OGAM GUIDE
20 Good Questions for Your First Conversation with an International Friend
Use these 20 friendly questions and follow-up techniques to avoid awkward silence and build a natural first conversation.
A good first conversation does not need a clever opening. Begin with questions that are easy to answer, then follow the details your partner chooses to share. The goal is curiosity and connection—not testing their culture or language ability.
Easy openers: questions 1–5
- How has your day been?
- What time is it where you are?
- What music have you been listening to lately?
- What is a favorite food you would recommend?
- What do you usually enjoy doing on a day off?
Discover their tastes: questions 6–10
- Have you watched a good movie or series recently?
- If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
- Do you prefer the sea or the mountains, and why?
- Do you drink coffee or tea more often?
- Is there anything new you are learning or trying?
Share cultures: questions 11–15
- What food should a visitor try where you live?
- Is there a festival people enjoy in your country?
- What place would you recommend to a first-time visitor?
- What is a friendly everyday greeting in your language?
- What is something people often misunderstand about your culture?
Build a little more connection: questions 16–20
- What made you happy recently?
- Do you still enjoy any hobbies you had as a child?
- What is something you hope to do this year?
- How would your friends describe you?
- What would you like to talk about next time?
Keep it from feeling like an interview
Do not fire questions one after another. Respond to an answer, share a small part of your own experience, and then ask a follow-up. For example: ‘I love spicy food too. When do people usually eat that dish?’
Avoid asking for an exact address, workplace, income, relationship status, religion, or political views early on. If someone seems reluctant to answer, do not demand a reason—simply change the subject.