Ice Cream Social: Learn to Connect & Build Friendships in the U.S.

Join us at Wanderlust Creamery for a relaxed and welcoming ice cream social, designed especially for international students and newcomers to the U.S.

New to the U.S. and wondering how people actually make friends here? Ever found yourself thinking things like:

• "It must be something about me or my cultural background that makes it hard to build relationships here."
• "I need to know what to say, sound interesting and understand American culture to make Americans want to connect with me."
• "Making friends looks so easy for Americans. They are all so confident. They just know how to connect. What’s wrong with me?"

You're not alone—and you're not imagining it. Building connections in the U.S. can be quite different from what you're used to back home. It’s uncomfortable, super intimidating, and especially hard when you’re not a native English speaker.

That's why we're hosting this event.

Because the more people you know, the faster you’ll adjust—and the less lonely and uncomfortable this new chapter will feel.

It’s your invitation to melt the awkwardness, enjoy some of LA’s most delicious ice cream, meet amazing people, and finally learn how to build real, meaningful friendships in a new country, especially with Americans—without forcing small talk, guessing and freaking out over what to say, overthinking your accent, or pretending to be someone you’re not.

What to Expect

We’re meeting at Wanderlust Creamery in Venice, one of LA’s most iconic ice cream spots, for a relaxed, feel-good afternoon of connection. You’ll start with scoops of globally inspired ice cream (because let’s be real—comfort food hits different during times like these). Then, you’ll get real, practical tips on how to connect with Americans. After that, you'll be guided to put what you’ve learned into action through fun, easy mingling time. Zero pressure. Zero awkward networking vibes. Just real conversations, real people, and maybe even your new best friend (or future group chat).

Whether you're new to the U.S. or just looking to expand your circle, this is a chance to share stories, build connections, and feel a little more at home.

You'll Walk Away With:

• Real tools to help you connect with Americans more easily
• New friends who get your experience
• Confidence to express yourself, even if English isn't your first language
• Courage to start conversations in any setting
• A deeper sense of self-compassion—and the comfort of knowing you're not alone

Your Guide

Audrey Chou is the founder of First Doorway and a USC alum who moved to the U.S. from Taiwan alone at age 28. She went from being a quiet, invisible international student—too shy to speak in class and often crying in the shower from overwhelm—to someone Americans feel instantly at ease with. One even told her, “I’ve shared more with you than with my friend of 30 years.”

While still in school, Audrey secured her H-1B work visa before graduation, and later received her green card through employment during the Trump administration. Her green card interview lasted less than five minutes. In 2025, she became a U.S. citizen. But more than any immigration status, what Audrey is most proud of is how far she’s come emotionally--from fear, self-doubt, and always feeling so small to someone who feels confident, grounded, and fully at home in her own skin.

She feels it’s her calling to make this journey easier and smoother for others—because she knows how painful, isolating, and disorienting it can be. That’s why she created First Doorway: to help international students and newcomers build meaningful friendships, shift their mindset, and feel like they truly belong in their new country. Her virtual workshop on building connections in the U.S. attracted over 230 international students, with raving feedback and requests for more.

The Venue