Make friends and build a network of relationships while studying abroad

🔄 Cập nhật lần cuối: 08/10/26

Friends help you feel less lonely in the early days, and your network can open up internship and job opportunities later. However, making friends when studying abroad does not come naturally, especially when you have just arrived and are not fluent in English and unfamiliar with the culture. This article shares how to make friends and build a network of relationships naturally and sustainably during your time studying abroad.

Why is networking important?

• Mental health: having someone to share with helps reduce feelings of loneliness and culture shock. UKCISA advises international students to make friends with both international and local students, finding common ground through sports, music, volunteering or student associations.
• Studying: studying well in groups helps you understand lessons faster and do group exercises more effectively.
• Foreign language: daily communication is the fastest way to improve your level.
• Career: many internship and job opportunities come from referrals from tutors, friends, and alumni.

Making friends while studying abroad: where to start

1. Orientation week

This is the "golden time" because everyone is new and wants to get acquainted. Attend all sessions, including evening social activities. According to UKCISA, in the UK, the Freshers' Fair often takes place before the start of studies to introduce the activities of the student association. Read more first day at school: orientation.

2. Student clubs and associations

Student unions at many schools run dozens to hundreds of clubs: sports, entrepreneurship, hobbies, culture. Choose 1–2 clubs you really like and go regularly – seeing each other regularly creates friendships.

3. Residence

Dormitories and shared houses are the easiest places to make friends: cook together, organize small parties, and invite each other to go to the market. See Find housing while studying abroad.

4. Volunteer

Volunteering helps you connect with the local community and gain skills. UKCISA advises Student visa students to check whether volunteering is allowed under their visa conditions – similar rules should be checked in other countries.

5. Classrooms and study groups

Actively invite classmates to form study groups and sit near different people each session. Getting acquainted through studying is a natural, low-pressure way.

6. Part-time job

Colleagues at part-time jobs are also a source of friends and practical experience – see work part-time while studying abroad.

Communication tips to make friends easier

• Take the initiative first: say hello, introduce your name, ask about your major and hometown.
• Ask open-ended questions: "How do you like this subject?", "What do you do on weekends?".
• Remember your name and call your name when you meet again.
• Accept invitations when possible, and proactively invite them back.
• Sharing Vietnamese culture: cooking a dish, introducing Tet - international friends often like it very much.
• Respect differences in religion, eating habits, and personal boundaries.

Build a network of professional relationships

1. Lecturer: It's time to meet students, ask about research and projects; The tutor is the one who writes the letter of recommendation later.
2. Career center: job fair, business talks, CV editing.
3. Alumni: join the alumni network, please have a short chat to learn from experience.
4. LinkedIn: complete your profile, connect after each event with a personal message.
5. Internship, co-op: the best opportunity for industry contacts – see Internship and co-op while studying abroad.

Remember, networking is about building two-way relationships: helping, sharing information, keeping in touch - not just asking for a job when needed.

Balance between the Vietnamese community and international friends

The Vietnamese Student Association is a great support: sharing rental experience, go to the market, celebrate Tet away from home. But if you only play with Vietnamese people, you will miss the opportunity to practice foreign languages ​​and understand the local culture. Be balanced: join the Vietnamese community and actively participate in at least one activity with international friends. If the first weeks are difficult, read more Culture shock when studying abroad.

For trips home or traveling with friends, VeDuHoc can support group ticket bookings and itinerary advice - for reference. ticket back home and post Travel economically while studying abroad.

Frequently asked questions

Can you make friends if your English is not good?

Okay. Many international friends are also learning foreign languages; Sincerity and initiative are more important than perfect grammar.

Where should introverts start?

Start from a small environment: study groups, hobby clubs, activities with specific tasks such as volunteering.

When should you start career networking?

Right from the first year. Attending career events early helps you understand the industry and make connections before you need to find an internship.

Should I join the Vietnamese student association?

So, to have support and useful information, but balanced with international activities.

The friends and relationships you make while studying abroad can accompany you for many years. Need flight ticket support for your upcoming trip, contact VeDuHoc via hotline/Zalo 090.1800.918.

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