Making Friends While Studying Abroad Alone

By: Victoria Han

So, picture this: I decided to take the plunge into studying abroad all by my lonesome. A totally foreign country which I have never visited for four months straight. No familiar faces, no safety net of friends from back home—just me and the unknown. Now, you might be thinking, "Isn't that a bit intimidating?" Well, yes and no. Let me spill the tea on my experience of being lonely, saying yes to everything, diving into solo adventures, and finding magic in the unknown.

I spent the first few weeks lonely, isolated, and confused in a foreign country, but let me tell you how I turned the tables. First things first, reaching out to other students in my program was a game-changer. Most people seemed to come with their squads from school back home, but I wasn't about to let that stop me from making connections. I started with a simple "Hey, mind if I join you guys?" during orientation events or group activities. P were more than happy to welcome an extra face into the mix. It's all about breaking that initial ice, and once you do, the possibilities unfold.

Saying yes to every invitation & opportunity became my mantra. Even if I wasn't particularly interested in an activity, I figured, why not? It was a chance to meet people and possibly discover new interests. Whether it was a night out, a random weekend excursion to a museum, or a coffee catch-up, I threw myself into the mix. And you know what? It paid off big time. Not only did I make new friends, but I also learned so much and had a blast – something that never would have happened if I didn’t say yes!

Now, let's talk about solo adventures. Amsterdam is a city bursting with culture, history, and crazy nightlife rave energy. So, I embraced the art of going it alone. Exploring museums, wandering through the iconic neighborhoods, and sending it at local nightclubs—solo excursions turned into moments of self-discovery. It's amazing how much you can learn about yourself when you're your only company. Contradicting to what most people say – I always talk to strangers. I always learn something new, and usually we leave as friends. Talking to strangers became a daily practice. This not only enriched my cultural experience but also led to some unexpected friendships.

And then, there were the local students. Engaging with them opened up a whole new dimension of cultural exchange. I found that locals appreciated the effort to connect beyond the typical tourist experience. Plus, they often had the best insider tips for hidden gems in the city.

In the end, going solo wasn't a hindrance—it was an opportunity. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, encouraged me to be open to new experiences, and led to connections that made my study abroad journey unforgettable. So, to my fellow solo adventurers, embrace the unknown, say yes to it all, and watch as your adventure unfolds in ways you could never have imagined. Here's to the solo escapades and the friendships that come along the way!