How to make friends from other countries without leaving home
· Callumbra
Having friends in other countries opens your mind: you learn how people live elsewhere, practice languages and, who knows, have somewhere to stay if you travel one day. Today you don't need to leave home to start. These are the simplest ways to do it, and how to stay safe along the way.
Where to meet people from other countries
- Interest-based communities: forums, groups and servers about a hobby (games, music, series, sports). A shared interest keeps the conversation flowing.
- Language exchange: people who want to learn your language in exchange for helping you with theirs.
- Video chat with people from around the world: within minutes you're talking face to face with someone from another country.
How to make the conversation last
- Ask about everyday life: what they have for breakfast, what a normal day looks like, what they do on weekends.
- Share yours too: people abroad are curious about your country.
- Keep the time difference in mind and agree on a time that works for both.
- If something isn't clear, ask: cultural differences are part of the fun.
How to keep in touch
Most long-distance friendships fade from lack of continuity, not lack of interest. A short message now and then («saw this and thought of you») keeps the relationship alive. An occasional video call helps more than lots of messages.
Stay safe along the way
- Don't share your address, bank details or documents.
- Be wary of anyone asking for money, gifts or transfers, even «for an emergency».
- If someone wants to move you very quickly to another app or an unknown link, stop.
Start today
On Callumbra you video chat with people from all over the world from your browser. You can choose the languages you speak and your interests so we connect you first with someone who has something in common with you, and if you both tap «Liked» you can keep talking by message.