A big anxiety for teachers moving abroad might be adapting to an international curriculum. But an even bigger anxiety is loneliness. Many schools will buddy you up with another staff member, and this can work really well. My buddy is now one of my closest friends.
But relying solely on the staffroom for friendship can be limiting. As well as you might get on with your colleagues, seeing them both inside and outside school could be a bit much. What’s more, broadening your social circle gives you balance, resilience and a richer experience of life abroad.
It takes effort and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone, but the friendships you form beyond the school gates can be the ones that define your time overseas. Here are eight ways to create a life outside the staffroom.
How international teachers can make new friends
1. Community events
From food festivals to local sports games, community events are a convenient way to meet people in a natural setting. Even if you haven’t made many friends, signing up to a community event signals that you are open to meeting new people.
You can often find out what’s happening through community emails or township circulars, word of mouth or WhatsApp groups that share local opportunities.
My school, for instance, holds a winter and spring fair where everyone in the community is invited; it’s a great way to meet people you might not otherwise cross paths with.
2. Taking classes
Structured activities like learning a new language, dance classes, pottery, yoga or cooking are perfect for meeting people who share the same hobbies and interests as you.
It’s easier to bond over shared interests than just small talk. Not only are you meeting like-minded people, you are also learning something new, giving you a sense of purpose and progress outside the classroom.
When I joined after-school Arabic lessons, I not only learned the basics to communicate more confidently in my host country but also met a mix of people. Later, I joined a Zumba class at the gym. This was another way to unwind after school and connect with people in a fun, relaxed setting.
3. Volunteering
Of course, you have a million things to do and time seems limited, but volunteering is another way to meet new groups of people. It also gives you a feeling of satisfaction in helping out. Look for opportunities to tutor, help at community centres or join local charity groups.
You’ll see a different side to the community beyond the expat or school bubble, and gain insights into the culture that go deeper than what you’d experience as a tourist.
4. Expat groups
If you type the name of your city or town into Facebook, you are sure to find an expat group there. These groups are a great launchpad for a social life - from asking questions about solving an issue to tips for the best restaurants or bars.
What’s more, they will often run social gatherings, giving you a way to network outside of your school staffroom to broaden your friendship circle.
5. Friends of friends
It may be the case that someone in your existing friendship group happens to know someone in the country you’ve moved to. Or perhaps someone at your school knows someone who wants a tennis partner or someone to go to gigs with.
These mutual connections can be great. It may feel odd meeting up with someone you haven’t met, but you never know who you might click with.
6. Travel
Weekend trips are popular among international teachers to explore their new host country, and they can be a great way to meet others on group tours, hikes or cultural activities.
Joining these local activities not only lets you see more of your host country, it also helps you to meet people who share your curiosity and enthusiasm for exploring new places.
You can usually find these trips through local tour companies, online excursion sites or even WhatsApp groups. Many hotels and tour operators also offer discounts to schools, knowing exactly how to reach the international teacher crowd.
7. Become a regular
Find a local cafe, grocery store or bookshop and visit it frequently. Being a “regular” helps you to build recognition with staff. Over time, casual nods turn into conversations, and sometimes into lasting friendships.
The man at the fruit stall in my local grocery store will now recognise me, ask me how my day has been, and what I’ll be cooking for dinner. Small things like this make a huge difference when you’re living abroad. They help an unfamiliar new city to start to feel like home.
8. Don’t give up
In the early days, making friends abroad can feel like dating: you suggest plans, follow up and sometimes it fizzles out. Don’t get discouraged. Don’t give up. We are adults and life can sometimes get in the way.
Be consistent, show up, invite again and see where it takes you. Eventually, these acquaintances will become friends.
Sherish Osman is an international teacher and former lead practitioner
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