1. How to make friends in new places Faekah Gohar September 2013 Copywrighted: F Gohar 2014

2. THE WORRY.......... Time alone. No friends.Homesick. Limited social activities possible I will cover: Social side of moving (as opposed to the practical) Personal perspective Adaptive techniques

3. The usual things Colleagues Language classes Hobbies Contact local university social rep/international student liaison The internet Geat resource – locals, they understand the job and the politics – get to know them! They have your best interest at heart because at worst they need a productive colleague – but you will usually find great social supports – I found a second family. Important to at least learn the language basics, it helps with learning the culture, and is a great place to meet new friends Good source for organised activities and people to do them with Avoid too much reliance on skyping home, but it can be useful too. Many sites for expats and foreigners (Germany: Toytown)

4. Making friends is a bit like dating... Tell everyone Don’t be ‘ageist’ – Be open to new things and new people Don’t be scared to make the first move! Never say no Ask people to do things – despite being local they may not have done many touristy things for a while like visiting the Botanical Gardens or museums Try new things – for me it was ice-skating, in-line skating, running I have a broader variety of friends, older and younger, from different backgrounds – which is more fun! if you are bored/have nothing to do – people may assume you don‘t actually want to spend time drinking with them if you act too busy and as if you have many other friends...!!