By: Maria S. Davis
Date: April 22, 2025
It’s funny how friendships evolve as we get older, especially when you come from a multicultural background and get exposed to different cultures as you move through life. I never really thought about it much until I came to university and experienced the difference between my childhood friends and the international ones I’ve met since being here.
I grew up in the USA with a group of close childhood friends, all of whom were white. We had a blast together, and even though we shared lots of good memories, there was something missing in terms of deeper understanding. Don’t get me wrong—these friends are still important to me. I enjoy our reunions, even if they are only a couple of times a year now because of distance and school. But now that I’ve expanded my circle, I’ve realized that I feel a different kind of connection with my international friends.
At university, I made friends from all over the world. Some were American, but many were from countries I’d never been to, or places I’d only heard of. There’s something really unique about the way international friends bond. We share similar mindsets and experiences, often relating to the challenges of navigating different cultures. Many of us speak multiple languages, which gives us a deeper layer of communication—it’s almost like we have our own little language that makes it easier to understand one another. Our humor is different, too. It feels like we’re able to just vibe on the same frequency in a way that’s hard to explain.
I’ve found myself feeling more comfortable with my international friends. There’s an ease in our conversations, a shared sense of humor, and an ability to have fun in a way that doesn’t feel forced or awkward. It’s not that I dislike my childhood friends or anything like that. But I think my international friendships offer something that my American friends, even though they’re lovely people, just don’t quite match. There’s a level of depth that comes with experiencing different cultures, and it’s something I truly cherish now.
Sometimes I wonder if it’s because of how similar our backgrounds are or if it’s just the simple fact that we’re all far away from home, adjusting together. Either way, I feel like my international friends have become my closest companions. And it’s a bit strange for me to admit, but I don’t feel quite as connected to my childhood friends the same way anymore.
I’m not sure if this is common for everyone or if it’s just my experience, but I think it’s interesting how friendships can evolve in different directions based on where you are in life and who you meet along the way. I love my childhood friends, but I have to admit, the bond I share with my international friends feels a lot more natural for where I am right now.
