One of the greatest perks of being an online teacher is the flexibility to teach from anywhere. As long as you have a stable internet connection wherever you’re teaching classes, you can lead a digital nomad lifestyle. Many online teachers relocate to other countries that offer a cheaper and better standard of living. Others choose to stay nomadic and move around every few weeks or months between cities and countries.

As fun and exciting as this type of lifestyle can be, one of the biggest challenges is building and maintaining a social circle while constantly moving from one place to another. It could get lonely if you don’t know how and where to meet new friends, especially when you don’t have coworkers to interact with on a daily basis.

Fortunately, there are many ways to make meaningful connections no matter where you are in the world. Here are seven ways to meet friends as a nomadic online teacher.

1) Participate in Local Meetups and Language Exchanges

In most places around the world, there’s a high chance that locals and expats are organizing meetups through platforms like Meetup.com, Facebook, Couchsurfing, and Eventbrite. You can find activities that interest you and meet some cool people along the way. Language exchanges are particularly popular and can help you not only make friends but also practice a new language while you’re at it!

You can search for digital nomad-specific groups or teaching communities in the area. Many cities popular with nomads have Facebook, Whatsapp, or Telegram groups where people organize informal gatherings to hang out and support each other. There are also various language exchange apps like Hellotalk or Tandem that help you connect with language learners in your area.

2) Join Digital Nomad and Teaching Communities

Many digital nomad hubs have active online communities where you can connect with others before even arriving at a new location. On Facebook, you can search for groups like “Digital Nomads in [City Name]” or “Online Teachers in [City Name].” On reddit, you can join subreddits like r/digitalnomad or r/ESLTeaching to exchange advice and possibly find meetups.

There are also Slack or Discord channels where nomads gather and often organize coworking sessions, social events, and excursions. Introducing yourself when you join and asking about upcoming events is a great way to break the ice.

3) Attend Coworking Spaces and Networking Events

Coworking spaces are goldmines for meeting fellow remote workers. Even if you prefer working from home or a cafe, spending a few hours a week at a coworking space can introduce you to a community of nomads and locals. Many coworking spaces host networking events which are perfect for meeting people from different industries. They may even have skill-sharing sessions which give you opportunities to exchange knowledge and collaborate. Also, social hours are great for casually connecting with other nomads, locals, and expats.

If you prefer a quieter environment, many coworking spaces also have dedicated areas for focused work, giving you the option to balance socializing and productivity.

4) Join Drop-In Sports or Fitness Classes

Staying active and maintaining good health while traveling is essential, especially as an online teacher who spends most of the day sitting down during classes. Joining local sports or fitness classes can be a great way to meet new friends since shared interests naturally create connections. Whether it’s soccer, volleyball, yoga, dance, martial arts, or crossfit, sports and group classes provide a relaxed environment to bond with others while getting a workout.

If you enjoy hiking, consider joining local hiking or adventure groups. These outings offer the added bonus of having conversations while enjoying nature. Don’t hesitate to suggest post-class hangouts to keep the connection going or invite people out for coffee or a meal after a session.

5) Volunteer or Join Local Projects

Volunteering is a fantastic way to give back to the community while meeting people who share similar values. Whether it’s offering a couple of hours to help out at an animal shelter, participating in a beach clean-up, or teaching a free English class at a church or community centre, these experiences often lead to genuine connections.

Choose projects that align with your values to meet people who are equally passionate about making a positive impact. Many local nonprofits and community projects welcome short-term volunteers, making it easy to get involved even if you’re only in town for a few weeks.

6) Be Open to Spontaneous Encounters

Sometimes, the best friendships happen unexpectedly. Whether you’re standing in line at a coffee shop, exploring a local market, or taking a group tour, be open to striking up conversations. A simple “Hello” and “Where are you from?” can sometimes lead to deeper conversations and lasting friendships.

Hostels and guesthouses are also great places to meet fellow travelers who may be on a similar journey. Don’t hesitate to suggest exploring a local landmark or grabbing dinner to keep the conversation going.

7) Take Online Friendships Offline

As an online teacher and digital nomad, chances are you’re already part of several online communities, whether related to teaching, travel, language learning, or your hobbies. Leverage these connections by suggesting meetups if you notice other members are in the same area. Think back to other friendships you’ve made online in the past few years and possibly, you’ll get the chance to meet a longterm online friend in person!

If you’ve been chatting with someone in an online group or collaborating with fellow teachers remotely, propose meeting for coffee or exploring a new city together if you happen to be in the same area. Taking online connections offline can be a wonderful experience that might lead to meaningful friendships.

How do you make new friends on the go as a nomadic online teacher? Share your suggestions in the comments below!