home country and offering a compliment can spark a conversation that may grow into a lasting friendship.. This will help you develop the wider skills you will also gain from this internship directly related to your professional development. Remember that even the smallest gestures can help you to start making friends during your internship.
Patience is Key
Building friendships while interning abroad takes time, so be patient and kind to yourself. Moving to a new country and starting an international internship is already a big accomplishment! Set realistic expectations—you won’t instantly find a best friend, but you will form meaningful connections.
Friendships often grow from small, everyday interactions rather than major social events. The “rule of consistency” matters: seeing someone repeatedly—during coffee breaks, team projects, or casual chats—turns strangers into acquaintances. These small, shared moments are the foundation for friendships that naturally develop into a lasting global network.
Practical Ways to Meet People
Leverage Your internship
Your internship is arguably the easiest and most structured avenue for making friends abroad, as you automatically share similar professional goals and interests with your colleagues. Daily interactions are a fantastic source of local knowledge; your co-workers are your direct link to authentic experiences, providing insight on what to do, where to eat, and which social events abroad are truly worth checking out – all opportunities for trying to make new friends.
Look beyond the desk for natural social opportunities. Structured activities like team projects, mandatory meetings, and project launch events are invaluable, acting as built-in icebreakers where you can connect without having to plan an activity yourself. A pro tip is to show initiative; volunteer for tasks or team-building exercises if your schedule allows, and ask thoughtful questions. This helps you build strong professional connections with colleagues, which often transition into friendships. Furthermore, brainstorming sessions, shared office lunches, or even quick debriefs are excellent ways to bond with fellow interns and co-workers over shared goals, challenges, and opportunities throughout your Roots internship. Remember, a shared sense of mission creates deep common ground, which is the perfect foundation for lasting friendships through your Roots Internship.
Explore Local and Expat Communities
To truly build a thriving social life while interning abroad, you need to think both like a local and like a fellow traveler. Consider joining local clubs, language classes, or social groups to meet people outside your internship bubble. Getting involved in a local sports team or language exchange club offers direct insights into local cultures and helps you find common ground to connect over with new people, making it easier to form authentic friendships.
Crucially, don’t overlook the expat community. These groups are often the fastest way to find immediate support and social connection with people who understand the unique challenges of living abroad. You can leverage digital tools like Meetup for interest-based groups, specific expat Facebook groups (e.g., “Expats in [City Name]”), or local WhatsApp chats to connect with people who share your experiences. Remember, all Roots interns have access to a dedicated WhatsApp community, providing instant access to a network of international interns on placements around the world! By tapping into both local culture and the expat community, you significantly increase your opportunities for making friends while interning abroad.
Be a Regular
To foster true connections while interning abroad, consistency is key. We’ve talked about being regular within the office, but you must establish yourself in the local community as well. Find a local spot- maybe a family-run coffee shop, a favorite lunch taco stand, or a cozy pub for an after-work drink. Most importantly, opt for local businesses over large, international chains.
When you return to the same spot daily or weekly, you cease being a tourist and become a familiar face. This is where casual conversations develop into genuine friendships. Try small, immediate actions: Ask the barista or server their name, and introduce yourself. If you notice a table of locals who are regulars, ask simple, genuine questions – what do they recommend you do for fun in the area? Where should you go for authentic dinner or explore on the weekend? Participating in project activities or excursions also contributes by establishing your “third place” outside of work, demonstrating commitment to the local culture. This repeated presence builds trust and rapport, which are the essential ingredients for making friends abroad.
Communication Tips
Overcome Language Barriers
Depending on where your international internship is located, a language barrier may be one of the first challenges you face. It’s absolutely vital to learn key phrases in the local language at the start. Don’t hesitate to ask your supervisor or Roots contact for pointers and try to stay patient when communicating with locals to make friends. Even if you don’t speak the language fluently, showing effort and enthusiasm to learn greetings, common phrases, and helpful words is a tremendous way to show respect for the local culture and start meaningful connections.
When words fail, focus on shared non-verbal interests. Look for activities that naturally connect people without relying on complex conversation. This could involve joining a casual sports game (like a local soccer club or basketball league), attending an art or cooking class, or exploring the local music and food scene (e.g., inviting a colleague to try a new dish). These shared, immersive experiences transcend language and are powerful pathways for connecting with locals abroad. Embracing different cultural communication styles, both verbal and non-verbal, will richly enrich your internship and strengthen your new friends.
Use Social Media Mindfully
Social media is a powerful tool for developing your social network, both before and during your international internship. Connecting with fellow interns before you even land – whether through Instagram DMs, LinkedIn, or the essential Roots WhatsApp community – is a great way to solidify strong friendships and alleviate first-day jitters. You can arrive already knowing a few friendly faces.
However, you must be mindful of how you use these platforms. In-person interactions will always be the most authentic way to make friends as an international intern. Think of social media as a planning tool, not a substitute for real life. Use group chats to quickly organize events like a weekend hiking trip or a casual dinner, rather than scrolling endlessly alone. For example, if you meet a local colleague, follow up immediately with a quick message: “It was great meeting you today! Let’s grab a coffee on Thursday.” This quick, low-pressure digital follow-up smoothly transitions online acquaintance into a real-life connection, which is the key to making friends abroad.
Maintain Friendships After the Internship
The relationships you build while interning abroad don’t have to end when you fly home. These Roots friendships can, and should, become long-term networks that support both your personal growth and your career, making your experience truly unforgettable. To keep these connections alive, leverage simple tools: schedule regular check-ins via WhatsApp or video calls, share updates and memories on Instagram, or even send old-fashioned postcards from your next travel destination.
Essentially, view these connections as a global professional network. Your friends from the Roots internship are now colleagues spread across continents, offering unique perspectives and potential career opportunities. These friendships often turn into valuable professional connections, offering support and guidance long after your internship ends. A great tip is to plan future trips together, either visiting them in their home country or meeting up halfway. Just remember the golden rule: the phone works both ways! Be proactive in reaching out to ensure these bonds endure and pay dividends for years to come.
Overcoming Common Challenges
While making friends abroad is rewarding, challenges like social anxiety or cultural disorientation can arise. With the right mindset and strategies, you can build meaningful, lasting connections.
- Shyness or Introversion: You don’t need to be the life of the party. Take small steps—ask a colleague about their weekend or seek advice on a local spot. Consistency matters more than intensity.
- Cultural Differences: Respect local traditions and approach differences with curiosity. Genuine interest and humility go a long way in forming local friendships.
- Homesickness or Loneliness: Acknowledge your feelings. Balance socialising with self-care – connect with fellow interns or locals but take space when needed to recharge.
- Fear of Rejection: Don’t pressure yourself. Most people, especially fellow expats, are open and friendly. Focus on enjoying conversations; friendships will follow naturally.
Why Roots Supports Friendships Abroad
Professional experience is important, but so is building connections. Our programs are designed to reduce the social anxiety of interning abroad by embedding opportunities to connect into your schedule. From team projects and mentorship to cultural events and local excursions, Roots creates regular, low-pressure environments for social bonding. With group accommodations, local partnerships, and a supportive community-focused approach, every intern feels comfortable forming meaningful friendships from day one.
If you want to hear firsthand how easy it is to make friends and build a global network in our programs, check out the testimonials from previous Roots interns on our blog in the Resources.
Ready to turn your travel anxiety into a global network?
The experience of making friends while interning abroad will redefine your career and your life. Get in touch today to start your Roots journey and learn how to make friends around the world while gaining invaluable international experience.
The blog was written by Faye Johnson
