The struggle of friendships living abroad
Sponsored
Finding friends abroad is a challenging but rewarding process. In the expat world, friendship is often intense, short, and always comes with a good-bye at a certain point. In this blog post, I talk about how to approach this emotional topic and stay in contact throughout the shared time abroad.
How expat friendships are different from the friendships you are used to
Living abroad is always characterized by a lot of change, turmoil, and personal development. At the beginning of their time abroad, many expats are not really looking for a best friend. There is just too much going on with moving, getting to know the new culture, and making yourself home. However, the day will come where you are missing your best friend back home. Although it is way easier for us to stay in contact with friends and family back home, we can’t meet for a coffee or cocktail to chat about what’s going on. You might lack a someone who comforts you, knows exactly what you are going through right now. Someone who motivates you to push through with your new ideas, someone to brainstorm about some ideas you have or someone that will tell you it’s totally normal how you feel right now. That’s the moment you are thinking about seeking out and looking for new friendships.
Don’t be surprised if expat friendships can become more intimate than you are used to in just a short amount of time. It is just normal that we are more open about our feelings when we feel understood. Most likely you find yourself in a similar situation making it possible for a friendship to grow strong and supporting in only a couple of cups of tea.
Get used to saying good-bye
Also be prepared to say good-bye more often than you are used to. Expats are jumpy human beings. People are coming and going, plans are changing, work projects are ending early or new opportunities arise in another country. There is always something going on in an expat community. I have been to countless good-bye parties during my short time in Chicago so far and I will never get used to it. Saying good-bye is hard and when you are talking to very experienced expats, living the nomad lifestyle for all their lives, you will learn that it will never get easier.
Your personal motivation of looking for friends abroad will also be influenced by your current plans of moving to another country. Many stop to network when the next move is about to happen in a couple of months. Others are looking desperately for friends but having difficulties finding someone as people tend to shy away from you when you are about to move again soon. As I said, it’s hard to tell good-bye again and again 🙂
A good mix of locals & expats
I have contributed to an interview series by Western Union about the topic of finding friends abroad. Check out Western Union’s How to Become an Expat blog post for more information and to see my feature! For me it works great to establish a network of locals and expats alike. Although you can’t (and should not) plan friendship, you can decide on how to spend your weekends and evenings. The choice of your hobbies, networking events, facebook groups, and at the end of the day the smile that you carry around on you face will influence your chances to meet new people. I love the global mindset and the open arms of the expat community but I also like to get in touch with locals, hopefully establishing long lasting friendships and finally understanding the small twerks of the new culture.
Sponsored by Western Union
How to stay in touch with loved ones back home
In need for some ideas to stay in contacts with your friendships back home? You will notice that those friendships will go through different cycles. Not all friendships will make it to the end but those who do are more valuable than ever. I recommend using daily/weekly/monthly communication methods just as group chats, fixed video chat schedules to stay in touch. Also one reminder: Don’t wait for your friend to make the first step when you are in need for a talk. Adress to your friend if you want to talk. You never know what is going on in her or his life back home and their life certainly does not stand still. Many friendships struggle with this „who goes first“. So, be the one who start the conversation if you need someone to talk 🙂 and get over your pride.
HOW TO STAY IN CONTACT WITH LOVED ONES DURING AN EXPAT ASSIGNMENT
Check out this article I have written some time ago with my personal tips and tricks to stay in touch with friends and family back home. One trick: Sending printed postcards using an app! Check it out here:
Last but not least there are many expat forums you can join to start your journey of friendship. Send me your favorite networks and approaches in your city! Would love to get them all together in one guide for all of you!
Thanks for sharing the love and stopping by
Send this article to a friend & share the love:
You also might like:
18 Antworten
I want a partner to establish an educational center fo children in Tamale,Ghana.
I am out here to speed this good news to the entire world on how I got help from Dr UYI a great lottery spell caster that will help you cast a lottery spell and give you the rightful numbers to win the lottery, I didn’t believe lottery spell at first but as life got harder i decided to give a try, I spend so much money on tickets just to make sure I win. until the day I met Dr UYI online, which so many people have talked good about, that he is very great when it comes to casting lottery spell, he told me the necessary things to do and behold it was like a magic, i won $220 Million Dollars Mega Million with the numbers Dr UYI gave to me. his a really trustful person worthy and reliable, i am sharing this to you who have been finding it so hard to win the lottery, Thanks you Dr UYI who helped me Contact him via email: drzukalottospelltemple@gmail.com OR WhatsApp on +17174154115
I was on holiday celebrating my 30th wedding anniversary when I received an email from the National Lottery to inform me that I had won, I never believed in voodoo spells until I became the winner of £61m EuroMillions Lottery with the winning numbers Chief Ade gave me with assurance that I was going to win, not every testimony you see online is fake, that was the same thing Chief Ade told me when I was doubting his spell before I finally agreed to give it a try. The purpose of my coming here is to let the world know that there are still real and genuine people on Earth, and Chief Ade is one of them. Are you struggling to win the lottery, or do you wish to win big on the lottery? Chief Ade is the way Email chiefadespellhome@gmail. com || WhatsApp +234 901 380 6328 THANK YOU ..
Before I became a lottery winner, I wondered how other lottery winners has done it because I thought it was impossible then, until Chief Ade helped me with his spiritual prayer that works urgently. I was scared to try spell because of what I heard about spell, but I still gave it a try and let Chief Ade do what he knows how to do best. Chief Ade put in work after I provided all the necessary materials needed for the work, he gave me the lottery numbers the next day and instructed me on how to play which I did, I won the 65 MILLION LOTTO MAX jackpot the next day and I was so happy to announce to my wife and children about my wins, I’m Mark Hanley of Newmarket, Ontario. I’m sharing my great experience to you all who are finding it difficult to win the lottery, reach out to Chief Ade on chiefadespellhome@gmail.com OR WhatsApp +234 901 380 6328 you will never regret contacting Chief Ade
DR UYI has done it for me, His predictions are 100% correct, He is real and can perform miracles with his spell. I am overwhelmed because I just won 336,000, 000 million Euro from a lottery jackpot game with the lottery number DR UYI gave me. I contacted DR UYI for help to win a lottery via Facebook Page DR UYI, he told me that a spell was required to be casted so that he can predict my winning, I provided his requirements for casting the spell and after casting the spell he gave the lottery numbers, I played and won 336,000,00 euros. How can I thank this man enough? His spell is real and like a God on Earth. Thank you for changing my life with your lottery winning numbers. Do you need help to win a lottery too? contact Dr UYI via drzukalottospelltemple@gmail.com OR WhatsApp on +17174154115
Good day viewers, I wish to share my testimony with all of you. I have daily 9 to 5 jobs, but while I work, I try my luck at playing instant Lotto. On this particular day, I decided to seek help online regarding tips for winning the lottery and I saw many individuals testifying about OGBO spells. I reached out to him and informed him that I needed help to win the lottery, and he clarified the process to me stating that after he casts the spell, it will take 48 hours for him to provide me the winning numbers which I accepted. I followed all his instructions and he provided me with the numbers to enter the Lottery. After the draw the following morning I received a notification on the Lottery app on my phone indicating that I was the lucky winner of $273 million on the New Jersey Lottery and I’m here to extend my heartfelt gratitude to OGBO Spell If you seek help in your life, WhatsApp +2348110968476 or Email: Psychicogboreading@gmail.com
Good day viewers, I wish to share my testimony with all of you. I have daily 9 to 5 jobs, but while I work, I try my luck at playing instant Lotto. On this particular day, I decided to seek help online regarding tips for winning the lottery and I saw many individuals testifying about OGBO spells. I reached out to him and informed him that I needed help to win the lottery, and he clarified the process to me stating that after he casts the spell, it will take 48 hours for him to provide me the winning numbers which I accepted. I followed all his instructions and he provided me with the numbers to enter the Lottery. After the draw the following morning I received a notification on the Lottery app on my phone indicating that I was the lucky winner of $273 million on the New Jersey Lottery and I’m here to extend my heartfelt gratitude to OGBO Spell If you seek help in your life, WhatsApp +2348110968476 or Email: Psychicogboreading@gmail.com …
The best thing that has ever happened in my life is how I won the lottery euro million mega jackpot. I am woman who believes that one day I will win the lottery. Finally, my dreams came true when I emailed DR OGBO. and told him I needed the lottery numbers. I have spent so much money on a ticket just to make sure I win. But I never knew that winning was so easy until the day I met the spell caster online which so many people have talked about that he is very great at casting lottery spells, so I decided to give it a try. I contacted this great Doctor and he did a spell and he gave me the winning lottery numbers. But believe me when the draws were out I was among winners. I won $64.000.000USD. DR OGBO truly you are the best, with these great Dr you can win millions of money through the lottery. I am so very happy to meet this great man now, I will forever be grateful to you dr. Add him up on Email:psychicogboreading@gmail.com and you can as well text him on WhatsApp +2348110968476
I want to use this opportunity to tell the whole world on how I become rich and famous. I’m 93 years old. I was passing through difficulty in business and there was no hope of me coming out of my debt. I borrow money in my bank to do my business and I run at lost on the business I got frustrated and decided to be playing lottery to see if I can win and make my business grow and I have played for years now nothing good is coming my way on till I meet someone online talking about Dr UYI on the internet. He was taking about how this Dr UYI help him to win mega million lottery game. I said to myself if this is true and decide to contact him and told him to help me as well I later read more about this man and see how he has been helping people all over the world. I have faith in him and choose to work with him. After working with him he told me what I need to do for the number to be given to me which I did after he finish working he said I will have a dream and the number will be review to me in the dream. That night has I was sleeping I dream a number immediately he call me and gave me the same number I dream of and ask me to go and play the number. Today I’m here testifying of the good work he did for me I played the number and I won the sum of 340, 000,000 million dollars in a mega million lottery. You can contact Dr UYI for help if you want to win big in lottery game he has the gift of giving right number contact him today and thank me email him today Via email: drzukalottospelltemple@gmail.com OR WhatsApp on +17174154115
God bless Dr. Uyi for his marvelous work, I was diagnosed of herpes for few years and I was taking my medications, I wasn’t satisfied i needed to be cured completely from herpes, I searched about some possible cure for herpes i saw a comment about Dr. Uyi, how he cured HERPES VIRUS and HPV with his herbal medicine, I contacted him and explain to him, he guide me I asked for solutions, after a few discussion and i have done what i was required to do, he sent me the medicine. I took the medicine as prescribed by him, few days later I went to the hospital for a test when the test was negative, i am now perfectly ok. Dr. Uyi truly you are great, If u need his help? contact him via email: uyiherbalmedicationcenter@gmail.com or WhatsApp: +2348160813984
My girlfriend ended our relationship for seemingly no reason and I came to understand that my financial struggles may have contributed to this, as a healthy relationship is difficult without money and having more money is often seen as a vital tool of life. I’m Jeffery Vargas and for spell expertise, Lord Meduza is the right person to turn to. My girlfriend left me for another man due to my financial situation but after connecting with Lord Meduza he created a spell that not only brought my girlfriend back but also made me a lottery winner of €116 MILLION by providing me with the 6 lucky numbers to play the lottery. Everything feels almost unreal but I assure you this is genuine and it’s occurring. My life is incredibly beautiful and I owe my deepest appreciation to Lord Meduza as his efforts are the epitome of excellence. For enquiry, visit: lordmeduzatemple.com or email: lordmeduzatemple@hotmail.com or Whats _ App +1 (807) 798-3042.
I have hard read many testimonies about Dr Jato spell caster how he has help many people of relationships issues, power-ball, Mega millions and I contacted him and it doesn’t take much time that he help me cast his spell and gave me the winning numbers to play and assure me that I will win the powerball jackpot and all that he said came to pass and today I’m rich through his spell he used to help me win the jackpot. If you have ever spent money on any spell caster and couldn’t see any results…. this is the only way to win the lottery and the best way!!via his Email jatolovespell@gmail.com or whatsapp/call +2348140073965
FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/1D5myk4Bxb/
Youtube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@JatoLoveSpell
..
I’m still in shock that I won the $18.9 million New York Lotto jackpot and I have to give all the praise to Chief Ade. His powerful prayers and positive vibes worked like magic, I played the lottery game for more than 5 years and I never won a reasonable amount, but after I met Chief Ade He helped me pick the right numbers and guided me through the whole process. If you’re looking for a way to change your life, Chief Ade is the man. Thank you Chief Ade for helping me live my dream Email: chiefadespellhome@gmail. com OR WhatsApp +234 901 380 6328
I’m still in shock that I won the $18.9 million New York Lotto jackpot and I have to give all the praise to Chief Ade. His powerful prayers and positive vibes worked like magic, I played the lottery game for more than 5 years and I never won a reasonable amount, but after I met Chief Ade He helped me pick the right numbers and guided me through the whole process. If you’re looking for a way to change your life, Chief Ade is the man. Thank you Chief Ade for helping me live my dream Email: chiefadespellhome@gmail.com OR WhatsApp +234 901 380 6328
I’m still in shock that I won the $18.9 million New York Lotto jackpot and I have to give all the praise to Chief Ade. His powerful prayers and positive vibes worked like magic, I played the lottery game for more than 5 years and I never won a reasonable amount, but after I met Chief Ade He helped me pick the right numbers and guided me through the whole process. If you’re looking for a way to change your life, Chief Ade is the man. Thank you Chief Ade for helping me live my dream Email: chiefadespellhome@gmail.com OR WhatsApp +234 901 380 6328 .
A Life-Changing Experience, Dr Kachi A Testimony of Gratitude
I would like to share an extraordinary experience that has transformed my life. I came across a remarkable testimony online forum about a powerful and renowned spell caster, Dr. Kachi. At the time, I was skeptical because I had never encountered anything related to magic or spell casting before. However, the story of Dr. Kachi’s work resonated with me, and I decided to give it a chance. For years, my family and I struggled financially, and despite my best efforts, I never had luck winning the lottery. I loved playing, but winning seemed impossible. Everything changed when I connected with Dr. Kachi, who provided me with a winning lottery number through a powerful spell. In just 24 hours, I was able to play the lottery and won the Lotto 6/49 prize, a remarkable $68 million cash prize, on September 27th in the Gold Ball Draw. This incredible win has completely changed my life and the financial well-being of my entire family. After 10 years of trying unsuccessfully, I am now living my dream life. I am beyond grateful to Dr. Kachi for his assistance, Dr. Kachi has truly been a blessing to me and my loved ones. I encourage anyone who is interested to reach out to Dr. Kachi for guidance. his email drkachispellcast@gmail.com Also reach him text or call +1 (209) 675-7342.Thank you once again, Dr. Kachi, for making my dreams come true.
WE WON $70,000,000 ON LOTTO MAX WITH LORD BUBUZA LOTTERY SPELL: We have been married for 51 years and we have tried everything we could to win the Lotto Max lottery. I went online for help then I saw Testimonies of people thanking lord Bubuza for helping them win the lottery by casting a spell and revealing the lottery numbers to them. I immediately contacted him for help and he responded saying “I will cast a lottery spell and reveal the lottery winning numbers to you” I provided the requirements to cast the spell and after which he gave us the number so we purchased the Quick Pick Lotto Max ticket at a grocery store while on our way to camp and behold we won 70 million dollars and kept it a secret for a while. Our names are Doug and Enid Hannon and we are gladly recommending lord Bubuza to everyone willing to win too. Contact him via Email: lordbubuzamiraclework@hotmail.com or WhatsApp: +1 365 808 5313
I am so happy, i never believe i will be this happy again in life, I was working as an air-hoster ( cabby crew ) for 3years but early this year, i loose my job because of this deadly disease. called Herpes virus (HSV), I never felt sick or have any symptom, till all workers were ask to bring their doctors report, that was how i got tested and i found out that am HSV positive that make me loose my job, because it was consider as an STD and is incurable disease, i was so depress i was thinking of committing suicide, till i explain to a friend of mine, who always said to me a problem share is a problem solved, that was how she directed me to Dr OGBO, that was how i contacted him and get the medication from this doctor and i got cured for real, I just went back to my work and they also carry out the test to be real sure and i was negative. Please contact this doctor if you are herpes positive or any STD diseases his email is: drogboherbalhome@gmail.com or you can call or whatsApp his mobile number on +2348110968476