September always marks the beginning of the academic year, and with it comes a wave of feelings. I’ve been working in international education for over ten years, and every year I still get excited seeing the nervous—and hopeful—faces of international students arriving in Spain. I also enjoy seeing the photos of Spanish students heading off to their destinations to live their own international adventure.

This week, after several conversations, I’ve been reflecting on how challenging it can be to make friends from other countries. We’re obsessed with traveling as the only way to discover the world, but we forget that our own cities are full of people from abroad who are here for many reasons: studying, working, love… And often, we ignore them. By doing so, we miss out on a valuable opportunity to practice languages, discover new cultures, and expand our understanding of life.

I don’t have many special talents, but if there’s one thing I’m good at, it’s making friends with people from other countries. So I’d like to share a few tips that have always helped me connect with people from different backgrounds:

1. 🧠 Break away from stereotypes

Forget any preconceived notions you might have about their culture or country. Chances are, they’re inaccurate—or if there’s some truth to them, they probably don’t apply to the person in front of you. Every relationship deserves to start from scratch, without prejudice.

2. 📚 Be curious and informed

Knowing a few basic facts about their country shows genuine interest and respect. What language is spoken there? What’s the predominant religion? What kind of government do they have? Has any recent historical event shaped their nation? Ask politely, and avoid sensitive topics like religion, politics, or personal identity until you’ve built enough trust.

3. 🎶 Find common ground

Global culture has created bridges between people from vastly different backgrounds. Maybe you share a love for the same sport, film director, or music. Finding something you both enjoy can be a great starting point for a solid friendship.

4. 😊 Smile and make eye contact

In most cultures, looking someone in the eye while speaking and smiling shows interest and friendliness. While in some places too much eye contact might be seen as impolite, generally a sincere smile helps keep the conversation warm and flowing. Just don’t overdo it—natural is always better.

5. ⏳ Invest time

Like any human relationship, trust takes time and consistency. Spend time with that person in different settings—from a quiet weekday coffee to a weekend night out. Getting to know someone in various situations helps you discover who they really are.

I always say that simply talking to someone from another culture is already an international experience. You’re stepping out of your comfort zone, and it’s normal to feel unsure about what to say or how to act. Like everything in life, it takes practice. The key is to approach it naturally, apologize if you make a mistake, and act with sincerity and empathy. From there, authentic relationships grow on their own.