Leaving your home country and moving abroad is an exciting adventure, but it also comes with a major challenge: starting over socially. When you arrive in a new place, you may not know anyone—it’s like being the new kid in school all over again. However, while it might seem daunting at first, building a new social circle in your second half of life can be one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences imaginable.

For many of us, friendships are formed in school, at work, or through our children’s activities. These are the people we’ve spent decades with, sharing experiences, supporting each other, and building deep connections. So, the idea of leaving those friendships behind can feel overwhelming. However, one important realization is that these deep connections don’t disappear just because you move abroad. Lifelong friendships remain intact, and when you reconnect, it feels like no time has passed. But moving abroad also offers an opportunity to expand your social horizons in unexpected and exciting ways.

In the first half of life, friendships are often built around shared life stages—raising children, building careers, or navigating young adulthood. These relationships tend to be deep and intimate, providing a strong sense of belonging. In contrast, friendships in the second half of life can be much broader. Instead of forming bonds based on shared life stages, friendships develop around shared interests and activities. This means you meet a wider variety of people from different backgrounds, cultures, and generations. The result? A richer, more diverse social life that exposes you to new ideas and experiences.

If you’re wondering how to make new friends after moving abroad, here are some practical tips:

1. Join Interest-Based Groups – Whether it’s hiking, photography, yoga, or book clubs, participating in activities you enjoy is a natural way to meet like-minded people.

2. Be Open to Different Generations – Friendships abroad often span a wider age range. You’ll meet people both older and younger than you, and each brings a fresh perspective to life.

3. Say Yes to Invitations – Being open to new experiences and stepping outside your comfort zone will introduce you to more social opportunities.

4. Utilize Online Communities – Platforms like Facebook groups, Meetup, and local forums help you connect with expats and locals with similar interests.

5. Create Your Own Gatherings – Host dinners, plan group outings, or start an activity group to bring people together.

6. Be Patient and Persistent – Building a social network takes time, so keep putting yourself out there and stay open to new connections.

One of the biggest surprises we’ve discovered living abroad is just how many friends we now have compared to our first half of life. While these friendships may not always have the deep history of childhood or work friends, they offer something equally valuable: diversity, fresh perspectives, and a sense of community. Many people in our situation report having more friends than ever before. The variety of friendships—across cultures, ages, and backgrounds—adds a richness to daily life that we never expected. Whether it’s learning about new travel destinations, discovering a new hobby, or simply sharing a good meal, these friendships have enhanced our experience of life abroad tremendously.

Making friends abroad requires effort, but it’s a joyful and rewarding process. You have to be willing to engage, accept invitations, and create opportunities for connection. The friendships you build in your second half of life can be different, yet just as meaningful as those from earlier years. If you’re considering a move abroad but are worried about making friends, don’t be. The opportunities are endless, and the rewards are incredible. We’ve never had more friends, and our lives have been enriched beyond measure because of them.