Top 5 Tips for Meeting People Overseas
By Andrea Martins
Get out of your house. Make the effort to take that shower, put those clothes on, bundle up those kids, or do whatever else it takes for you to get out of your house, if you really want to meet people overseas. Amazingly simple, but you would be surprised how many people I meet who say they have not met anyone yet, then go on to say that excluding trips to the supermarket, they have not really gone out of the house.
Put on your happy smile! What you give out, is what you get back. If you project a happy, friendly personality when you talk to people, people usually respond positively and want to get to know you more.
Ask. Ask. Ask. Whether you are in the supermarket, in the street, at a fancy restaurant, in an office building, or at your kid’s school, never be afraid to approach people to ask them questions like: “Hi, I’m Jane, I heard you speaking English, may I ask where you are from?” or “Hi, I’m Belinda, may I ask if you know of any playgroups for children in this area?”
Lose your pride. No one really knows you, so risk rejection – you have nothing to lose. If someone does not answer you how you anticipated, it really is not a big deal. Someone else will come along tomorrow who will answer you in an enthusiastic, positive way.
Follow up! When you start exchanging your contact details with people that you are meeting overseas, always remember that as the ‘newbie’ (aka more needy half of the equation), it really is your responsibility to follow up with the person that you met, about meeting for coffee, seeing a movie, having a kids’ play date, or just giving you some helpful advice about your new city. Do not by shy – as long as you are not pushy and overwhelming, your new contact is usually only too happy to help you out and welcome you to your new ‘home’.
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