Maybe you dreamed about the life of a digital nomad. You want to roam the world and live in exotic cities while you work. In reality, a digital nomad’s life can be lonely.
Making new friends is difficult because everyone already has established friendships. So, when moving to a new city, most people rely on finding new friends at work.
But what happens when your workplace is your laptop? If you want to make new people, you must make it happen. Here are our top tips for making new friends in a new city as a digital nomad.
1. Use A Coworking Space
You may ask why you should spend money on a co-working space if the whole idea of being a remote worker is working from home. You will likely meet other people in a similar working situation looking to meet new friends and make professional connections.
But, it can be good to spend some days of your working week in a co-working space if you want to fight that loneliness.
2. Use Social Media To Find A Local Interest Group
How do you find opportunities to chat with locals? You can use social media apps to discover local activities and groups based on a common interest, charity work, a book club or a workshop. Also, you can find them advertised in local shops and cafes.
The advantage? You will have plenty in common to talk with your potential new friend. These groups often host social events, which gives you another opportunity to meet new people.
3. Choose A Neighborhood Where Expats Live
The area you live in can shape how much or little you can immerse in the local culture. If you want a fully immersive experience, look for a less popular area with expats and where locals live. If you aren’t comfortable enough to dive in, opt for an area where other expats live.
Where to look? Search on expats online forums for recommendations of areas to live in your new city.
Another option is to live in a hostel or shared accommodation. You can see other people that are on the same page as you. The ideal option is to have your private room with shared communal areas. That may work well if you plan to stay for a few weeks. For long-term accommodation, it is better to look for an apartment.
4. Visit Local Cafes And Shops
Visit local shops for groceries, cafes, and restaurants. To meet locals living near you, then avoid tourist traps and go to the places they go. As a bonus, working in a cafe for a change can offer you an attractive working space where you will find other remote workers.
Try a few places until you find the one where you look most comfortable. Maybe go a couple of times if the food and coffee are good—and the Wi-Fi is free and reliable—. You can also have a roster of places you’ll go. In time, you will find the same people around you and have opportunities to connect with them.
5. Give Back To The Local Community By Volunteering
One of the reasons most people choose to work as digital nomads is for the opportunity to experience new cultures firsthand. So, what’s better than working side by side while helping the local community?
Volunteering locally has many advantages. You embed yourself in the local culture, give a helping hand with local issues, and meet new people. Besides, it has the added benefit of creating a workspace to visit regularly and make a difference if you speak the local language, good. If you don’t, even better! Consider this an opportunity to practice your language skills.
You can volunteer in your field of expertise or go out of your comfort zone. Aim to go at least once a week to maximize this opportunity.
6. Learn Something New
Consider learning something new. Classes offer a way to meet people regularly and with shared interests. How do you start? Look online, on community center boards for a class that interests you, and join—review coffee shop boards to find smaller groups.
Something typical of the country you visit, as a local dance class, can be a great place to start. For instance, a samba class in Brazil or a salsa class in Panama. Another idea could be joining a cooking class (Indonesian food class in Bali, anyone?) or wine tasting in Italy.
If you are in a new country, there are undoubtedly people who are learning your language. Most people learning a foreign language locally lack the practice of talking with a native speaker. Although local conversational groups are helpful, there are nuances, pronunciation, and slang you can only catch if you talk to a native-speaking person.
How do you start? You can offer your services for conversational practice. You can place an ad in local groups of people that meet to practice your language skills.
Summary
Working remotely while living in a foreign country, you may need help to make new relationships and friendships. Trying new activities and immersing into the community via volunteering or local workshops may help you connect with locals and meet new people.
Ella Marcotte
Latest posts by Ella Marcotte (see all)
- UA vs GA4: The 4 Big Differences You Need To Know - April 26, 2024
- Understanding The Role Of Control Valves In Industrial Automation - April 8, 2024
- How Automation Can Boost Your Business Outcomes - April 4, 2024
