Are you excited about moving abroad? Settling in a new country is really fun and full of opportunities. Understand that it also has its own ups and downs. One of the biggest challenges you face in another country is meeting new people and building professional connections.
According to AXA, “Global Healthcare, about 87% of expats surveyed said that they felt isolated during their time abroad.” (Source) Expats need to build a strong professional network in order to make their life and career smoother. How to make it happen?
In this blog, you will learn the important ways to build a powerful network abroad.
11 Tips for Expats to Build a Strong Professional Network Abroad
1. Look for Local Job Opportunities
Expats need to find a local job soon after arrival to connect with new people and expand their network. They can work within the community first to get to know their coworkers and clients better.
For a person who hates quiet office settings, it’s better to search for jobs in nearby bars or cafes to grow the network. Another good way to enhance your network is by volunteering with the local NGOs. This allows you to give back to the community as well.
In some countries, it’s also possible to volunteer legally without a work visa. Through volunteering and working locally, you can meet new people daily, understand different cultures, and grow professional connections.
2. Join a Language Class
Expats have to attend language classes to grow abroad. Yes, learning the local language helps them become part of the culture and also opens up more opportunities.
You have to meet and be friends with other expats and foreigners who are also learning. For this, search for language classes nearby and join the best that suits your requirements.
3. Attend Language Exchange Events
After learning the basics of the local language, the next step to take is to join language exchange events. Many people from different cultures and backgrounds attend these events to learn and practise language with each other. The best part is that there’s no language restriction to join, making it easier to build new connections.
4. Use Apps to Meet New People
Apps play a big role in meeting new people when living abroad. Use them effectively to connect with foreigners and other people in a normal and natural way.
For example, Tinder isn’t just an app built for dating. Expats can use it to make new friends. Also, using a travel companion app like Backpackr helps expats find other travellers going to the same destination. Isn’t it great that apps can make expats’ lives easier, helping them explore, grow, and feel at home in another country?
5. Connect With Expat Groups
Did you know that almost every country has expat communities? You have to make use of these communities to connect with new people globally to make the local and foreign connections easier. Groups such as Nomad List and InterNations are mainly designed for expats to build valuable relationships both online and in person.
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6. Attend Industry Events & Conferences
Expats can meet professionals, know about trends, and make job connections by attending industry conferences. Such events help them understand the industry well and help grow their network quickly. When you can’t afford to pay for conference tickets, don’t worry; Many events offer discounts, group rates, and cheaper expo-only passes that let you see major parts of the event.
You can volunteer, as many conferences welcome volunteers and give them free or discounted entry in return. This also gives you the chance to network with organisers and speakers.
Some companies may also sponsor your attendance when you can explain properly how such events benefit you. Most conferences offer travel grants or scholarships too. Utilise these chances effectively and attend the important events even on a tight budget.
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7. Be Consistent on Social Media
What’s the most important thing needed to build a global professional network? It’s creating a good online presence. There’s no other platform than social media to showcase your skills, share experiences, and connect with the right people. You also need to stay consistent to get the best results:
- Twitter & Instagram: Share updates, news, industry insights, and achievements to show your expertise.
- Professional Blogs: Write blogs about your experience and expertise on Medium or on your website regularly.
- Be Active: Post regularly about professional experience and achievements and engage with others through likes, comments, and shares.
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8. Reach Out To People Who Have Helped With Your Job Search
Expats can easily maintain good relationships with professionals by sending a thank-you note. Send a short thank you message to all those who gave advice, helped with work, or introduced you to others. The message can be sent either via email or as a handwritten card.
You need to make a simple and clear note and mention exactly how that person helped you, and show your appreciation. Doing this shows you are professional and also makes people easily remember you.
When professional contacts feel appreciated, they are more likely to help you in the future. Each message shows respect for your time and effort and strengthens your professional network over time.
9. Show courage to Ask & Offer
Do you think networking is only about asking others for help? No, it’s also about giving and sharing skills, ideas, or support with others whenever needed. By helping others, it’s easier to create strong connections, which bring in better collaborations too.
10. Never Miss a Social Networking Opportunity
It can feel awkward to say ‘Yes’ all the time to social events. Because you need time to take care of yourself and rest whenever needed. At the same time, find time to attend maximum social activities too, such as parties at language schools, gyms, or other gatherings for better growth. Going out and interacting with people helps you get to know them better and can lead to strong friendships.
11. Search for a Local Mentor or Industry Guide
Do you struggle to understand how things work in the new country? Don’t worry; a mentor can sort out the issue. Their guidance helps you learn about local work culture and industry expectations and meet important professionals.
Where to find them? You can easily find a mentor by attending local events, workshops, or professional talks. Also, ask someone you already know to introduce you to a mentor or reach out on LinkedIn with a polite message.
Being genuine increases your chances of getting help. Expats can maintain long-term relationships by staying in touch.
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Conclusion
Expats can confidently build a professional network just by following the tips mentioned in this blog. Make use of social media, attend local and industry events, learn the local language, find a mentor, and never say no to any social networking opportunity.
With the above strategies, you can create a supportive network of people around you. Understand that making new connections will help you both in your career and in settling in comfortably, and will bring more opportunities than you could ever imagine.
Grow your professional network to grow in both your personal and professional life.
Make the new place feel like home!
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