Making Friends in Other Countries

Making friends in other countries is not all that different from making friends with your next door neighbor. You do need to be aware of the customs and traditions of the country that you are visiting but outside of that you will want to be yourself, attempt to speak to them in their language and smile - the universal way of saying hello.

Tips for Making Friends:

1. Learn the language of the country you are visiting. It is important to people that you make the effort to fit in instead of expecting them to make the effort to learn your language.
2. Learn the customs and traditions of the region that you are visiting. It shows respect when you understand and abide by the traditions of the land.
3. Be friendly with the people around you. Keep in mind the customs of the region but do reach out and speak to people in public areas.
4. Smile. Forget math - a genuine smile is the true universal language.
5. Give in order to get. Offer to cook a meal for your host family or for your tour guide or provide some name brand American products (like jeans) that often come at a premium price to show your gratefulness.
6. Be interested in the other person. Ask questions about life, home, work and the region and then actually listen to the answers. People appreciate being listened to.
7. Be genuine. Trying to be friendly in order to get something will not get you anywhere. People will see right through you. Only reach out in friendship if you are truly looking to make friends.

Making friends does not have to be all that difficult no matter where you are trying to do it. Reach out with a genuine desire to be friends and be respectful of the other person, the culture and the traditions.