How to Make Friends Abroad: Lessons from Parks on Our Scouting Trip
When we arrived abroad for our scouting trip, we didn’t know a single person. By visiting public parks and playgrounds daily, we found unexpected opportunities to connect with locals and other families. Those simple conversations gave us insight into daily life abroad and showed us how community building can begin even before relocating.
Landing Abroad Without a Community
When we landed in Portugal for our month-long scouting trip, we didn’t know a single person in the country. Aside from a few social media connections we had tried to make before arriving, we were completely on our own. And while I’m not the type to easily start conversations with strangers, especially while chasing two toddlers, I was determined to make the most of our time there.
Why We Turned to Public Parks on Our Scouting Trip
We took our trip in January, during the off-season, so most of the people we crossed paths with were locals. Each day, we made it our goal to explore a new city park in a different neighborhood. It was part playground time for the kids and part research for me. Brett would usually take the girls straight to the play structure while I headed to the nearby quiosque to grab two coffees and a pastel de nata.
If you’re trying to spot an American abroad, just look for the person carrying a to-go cup.
Conversations That Built Unexpected Connections
At nearly every park, I would overhear someone speaking English with a familiar accent. Even though I’m introverted, I would take a deep breath and say something simple like, “Hi, we’re here on a scouting trip. It sounds like you’re American. Do you live here?”
That one sentence opened up so many conversations.
From Coffee to Community: Lessons from Locals
People were kind and generous with their stories. They shared why they had left the U.S., how long they had been in Portugal, what schools and neighborhoods they loved, and where to take the kids on a rainy day. Our kids made new friends. We were invited over for coffee. Someone told us about the best ice cream shop in the neighborhood. Every interaction helped us understand what it might feel like to really live there.
Why Community Building Starts Before You Move
It was an unexpected but essential part of our scouting trip. I realized that building community abroad doesn’t start once you move. It starts while you’re still figuring it all out.
How This Experience Shaped Scoutly Plans
That experience helped shape how we built Scoutly Plans. Our tools don’t just tell you where to go. They encourage you to get out into public spaces, observe daily life, and start meaningful conversations. Parks, playgrounds, and quiosques are where people gather and connect. And even if you’re naturally introverted like me, it’s worth stepping out of your comfort zone. The connections you make during your trip can become the foundation for your future life abroad.
