How to Salvage Yourself from Loneliness After Moving Abroad

Moving abroad can be a thrilling adventure, but for many, it also brings a sense of isolation and loneliness.

Are you struggling to connect with new people or feeling lost in a foreign environment? In this blog post, I share practical solutions to help you overcome loneliness, build relationships, and even turn solitude into an opportunity for personal growth.

Based on real-life experiences and strategies, these tips will not only help you integrate into your new community but also empower you to make the most of your time abroad! Whether you’re seeking friendship, purpose, or self-improvement, this guide is your roadmap to a more fulfilling life overseas.

1.The Reasons Why We Feel Lonely After Moving Abroad

When do we typically not feel lonely? I believe there are two main situations:

1. When you’re busy with something you have to do or want to do.
2. When you’re connected to a supportive network of communities.

A strong web of relationships provides comfort and protection, especially when we crave human connection. However, when you move to a new place, loneliness can creep in for two main situations:

Before Joining a New Community

When you first arrive, it can feel like everyone around you has their life figured out, and you’re the odd one out. Imagine this: You start a new job and work hard during the week. Then Friday evening comes, and everyone leaves the office, excited about their weekend plans. You, on the other hand, have none.

Joining a local community can be daunting. Language barriers are one challenge, but there’s also an invisible wall: many local groups are already well-established. They might consist of childhood friends, long-time residents, or families who prefer their familiar circle. While some people are welcoming, the first step often depends on receiving an invitation, which can feel out of reach.

After Joining a New Community

Even after joining a group, loneliness doesn’t always disappear. You may attend events, smile, and try to join conversations, but the shared jokes and cultural references might go over your head. You hesitate to ask questions, afraid of interrupting, and before you know it, the topic has shifted.

What’s missing here is shared background knowledge—the “common sense” of the group. Building this takes time, but with patience and persistence, you’ll gradually start to feel included.

2. Seven Ways to Overcome Loneliness Abroad

The best approach is to join communities where people share similar situations or interests. Here are some specific ideas:

1. Join Events for Newcomers

Events for newcomers are perfect because everyone is in the same boat. You can bond over shared experiences of moving abroad and start building a new community together from scratch.

2. Join Activity Groups

Activity-based groups allow you to connect with others naturally. For example:

• Board games: Games break the ice and encourage interaction.
• Hobbies: Joining a group aligned with your interests ensures you have a shared topic to discuss.

3. Join Expat Groups

Expat groups are often welcoming and understanding. You can find them on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Meetup, or local cultural centers.

4. Try Co-Living

Sharing a living space, such as a student dormitory or co-living arrangement, helps you make friends and reduces daily loneliness. Bonus: It’s often more affordable than living alone!

⚠️ Tip: If living with others causes stress, consider alternative options to protect your mental health.

5. Take Language Classes

Language classes are great for meeting both locals and fellow expats. Shared learning experiences help build connections.

6. Befriend Social Connectors

Some people are naturally sociable and love organizing events. If you know someone like this, let them know you’d love to join their gatherings. It’s an easy way to expand your social circle.

7. Say “Yes”

When someone invites you to an event, say yes! It’s scary at first, but you’ll never know how much you might enjoy it until you try.

3. Embracing Loneliness on Purpose

Sometimes, loneliness can be used as an opportunity for growth. Here’s how:

Turning Loneliness into Opportunity

Feeling lonely often means you have free time. Why not use this opportunity to start something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t tried yet? Reflect on the dreams you had as a child and write them down. It can also be inspiring to explore ideas from books, social media, or blogs. Try activities within your budget, such as running, traveling, drawing, or learning a new skill.

However, the most important thing is that you understand what truly fulfills you—not what others or social media suggest. Take the time to listen to the voice inside you and follow what resonates with your heart.

Reconsidering Your Life Path

We are often so busy with daily tasks, work, and spending time with family and friends that we rarely pause to reflect on our lives. Loneliness can be an opportunity to do just that. Take this time to review your life: What has happened so far? What makes you happy? How has your way of thinking changed, and what experiences have helped you grow?

Once you’ve reflected on your past and present, think about your future. Ask yourself, “Who do I want to become?” and “What kind of life do I want to lead?” After gaining clarity on these questions, consider practical steps to make that vision a reality. This self-reflection can guide you toward a life you’ll be proud of and help you avoid future regrets.

Enhancing Problem-Solving Skills

One fascinating aspect of experiencing loneliness abroad is how it can improve your problem-solving skills. Without close friends or someone to ask for help, you’re often left to manage challenges on your own in a new and unfamiliar environment. This situation encourages you to think creatively and enhances your ability to solve problems independently.

However, if you encounter a problem that feels overwhelming or causes prolonged stress, it’s essential to seek help from someone around you. Don’t hesitate to reach out before the issue affects your mental health or becomes harder to resolve.

In the near future, you’ll be craving some alone time on weekends after following the tips in this post!