Internship 2022: How to make friends as an intern?
One of the biggest doubts that some people have about living, studying, working, or doing an internship abroad is that they don´t know anyone. Interning abroad is a very difficult task for everyone. You are a new one in an unknown place and away from your parents and friends. We, as Animafest, want to give you some advice on how to find your way in a new environment as an intern.
Supportive, genuine friendships in a different country can enrich our lives immeasurably and provide us with so much that we often take for granted in our home countries but feel the intense lack of when settling into another culture.
No matter where in the world we are, we need friendship like sunny afternoons full of laughter and chocolate cake, and we need friendship like late evenings curled on the couch with red wine and thoughtful conversation. We need a friendship that is like the comfort of sharing a steaming cup of tea with someone on a darkon dark winter day.
There are many benefits from studying abroad and making friends from around the world. Studying and Interning in a foreign country may sound difficult, but it is actually easy because you meet great people and have amazing experiences that help you grow as a person and human being.
After settling into your new placement country for your internship, it’s a great idea to discover the expat community in your area.
Most major cities around the world have a prominent expat community.
One of the expats gives some good advice. “When you move abroad, look for the support of other expats. As expats, there will be something that bonds you together.”
Meeting up with other interns is a very good place to start when trying to make friends abroad. Check and see if there are other people interning in your company, as they may be looking to make friends also. Going to networking events is a great way to meet new people. The most obvious solution to deal with loneliness is to build and grow your social circle.
There is an easy tip to start with if an intern is struggling to make friends. When you’re a new intern with a company, don’t be surprised if your coworkers invite you to go out. Your colleagues will want you to feel welcomed and part of the team. Oftentimes companies will have a once-a-week dinner or after working hours activity to boost the team morale.
Almost every city in the world offers opportunities for socializing and meeting new people while also learning new skills. Keep an eye out for such announcements and sign up for the ones that interest you. Public libraries, community activity centers, gyms, and swimming pools are great sources of such information.
There are many ways interns can build friendship and social circle
- Check if your embassy organizes get-togethers to celebrate festivals or special occasions.
- The local worship house or community center may organize religious or social functions. See if you can attend a few.
- There may be a large group of expats who regularly organize social events. Attend as a guest or find out if you can volunteer or work there part-time.
- Ask people back home if they know someone in your new country and connect with them. Connect with other expats through online forums, blogs, Facebook groups, and expat websites and see if you can meet them in person
Living and working abroad can be one of the most enriching experiences of your life. Still, loneliness can rear its ugly head and affect your life, health, and perceptions in unpleasantly dramatic ways, making you unhappy, despondent, and even downright miserable.
Assuming that the feeling will simply ‘go away’ may be counterintuitive at best and dangerous at worst. One of the best strategies to combat loneliness is to expand your friend circle.
Supportive, genuine friendships in a different country can enrich our lives immeasurably and provide us with so much that we often take for granted in our home countries but feel the intense lack of when settling into another culture.
