Expats in Spain: The Definitive Guide to Making Friends Abroad
Living abroad is exciting, but it can sometimes feel a bit lonely and difficult meeting other expats in Spain. You’re not alone, and today we give you 5 tips on how to make friends and build an expat community in Spain or any Spanish-speaking country!
Join Expat Groups and Communities
Expat groups and online communities are a great way to meet fellow expats who are going through similar experiences. Whether you join a Facebook group or language exchange meetup, there’s no shortage of opportunities to connect with like-minded souls who are on the same adventurous journey as you. Three popular expats in Spain meetup groups are:
Embrace the Local Culture
Ready to salsa your way into the hearts of the locals? Spain is bursting at the seams with rich culture and traditions just waiting to be explored. Whether it’s joining in on a flamenco dance class, mastering the art of paella-making, or cheering on your favorite team at a local fútbol match, immersing yourself in Spanish culture is the ultimate recipe for making friends and creating unforgettable memories.
Learn the Language
Making an effort to learn Spanish will open doors to even more socialising opportunities. Take Spanish classes, practice speaking with locals, or use language exchange apps to strengthen your language skills. Speaking the local language shows respect for the culture and makes it easier to connect with locals on a deeper and more fulfilling level.
Try a free Spanish class with our expert tutors to get started!
Be Open-Minded and Approachable
Be open to meeting new people from diverse backgrounds and be approachable in social settings. Being open-minded and approachable as this is the golden ticket to making friends in Spain. So smile, strike up conversations with strangers, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Who knows? Your next best friend might be just a friendly “¡Hola!” away.
Be Patient and Persistent
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a an expat community! Building meaningful friendships takes time, so be patient, persistent, and don’t be discouraged by a few initial setbacks. Keep putting yourself out there, stay true to yourself, and before you know it, you’ll be surrounded by a group of amigos for all those adventures.
So there you have it, fellow expat adventurers—your ultimate guide to socialising and making friends abroad in sunny Spain! From impromptu flamenco dance-offs to late-night tapas crawls, the adventure of a lifetime awaits. So grab your passport, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to dive headfirst into the vibrant social scene of Spain. ¡Vamos!
Happy socialising! 🎉