Residing and working abroad provides opportunities for growth, new experiences, and professional experiences. However, the expat experience can be one of profound isolation in adjusting to a new country for many expats. The InterNations Expat Insider 2022 Survey states that 37% of expats say one of their single biggest challenges is making friends with locals.
According to articles published in the International Journal of Human Resource Management, there is evidence that those with strong support infrastructures adjust more quickly, perform better at work, and have increased wellbeing. Building out a network is not merely just a social action, it is also an important component of achieving a fulfilled life abroad.
This article will provide some practical tools that are evidence based and also stem from observations of global mobility to help expatriates build and maintain a meaningful support network.
Key Strategies for Building Your Support Network
Building a reliable network abroad takes planning, openness, and consistent effort. From preparing before departure to involving your family and nurturing long-term relationships, these strategies will help you create the personal and professional connections that make life overseas more rewarding.
Start Building Connections Before You Move
Networking must start long before departure. Expats who come to a new country with some contacts are likely to adjust better. Alumni associations, professional groupings from LinkedIn, and employer relocation programs are smart places to begin. Many employers also help new assignees connect with employees who have participated in the destination country, thus providing practical advice on engagements and the opportunity for a meeting.
A report from Brookfield Global Relocation Services asserts the following: Preparation and outreach prior to departure can decrease failure rates related to assignments by providing the assignees with social and cultural resources prior to becoming overwhelmed with their new context.
Balance Expat and Local Friendships
While fellow expatriates can sometimes be reassured because they understand the discomfort of moving abroad, depending exclusively on them is risky for several reasons; one is the “expat bubble.” It is just as important to engage with nationals of your host country to process and integrate your experience in your new life. You can develop relationships and insights through simple avenues such as joining local sports clubs, volunteering, or participating in cultural events.
A study from Tilburg University in 2019 determined that support from a host country national had a greater positive effect on expatriate adjustment than a counterpart resident in fellow expatriate status. Relationships with locals enhance both credibility and fluency in the new culture.
Leverage Organizational Support
Employers play a critical role in helping professionals build their networks. Buddy systems, mentorship programs, and HR-led community events are not simply perks—they are proven tools for supporting expatriates. Asking about spousal support groups, language classes, or counseling resources can also broaden your circle.
According to Mercer’s Global Talent Trends Report, organizations that invest in structured support for international employees see significantly higher assignment success rates and retention levels.
Use Digital Platforms as Gateways
Digital communities can be powerful connectors, especially in the early stages of relocation. Platforms such as Internations, Meetup, and local Facebook groups allow expatriates to find both professional and social opportunities. However, it is important not to stop at online interaction. Turning digital introductions into real-life conversations is what creates depth and trust.
A Deloitte global mobility study found that while online platforms ease the initial stages of networking, long-term integration depends on meaningful, face-to-face relationships.
Support the Whole Family
Successful adaptation isn’t limited to the professional alone—families are equally affected. Spousal dissatisfaction and children’s struggles to adjust are consistently cited as leading causes of failed assignments. Helping partners join local networks, supporting children in extracurricular activities, and attending family events together strengthens everyone’s sense of belonging.
Cartus Global Relocation Reports note that family-related adjustment issues remain one of the top three risks of international assignments, underscoring the need to build networks for every family member.
Nurture Relationships Over Time
A network is not static: it requires attention and care. Following up after initial meetings, maintaining a mix of professional mentors and social friends, and making an effort to reconnect with contacts help sustain strong ties. Expats who invest in their networks continue to reap benefits long after the assignment ends.
Research highlighted in the Harvard Business Review shows that professionals who maintain diverse networks during and after their time abroad report stronger career mobility and higher satisfaction, even upon repatriation.
Conclusion
A strong support network is one of the most valuable assets an expatriate can build. It eases cultural adjustment, improves professional performance, and provides the emotional anchor needed to thrive abroad. From preparing early to balancing local and expat ties, involving family, and nurturing relationships over time, these strategies help transform a new country from a place of uncertainty into a place of belonging.
At Xpattitudes, we know that no two expat journeys are alike. Through tailored coaching and cross-cultural support, we help professionals and their families build the networks and confidence they need to succeed in their new environments. With the right guidance, relocation is more than a move—it’s an opportunity to create a global home.
