Research Year Abroad

[jayray11]

I'm midway through a history PhD and getting ready to spend the 2018-2019 academic year abroad. I will spend the majority of my time in highland Bolivia, where I conducted some initial research a couple years back. Last time, it was a lonely experience as I traveled by myself and worked in archives that do not see a ton of researchers or have spaces for social activity. I'm hoping this time to find some more social outlets and wanted to see if anyone has ideas for activities, expat organizations, etc. that can provide these opportunities for networking, socializing, etc.

[fuzzylogician]

Any local university where you can find a host in the relevant department? Churches or other volunteer organizations that work with the local population? Alternatively, for touristy areas, are there local ho(s)tels where foreigners congregate? Is there a consulate where you can try and find expats? Or maybe the solution is to set up a remote support group (your cohort, maybe?) that you can keep in touch with via Skype or similar? 

[PokePsych]

Its not for everyone, but I certainly met a lot of interesting people (both good and bad) through the couchsurfing website. In fact, some of my closests friends I found on there. Meetup.com can be good to for some social interaction. 

[rising_star]

Are you willing to try to befriend those in the local community? Can you make connections through a local university to their graduate students and/or faculty? Or, are you only interested in being in touch with expats? I've found wherever I've lived (in the US and outside the US) that doing the activities I would normally do led to meeting people and making friends. 

[jayray11]

Thanks for all of the suggestions! No, I'll gladly befriend locals as well. There are a couple of universities in one of the cities I will be working in, though not in the other. I'll work on making contact with the departments there.

[AP]

There is an organization called Expats in... [fill with country] present in several countries of Latin America. 

I joined a sports club, went to a lot of talks, and joined a church. 

[beigeflower71]

Yep, I met a lot of people who became friends through visiting local churches while I was abroad doing research. Even if you're not religious, church events often equal free food! 

Edited May 8, 2018 by beigeflower71