At Therapy in Barcelona, we understand that creating a supportive environment is vital for mental and emotional well-being, particularly for individuals who find themselves far from home. This guest blog by Inka Wibowo, Founder of sheilaa, an online resource and community for Australian women living abroad, highlights the invaluable role online communities play in fostering a sense of belonging and connection for internationals in Barcelona and beyond. Let’s dive into the topic with Inka.

How Online Communities Can Help You Find Your Feet as an International

Like many other newcomers to Barcelona, one of the very first things I did when I moved here was join a Facebook group for expats living in the city. 

This was nearly ten years ago, at a time when Facebook groups were a relatively new thing. I had been in London the two years prior, and Australia my whole life before that, and hadn’t even been aware such a thing existed until a friend recommended one to me. I joined without a clear goal in mind – only a vague idea that it might somehow come in handy.

As it turned out, that instinct was right. When you’re in an unfamiliar place, it’s natural to want to seek out other people that you have things in common with. For many expats, the biggest common ground, above any shared interest or hobby, can often be the simple fact that “I’m not from around here”. And as I’ve learned, it’s such a powerful thing to bond over.

Online communities make it easier to find these people. In fact, I’d say it’s their biggest strength. They bring together like-minded individuals going through the same challenges, who might not have had a chance to meet otherwise. You can connect with other expats living in other parts of the city, country, or even continent, and still be able to create meaningful connections, regardless of the distance. By expanding your world a little bit, you open yourself to more opportunities for support, at a time when you’re likely to need it the most.

There’s certainly something about online communities that appeals to people on a large scale. A recent study into virtual communities found that 1.8 billion people use Facebook Groups every month. What’s more, the biggest proportion of those surveyed said that the most important group they belong to – out of all the online and offline groups they were a part of – happened to be an online one.

As an expat, being a part of an online community can give you a sense of belonging, in an environment where it’s easy to feel out of place. This is one of the reasons that inspired me to create my own community for Australian women living abroad, sheilaa. And it’s why I think every expat should focus on finding at least one online community where they feel comfortable participating, and feel truly seen and heard.   

In this article, I’ll be taking you through all the different ways that an online community can help serve as your support network when you’re living in a new country, and will share some tips for getting the most out of your experience. 

6 benefits of joining an online community

1. Online communities can be a source of practical advice

When you’re a newcomer to a new city, it can be hard to find your way around. Whether you’re struggling with cultural barriers, language difficulties, red tape, or finding reliable sources of information (no, that real estate agent is probably not the most impartial person when it comes to giving you mortgage advice!), making the right decisions can seem like an impossible task.

Here’s where an online community of other expats who have been through the same challenges can be a huge help. They can give you the inside scoop on the best neighbourhoods, finding accommodation, getting through administrative tasks, and picking the right school for your kids. And while you can find a lot of this information on the internet, having other expats answer your questions means their responses are tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. This gives you a much better chance of starting your new life on the right foot.

2. Online communities provide you with a support network

Joining an online community can also provide emotional support during the transition process. As we all know, moving to a new city, especially one in a foreign country, can be isolating and overwhelming. It’s easy to feel like you’re navigating this major life change on your own, but an online community can help bridge that gap. And the sense of belonging that comes from connecting with others who understand your situation is no small thing. 

If you find the right community – whether that’s a Facebook group, Whatsapp group, or other type of online community – you tap into a network of people who are living through the same challenges you’re facing. These communities become safe spaces where you can share your experiences without fear of judgment. 

You’ll find support when you’re feeling down after a difficult day at work, or if you’re homesick, or if you’re finding yourself overwhelmed by the cultural differences. They’ll also be there to celebrate your wins – whether that’s finding a job, settling into your new apartment, or launching a new venture. They can act as your local cheer squad, just as your friends back home would. 

3. Online communities give you a sense of belonging

As humans, we all have a fundamental need to feel accepted and understood. Online expat communities provide an opportunity to find that, even in unfamiliar surroundings.

Going through similar experiences makes it easier for members of an online community to relate to one another. This shared experience cultivates a strong sense of solidarity. By engaging in group discussions, sharing stories, and offering advice, members collectively create a feeling of being part of something larger than yourself – a feeling that only grows bigger over time.

4. Online communities provide opportunities to socialise in real life

While online communities are an invaluable resource for information and emotional support, they also create opportunities to make connections in the real world. Many expat groups organise regular events or meetups, giving members a chance to meet in person, form new friendships, and build deeper connections. These range from casual coffee meetups to play dates, language exchange groups, nature walks, or cultural activities. 

What’s great is that these events offer a fun, low-pressure way to connect with others who share your interests, or are at a similar stage in life. Attending a Meetup can be a great way to break out of your comfort zone, combat loneliness, and discover new activities or places in your city. And the shared experience of meeting other expats face-to-face can build stronger bonds, making your new home feel more welcoming.

5. Online communities give you an opportunity to form close friendships

This support network that can develop as part of an online community can also lead to lasting friendships, as you find yourself connecting with others who share similar life experiences, interests, or challenges.

I’ve made two close mum friends whose kids have grown up with mine, all because we attended an English-speaking birth preparation class that had been recommended in the “Barcelona Babies & Kids” Facebook group. I’ve also made some amazing friends through a Barcelona Lean In chapter. And my best friend is another mum with similar-aged kids, who lives in the same small town I do – we met at a family event that had been organised in the local Facebook group.

I wouldn’t have been able to make these friendships if I hadn’t been part of these communities. And while you obviously have opportunities to make friends through work, school, and sports or social clubs, online communities give you an even greater chance to find others you can easily click with.

6. Online communities give you a space to vent

We all know that living abroad can be tough. For every thing we love about where we live, there’s usually at least one thing that annoys or frustrates us in equal measure. 

Maybe you want a sounding board to check whether something you did could be considered a cultural faux pas. Or maybe you just want to vent about the bureaucracy, traffic, or quirks of the city. And you want to do it in an environment where you won’t be judged or criticised for seeming ungrateful to your host city.

Online communities can provide a safe space for expats to express these feelings. The virtual connections formed through these groups can offer reassurance, validation, and a sense of support, whether you’re looking for advice or just need someone to listen. Sometimes, simply venting in a space where others get it can alleviate stress and provide clarity, and allow you to move forward with a better perspective.

Tips on getting the most out of online communities

• Choose ones that are relevant to you, even if they’re smaller. In bigger communities,  there can be too much noise, making it harder for you to connect with others. Hone in on groups that are more specific, where you can easily identify common interests with other members. For example, you might look for women-only expat groups in your local city, groups specifically targeted at English-speaking families, or one for female entrepreneurs. 

In Barcelona, some examples of these include the aforementioned “Barcelona Babies & Kids” group, “Barcelona | Girl Gone International”, “Barcelona Women’s Network”, and “Mamas in Biz Barcelona”. (You might also be pleasantly surprised to find super niche communities that could be right up your alley – believe it or not, the “Dogs Barcelona” Facebook group has over 12,000 members!)

• Be active in contributing and participating. The communities I’ve benefited the most from have been the ones where I’ve made the effort to make posts, contribute to discussions, answer questions, and provide support or encouragement to others. I know it can be daunting to speak up and put yourself out there, especially in front of a group of strangers, but if you don’t give others a chance to get to know you, it will be very hard to find your people. 
• Be the supportive person you want others to be to you. If you’re looking for encouragement, advice, or just someone to listen when you need it, the best way to invite that energy into your life is by offering it to others first. When you offer help, share resources, or simply show empathy in a group, you not only contribute to the community but also create a positive, welcoming environment where people are more likely to reciprocate.
• Look across different mediums. Facebook may seem like the most obvious place to look for a community, but there are plenty of others, too. Meetup, Internations, LinkedIn, Slack, and other social networks can be good places to find relevant communities. Some are also hosted on subscription-based platforms like Circle or Mighty Networks, and offer a wide range of ways for members to participate, e.g. webinars, polls, Q&As, book clubs, and online workshops. The Backstory Bookshop has numerous events and book clubs you can join.
• Be a conscious communicator. Online, it’s way too easy for the intent of a message to get lost not so much in translation, but in the medium. Text isn’t always the best way to convey sincerity. Things you say might come across as sarcastic or passive aggressive, even if you don’t mean for them to. Even certain emojis can mean different things to different people. Plus, cross-cultural differences can compound things. So just be conscious of all these things whenever you post or communicate with other members, and try your very best to avoid saying something that could be badly interpreted or misunderstood.
• Avoid toxic groups and individuals. Online groups should offer a safe space for members, but there can be a dark side too. If admins and moderators aren’t on top of moderating posts and protecting their members from negative comments, it might not be the community for you. After all, the last thing you need is to feel even more alienated in an environment where you’re already feeling vulnerable. Instead, seek out a group with thoughtful, inclusive leadership. Communities that cultivate a supportive environment are the ones that will give you the greatest sense of belonging.

Final thoughts

While online communities are often seen as temporary spaces for quick fixes and immediate support, they can also become lasting parts of your expat experience. What often starts as a simple post or meetup can blossom into long-term friendships, business partnerships, or even a sense of purpose in your new home.

What makes online communities so invaluable is that they allow you to tap into a collective kind of resilience. The shared struggles and triumphs remind you that even when you feel like an outsider, you’re part of a larger, supportive network that’s in it together. In this way, online communities don’t just help you survive abroad – they empower you to thrive.

And, remember if you need support as you find your way, reach out to Therapy in Barcelona; we’re here to help.

 About the Author

Inka Wibowo is a Barcelona-based content manager originally from Melbourne, Australia, and a mum of two. In her spare time, she also runs sheilaa, an online resource and community for Australian women living abroad. As an Aussie on the other side of the world, Inka is passionate about helping others like her connect with each other, so that they can get through challenges like homesickness together.