Making International Friends

One of the most amazing things about being an exchange student is the opportunity to meet people from all around the world, and actually become friends with them. I am talking about creating special types of bond with really nice people, the same way you have in your home country, but who otherwise you would never meet. It is the same friendship, but amongst different nationalities and using another language.

 

Most likely, this is your only chance to exchange opinions and share information about cultures and backgrounds that are completely different to your own. A conversation with a foreigner seems to never end. There is so much to talk about, to learn, to share. These are, at least for me, the most important moments. Only by actually knowing another culture and its country can you appreciate your own. 

Also, if you are not fully satisfied with life in your home town, and you feel uncomfortable with aspects of your culture, perhaps you will find a more suitable country to live, in the future. You finally realize that the world is a big place indeed, and there is a place for everyone.  In order to understand that, you have to give yourself the chance to know people from other places, talk to them, listen to them. If you have only had conversations with people from your own nationality, perhaps you will have to try to be a little more open-minded so that you will learn something.

The tool that makes this happen: the English language. There is something almost poetic about it. You are in a car, travelling somewhere with four people from four different nationalities; you are completely able to understand them and to be understood; you share information and feelings with them; and suddenly a friendship is born.

At the same time, you are aware that your mother language can be totally different. You realize, once again, why you study English. Yes, it is important for jobs, CV's and so on. But, the most important aspect is communication. With English, you are able to speak to the world.

Finally (and maybe mostly important), with friends from all over the world, you can (hopefully) have free accommodation when you visit their country. I hope I might when I go to Spain, Japan and Korea.

by Andre Campos

You too could make friends from all over the world whilst learning English in New Zealand, find out how by visiting the Embassy Auckland website

Comments

[Nicola]

You're so right Andre, making new friends is the best thing about learning a new langauge. Great post Andre!

[Bill Curley Pre-Tafy]

I have a few friends in other places around the world, Spain, USA, UK.
I visit them, it's a great way to know people and their cilture.

Excellent post...good work

[Nic Scott]

Another great post Andre! It's not just for work and study - we can have fun with our language and it gives us a chance to communicate to more people!

[Carter]

Nice snowman, but where's the carrot nose?

[Rebecca Hayes]

I totally agree André. Learning another language is a great way to meet people from around the world and bond with them. Then we get to enjoy our love of travel, too!