It is not just as difficult to “gain entry”, it’s more difficult.
Don’t get me wrong: for the most part I have been able to find friends abroad. I have good friends from all over the world, and certainly living in transient communities is conducive to finding others who also need new friends. IME there are lovely, friendly people everywhere.
However, there is something to be said for having a shared culture, socialization norms, and understanding for one another. Making friends in your mid-20s and beyond is difficult anywhere, but add in differences in culture, lifestyle, social subtleties and more, and suddenly you’re on challenge mode. Plus, you are likely dealing with additional stress/obligations such as learning a new language, a different (and demanding) work environment, and so on, such that you are too tired to even bother socializing at the end of the day.
It is not just as difficult to “gain entry”, it’s more difficult.
Don’t get me wrong: for the most part I have been able to find friends abroad. I have good friends from all over the world, and certainly living in transient communities is conducive to finding others who also need new friends. IME there are lovely, friendly people everywhere.
However, there is something to be said for having a shared culture, socialization norms, and understanding for one another. Making friends in your mid-20s and beyond is difficult anywhere, but add in differences in culture, lifestyle, social subtleties and more, and suddenly you’re on challenge mode. Plus, you are likely dealing with additional stress/obligations such as learning a new language, a different (and demanding) work environment, and so on, such that you are too tired to even bother socializing at the end of the day.