Upon arriving in Taiwan, I initially intended to concentrate solely on work and maintain limited interaction outside of professional responsibilities. I was quiet, tired from the move, and unsure of where I fit in. But I quickly realized something important—you can’t survive abroad alone.
Whether you’re a shy Filipino abroad or just starting out, learning how to network as an OFW is one of the best ways to grow—not just your career, but your confidence too.
Here’s how I and many other OFWs started building connections overseas, step by step.
Understanding the Value of Networking Abroad
Networking isn’t just for business events or job seekers. For OFWs, it means having someone to ask when you don’t know how to pay a bill, where to find affordable groceries, or what to do in an emergency.
A strong OFW network can give you:
- Emotional support when homesickness hits
- Career tips and job leads
- Daily advice about life abroad (like visa renewals or healthcare)
In short, it turns a foreign place into a community.
Overcoming Shyness and Timidity as an OFW
If you’re naturally quiet or unsure, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Here are a few working abroad tips I found helpful:
- Start with one person. Say hi to a Filipino coworker or someone in your dorm. You don’t need to make a big speech—just ask how their day is going.
- Think of rejection as practice. Not everyone will reply, and that’s okay. Each try helps you get better.
- Practice in casual settings. Try chatting while waiting for the bus, or during lunch. These low-pressure moments help build confidence.
Even the most confident people I know started off shy. You grow with time.
Practical Ways to Build Connections Overseas
Looking for ideas on how to network as an OFW? Here are simple, proven ways:
Join Filipino Community Groups
Look for OFW groups in your city on Facebook, WhatsApp, or LINE. These groups often post job tips, housing updates, or meetups. A quick “Hi po, kabayan!” can go a long way.
Attend Language or Hobby Classes
Want to learn Mandarin or take up cooking? Join a class! It’s a great way to meet locals and other foreigners, and the activity itself gives you something to talk about.
Volunteer at Filipino or Cultural Events
Events like Independence Day celebrations or charity drives often attract both kababayans and locals. It’s an easy space to connect without pressure.
Use LinkedIn and Other Platforms
Update your LinkedIn profile with your job in Taiwan or other country. Add a photo and short description. Join OFW or industry-related groups. Comment, share, and message politely.
Networking Tips for OFWs
Here are tips I use when meeting new people, both online and in person:
- Ask open-ended questions like:
“What brought you here?” or
“How long have you been working abroad?” - Offer something useful—like a tip on cheap SIM cards, a recipe from home, or a link to a government service – even a tip from a link you found useful from this blog (‘cuz why not?).
- Follow up quickly. If you said you’d send something, send it within 1–2 days.
- Keep a contact log. I note names, where we met, and something we talked about. This helps me stay in touch.
Sample Networking Log
| Contact Name | Met At | Common Interest | Follow-Up Date |
| Maria Santos | Church Service | Running and wellness | July 12 |
| John Nguyen | LinkedIn Webinar | Data analysis | July 20 |
| Li Wei | Language Exchange | Filipino cooking | July 15 |
Building a Sustainable OFW Social Life
OFW social life isn’t just about fun—it’s part of your well-being. Try these habits:
- Schedule monthly meetups with coworkers or community members.
- Rotate between fellow OFWs and locals to keep growing your comfort zone.
- Don’t worry about having a big circle—a few strong connections are enough.
The goal is not to be the loudest person in the room, but the one people trust and remember.
Where to Go Next
As your confidence grows, explore deeper networks:
- Join professional groups in your field—engineering, education, hospitality, etc.
- Attend free talks or webinars offered by migrant centers or expat communities.
- Find a mentor—someone with more experience who can guide you.
And remember: every confident OFW you see started with one small step—saying “Hello.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I’m shy. Can I still build a good OFW network?
Yes! Start with one friendly conversation. Over time, you’ll build confidence and learn how to connect naturally.
Q: How can I meet people if I work long shifts?
Try joining online groups, attending weekend events, or starting small talk during shared breaks.
Q: Why is networking important for OFWs?
It helps with job opportunities, solving everyday problems, and building emotional support when you’re far from home.
Q: What if I get ignored or rejected?
That’s normal. Don’t take it personally. Keep trying—you’ll find the right people for you.
Final Thoughts
If you’re the type who usually keeps to yourself, I want you to know this—you don’t have to change who you are to connect with others abroad. You just need to take small steps, one conversation at a time.
Living and working overseas will challenge you in ways you never expected. But it will also grow you. Learning to network isn’t about being loud—it’s about being open. Open to meeting people, asking for help, and offering help in return.
Your network doesn’t have to be big. It just has to be real.
And trust me—those real connections?
They’ll make Taiwan, or any new country, feel a lot more like home.
So take a deep breath, start with a smile, and say your first “Hello.”
You might be surprised by where it leads.