Relocating to a new country comes with a mix of emotions—excitement, hope, and a healthy dose of uncertainty. Whether you moved for work, school, or a fresh start, building a strong network is one of the most effective ways to settle in, access opportunities, and feel at home. From forming real friendships to opening doors for jobs or collaborations, networking helps new immigrants thrive.

In this article, we’re sharing practical networking tips for immigrants, the top tools to support you, and how Afriex simplifies staying connected to both your new community and loved ones back home.

1. Join Local Events and Meetups

Start by showing up. Attend cultural festivals, community events, or tech meetups based on your interests. Websites like Meetup and Eventbrite are great places to find social gatherings, professional mixers, and community activities near you.

Even better? Afriex proudly sponsors cultural, social, and fun community events for immigrants, especially Africans in the diaspora to  help you stay connected to your heritage and meet like-minded people. From dance nights to business brunches, these events are the perfect way to feel at home while expanding your circle.

Follow @afriexapp on Instagram to stay updated on upcoming events in your city!

2. Leverage Social Media for Local Connections

Social media can help you find local faces and voices who’ve had similar experiences. Follow local influencers, join location-based Facebook groups, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).

And don’t forget— Afriex’s Instagram page is not just for app updates. It’s your go-to for community events, immigrant success stories, and tips on navigating life abroad.

Try:

• LinkedIn for professional connections
  
• Facebook Groups for niche interests (e.g., “Nigerians in Toronto”)
  
• Instagram for real-time updates on local events and Afriex-sponsored experiences
  
  

3. Volunteer Your Time and Skills

Volunteering is a powerful, low-pressure way to meet people, practice your communication skills, and build a local reputation. Many immigrant-friendly nonprofits actively welcome newcomers looking to integrate.

Check platforms like:

• VolunteerMatch
  
• Idealist
  
  

4. Practice Your Elevator Pitch

Whether you’re at a community fair or a networking brunch, you’ll need to introduce yourself clearly and confidently. Craft a 30-second “elevator pitch” that explains who you are, what you do, and what you’re looking for.

Example:

“Hi, I’m Amina. I just moved from Nigeria and I’m looking to connect with other creatives and explore job opportunities in digital marketing.”

5. Stay in Touch With Both Worlds Using Afriex

Networking doesn’t only happen in person— it also means staying connected with people who matter, both near and far. That’s where Afriex comes in.

Afriex is more than just a global money transfer app, it’s a bridge between your new life and your roots. Whether you’re sending money to your parents, receiving cash from friends, or surprising a partner with a gift back at home.  Afriex keeps your connections strong.

Key Afriex Features for Immigrants:

• Instant global money transfers (at competitive rates)
  
• Send and receive USD, CAD, GBP, NGN, GHS, and more
  
• No hidden fees and real-time exchange rates
  
• Secure, easy-to-use interface for everyday payments
  

By using Afriex, new immigrants can also support family back home while managing financial transactions with local contacts, businesses, or freelance clients.

6. Join Professional Associations or Local Alumni Networks

If you studied in your home country, check if your university or alumni association has chapters in your new city. You can also join immigrant chapters of professional organizations. These are goldmines for mentorship, referrals, and job leads.

7. Use Language and Culture Apps to Integrate Faster

Feeling left out due to language barriers? Apps like Duolingo, HelloTalk, and Tandem can help you learn a new language or slang quickly. Cultural integration also gets easier with podcasts, local YouTube channels, and following news sites.

Final Thoughts

Networking as a new immigrant is less about collecting business cards and more about building meaningful, mutual relationships. Take small steps daily, be open to learning, and use tools like Afriex to simplify life’s logistics so you can focus on the human side of settling in.