Moving abroad for an internship can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. If you're worried about how to make friends in a new city, you’re not alone! Many interns feel the same way before they arrive. But don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to build friendships and make the most of your experience. Here are our top tips for making friends at work and beyond while interning abroad.
1. Turn Your Flatmates into Friends.
Your flatmates can quickly become your second family, making them the easiest and most convenient friends to connect with. At The Intern Group, our shared accommodation ensures you’ll live with like-minded people, creating an instant social circle.
If you’re nervous, remember that everyone is in the same boat. They’re likely just as eager to make friends as you are! Take the initiative—introduce yourself and suggest grabbing a coffee or exploring the city together. These small efforts can lead to lifelong friendships.
2. Say Yes to Every Opportunity.
One of the best ways to meet people is by saying yes to plans. The secret to being sociable is to never say no to invitations.
At first, it can be tempting to decline plans due to nerves or fear of seeming too eager. But pushing past these feelings and saying yes can open doors to unexpected friendships. Whether it’s a casual coffee meetup or a group outing, you never know when a simple yes could lead to a lasting connection!
3. Connect with Your Colleagues.
Your workplace is a great place to form meaningful friendships. Since you already share a common interest—your internship or job—making connections with colleagues should come naturally.
If there are other interns in your office, suggest grabbing lunch together or walking home in the same direction. Having office friends not only makes work more enjoyable but also guarantees a daily social circle to rely on.
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4. Take Advantage of Organized Events.
One of the biggest perks of The Intern Group's programs is the array of planned events and activities. These outings are not just opportunities to explore your new city—they’re also a fantastic way to meet fellow interns from around the world.
Be sure to exchange contact details with people you meet at these events. Taking the extra step to follow up and make plans together can turn a casual acquaintance into a strong friendship.
5. Be Proactive & Put Yourself Out There.
Making the first move can be daunting, but don’t let fear hold you back! Many people hesitate to initiate plans out of fear of rejection, but in reality, most are grateful for an invitation.
Host a movie night at your place, organize a sightseeing trip, or plan a group dinner. The more you put yourself out there, the easier it becomes to form connections and make friends. Before long, you’ll have a great group of friends to share your experience with!
6. Take a Class to Meet Like-Minded People
Attending a regular class—whether it’s yoga, a cooking course, or a language lesson—is an excellent way to connect with like-minded individuals. Engaging in a shared activity provides a natural opportunity to start conversations, build friendships, and discover new experiences.
Through these classes, you’ll meet people with similar interests, making it easier to find new friends to grab a meal with or explore the city together. If you don’t have a hobby yet, don’t worry—this is the perfect chance to try something new and expand your social circle!
7. Join Online Groups to Connect with Fellow Travelers
Take advantage of online platforms like Couchsurfing, Meetup, and Facebook groups to find local events and meet other travelers or expats. These websites are great for discovering networking events, social meetups, and group activities tailored to newcomers in a city.
When meeting new connections, always prioritize safety—arrange your first meetups in public places and let someone know your plans.
