Au pairs
How au pairs can find friends in a new city
Moving to a new country as an au pair can feel exciting and lonely at the same time. Building a small local network helps you feel more at home, practise the language and enjoy your time outside working hours.
Start with nearby au pairs
Other au pairs often understand your situation best. They may have the same free hours, similar questions and the same need to explore a new city. Ask your host family whether they know other au pairs nearby, or check local expat and au pair groups.
Use safe and simple meeting ideas
Meet for coffee, a walk in the park, a museum visit or a short trip to the beach. Keep first meetups public, easy and low-pressure. Always let someone know where you are going if you are meeting someone for the first time.
Join local activities
Language cafés, sports classes, library activities, international meetups and volunteering can all be good ways to meet people. You do not need to make many friends at once. One or two kind people can already make a new city feel much easier.
Stay connected with your host family
Tell your host family when you are trying to meet new people or explore the city. A good host family will understand that social life is important for your wellbeing. It also helps them support you with local tips and safe transport options.