 The very first person to enter the class and smile to the other students, that is a very good start to make friends with the locals as well as the international students. Join volunteer work because it goes from there like you can meet a lot of people with the same interest and it will help you to engage with community. Open your mind up and get engaged with the other students and the other people. Go to any social events that's been organized. You'll make lots of new friends and they will be on that way for when you return home. They have to be proud of being international students, they have to be proud of their culture, their traditions. Don't be shy and talk to people and everyone will be friends and you will be surprised. Strike a conversation that will open a lot of opportunities for them to make friends. I think it's very important to get involved in different activities outside the classroom. Otherwise you'll get immersed in your studies and it can be very stressful.