Finding Your Community While Teaching Abroad

Moving abroad to teach is an incredible adventure, but it’s also a major life transition. Beyond the logistics of contracts and apartments, one of the most crucial—and sometimes daunting—questions is: Will I find my people?

For anyone embarking on this journey, especially after a period of personal hardship, building a supportive social circle isn’t just a bonus; it’s essential for your well-being.

The Expat Community: Your Immediate Landing Pad

In both mainland China and Taiwan, you’ll find established expat communities, particularly in larger cities. These networks are often the fastest way to build an initial social circle.

• In Taiwan, the foreign teacher community is generally tight-knit and very welcoming. Cities like Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung have vibrant scenes with regular meet-ups, hobby groups, and social events centered around pubs, hiking, or language exchange.
• In Mainland China, the expat scene varies greatly by city. In a northeastern city like Shenyang or a Shandong hub like Qingdao, communities can be smaller but often very active. Social media groups and apps are indispensable tools for connecting with other foreigners for everything from weekend trips to complaining about the latest bureaucratic hurdle.

The bottom line: Making expat friends is usually straightforward. They understand the unique challenges and absurdities of life abroad, offering immediate camaraderie and practical advice.

Connecting with Local Friends: Breaking Through the Smile Barrier

This is where the experiences in Taiwan and mainland China can diverge more noticeably.

• In Taiwan, locals are famously friendly and polite. Striking up a conversation is common, and people are often genuinely curious about foreigners. The cultural atmosphere is generally open, making it easier to move from pleasantries to genuine friendship. Shared interests like food, night markets, or mountain climbing can be great bridges.
• In Mainland China, especially in the regions mentioned, initial interactions can feel more reserved. People might stare or seem shy, but this is rarely from unfriendliness—often it’s curiosity or a lack of confidence in English. Once you break the ice, the hospitality can be incredibly warm and generous. In Shandong, known for its Confucian roots, people are often noted for their straightforwardness and strong sense of hospitality.

A key factor in both places? Making an effort with the local language. Even basic Mandarin phrases like “Hello,” “Thank you,” and “This is delicious” can transform interactions. It shows respect and breaks down walls, signaling that you’re there to engage, not just observe.

Navigating Moments of Isolation

Yes, there will be times you feel isolated. This is a universal experience for anyone living far from home. It can be triggered by:

• Language barriers during a complicated task at the bank or when missing a cultural nuance in conversation.
• Cultural fatigue from constantly adapting to new social norms.
• Missing important family moments back home.

The antidote is proactive engagement. Join a club (badminton, board games, photography), take a class (cooking, calligraphy), or find a consistent language exchange partner. Creating routine social interactions is your best defense against loneliness.

Choosing Your Social Landscape

If a large, accessible, and English-friendly expat network is your top priority for immediate support, major cities in Taiwan often have a slight edge. The overall environment can feel easier to navigate socially from day one.

If you are drawn to deep cultural immersion and are prepared to be more proactive in building friendships—which can lead to incredibly strong, loyal bonds—then cities in Shandong or Northeast China offer a profoundly rewarding experience. The friendships you make here, both with locals and fellow expats in a smaller community, can become exceptionally close-knit.

Remember, your community won’t find you—you build it. Be open, say “yes” to invitations, and be the one to organize the coffee meet-up or the weekend hike. Your future friends are waiting, probably wondering how to meet someone just like you.