10 Tips for Building Social Networks while Studying Abroad
The decision to study abroad is an investment one can make towards their future. It is a highly rewarding experience that opens doors to numerous opportunities. Globally renowned education, cultural understanding and personal development to a great extent. Studying abroad can be life-changing. At the same time, it is just another degree if you don’t let the experience in.
One of the long-term benefits of studying in a foreign country is its platform for networking. As a student, you meet at least a thousand fellow students, professionals, guest lecturers and others during the course. You will cross paths with people who have or will make history. Building social and professional networks with diverse individuals is as easy as it comes. Universities are where friendships and connections begin to last the lifestyle. And networks that will smile with nostalgia at the mention of your name even after years of graduation. Not only will these networks enrich your time abroad but they can also have valuable effects on all your professional endeavours.
Let’s delve into the ways you can build strong social networks while pursuing a course in a foreign institute.
Start with a simple ‘Hello!’
Or ‘Hi, what’s up?’. Whichever sails your boat. The easiest way to start a conversation is just to walk up and say hello to a group. Well, not just that but it keeps rolling from there. You can further participate in the conversation by asking about their names, courses, origin countries and other things that might interest you. Pick topics from your surroundings. Taking an interest is the key! Ask them how are they liking it there so far. Share your experience. It is important that you listen as much as you speak. It’s okay if they don’t you those questions back. Some people are just too shy. If you feel they are interested in the conversation too, tell them anyway.
As a matter of fact, small talk is overrated. Make rememberable strikes. And most importantly, leave with a promise of a next conversation or meeting. For instance, if you are going to attend a university event in the upcoming days, end with “Okay, so I gotta go now for my next class but I’ll see you all at the ABC event?” If the conversation well really well, invite them to go out for a meal and exchange your numbers. Or Snapchat, if you may. If you do take the first conversation right, you are gold!
Stand Out and Stand Along
For any interaction to go well, you need to appear approachable. While your body language speaks more on the matter, your appearance too has some input. Dress practively and neatly. Embrace yourself in the university experiences so you are a familiar face. As you talk to your peers outside the classroom, you must welcome their thoughts as well. Be open to invitations as they come. Your group wants to go get coffee? Join them. Oh, is there a new Marvel movie premiere this weekend? See if you can go. That being said, don’t become a pushover. Consider your liking, availability and mood are equally important. Mutual respect forges meaningful friendships.
Live on Campus or in Shared Apartments
Living on campus assures you fast friends. Universities offer dorms, apartments and studios to students flying in from other countries. Not only are they less expensive with the cost-sharing aspect but they also foster quicker mobility. Living with flatmates and roommates can expand your social circle. When you live with someone, you easily become friends. You will be socialising with their friends when they come by and go out with them occasionally. Your circle from 2 grow simultaneously. Soon, you will have a community. Factually, the smartest thing an introvert can do to socialise is make an extrovert friend. Moreover, you will always have your roommates to count on in case of sickness and emergencies.
Look out for Events and Clubs
Well, don’t just preach. Go out and have some fun. University events are a great place to meet other students who share the same interests. Their cultural and entertainment events, seminars and workshops constantly need volunteers who can help them plan and organise such events. Not only can you attend these events but also be a part of the organising community. These events extend a welcoming chance for new students to mingle and get to know each other. They also have varied clubs for students interested in co-curricular activities like sports, music, performance and more. You will be surprised how easily you can make conversations in such an environment. Furthermore, it will be valuable to meet alumni, professors and other professionals in your field in a rejuvenating gathering. If you feel nervous or clueless about how to start the conversation, read Rule #1 again!
Utilise Social Media and Apps
It couldn’t be any easier than this! Look for social media apps to meet new people from your region. Even better, join the student community of your college to converse with those studying in the same university as you. Texting is always easier than talking in person, is it not? Once you both are more comfortable and familiar, you can hang out in your dorm or go out to explore the city. Apart from students, these apps can significantly help enlarge local knowledge. Students can sign up and talk with the localities and know more about their city and/or country. As long as you understand cyber safety, you can make as many friends as you like.
Build Relationships with Faculty and Mentors
Strong relationships with faculty and mentors can significantly improve your academic progress. As they act as the inevitable source of knowledge, they can also give you industry insights, leads on internships and jobs or ways to improve your grades. That being said, no amount of good grace can do good if you continuously bunk classes or flunk in your exams. Apart from participating actively in the classes, take time out during their office hours to meet and introduce yourself. Seek knowledge and advice on academic and career matters as and when needed. If the opportunity comes, apply to become an understudy, teaching assistant or research assistant to professors in the related fields. By the end of your course, don’t be shy to ask for a letter of recommendation.
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