Trying to break free?
Some people who move overseas want to live in a gated community. They want to surround themselves with other people just like them.
Personally, that’s not what I’m looking for.
I want to meet new people, who have different thoughts, opinions and views. I want to try different foods. I want to see different artwork.
Most of the fun of living in a new country is the new experiences. It’s not just getting away from the bad things back home, but finding the new things to enjoy.
Unfortunately, I’ve been spending a lot of time in my own little “expat enclave” – my apartment where I work on my computer most of the day. That’s how it is when you start up a new business.
So my plan for this year is to get out more, meet more local people, and find new activities and opportunities.
Here are a few things you (and I) can do to meet more people while living overseas.
- Take a class in the local language. Yes, most of the other students will be foreigners. However, your teachers will probably be locals, and the schools often organize cultural exchange events and tours.
- Teach at an English language school. Even if you don’t need the income, it gives you an opportunity to meet new people.
- If you’re in business, look for a local Rotary club, Chamber of Commerce, etc.
- Check with your Embassy (or on their website) to see if there are any programs you can participate in, or groups to join. Here in Paraguay, there are the Paraguayan American Chamber of Commerce, the Centro Cultural Paraguayo Americano, and USAID.
- If you have the time, take some classes at the local university. This is especially good if you’re retired. Now’s your chance to study painting, music, or whatever else you never had time for before.
- If you like running and beer, then look for a local chapter of the Hash House Harriers. If they don’t have one, start one.
- If you like biking (motorcycle or bicycle), check with the local bike shop to see if they have any group rides.
- If you want to meet other expats, start a book exchange program. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy. Just set aside some shelf space and let people know they can drop off or pick up English-language books when you’re at home. If you want to, you can set up a website listing the books you have. You can have a system for people to “check out” and return books. On the other hand, you can just keep it simple.
- Volunteer for something you care about. Check the local churches or charities to see if there is anything you can help with.
One of my goals for this year is to get out more often and meet more people where I’m living. I’ll let you know what kind of results I get, as I try some of the ideas I’ve suggested above.
Since I’m looking for business opportunities in Paraguay, that’s what I’ll be focusing on. However, I’ll also tell you what happens with the more social groups.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Dear Scott Lilly,
I want to congratulate you for your Web site and for being so clear and concise. I enjoy reading about your experience in Paraguay and elsewhere. We have corresponded briefly in the past. You have responded my mails right away unlike other sites I have contacted.
I am glad you have find a ¨home¨ in Asunción del Paraguay. I have visited it several years ago. There is so much about that country that remains unknown, even for people living in countries for the same region.
We, Uruguayans, in general look down at our brothers from the north, it has historical and migratory roots. The situation is changing, but there is a lot to be done to bring down false beliefs.
I agree on your article about leaving Uruguay for Paraguay. Here, we look more into the past than into the future. However, this is beginning to change but it will take time.
As an unemployed biologist graduated from an American university, it has been difficult finding stable work in Uruguay. As a naturalized U.S. citizen I can return to the states, which is what I will probably do.
I keep you site site as a favorite for inspiration, knowledge and discovery.
Best regards,
Dan Mattös, MS
Thank you, Dan.
I wish you the best of luck in finding a good place to build the future you want. Remember to enjoy the journey, while searching for the destination.
Scott
Great article! I’m enjoying your posts about life in Paraguay, where we’ve lived for a little over 3 years now and had the time of our lives. I have one more suggestion for your list. If you find something of their traditional art that you like (nanduti in Itaugua, harp playing all over the place, ceramics in Aregua, hammock-making in Carapegua, etc.), we’ve found that the artists are thrilled to show you the ropes. Sometimes they put a sign up offering lessons, but more often they just make themselves available if you drop in, have terere together, and express interest in learning. They’re thrilled to share their craft, you make a friend or two along the way, and you have a story to tell afterward.
Keep the great posts coming, and try to keep cool in this heat wave!
–Christie
That’s a great idea, Christie.
In the US, we’re used to almost everything being made far away from where we buy it. In other countries, you may be buying directly from the person who made it, right at their workshop. If you find something you’re interested in, take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about it.