One of the greatest benefits of studying abroad is the opportunity to build a global network. When I studied in Geneva, I made lifelong friends from all over the world, and these connections have stayed with me throughout my career. Meeting people from different cultures opens your mind, challenges your perspectives, and helps you grow on both a personal and professional level.
The truth is, making friends in a new country can feel intimidating at first. Everything is unfamiliar—new environment, new culture, new routines. But this is exactly what makes the experience meaningful. The moment you take that first step to talk to someone new, join a group, or show up at an event, your experience completely changes.
At Navon Study International, we always advise students to be proactive in building friendships and professional networks. Joining student clubs, participating in cultural events, volunteering, and simply spending time in common areas like libraries or cafeterias can help you connect with people naturally. These connections often turn into friendships, study partners, and sometimes even future business collaborators.
One thing that helped me tremendously was being open-minded. You don’t need to be extremely outgoing—you just need to be willing to communicate. Even small conversations can lead to deep friendships. Don’t wait for others to approach you; take initiative. A simple question like “Where are you from?” or “How long have you been studying here?” can start a great conversation.
Learning multiple languages has also played a huge role in helping me connect with others. Every new language opens the door to a new community. When I was in Geneva, speaking French helped me build friendships that I still cherish today. Now, as I continue learning Arabic in Dubai, I am experiencing this all over again—meeting people from different backgrounds, practicing the language with them, and forming new relationships.
Building a network isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s a journey. Every interaction, every event you attend, and every conversation you start adds another thread to your network. Years later, you’ll realize how valuable these relationships are—not only for career opportunities, but for emotional support, cultural exposure, and lifelong friendship.
If you're preparing to study abroad, remember this: be curious, be confident, and be open. The world is full of incredible people—you just have to meet them. Your future network, your future friends, and maybe even your future business partners are waiting on the other side of one simple conversation.