How do you make friends in a foreign country?

[sameuspegasus]

Comments

[freya922]

I truly understand how lonely it can get, being in a new place, let alone a new country. One friend of mine who had recently changed cities used this "meetup" website to start getting out and meeting people. I haven't used it, but she had a lot of fun through it - they post events like a hike or a sporting event or a hobby-based get-together or whatever and people with the same interest sign up and go. I see they have it in Vancouver, too: http://www.meetup.com/cities/ca/bc/vancouver/

I don't know if that would appeal, but my friend had some luck with it. Whatever the case, I hope you begin to feel more at home soon. I've worked overseas a couple of times, once for a year and then the next time for two, and it does take some time to settle in.

[sameuspegasus]

Thanks for the tip. It looks like a good way to meet people.

[cuddyclothes]

What about contacting SPN fans? Send a PM to Missyjack, she might help you to find some in Vancouver. I've met a lot of people in my first fandom, and some of us have become close real-life friends.

I have problems with conversation and shyness, too. But sometimes asking, "What do you do?" "For what?" "For work, or school. I'm here on an OE."

Bear in mind that people LOVE to talk about themselves! Pretend you're a journalist. I used to interview people for a few publications, and peppering my conversations with "that's so interesting!" and "that's fascinating!" or whatever helps. Inside, many people are as shy as you are.

[sameuspegasus]

Thanks, I will PM her.

I am a bit shy, but my main problem is that most of the people I meet are while I am serving them in a shop, so conversations are basically limited to about 30 seconds long.

[cuddyclothes]

I endorse the "meet-up" idea. I went to miniature pinscher meet-ups. I didn't make many friends, but it was a blast to be in a room with 30 crazed minpins!

[sameuspegasus]

Ooh, that sounds fun.