From Stranger to Belonging: Building a Community Abroad Where I Knew No One

I grew up moving between South Korea and the United States. Moving was not new to me — I had done it many times before.

But one year ago, I moved to Turin, and this time felt different.

When I was younger, I moved for school. Later, I moved for my career. There was always a place to go, people to meet, a community waiting for me.

This time, I moved for my family. To be more precise, for my husband’s job.

And there, I found myself in a city where I knew no one.

The Moment It Really Hit Me

We had just moved into our new home and put up a nameplate on the door — with both my husband’s and my last name on it.

And I remember thinking: There is no one in this city who will ring this bell asking for me.

That thought stayed with me.

As I walked through the streets, I felt alone and invisible. No one knew me, and I did not know anyone outside my family.

I realised I needed a space to talk. Not just with my husband or family, but with someone who could understand what it feels like to be new, far from home, and a little lost in between.

Where I Started to Find Connection

1. International women’s groups

This was my first step. I had previous experience volunteering with Seoul International Women’s Association, so I looked for something similar in Turin.

That is how I found the International Women’s Club of Torino.

It became a space where I could meet people from all over the world — people who understood what it means to start over. Conversations felt easier, more natural. I did not have to explain everything from the beginning.

2. Language school

I also joined a language class.

There, I met people going through similar experiences: learning a new language, adjusting to a new culture, figuring things out day by day.

We laughed about our mistakes, shared small wins, and supported each other in ways that felt very real.

3. Social media

This was the most unexpected source of connection.

By posting about my life in the city, I slowly found others living a similar experience. Connections started to form in a way I had not anticipated.

Some of those online interactions turned into real friendships.

What I Learned Along the Way

Building a life in a new city without a built-in network can feel uncomfortable and lonely — especially when you moved for someone else’s career and your familiar community is no longer close by.

But connection is still possible. It just takes a different path.

Sometimes it starts with walking into a room where you know no one. Sometimes it starts with one conversation. Sometimes it starts online.

And slowly, the city begins to feel a little more like home.

(Building connections with locals is also an important part of feeling at home — I will share more about that in a future post.)

If This Is Your Story Too

If you are in a similar place — feeling disconnected or unsure where to begin — you are not alone. This experience is more common than it seems, and it deserves space to be talked about.

Reach out if you would like to share your story or explore how to feel more grounded and connected in your new life.