Long term travelling or even moving to a new country can be challenging. You will face many unfamiliar things all at once: language (in some cases), cultural traditions, food, dress code, and many others. If you are a solo traveler you might get overwhelmed at first. Don’t panic, I have a solution for you. The best, the fastest, and the easiest way to blend in to a new country is dating! And here is why.

1.   Its free

You can meet people anywhere: mall, beach, classroom, etc. You can easily and naturally spark a conversation. It doesn’t cost you anything and if you are lucky you might have a new friend.

  2.  Culture lessons

Who, if not citizens of the country, knows better about a country? Dating is a casual occasion where you can see how people interact and determine which subjects are ok to bring up or not. For example; myself, coming from Eastern European background, wasn’t aware how protective Americans were about their incomes. In my hometown it was acceptable to ask that kind of question, and in the U.S. it was not. I also learned how locals usually spend their weekends and what typical activities they engage in.  Another little example of culture: The Happy Hour or Tailgating. My country simply doesn’t have it.

 3. Eat and drink like a local

People who live in the area know the best eateries, and where you can try authentic food or drinks. From the beginning, I was intimidated ordering something in the restaurants if menu didn’t have photos. Thanks to my dates enthusiasm I’ve explored many new dishes and drinks.

4. Dress code

I knew that Americans were all about casual outfits, but I was true to my dress code until one of my dates made a comment. He complimented me but made a remark such as “what you are wearing is better for a formal dinner”. Woman in my home country like to dress up and use make up, but carrying these habits over was not a good idea.  Lesson learned. I enjoy flip flops better anyways 🙂

 5. Language and slang lessons

Even after attending the school for a year I didn’t learn as much street language and slang as I did with my dates! It was hilarious but I had a little notebook with me and was writing down new “cool” words. I was also getting frustrated when I didn’t get the humor. And there is no better way to learn it than a date! Even if a date doesn’t turn out fabulous, it’s a language lesson after all!

Travelling and living abroad is wonderful, by itself, but you can make your experience even better! Jump on this fun and the most authentic method of integrating into a new culture. I’ve used it, loved it, and made many good friends trough it! Dating is not your only option, this obviously works just as well when it comes to making local friends. Explore, travel, enjoy the foreign living!