How to Make Friends and Build Community While Studying Abroad in Palma

Starting a study abroad program in Palma de Mallorca is an exciting adventure—but can also be a little daunting, especially if you're going it alone or haven't yet met anyone. The good news is, you're not alone in wanting to make friends. Whether you'll be there for a few weeks or an entire semester, having friends and a sense of community will make your time more rich and fun. Here’s how to make friends and feel at home while studying abroad in Palma.

Most programs begin with an orientation session designed to help students settle into their new home. Take advantage of this period. It's when everyone is new and open to meeting others. Attend the welcome events, group excursions, and icebreakers—even if you're initially shy. You'll naturally bond with classmates over experiences like figuring out public transportation, breaking the language barrier, or trying traditional Mallorcan food for the first time.

One of the most rewarding experiences of studying abroad is meeting people outside your immediate social circle. Don't be shy about presenting yourself to other students from different backgrounds, regions, or even countries. Some of the strongest bonds of friendship are formed when you step out of your comfort zone and interact with people who bring new perspectives into your overseas life.

To feel a greater sense of community, get involved in Palma's local culture. Join a language exchange group, volunteer for a local organization, or enroll in a weekend market activity. Even small moments—like greeting the shopkeeper near your homestay or chatting with your host family—make you feel connected to the city and its people.

If you're living with a host family, they can be a great part of your emotional and social support system. Share meals with them, ask them questions, and join them in their daily life whenever possible. Most students find their host families become lifelong friends, offering an insider's view of Mallorcan life and traditions that you'd never get in a classroom.

You can also start the connection process by organizing small group outings or study groups. Invite fellow students to go to a museum, hike a coastal trail, or try out a local café after class. Palma is full of student-friendly neighborhoods and natural meeting points, and shared activities outside of formal programs have a tendency to create closer friendships.

Finally, be patient. Strong relationships take time to form, and that's completely normal. Consistency is what matters—showing up, being vulnerable, and staying open. Everyone else is figuring it out too, and the effort you put into building relationships in the early stages will pay off as your Palma experience goes on.

Study abroad is about more than academics—it's about developing relationships, learning from other people, and finding your niche in a new community. By getting involved, immersing yourself in the culture, and making the effort to reach out, you'll form lasting friendships and find a sense of community that will make Palma more than a location—it's a second home. Whether it's sharing tapas together, learning Spanish as a group, or discovering new areas of the island, the people you meet will characterize your experience in ways you'll never forget.