I did study abroad in the Netherlands, but finding friends and community as a college student is very different than trying to do so while navigating the workforce, learning a new culture and language, and dealing with other grown woman problems on the day to day.
Feelings of isolation and loneliness are common for expats moving to a new country or travelers who are visiting places they are unfamiliar with.
A study conducted by Brigham Young University found that isolation and loneliness yielded the same health risks as smoking 15 cigarettes per day, and are more likely to influence early death than air pollution and lack of physical activity.
If you're trying to build community in your host country, Smith suggested volunteer work or engaging in activities you are passionate about.
"Volunteering not only allows you to connect with people who share a common interest in something you too feel strongly about, it's also a great way to learn about your new culture and community," Smith said.
Smith, who currently lives and practices in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, said one of the things she likes to do when visiting a new city is seek out online meet-up groups, introduce herself, and organize some sort of meet-up to get to know other people.
An introvert to the max, staying inside and secluding myself from the world comes naturally to me. In an effort to build more friends and have a better sense of community, I started taking different classes and workshops that I've always wanted to try, like pole dancing and burlesque. I also make it a habit to meet up at least once a week with a new or old friend.
As of now I've been living outside of the US for five consecutive years. There will always be travel-related stressors in my life that can't always be avoided. Thankfully, I've put in the work to grow and utilize different tools to deal with my mental health issues while living abroad and experiencing the world.