I’m (26f) an American starting my masters at a university abroad. It’s an American school in Italy so there are a lot of Americans in my classes, but actually I prefer talking to people from different countries for many reasons including the fact that if I get awkward I can blame it on the language barrier. I feel so nervous about starting school specifically because I usually have a hard time making friends, but the stakes feel higher since I’m abroad I’m bound to feel a lot more lonely if I don’t make friends being far away from my loved ones. I didn’t make a ton of friends in college and when I was working the last few years I felt pretty awkward in the office. I don’t even have a clue as to how to begin a conversation in the classroom or hallways.
If anyone has tips or even video or book recommendations on the basics of making friends that would be great.