Making friends is an important part of your experience at IU! Here’s some advice on how to make new friends in the U.S.

Listen and Observe

There may be rules, norms, or social cues that are unfamiliar to you. Listening to verbal communication and carefully observing nonverbal cues can help you learn these behaviors and begin to understand their underlying meaning.

Ask Questions

Try not to assume that you always know what is going on or that you understand every type of communication. Most Americans and other international students will help you if you need an explanation of something. Asking questions is especially useful if someone uses a phrase that does not make sense in literal English. If the person does not under-stand your question, try repeating or rephrasing what you have said.

Stay Open-Minded

Some things in the U.S. will be considerably different from what you are accustomed to at home. It is important not to label things as good or bad in comparison with your own culture. Some customs, habits, and ideas may simply be different from what you are used to. Expressing strong negative opinions about another person’s culture could ruin a new friendship.

Manage Expectations

Learning to function in a new culture is hard. Recognizing that anxiety and frustration are normal parts of the experience may help you deal with it more effectively. Sometimes talking to other international students can help relieve frustration or give you good information on overcoming anxieties.

Be Empathetic

It is important to listen and consider the perspectives of other people. There may be more than one cultural perspective on the same situation. When you experience different perspectives, try to find common ground, ask questions, listen, and seek to learn. This can often lead to mutual understanding.

Be Curious

To gain a full understanding of a culture, you should be open to new experiences, try new things, and be curious about the way things are done in a new place. The more you explore, the more you will learn.

Get Involved

The more time and energy you invest in your experience, the more you will learn from it. Make an effort to make new friends, get involved in activities, and learn about the people and culture in your new home.

Have a Sense of Humor

You might make mistakes as you explore a new culture, and if you can laugh at them yourself it will help ease some pressure. Hopefully, people will respond with friendliness.

Have Fun!

You are here to receive a world-class education, but don’t forget to enjoy yourself along the way. Having fun and making new friends from many cultures is an important part of your experience at IU.