Module 3 Task 19

PONDER POINT 12 

If you are a foreigner living in an East European country, you may wish to make friends there, yet you may also wonder how to do this and what strategies support making friends in this cultural context. In general, Eastern Europeans do not easily establish close friendships with their colleagues. Quite often their best friends go back to the school times or years of communication and doing things together in the workplace. So, if you are a foreigner, you may feel that you do not stand a chance of making friends in this foreign country. Nonetheless, there are some culture-based strategies that might be worth consideration.

First of all, you may show your warmth before they show theirs to you. Easter Europeans are not used to showing their hospitality when they first meet a new colleague. However, do not feel you are unwelcome. Go ahead and show your hospitality and warmth to them first! Sometimes, a small greeting or sharing of information can melt them successfully.

Second of all, it is a good idea to show your interest in their language and culture. Learning a few phrases in the local language is always a good start. Sharing the similarities and differences between your background culture and the Eastern European culture where you work will easily break the ice between you and your local colleague. 

Moreover, you may become more observant of the group dynamics and try to fit yourself into it. Eastern Europeans often value their close-knit group of friends or family. With this in mind, be patient, try to integrate yourself slowly into their circle, and respect the dynamic.

Finally, you could share some common interests with them (e.g., hobbies, food, drink, books, or sports activities). Taking the initiative to invite your colleagues to do things together—like sports, music, hiking, or volunteering—creates shared memories and builds stronger bonds. Do not be too shy to take the initiative!

Which of those strategies do you find the most useful?