We know how thrilling and rejuvenating it is, particularly if this is your first time spending a significant amount of time abroad.
Your vacation will undoubtedly have its ups and downs, though, just like anything else in life.
This is why it’s so crucial to have a support network that can help you not just share in your successes but also listen to you and lift your spirits when times are difficult.
And is there a more effective support system than family?
Additionally, you should ensure that your family is well-cared for. A smart method to achieve that is to stay in touch and be reachable, as this will allow you to stay up to date on their life. They will, in turn, feel more at ease knowing that you are safe and doing well.
Continue reading to learn how to maintain communication with your family throughout your study trip!
5 ways to stay in touch during your study abroad trip
1. Share your social media updates
Whether it’s TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook, social media may be extremely handy for staying in touch with family members across time zones.
After all, stories are visible for up to 24 hours after they are posted, and posts remain on your page unless you remove them. Your family members can access your profile and check your social media updates in their newsfeeds.
In addition to publishing images, you can create short videos or reels and write detailed captions to keep them up to date.
Pro tip: When they leave comments on your posts or reply to your tales, make it a point to not only “like” but also respond to them.
2. Schedule regular check-ins
Thanks to the recent pandemic, we’ve all become accustomed to chatting electronically with one another, whether via a smartphone video call or services like Zoom and Google Meet, which can also be accessible via a laptop.
It may be a good idea to make plans with your family ahead of time, perhaps a certain day and time per week, to ensure you have ample quality time to catch up.
Remember to account for time differences so that everyone can communicate freely, after work, for example.
3. Send periodic postcards
While it may appear to be an outdated way of communication, receiving a handwritten note or postcard in the mail is especially pleasant.
During the holidays, you can pick up postcards with particular locations or vistas of the destination you’re visiting, and surprise your family members with handwritten holiday greetings.
However, you do not have to wait until the holidays to accomplish this; we are confident they would appreciate receiving air mail from you at any time of year!
4. Return home if your finances permit
While social media and video chats might help you remain in touch with your family, there’s nothing like meeting each other and catching up face to face.
That is why, if you can afford it, you should consider visiting your hometown over the school semester break.
Because airline tickets can be expensive, you can always plan your return journey months in advance or look for special student discounts and promotions.
Alternatively, you might use your spare time to work part-time to save money for your flights and earn some extra cash.
5. Start a travel blog
While blogging is no longer as popular as it once was, you can still start one and post regular updates for your family to read.
In addition to being a tool for documenting your study trip and staying in touch with your family, it can also be used as a creative outlet if you prefer writing and photography.
Long after your study trip is over, you’ll have this blog to refer to for memories – arguably the best method to recall your journey, problems, and accomplishments.
