This week I’d like to offer some advice on how to make friends during your semester abroad. I was a little nervous about making friends when I first arrived in Galway because I really only knew one other student from SU. During orientation it seemed like everyone already had a group of friends. However, after careful observation I soon learned that there were a few large universities that had sent groups of 20 or more students to study in Galway altogether. Once I realized this I was less anxious and noticed many other students who were only talking to one other person or who were standing by themselves.
Orientation is a great time to make friends. I approached students who were standing by themselves and introduced myself. Keep in mind that everyone is uncomfortable, and everyone is feeling alone during the first few days at a new school in a new country. I met a close friend of mine during orientation. She was doing a home-stay (living off campus), so I probably would have never met her if I hadn’t approached her during orientation. NUIG also held socials for the international students during orientation. These events were held at the campus bar and involved music, games, and food. It was a great opportunity to socialize with the other international students. In my opinion, studying abroad is all about breaking our of your comfort zone and trying new things. So, if you are someone who doesn’t like to socialize or start conversations then I suggest just going to events, even if you are alone, there is always the possibility that someone will start a conversation with you. Another tip I will offer is to get contact information from the people that you interact with. Studying abroad is much different than being at your home university in the sense that not everyone knows each other, and it is harder to make connections. For example, at a social event one night I met another international student and we talked a little bit and before she left I got her phone number in case she ever wanted to hang out with me. We never ended up hanging out, but she did end up being in one of my classes and it was really nice to be able to text her whenever I missed a class and ask what I missed. At SU it is typical that you have a connection with at least one other person in each of your classes, but abroad that is rarely true. That’s why I recommend getting anyone and everyone’s contact info when you are socializing. Making friends can be intimidating and scary, but it is one of the most beneficial and rewarding things that you can do abroad. My friends and I did everything together in Galway. It nice to have other people to travel with, to cook with, go shopping with, etc. Anyone can make friends; you just have to get out of your comfort zone sometimes and try something new. Below are some pictures of my friends and I exploring different places around Ireland.
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