[rajdevar]

I was in the same situation 4 years back. Being an immigrant it takes some effort on our side to assimilate in the society and for introverts like me (us) it takes a lot more. First thing I noticed is that I had a very low self-confidence. I've been an introvert all my life with only few friends. Firstly, what changed my life is getting a fitness club membership. It wasn't easy in the beginning seeing all those big guys. So I used to exercise late nights after 11p.m only because i was too self-conscious. My first friend in the city was a cop, he used to exercise off hours.He taught me lifting weights and that changed everything. He was like a coach.He wasn't like a friend i can hang out but that was fine. I felt better and better about myself as I got stronger. Secondly, I was a regular at start-up weekends and other business events .I made friends with couple of developers and business people. I was looking to make friends with them but they were only "networking". Later, one of them asked me if I wanted to be his roommate so we can work on cool ideas together. Slowly, I became friends with his friends. Also, I used to hang out at a 24/7 coffee shop and met other developers and designers. Thirdly, I volunteered at a local animal shelter. I made friends while we walk the dogs and clean the cats :-) .I met my ex-gf there. Also I read lots of books on the art of small talk and how to master conversation skills. Recorded my voice and practiced my accent until it got better. Hey Read this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_shock. Good luck!!