Engage with locals on Instagram

Making friends abroad is hard. Besides language, you're also a cultural outsider. If you're shy, the feeling of not belonging can make it especially difficult to build friendships.

The secret to making friends is contained in the approach. Instead of tryin...

Hobby classes bring people with the same passion together, such as photography or diving techniques, where you'll have plenty to discuss. Newbies may talk about why they've taken up the hobby, while experienced hobbyists swap stories about past successes.

Most countries an...

Dogs are perfect ice-breakers. Their need for socialisation gives you a chance to meet other dog owners.

• Take your pooch for a walk to the nearest dog-friendly park. Most often, you'll find friendly dogs looking to play. While the dogs play, you can indulge in talkin...

Finding other expats in your area is one of the easiest ways to making friends abroad.

Finding expat Facebook groups is straightforward. Use the search feature and change the tab over to Groups. Submit a request to join and wait for admin approval.

• Take a course. If you're looking for tech-related sessions, look at General Assembly. For other options, try searching for Hotcourses. The platform filters by location and has classes from basic cooking to advanced music theory.
• Volunteer with

Whether you're passionate about animals or antiques, build friendships through volunteering. You'll have plenty to talk about between activities. You'll also learn about your town, making you less of an outsider.

Search for "volunteer opportunities [area name]" to find...

If your new country doesn't share your native language, this strategy can help you make friends.

A language exchange is a free way to learn a new language through structured conversation with native speakers. The discussion often focuses on a topic, like eating at a restau...