In particular when you’re an expat and oftentimes alone in a foreign country, you will end up at events without knowing anyone.

Now you could spend the evening at the buffet and standing around in a corner by yourself OR you can take it as a chance to expand your network. But how can you start a conversation with a complete stranger? What are commin ice breakers?

• If you had 25h in a day, what would you do with the extra hour?
• Do you have any hidden talents?
• What superpower would you like to have?
• What would the title of your autobiography be?
• What’s a skill you learned when you were young, that you still use today?
• What’s your best childhood memory?
• What’s your favoritw thing you bought this year?
• What are you addicted to?
• What makes you happy?
• How do you define freedom?
• What is your most used emoji?
• Would you rather travel back in time to meet your ancestors, or to the future to meet your descendants?

If you have the chance to get the guest list in advance, get yourself prepated about potential conversation partners. E.g. where did the person study, grow up, known achievements … .

Sources: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/icebreaker-questions-to-use-when-meeting-new-people [accessed 11/18/2020]