Having recently arrived in Geneva, you might initially feel a bit isolated. Although the city is relatively quiet and compact, there are plenty of cultural and sporting events, business gatherings, and volunteer opportunities to help you build your social network. These activities are great ways to meet new people and integrate into the community.
Making friends with expats in Geneva
This can be a great first step before you even move to the city. Start by searching online expat forums to find groups in Geneva. The community can offer help with various aspects of daily life, such as practical advice, schools, and finding accommodation. You can also join many expat groups in Geneva on Facebook.
Join Geneva's activity groups
Once you're in Geneva, get involved in various events to meet new people. There are several online platforms where you can find groups based on your interests.
Glocals, for example, is focused on the expatriate community. Members post about activities they're organizing throughout the week, such as book clubs, sports events, and cultural outings. It's also a good source of information about life in Geneva.
Meetup Geneva isn't specifically for expats, but it operates on a similar principle: you can join groups related to your interests or start your own. It's a great way to connect with others.
PechaKucha Nights is a unique event where people share their stories and ideas in a fast-paced format. See what's happening in Geneva!
Events in Geneva
You don't necessarily have to join a group to expand your social circle in Geneva. Attending various events like festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, book clubs, or themed evenings can help you meet new people. You can find a calendar of events on Geneva's official website.
Coworking spaces in Geneva
Geneva's coworking spaces, like Impact Hub Geneva, host weekly activities you can join using their workspaces.
You should also check out the Voisins coworking spaces in the city, which provide welcoming environments for meeting and networking in a professional setting.
Sports clubs and language courses in Geneva
These two activities, focused on communication, are great ways to expand your network.
You can join a sports club to participate in various activities, like volleyball or sailing. With the mountains surrounding the city, there are also many hiking clubs that organize weekend trips. For example, groups like Geneva Hiking regularly post on Meetup. Join them to meet new friends.
Language courses in Geneva are a great way to broaden your social network while improving your skills in the local language or any other language you want to learn. The city has many language schools to choose from.
You might also consider the tandem approach, which is a free language exchange system. You teach your native language to someone who, in return, teaches you their language.
Volunteering in Geneva
Volunteering is a fantastic way to connect with people. Volunteers tend to have an open, community-focused mindset, making it an ideal way to contribute while meeting new friends.
If you're interested in volunteering in Geneva, check out Serve the City. Their website lists long-term opportunities like serving meals at the Salvation Army and soup kitchens, as well as short-term events such as space maintenance and food delivery.
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