The best way to meet local people is to reach out

I was lucky enough to make a very great group of local friends in Berlin. My research in Berlin is on lesbianism and feminism, and I have spent my whole dialogue looking for lesbians and feminists to connect to. I was finally successful when I visited the Young and Queer group in Berlin. This is a counseling group for young queer people hosted by the lesbian organization Lesbenberatung meaning Lesbian Counseling. The group of people I met there was extremely welcoming and even invited me to hangout with them after the group and translated the group in both German and English to help me understand. I found out one of the members will be studying in Massachusetts next semester and we are planning to hangout!

After meeting this group, I would definitely say the best way to meet local people is to reach out to local communities that best fit your needs and interests. For me, this meant reaching out the lesbian feminist organizations, but if you’re into sports, try a sports group or go to a park; if you’re into salsa dancing, check out the local scene! No matter where you are you’re going to make the best friends when you find people who have similar interests.

Being on a dialogue also means that you’re spending time abroad for a long enough period that you should definitely be keeping a budget. Make sure you always convert the amount you’re paying into dollars or whichever currency you know best in your head or on your phone so you know how much you’re paying. Also make sure to shop around and haggle if that’s part of the local culture. I’ve paid triple as much for the same food in a more touristy shop as a local one just down the street. Don’t let yourself get caught in those traps.