Moving to a new country is exhilarating—but it can also be isolating. Even for seasoned travelers or professionals, the challenge of building a social network from scratch is real. Expat groups provide not just companionship but a structured way to learn about local culture, navigate administrative processes, and even find professional opportunities.
Research from InterNations shows that expats who actively engage with local communities report higher satisfaction and lower stress levels during relocation. Joining the right expat groups accelerates cultural integration, creates friendships, and offers a safety net for navigating daily life.
In this guide, we’ll explore practical strategies to find and join expat communities in your new city, as well as the benefits of active participation.
1. Why Joining Expat Groups Matters
Expat communities provide emotional support, practical advice, and networking opportunities. According to a Global Expat Survey, nearly 65% of expats cite local networks as their most valuable resource for adapting abroad.
Some key benefits include:
- Reducing isolation and culture shock.
- Accessing firsthand local knowledge.
- Opportunities for mentorship and professional growth.
- Emotional and mental well-being support.
Being part of a community makes even small daily challenges—like grocery shopping, banking, or enrolling kids in school—easier to manage.
2. Types of Expat Communities
Expat groups aren’t one-size-fits-all. Understanding the types of communities helps you choose the right fit:
- Social clubs: Focused on hobbies, sports, or cultural activities.
- Professional networks: Designed for career growth, business connections, or skill-sharing.
- Family-focused groups: Support families with children, offering school advice or playdates.
- Online-only communities: Offer advice, forums, and virtual meetups.
For example, Meetup has dedicated sections for expats in most major cities, ranging from hiking groups to language exchange meetups.
3. Where to Find Expat Groups Online
Online platforms are often the first stop for newcomers. They provide instant access to community recommendations, upcoming events, and discussion forums. Popular options include:
- InterNations (https://www.internations.org) – One of the largest global expat communities with city-specific forums and events.
- Expat.com (https://www.expat.com) – Offers resources for housing, jobs, and social connections.
- Internations City Groups – Smaller subgroups focused on niche interests like sports or entrepreneurship.
These platforms help expats locate both virtual and in-person support systems, which can be especially useful when arriving in a new city.
4. Finding Groups Through Local Institutions
Local institutions, such as universities, coworking spaces, or international schools, often host events or maintain expat-related resources.
- Universities: Many host language exchange programs or cultural integration events. For instance, University of Global Education has city-based expat clubs for adult learners.
- Coworking spaces: Spaces like WeWork or local coworking hubs often organize networking events for international professionals.
- Embassies and cultural institutes: Embassies frequently maintain expat directories and host cultural events.
By leveraging these resources, expats gain access to pre-vetted networks and structured activities.
5. Social Media Platforms to Explore
Social media is another excellent tool to connect with expats. Some strategies include:
- Facebook Groups: Search for “Expats in [City]” or “Foreigners in [City]” for active communities. Examples include Expat Life in Berlin and Expats in Dubai.
- LinkedIn: Join professional expat groups for career-focused networking.
- WhatsApp/Telegram groups: Many communities create private groups for event notifications or emergency support.
These channels allow quick interaction and make it easy to ask questions or seek recommendations from experienced expats.
6. Professional Expat Networks
For career-oriented expats, joining professional networks is invaluable. Examples include:
- Internations Business Network – Networking opportunities tailored to entrepreneurs and corporate professionals.
- Global Expatriate Management Network (GEMNet) – Focused on sharing relocation best practices.
- LinkedIn City-Based Groups – Search for terms like “International Professionals in [City]” or “Expat Entrepreneurs.”
These networks can provide mentorship, job leads, and advice on navigating local business etiquette.
7. Attending Events and Meetups
Active participation in events is crucial to building genuine connections.
- Attend language exchanges, cultural events, and hobby meetups.
- Participate in networking events or professional workshops.
- Volunteer in community initiatives to meet locals and other expats.
Websites like Eventbrite or Meetup regularly list expat-friendly events in most cities.
8. Tips for Making the Most of Your Expat Group
- Be proactive: Don’t wait for invitations; reach out and introduce yourself.
- Participate regularly: Attend meetings, join online discussions, and volunteer.
- Be open-minded: Embrace local customs while sharing your own culture.
- Set realistic expectations: Not every connection will become a close friend—but each interaction builds familiarity.
These practices help expats build meaningful relationships faster and make the transition smoother.
9. Safety and Etiquette Considerations
While expat groups are generally safe, it’s important to maintain personal safety:
- Verify organizers and group legitimacy before attending.
- Be cautious sharing personal information in public forums.
- Respect cultural differences in group interactions.
These steps ensure your expat experience remains positive and enriching.
FAQs
1. Why should I join an expat group in my new city?
Expat groups provide emotional support, practical advice, and social connections, helping you adapt faster and feel less isolated.
2. How do I find the right expat group for me?
Consider your interests, profession, family situation, and preferred type of interaction (online vs. in-person). Platforms like InterNations and Expat.com are great starting points.
3. Are online expat communities as effective as in-person groups?
Yes. Online communities offer immediate advice, networking, and event notifications, though in-person interactions often build deeper relationships.
4. Can expat groups help me professionally?
Absolutely. Many groups offer mentorship, networking, and industry-specific events that can advance your career abroad.
5. How can I participate safely in expat meetups?
Verify the legitimacy of the group, attend public events first, and avoid sharing sensitive personal information until you’re confident in the community.
6. Should I join multiple expat groups at once?
It’s often helpful to explore several options, but prioritize groups that align with your goals—social, professional, or family-oriented—to avoid overcommitment.
7. How do I make meaningful connections in expat groups?
Be proactive, attend events regularly, volunteer, and approach interactions with openness and curiosity about different cultures.
8. Can expat groups help with local cultural adaptation?
Yes. Members often share tips on local customs, language, professional etiquette, and daily life, helping you integrate more smoothly.
Conclusion
Finding and joining expat groups is one of the most effective ways to feel at home in a new city. From social support and cultural insight to professional networking, these communities provide a foundation for both personal and career growth.
By exploring online platforms, local institutions, social media, and professional networks, expats can quickly build meaningful connections. Active participation, open-mindedness, and awareness of safety considerations further enhance the experience.
For those navigating relocation challenges, Sandra’s coaching can offer tailored guidance on integrating into expat communities, building connections, and thriving in a new environment. With the right support, moving abroad becomes not just manageable—but genuinely rewarding.
