How to connect as international student

Trying to connect as international student in a new city can feel overwhelming at first, especially if everything around you still feels unfamiliar. Barcelona is a vibrant and energetic city, yet for many, it also feels overwhelming and a bit lonely at first.

Fortunately, you are not alone. In fact, there are plenty of organisations dedicated specifically to connecting international students. In this article, we dive into the story behind two such initiatives: Picnic and People and Centro Sarana. So, how do they help students build friendships?

Why it’s hard to connect as international student

Moving to a new city is exciting, but at the same time, it also brings uncertainty. How do you meet people outside your classes or housemates? How do you step up to someone in a city where everyone already seems to know where they are going?

One of the biggest obstacles, both organisations explain, is knowing where to begin. “Many students simply don’t know where they can go to meet others,” says Centro Sarana. Moreover, add to that the fear of showing up alone, and you’ve got a social barrier that many face silently. “You need a certain bravery to just show up on your own.” they explain. That’s something many students deeply relate to.

Picnic and people also recognize this. Their informal, welcoming gatherings are designed specifically to lower that barrier. “There’s no pressure, no expectations, no need to perform,” the founder say. “You come as you are, and that’s enough.”

The power of personal approach

Large-scale events can seem intimidating. Instead of crowded parties or formal networking meetings, more and more students prefer a more personal approach. They look for places where they can feel comfortable and meet new people without pressure.

In response to this, initiatives such as Picnic and People and Centro Sarana, often choose small group settings, making it easier to connect without the pressure of a massive crowd. For example, Picnic and People organises picnics on the beach, movie nights and smaller meetings. The focus is on relaxation and creating an open atmosphere. Similarly, Centro Sarana follows a comparable philosophy, but with slightly different offerings. They offer a wide range of activities, from wellness events to creative workshops such as flower arranging and cooking clubs.

Changing ways to connect as international student

According to Centro Sarana, the way students make social connections has changed a lot over the years – and social media plays a big role in this. Nowadays, many students discover their community through Instagram or TikTok, even before they actually go to an event.

As they themselves say, ‘They felt safe to join because they already felt like they were their friends.’ Social media helps not only to take a first step, but also to increase the sense of safety and recognition even before a first meeting takes place.

Picnic and People also sees that the mindset among students is often very similar: almost everyone is open to new friendships. As a result, it becomes easier to approach each other and connect, even if you don’t know each other at all yet.

In this Tiktok you can find the best community’s to join as international student:

https://www.tiktok.com/@aulanewsuao/photo/7482673993707818262?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7477597401228903959

This to remember

Making friends as an international student is sometimes exciting, but definitely possible. Everyone starts at the same point – with a little bit of uncertainty, but also with a lot of curiosity and openness.

Final tip: Don’t be afraid to go to an event alone – it’s precisely because of this that you get to know new people faster. And don’t forget social media as a tool. It is often the first step towards real connection.