Fostering Lasting Connections: Building Meaningful Relationships Abroad
by Bryce Harris
1. Be Curious and Genuine
People can tell when your curiosity is authentic. In Dubai, I met an Uber driver who quickly became more than just a driver. He turned into a guide, a friend, and someone who shared parts of the city most tourists never see. I asked him about his experience living and working in Dubai—not out of politeness, but because I genuinely wanted to understand his perspective.
A few days into the trip, he invited me to visit his neighborhood. It was nothing like the glamorous skyscrapers and luxury malls of tourist Dubai. This was the side of the city where families lived, where he spent his evenings, and what I’d call a true community. He even took me to his favorite family-owned restaurant, where we shared a meal, and I got a glimpse of everyday life for the people that often work to power and drive the luxury Dubai experience.
The lesson here? Approach every interaction with curiosity and respect, and you’ll often find people willing to share their world with you.
2. Find Common Ground
In Ghana, I met a young boy who completely shocked me with his love for NBA YoungBoy. We bonded over music, something universal that transcends cultures and geography. He’d rap lyrics with so much energy that I couldn’t help but laugh and join in.
This connection didn’t stop at music. I told him about my journey in tech, business, and how I was in college at the time, which sparked something in him. Eventually he said he wanted to study technology, and when I returned home, we stayed connected through Instagram. I even helped him start learning to code on his phone, and now, he’s getting ready to start college.
It reminded me that even in vastly different places and circumstances, our shared human experiences—whether it’s music, food, or dreams—can create powerful bonds.
3. Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
If you want authentic experiences, you have to be willing to go beyond what’s comfortable or familiar. It’s easy to stay within your group or stick to popular tourist spots, but the real magic happens when you dive deeper.
Ask a local where they eat, not just where they think tourists should go. Attend a community event or strike up a conversation with someone you wouldn’t normally talk to. These moments create lasting memories and relationships that feel real and unfiltered.
4. Remember the Power of Small Moments
Not every connection needs to be life-changing to be meaningful. Sometimes, it’s the small moments that stick with you—like the laugh shared with a street vendor or the advice from a local on the best place to watch the sunset.
During my trips, I’ve learned that every person you meet has something valuable to teach you, even if it’s just a new perspective or a funny story to tell later. Stay open to those moments, no matter how brief they may seem.
5. Keep the Connection Alive
One of the most rewarding parts of building relationships abroad is maintaining them after you leave. Thanks to social media and technology, it’s easier than ever to stay in touch with the people you meet.
I still chat with my friend from Ghana about his progress in learning to code and entering college. These check-ins remind me of the connection we made and the impact we had on each other’s lives. It’s proof that even short-term relationships can have long-term value.
Final Thoughts
Travel is about more than just seeing the world—it’s about experiencing the people in it. Every handshake, every conversation, and every shared meal has the potential to teach you something new and make you feel connected in ways you didn’t think possible.
So, when you step off that plane, take a deep breath, open your mind, and embrace the opportunities to connect with others. You never know who you’ll meet or how they might change your life—or how you might change theirs!
Bryce Harris
Trip Mentor
‘Tradition and Innovation in Japan’
Spring Break 2025
