Having a support system of friends, acquaintances and colleagues is important for navigating everyday life. Arriving in a new country can be intimidating, especially when building a social circle from scratch. Newcomers to Madrid shouldn't fret, as the city is a melting pot of cultures and nationalities, making it a highly welcoming international hub. In fact, many expats report that locals are incredibly friendly and open. If you want to build your social circle in Madrid, here are some helpful tips to get you started.
Attend a language exchange in Madrid
Language exchanges, or intercambios de idiomas, are a fantastic way to meet other expats and locals, all while working on your Spanish skills. The basic idea is that you're paired with a native Spanish speaker to practice Spanish, then you switch and practice English or another language. These events are free, apart from any drinks or snacks you buy and often take place in bars, restaurants or parks. They're also generally organized around a theme or activity, so there's little pressure on you to do anything aside from simply showing up.
Intercambios are such a common part of the Madrid social scene that there's an official list as well as a thriving group on Meetup. You can also look for someone from a specific place or who speaks a particular language in a dedicated Madrid Conversation Exchange message board.
Special interest meetups and social media in Madrid
Groups based on a hobby or similar interest are great places to meet like-minded people in Madrid. Meetup is a free website that allows members to create specialized groups and advertise events. There are plenty of categories to choose from, featuring an extensive range of events in both English and Spanish that cater to specific interests.
Social media is another great place to broaden your network in Madrid. Simply type Madrid into the keyword search on Facebook, and you'll be bombarded with all kinds of unique groups in the city. There are groups for students, teachers, writers and businesspeople. Also, you'll find groups specifically for families, moms, foodies, expats, or people from a certain country. Most of these groups have organized events, or you can introduce yourself and create a meetup.
Take a class in Madrid
Taking a class offers similar benefits to a meetup because you already know that the people around you have a similar interests. You will also see the same group over several weeks, which allows you to get to know other members. Try seeing what your local community center has on offer or look up a specific interest like dance, cooking, or a Spanish class.
Volunteering in Madrid
Volunteering helps you form roots and feel at home because not only will you meet new people, but you'll also be investing in your new community. Madrid has many non-profit organizations that need volunteers of all backgrounds, no Spanish required.
Madrid for Refugees is run by international volunteers who work to help refugees build a life for themselves in the city. Just to note, a six-month commitment is required.
The American Club of Madrid has an extensive list of volunteer opportunities for both English and Spanish speakers.
Keep at it!
Building a social network takes time and effort, so don't be discouraged if it doesn't happen right away. It can be intimidating to venture out of your comfort zone, but every other expat is in the same shoes. That said, don't be afraid to make the first move. Continue to say yes to every invitation and be intentional about following up with people you like. There's always something exciting to do in Madrid, so keep putting yourself out there, and you will make connections!
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