Moving to a new country is exciting, but it also comes with the challenge of building a social circle from scratch. For anyone making friends as an expat, the process can feel slow at first. People may seem reserved, routines are different, and even everyday interactions can feel unfamiliar. Yet, those who stay open often discover friendships that are steady, meaningful, and surprisingly natural.
Friendships rarely happen overnight. They tend to unfold gradually, built on repeated encounters and familiar rhythms. Each interaction adds a layer of comfort, and over time conversations feel easier, more open, and more genuine. This slower rhythm may feel unfamiliar at first, but it allows connections to develop with more ease. As everyday interactions grow into conversations, they create openings for deeper friendships to form.
Everyday Encounters
Sometimes the first steps toward friendship happen without us even trying. Seeing the same neighbor in the elevator, exchanging a quick hello at the supermarket, or chatting with another parent at school drop-off can feel small in the moment. For anyone making friends as an expat, these moments are particularly valuable because they help create familiarity in a new environment.
Of course, not every smile or conversation turns into a lifelong connection, and that is perfectly fine. What matters is that these everyday exchanges make the city feel a little warmer and less anonymous. With time, some of them naturally grow into friendships that feel steady and genuine.
Finding Shared Interests
Many friendships begin with something simple. Attending a workshop, joining a language class, or even walking in the same park regularly creates natural opportunities to meet people. These encounters often feel unplanned, yet they carry a sense of ease because the setting already gives you something in common.
You can explore platforms like Meetup, which lists hobby groups, language exchanges, and social activities across Switzerland. Shared experiences remove the pressure of forced conversations. Instead of wondering what to talk about, you find yourself discussing the recipe from a cooking class, the challenge of a hike, or the latest exhibition you both attended.
Over time, repeating these activities adds a layer of comfort. You start to recognize faces, share small updates, and exchange a smile that eventually turns into a conversation. It is in these repeated, everyday interactions that friendships slowly take shape. What makes shared experiences so powerful is that they bring people together without expectation. You are not sitting across a table with the task of getting to know someone. You are simply doing something side by side, and in that space, connection has room to grow naturally.
The Role of Community
Being part of a community can make a big difference when you are making friends as an expat. Whether it is an international women’s circle, a local parenting network, or even a small gathering organized through social media, these communities create a sense of belonging. They make it easier to meet people who understand both the excitement and the challenges of living abroad. At My Swiss Story, we’ve seen this firsthand through our gatherings and events. Here’s a glimpse into how we celebrate community and connection at My Swiss Story.
Community events often feel informal, which makes it easier to strike up conversations. A casual chat before a workshop or a quick exchange during a coffee break can sometimes lead to much more. You may not walk away with instant friendships, but showing up regularly creates familiarity. Over time, people begin to recognize you, and that familiarity becomes the first step toward trust.
For expats, communities also offer a sense of rhythm. They give you something to look forward to each week, and they create opportunities to discover the local culture in a more personal way. From seasonal celebrations to small neighborhood initiatives, these gatherings are as much about belonging as they are about learning.
A Sense of Belonging
Eventually, all these small encounters and shared experiences weave together into something lasting. It does not have to be a large circle of friends. Sometimes, just a handful of meaningful relationships are enough to make a place feel like home.
Belonging is not about being surrounded by people all the time, but about knowing there are a few you can call when you need company or support. It may be someone who checks in on you when the weather turns grey, a neighbor who shares a recipe, or a friend who joins you for a walk after work. These little gestures carry more warmth than grand gestures ever could.
Over time, you start to notice how your weekends are no longer empty. Coffee dates, walks in the forest, or dinners at home begin to fill the calendar, not out of obligation but out of genuine connection. The same country that once felt unfamiliar starts to feel like a place where you are truly seen.
It is in these moments that the idea of finding your tribe begins to make sense. Friendships take root slowly, through shared routines and simple joys, until they become part of the life you build here.
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