One of the most exciting things about going on exchange? The people you’ll meet! Whether you’re looking for a different experience or want to learn something new, the new friendships you’ll make while on exchange are truly special. During my exchange in Montreal, Canada, I quickly learned that stepping out of my comfort zone to connect with new people was a crucial skill, one that continues to benefit me. Making friends may seem like a hurdle, but it’s a fantastic opportunity to build lasting bonds with people from all corners of the world. In this blog, we’ll give you some simple tips for forging strong exchange friendships. These tips come from what I learned and what other exchange students did.
1. Dive into the World of Sports
If you already do sports at home, continuing this activity can be a comfortable starting point. Or you can also take the opportunity to try something completely new that you’ve never done before. Sharing a common interest through sports naturally lowers the initial barrier to approaching someone new, making it easier to connect with people with similar interests.
2. Take advantage of every social interaction
One of the most enriching things about living in another country is the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. Don’t hesitate to strike up conversations with those you meet in your day-to-day life. You never know who you might meet or what kind of relationships you will form, so go ahead and introduce yourself to that person you run into at the bus stop or chat with someone you meet at a local activity.
Also, if your host family invites friends or relatives over, make the most of these occasions! Get involved in the conversations, show interest in what they are saying and share your own experiences as well. These gatherings are a fantastic opportunity to meet new people in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Remember that, living in a new country, you have the incredible advantage that no one knows you from your past. This is your opportunity to present yourself as you are, without any previous judgments.
3. Authenticity is fundamental: just be yourself.
It may seem obvious, but being yourself is crucial. Regardless of who you are, there will always be people whose personalities align with yours. People are more likely to be attracted to someone genuine and authentic. So, don’t try to be someone you’re not; just be yourself and the right connections will come naturally. The strongest friendships generated during an exchange are based on authenticity.
4. Guaranteed fun: you hold the key
Building friendships requires action, don’t wait to be invited! Why not surprise your new friends with a typical meal from your country – they’ll love to try new flavors! Or you can play your favorite music in the car – a trip to discover places together is always a great idea! And if you want something more relaxed, organize a sleepover with games and late-night chats! These initiatives are key to consolidating your exchange friendships.
5. Say yes to opportunities
Make a conscious effort to say yes to as many activities as possible. Even if it’s something you wouldn’t normally do at home, try it while you’re on exchange; you never know what might come of it. Of course, always trust your instincts and feel free to turn down something that doesn’t feel right.
6. Let everyone know that you are an exchange student.
This was incredibly helpful during my exchange year. When you meet someone new and mention that you are coming on exchange, it often sparks an interest. People tend to be curious about your experience in their country and what life is like in your home country, which naturally leads to interesting conversations. Many people are also more open to helping you or talking to you when they know you are new and from a different place. This is a great way to start these new exchange friendships!
7. Get involved with your host family.
Actively participate in the life of your host family. One of my host family’s daughters was my age and doing activities together was an important part of my experience. Make an effort to attend their family gatherings, help around the house, and participate in their hobbies and activities. They can also be a great bridge to meeting new people, and given the amount of time you will spend with them, they are likely to become lifelong friends. Not only will this make you feel more comfortable and at home, but it will also give you a deeper understanding of their culture.
8. Finally, connect socially online
In today’s world, connecting online is easier than ever. There are plenty of social networks and websites that will help you make friends during your exchange. It is important to download social networks like Instagram to stay in touch. For example, as soon as I arrived I downloaded Snapchat, a social network that is widely used in Canada! It was great for me to be able to meet up with my Canadian friends while I was living there. And it was funny because when my exchange friend came to visit me in Spain, she had to download WhatsApp! She only used iMessage in Canada. These networks served us a lot to contact our friends while we were living our exchange, and also to keep in touch once we parted!
Therefore
Making friends during an exchange can present challenges, but it is an unparalleled opportunity to create meaningful and lasting connections with people from all over the world. Remember to be open-minded, proactive and, most importantly, be yourself – exchange friends, friends for life!
