Find social support and new friends
When you move abroad, feeling isolated in your new cultural environment is normal. Getting to know other expats, whether they are compatriots or not, can be a valuable resource for building social connections with people who are (or have been) in the same situation. They, in turn, will be able to integrate you into their social circle, making you feel more comfortable and at home more quickly.
Get the best advice
An expatriate community is the perfect place to get valuable advice on expat life in your new country. They'll be able to suggest the do's and don'ts, how and where to find accommodation, how to deal with the (sometimes very complicated) administrative formalities, find the best places to shop, learn the local language, go out, meet locals your age or take up a sporting activity.
Share unique experiences
Meeting other expats can help you better understand and appreciate the challenges and opportunities of living abroad, as well as the local culture and language. You'll get a different perspective from people who have been there and done that. Thanks to them, you'll have a better idea of the do's and don'ts and be able to avoid beginner's mistakes.
Expand your professional network
If you're looking for a job, what better place to start than an expat community? These groups are always made up of people with a wide range of professional experience. Some may be just what you're looking for. It's a great way to expand your professional network and discover new career opportunities in an atmosphere that is usually friendly and open to others.
Attend social events and activities
Expatriate communities often organize social activities, cultural events and meetings on various topics. Participating in these activities can help you integrate quickly and discover your new country in a friendly way with other expats. It's also a great way to discover new passions, perfect for this brand-new life abroad!
Get significant emotional support
Living abroad and being away from loved ones can be emotionally challenging. By getting closer to a community of people who are in your situation, with all its mishaps and moments of loneliness (yes, that's what living abroad is all about), you'll be able to get the support you need. You'll soon find this support invaluable in the best of times and the worst of times.
Take part in various cultural festivals
Expats generally enjoy celebrating the festivals and traditions of their home country. Joining these groups can help you maintain a link with your home culture. Joining a mixed community of different nationalities is also a great way to discover different traditions and immerse yourself in the culture of other expats.
Help children integrate
If you've moved as a family and your children are having a hard time with the change of country, a community can be a very useful way to help them socialize. As with adults, they'll meet people their age who speak their language and are in the same situation. They'll feel better understood in their difficulties, especially at the beginning, and will gradually open up.
Learn the local language
If you want to learn the local language or are looking for ways to learn it, an expat community can help. Of course, living with other expats of the same nationality isn't usually very helpful for learning, but they can point you to the best language courses and exchanges and advise you on how to make rapid progress.
Settling in more easily
This last point is especially important for people who haven't yet settled in the country. If you're looking for advice and the best tips on living in your host country, this is the kind of community where you'll find the support and help you need to know where to stay, how to find accommodation, and all the steps you need to take before you arrive. Thanks to one of these communities, you might even find new friends waiting for you when you arrive!
Finding your ideal expat community
Now comes the question: how do you find an expat community that truly fits your needs? The answer, thankfully, lies in the vast resources of the internet. With a few simple online searches, you can discover many expat communities within your host country. From there, it's just a matter of making connections.
Numerous online resources are available, including Facebook groups, expat forums, official embassy and university websites—the choice is yours! Additionally, websites specializing in social events, like the popular Eventbrite, can be a great starting point. These platforms often list expat meetups and gatherings, helping you connect with others in your new location.
