Making Friends in a New Country

Moving to a new country as an adult is exciting, but it can also feel daunting when it comes to making friends. Unlike childhood or school years, friendships don’t always happen by chance, you often have to create those opportunities yourself. The good news? With a little courage and persistence, you can build a social circle that makes your new country feel like home.

Find Community in Familiar Places

New friendships rarely happen if you wait for them to come to you. Putting yourself out there, whether by joining a group, introducing yourself to neighbors, or signing up for a class, opens the door to connection. It can feel awkward at first, but remember that most people are looking for meaningful relationships too.

• Join clubs and groups: Hobby clubs, sports teams, and interest-based societies provide natural ways to meet people who share your passions.

• Take classes: Language lessons, cooking workshops, or fitness programs create structured environments where making friends feels easier.

• Volunteer: Giving your time to a cause you care about helps you meet like-minded people while making a positive impact.

• Use event platforms: Sites like Meetup or Eventbrite host gatherings for everything from hiking groups to book clubs to expat meetups.

Leverage Social Connections

• Connect with fellow Canadians: Military Family Services (MFS) centres, Canadian expat groups, or Facebook communities can link you with others who understand your journey.

• Use online communities: Join Facebook groups for expats in your area, or forums dedicated to your hobbies and interests. These can be a great way to connect with people in similar situations.

• Network with existing contacts: Reach out to friends, family, or colleagues you know in your new country and ask if they can introduce you to others in their circle.

• Connect with coworkers and neighbors: Say yes to after-work socials, invite classmates for coffee, or host a casual get-together with your neighbors to build local relationships.

Build Bonds with Locals

While familiar communities are comforting, connecting with locals makes your experience in a new country truly rewarding. Local friends can introduce you to hidden gems like restaurants, hikes, and festivals that you might never discover on your own.

• Say yes to new experiences: Accept invitations, even if they feel outside your comfort zone.

• Be a regular: Frequent the same café, gym, or park so that casual interactions naturally evolve into conversations.

• Host your own gatherings: Organize a dinner party, game night, or hobby meet-up. Hosting shows initiative and gives others a reason to come together.

Be Patient and Resilient

Building meaningful friendships takes time. Be kind to yourself and stay open to the process.

Friendships take time to grow, especially in a new environment. It’s normal to feel awkward—or even lonely—at first. Commit to putting yourself out there for at least six months to a year. Over time, those repeated efforts will lead to genuine, lasting relationships. Remember: friendships aren’t built overnight, but with patience, courage, and a little persistence, they’ll come, and often become some of the most meaningful bonds of your life.