Anyone who has moved overseas knows that arriving in a new country can bring on a wave of different emotions. Starting a completely new chapter in a different place can be incredibly exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. You’re leaving behind loved ones, your favourite spots and daily routines that you’ve grown accustomed to. With all of this change, it’s easy to feel isolated or disconnected.
For this reason, it’s no surprise that moving somewhere where you don’t know anyone can be slightly daunting – and it’s natural to worry: “What if I don’t meet many people? What if I don’t make friends?”. While it’s healthy to enjoy some alone time every now and then, you’ll soon find that building a local community is essential and can greatly benefit both your mental health and personal growth. Making new connections can help you feel less alone and having friends to explore your new surroundings with can even encourage you to try new things. Whether through work or social activities, building a network can help turn a new place into a home.
But how do you actually meet new people? What’s the best way to start building connections? Let’s have a look…
New school, new colleagues
One thing you might notice when working at an international school overseas, compared to your local school back home, is that teachers tend to spend a lot more time together. It’s only natural. You’ve moved to a new country and while you’re settling in, attending induction sessions and INSET days, you’ll inevitably spend more time with colleagues – particularly those who are also new. Many international schools also provide teachers with accommodation, which often means living in the same building as other members of staff. This makes it much easier to meet people and socialise as there are always others around to chat with or do activities together.
In addition, some schools organise events for new staff or have ‘buddy systems’ in place. There may even be WhatsApp groups to help you get to know others. One of my first memories from moving to the Middle East was messaging someone in the teachers group on a whim to see if they’d like to go shopping with me as I didn’t know where anything was or how things worked. Now, years down the line, we still remain close friends and a big part of each other’s lives, despite no longer living near each other. The reason why I am telling you this is to show that you never know what might happen! The key is to stay open to meeting new people and don’t be afraid to be the first one to reach out. And if someone reaches out to you, be willing to say yes. It might feel a little overwhelming at first, but it’s one of the best ways to put yourself out there and start building connections; things will settle down before you know it.
Once the school year gets underway, you may find you have less free time, but you can still organise social events with colleagues, or perhaps with your year group or department, depending on the size of the school. After-work socials are a great way to stay connected, whether it’s going out for food or doing a fun activity. If time allows, try to get involved in school life beyond your immediate responsibilities. Participating in events and helping in other areas of the school will give you the chance to meet colleagues outside your usual circle. Some schools are very large, so you might not see many people outside your section/department, which is why it’s beneficial to make an effort to mix with others whenever possible, especially at the beginning of the year.
Creating your own circle outside of work
This can be a bit trickier, but it’s often more achievable than you might think! When I first moved overseas, the principal gave all new staff an introduction with some tips and advice. One of the main points he emphasised was: “make sure to make friends outside of work” (or something along those lines!). He mentioned it several times and it really stuck with me.
At first, I was convinced that the friends I’d made at work would be enough, as we did everything together. But over time, I noticed that much of our time together inevitably revolved around work. It’s only natural, it’s such a big part of our lives and something we all shared. However, it soon felt like I wasn’t properly separating my work life from my personal life.
One of the best ways to build a life outside of work, which may be obvious, is to find hobbies and activities you enjoy. Think about things you’re passionate about, or something you’ve always wanted to try but never had the chance to. It’s a perfect opportunity to explore new pastimes from scratch. Once you overcome the initial nerves, you’ll find you’re more than capable of trying new things independently. Look for local clubs, sports leagues or classes that interest you. You could even take language lessons to learn the local language of your new country.
A simple Google search can show you what’s available locally and social media can also be useful for finding groups in your area. Don’t be afraid to ask colleagues who have been in the country longer, they often know about clubs or activities you might enjoy. It may take some trial and error to find the right fit, but once you do, making new friends often happens naturally.
I decided to join a dance studio soon after moving. I’d wanted to get back into dancing for several years but had kept putting it off due to the silly belief I was too old and out of practice. Joining turned out to be one of the best decisions I could have made. The studio became a second home and I became part of a supportive group that felt like a family. Being around them was a great way to take my mind off work, especially during moments when I felt overwhelmed.
Connecting with locals and international communities
As an international teacher, it’s natural to drift towards other international teachers, especially in cities with several international schools and a large teaching community. Being around people from your home country can help ease homesickness and provide a sense of familiarity. Many cities also have active international communities, which you can easily find through social media, such as Facebook groups. These communities offer a great way to meet people who have been through similar experiences to yours.
However, it’s important to remember why you moved in the first place. A big part of the adventure is getting to know your new country and its culture, which means interacting with locals as much as possible.
Connecting with locals can sometimes be challenging, as they may have their own social circles and routines. This is completely normal. But whenever you have the opportunity, take it. Engaging with locals will give you a deeper understanding of your new home and can introduce you to experiences and places you wouldn’t discover otherwise.
Exploring new hobbies is a fantastic way to meet locals. Attend local events that aren’t just aimed at international residents, whether they be classes or cultural festivals – anything! Many events are free and often advertised via social media. Cafés, neighbourhoods and local markets could also be good spots to try out. Once you’ve started making connections and built a circle of friends, you can slow down and settle into your new routines.
Turning a new place into a new home
A strong community can make all the difference in your international teaching journey. While building relationships at work is important, it’s equally important to balance them with friendships and connections outside of school.
At the start, say yes to as many opportunities as you can – without wearing yourself out of course! Make an effort to meet people, try new activities, explore new places and discover hobbies that excite you. As the school year progresses, you’ll get a clearer sense of what you enjoy and can start creating routines that feel right for you.
Remember that you are lucky to live in a digital age where keeping in touch with family and friends back home is easier than ever through regular video calls. Time really does fly when you’re on a new adventure, and before you know it, you’ll be back home with them. Don’t spend too much time feeling homesick; embrace the experience and focus on turning this temporary location into a place that truly feels like home.
