As a digital nomad, building a community in a new country can be challenging. You may not know anyone, and you may not have an established network to rely on. However, building a community is essential for your mental health and personal growth. In this blog post, we will discuss how to build a community as a digital nomad in Portugal.
Portugal is a beautiful country located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. It is known for its beautiful beaches, historic cities, and delicious food. Portugal has become a popular destination for digital nomads due to its affordable cost of living, excellent weather, and welcoming culture.
Here are some tips on how to build a community as a digital nomad in Portugal:
1. Attend Meetups and Networking Events
One of the best ways to build a community as a digital nomad in Portugal is to attend meetups and networking events. Meetup.com is an excellent resource for finding events in your area. You can search for events related to your interests, such as tech, entrepreneurship, or hiking. Attending these events will allow you to meet like-minded individuals and expand your network.
2. Join Facebook Groups
Facebook groups are another great way to connect with other digital nomads and expats in Portugal. There are several groups dedicated to digital nomads, such as Digital Nomads Portugal and Lisbon Digital Nomads. Joining these groups will allow you to ask questions, share information, and connect with others who are in a similar situation as you.
3. Volunteer
Volunteering is an excellent way to meet new people and give back to the community. There are several organizations in Portugal that are always looking for volunteers. You can volunteer at a local animal shelter, a food bank, or a community center. Not only will you be doing something good for others, but you will also be building relationships with locals and other volunteers.
4. Join Co-Working Spaces
Co-working spaces are becoming increasingly popular among digital nomads. They provide a professional workspace and an opportunity to connect with other professionals. There are several co-working spaces in Portugal, such as Second Home Lisboa and Cowork Central. Joining a co-working space will allow you to work alongside other digital nomads and entrepreneurs and potentially collaborate on projects.
5. Take Classes or Join Clubs
Taking classes or joining clubs is an excellent way to meet new people and learn new skills. Whether it’s a language class, a cooking class, or a hiking club, there are several options in Portugal. Taking classes or joining clubs will allow you to connect with others who share your interests and potentially form long-lasting friendships.
6. Attend Festivals and Events
Portugal is known for its festivals and events, such as the Lisbon International Film Festival and the Festa de São João in Porto. Attending these events will allow you to experience the culture and connect with locals and other tourists. You can also attend music festivals, art exhibitions, and food fairs. These events provide an excellent opportunity to meet new people and potentially form friendships.
7. Join Online Communities
In addition to Facebook groups, there are several online communities for digital nomads. Nomad List and Digital Nomad Girls are two popular online communities that allow you to connect with other digital nomads around the world. Joining these communities will allow you to ask questions, share information, and potentially meet up with other digital nomads in Portugal.
8. Use Language Exchange Apps
Language exchange apps, such as Tandem and HelloTalk, allow you to connect with locals and practice your language skills. You can chat with locals and potentially meet up for language exchanges or cultural exchanges. Using language exchange apps will allow you to connect with locals and potentially form friendships.
9. Attend Expat Events
There are several expat events in Portugal, such as the Expat Expo in Lisbon and the International Algarve Fair in Faro. Attending these events will allow you to connect with other expats and potentially form friendships. You can also attend expat meetups, which are often organized by expat groups on Facebook.
10. Participate in Outdoor Activities
Portugal is known for its beautiful beaches and outdoor activities, such as surfing, hiking, and cycling. Participating in these activities will allow you to meet new people and potentially form friendships. You can join a surf school, go on a guided hike, or participate in a cycling tour. These activities provide an excellent opportunity to connect with others who share your interests.
In conclusion, building a community as a digital nomad in Portugal may seem daunting at first, but there are several ways to connect with others. Attending meetups and networking events, joining Facebook groups, volunteering, joining co-working spaces, taking classes or joining clubs, attending festivals and events, joining online communities, using language exchange apps, attending expat events, and participating in outdoor activities are all excellent ways to build relationships and expand your network. By putting yourself out there and being open to new experiences, you can build a community that will support you during your time in Portugal.