Want to Make Foreign Friends While Studying a Language Abroad?

Hello, this is Awork Academy.

When you live in a place where the language and culture are different, the hardest thing may be that it is hard to make friends you can truly connect with.

If you are going abroad to study a language, many of you probably want to make lots of foreign friends.
But you may also feel anxious even before departure, wondering, "How do I make friends?"

First, what matters is "a minimum level of communication skills"

When it comes to making friends while studying a language abroad,
the most important thing is "whether you can communicate" .

You do not need to speak as fluently as a native speaker.

• You can express your thoughts simply
• You can make light small talk

This level of English is enough.

If you build up a certain foundation before you go,
your life studying abroad will also be much easier emotionally.

If you are thinking, "I've prepared my English to some extent,
but where should I make friends?"
please keep reading.

How to make friends while studying a language abroad

1. Live in a shared house

Rather than a shared house for Japanese people, choosing a shared house where you live together with foreigners
greatly increases your chances of making friends. Differences in daily rhythm can be tough, but if you meet housemates you get along with, you can often become as close as family.

2. Language school

A language school is a place where students of many nationalities gather.

Even if they are not locals, talking in English, the common language, leads to both

• improving your English
• making friends

.

Classes, break times, and group work are great chances to make friends.

3. Part-time job

As we introduced in a previous post, in some countries part-time work is possible even on a student visa.

Through work,

• coworkers
• regular customers

and others, conversations arise naturally, and they often grow into friendships.

A part-time job in particular is also a valuable opportunity to interact with locals.

The most important thing here is a smile and a friendly attitude.

4. Use language exchange apps

These days there are many language exchange apps that introduce you to people nearby based on location.

You can meet foreigners studying in the same area and teach each other your languages.

However, since these are online encounters, please take great care with safety when meeting for the first time.

Summary | What matters is "taking the first step yourself"

This time, we introduced ways to make foreign friends while studying a language abroad.

In any country, hardly anyone feels unhappy when greeted cheerfully with a smile.

Be confident, stay positive, and enjoy meeting new people.

At Awork Academy, we put together easy-to-understand information by country to help make your language study abroad more fulfilling.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at any time.