Quote: (07-02-2014 11:52 PM)polymath Wrote:
This may not be a way to initiate networks, but I expand mine by tweeting and instagramming at the friends I made in past trips. Friends of friends start to recognize my presence and it makes it easier to transition those friends of friends into my own social circle.
Girls love to use social media because there's zero risk of you making a move, which makes them open and non-defensive. Plus, talking to people in other countries is exotic.
You might also find some expat groups on InterNations or Facebook. I have found most of these folks to be weird, but weird people have some normal friends, and normal people have some attractive female friends.
Language is something that will open doors for you. A little goes a long way. Don't try to make international friendships on English alone, because you and the other person will both miss the nuances of each other's personalities.
One more idea is to get in touch with a volunteer program before your visit. You can find programs like the Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity in many corners of the world, and if you're just looking for a couple people to help you get up to speed on the local culture, spots to go meet people, etc, this is a very easy one because most people in those organizations will freely trade their knowledge to someone whom they perceive as giving up time to help others.
I agree with everything in your post, but have you ever actually networked with these 'weird' people, to get to the 'normal' people and in turn their attractive friends? I could never be bothered with that.