Social and Professional Networks
As you settle in and begin to feel at home in your new surroundings, you’ll want to expand your acquaintances in the community and on the job. One simple way to start is with an Internet search for expat resources in your host country. Consider joining (or starting) a book club or gardening group. Host a “Getting to Know You” picnic in the park with your new neighbors and/or coworkers. Sign up for language classes. Click on each category below for more suggestions.
Religious or
Volunteer Groups
Local Expat Groups
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Look for clubs where international assignees gather to socialize.
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Go online to search for expat organizations in your host city.
School
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Make friends with the families of your children’s classmates.
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Volunteer to help with classroom activities or field trips.
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Join the parent-teacher organization.
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If you arrive during school vacation, plan activities like a visit to a library, zoo, amusement park or camp.
Office
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Ask the local HR manager about after-work activities.
For example, PepsiCo sponsors on-site Zumba classes for employees in Mexico City, corporate Olympics in Dubai, ping-pong tournaments in China, and other events at different sites worldwide.
Business Organizations
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Contact the local Chamber of Commerce or similar organization to find business networking groups in the area.
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Rotary International, Toastmasters and others have chapters all over the world.
Religious or Volunteer Groups
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Connect with your host city’s churches, temples, mosques and other faith-based facilities.
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You can also explore service opportunities with United Way, Red Cross/Red Crescent, UNICEF or other charitable organizations.
Exercise Facilities
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Join a gym. It will help you stay in shape, and you’ll probably meet lots of nice locals too!
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Make it a family outing, and your kids may even run into friends from school.
Personal Interest Groups
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Whatever your hobby (chess, cooking, dancing, travel, etc.), there’s a club for that.
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Join a league, or coach a youth team.
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Learn a new sport—especially one that’s native to your host country. Karate or cricket, anyone?
Local
Expat Groups
School
Office
Business
Organizations
Religious or
Volunteer Groups
Exercise
Facilities
Personal
Interest
Groups