How to find friends (with kids) in Kaohsiung
Letβs start with a bit of personal background: When we first moved to Kaohsiung, it was just us, hubby, me, our almost 3 year old and a 7 month old baby. Due to the pandemic we couldnβt come visit before our move, so we just arrived, survivedΒ 14 days of quarantine with kidsΒ and then it was freedom. Or something like thatβ¦ After 2 weeks spent inside, I embarked into the unknown and set foot on the street in front of our temporary housing. The sun being a bit too bright, the traffic a bit too loud and the scooter drivers a bit too crazy. Needless to say that I was a slight bit overwhelmed by my new surroundings and that coming from Tokyo β The biggest city in the world!
But I also was determined to find friends as fast as possible. Having friends in a new place is really the most essential. The settling in process will be much easier with some friendly faces around you, who already know their ways around the city. Not to mention that you will feel less lonely and your kids will have playmates. The stress reduction is real and right there!
The question remains though, how to find friends (with kids) in Kaohsiung.Β
1. Facebook
Thankfully technology gives us a helping hand. Whether you are a Facebook lover, like, comment, share and post a lot or prefer to watch from the side lines, it is an invaluable source of people to connect with. Join some of the local groups and browse through the posts and dare to post yourself. A quick introduction of you and your family being new in town will cover you with welcoming messages and invites to the local playgrounds and parks.
In general people are super friendly and helpful in this city, so donβt hesitate to reach out to one of the many friendly faces to ask for tips and recommendations or a meet up over the weekend or after school.
Some of the Facebook groups to join right when you arrive to the city, or even already before:
Picture by ι«ιζ°θθηΉζ’ε© (Maria Montessori & Reggio Emilia Β Study Center)
2. At the playground
As mentioned people are super friendly and welcoming, even more so with kids, so do not hesitate to start talking to the parents at the playground, who knows your next best friend might just be standing right there.Β
Find a playground near you…
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3. Schools
If you have kids that go to school, there will be opportunities to socialise with other parents at drop off and pick up. Chat with your kidβs bestiesβ mom or dad. Not only can you chat about school and exchange info. Maybe you can even set up a playdate at some point, making you and the kids happy.
4. Hobbies (Sports, Β Foodies, Language, …)
Besides online, there are of course also offline places and events to check out. If you are into sports check if there is a club or meeting for your favourite sport. Language exchanges are also popular and have the added bonus of you picking up some of the language, that is if you are not already speaking the local language. Any other hobby or things you are into will also help you in finding like-minded people. Just google or ask around to find the βthingβ you are looking for. It could be Yoga, Ultimate Frisbee, Swimming, Language and culture exchanges or finding other food lovers in town, to mention just a few…
5. Embassies & Cultural Institutes
Most embassies organise regular events for their citizens, so make sure that you are enlisted with your embassy. The bonus here is obvious β Finding friends from back home, while enjoying some good food / drinks and cultural event at the same time. Language or Cultural Institutes can also be a good source to meet new people with common interests.Β
Get the ball rolling
Once you have met a few people it will also be much easier to expand your circle. Let them know that you are up to meet people and respond positively to their invite. It might feel overwhelming at times, but there will be enough time to take a break from socialising once you are into a routine and establish a social circle for you and your family.
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Personally I found that making friends when you have children feels easier, especially in the beginning. You have an instant opening theme and a common topic to talk about, especially on the playground. I also used Facebook a lot and still do and hence met some of my best friends in one of the before mentioned groups. We now have regular playdates during the week and outings on the weekend and the kids love to play with each other which makes it much easier on us too, as they basically entertain themselves.
Some families also go way and beyond to organise themed parties (Halloween, Easter, β¦) for the community, so make sure to check in on the mentioned Facebook groups for the details.
There really are many options on how to find friends in Kaohsiung, it all starts with a little bit of courage to put yourself out there and the return will be fabulous and rewarding. Promise!
This being said: Welcome to Kaohsiung and do not hesitate to reach out to us at FamBam Taiwan too!
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P.S. A bit of self-promo at the end: Become a member of our FamBam community (all for free) and stay up to date on the news for families in town, on what to do with your kids and what events will take place! Workshops, events and outings in the making!
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