Studying abroad can be one of the most thrilling life experiences. Immersing yourself in a new culture and getting to see the world is an invaluable opportunity. But it can also be challenging at times — especially when it comes to meeting new people and making friends. When you're far from home in an unfamiliar place, it's natural to feel lonely or homesick. But with effort and an open mindset, you can build meaningful connections during your time overseas. Here are 13 ways to make friends and find your crew when studying abroad:

1. Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

It's easy to stick to what you know by spending all your time with classmates from your home university or others from your home country. Bonding over shared backgrounds is important, but you want to make sure you branch out too.Remind yourself that you're abroad to experience cultures beyond your own. Say yes to social invitations even if it's out of your comfort zone. Strike up conversations with local students or those from different countries. Use meals or downtime in between classes to meet new people. The more open you are, the more likely you'll make friends from all over.

2. Join Student Clubs and Organizations

One of the best ways to meet people with similar interests is by joining student clubs and organizations. Check what social groups or activity clubs are available through your abroad university or program. For example, you could join a football club, photography society, or culture exchange program.You'll instantly have a connection and something in common with other members. Plus, you'll get to discover new hobbies, passions, and talents. Don't be shy about showing up to meetings and events by yourself at first — everyone there is looking to make friends too!

3. Attend Organized Social Events

Find out what mixers, parties, or social hours are happening for international students on campus or in your city. These types of organized social events are perfect for meeting fellow abroad students looking to make connections. You could also look into cultural meetups or language exchanges. Your study abroad program likely offers resources on social programming. Or, ask older students where the hot spots are to mingle with peers. Putting yourself in social settings makes striking up conversations natural. It also gives you a direct opportunity to exchange contact information with new friends.

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4. Say 'Yes' to Spontaneous Invitations

Some of the best connections form through spur-of-the-moment adventures. So if a classmate or acquaintance invites you to grab lunch, check out a local hangout, or attend a concert… say 'yes!' Even if it's something you normally would decline or sounds out of your comfort zone, embrace the spontaneity. These casual hangouts allow you to get to know people in low-pressure environments. You never know — grabbing coffee on a whim could lead to a lifelong friend you love.

5. Meet People Through Travel

Backpacking trips, group tours, and weekend road trips are all fantastic ways to bond with new people. Ask peers in your abroad program if they want to coordinate excursions together. Traveling with others allows you to share memorable experiences and adventures. Long bus rides, tours, hostel stays, and shared meals naturally bring people together. You instantly have a built-in community to navigate a new place with. And you'll return home with inside jokes and stories that strengthen your connection.

6. Make Friends With Locals

When abroad, you have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to fully immerse yourself in the native culture and customs — and befriend locals.Smile and chat with store owners in your neighborhood, students in your class, or residents at your hostel. Ask if they'd like to grab a coffee or a meal with you. Many locals love to share insider tips and perspectives with visitors. You'll gain a deeper appreciation for your abroad home and have people to experience it with.RELATED >>10 Fun Cheap Activities to Do With Your Friends in College

7. Get Out of Your Living Space

Spend time in communal dorm spaces, apartments, or residential buildings to connect with those living around you. Keep your door open when you're home or hang out in common areas like lounges, recreational rooms, or quads. Living among other students automatically gives you a social circle. Be the one to introduce yourself, invite people to do homework together, or suggest grabbing food at the dining hall. Turn those you live near into a built-in friend group.

8. Make Friends Online First

If you're an introvert, this is a good way to connect with people. Use social media to find other students in your abroad program or destination before you even leave. Search Facebook groups related to your university or study abroad location. Reach out to introduce yourself and ask to meet up once abroad. Having familiar faces to bond with right away can ease the transition. Another perk? You'll have travel buddies immediately and people to navigate an unfamiliar place with.

9. Choose a Buddy

If you're studying abroad with others from your home university, pick a friend to be your travel buddy. Explore together, attend social events as a pair, and step out of your comfort zones as a team. Having someone familiar alongside you helps balance out the newness of it all. You'll naturally rely on and confide in each other as you share this experience abroad. Your built-in buddy makes the ups and downs smoother.

10. Stay Connected Back Home

Don't forget to nurture the relationships that matter most back home. Keep up with friends and family through video calls, texts, social media, care packages, snail mail, and emails. Share photos and stories from your adventures that loved ones would appreciate. Feeling connected to your support system can help you adjust to abroad life. Plus, it gives you something familiar amidst the newness.

11. Pick Up a Volunteer Position

Look for part-time volunteer opportunities in your abroad city related to a cause you care about. This allows you to meet locals, travelers, and expats who share your values. Volunteering side-by-side forms strong bonds as you work together for the greater good. You'll feel connected to the community and make global friendships in the process.

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12. Study With Your Classmates

Form or join study groups with other students in your abroad classes and programs. You can quiz each other, discuss assignments, and help explain challenging material. Studying together allows you to socialize while being productive. You'll naturally get to know your peers better in an academic setting. Friendships form easily over shared goals and study sessions.

13. Turn to Sites Like Meetup

Look for Meetup groups or events near you related to your hobbies and interests. Sign up to attend mixers for young professionals, weekly meetups for sports teams and clubs, or networking events for your preferred industry. Introduce yourself to the group and exchange numbers with some members. Having some go-to Meetup communities makes it easy to find like-minded locals to have fun with.

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Expand Your Boundaries, Expand Your World

Studying abroad is all about pushing beyond your boundaries, growing your worldview, and forming bonds across cultures. While it may feel intimidating at first, remember that every stranger is a potential friend. By stepping outside your comfort zone, putting yourself in social settings, and being open to new adventures, you'll find your crew and make new memories in no time. Embrace each day abroad as an opportunity to connect with others — and let these tips guide you as you learn, explore, and make lifelong friends.