How Can I Stay Connected With My Family While Abroad?

Being separated from your family while abroad can be a challenging experience, but luckily, there are numerous ways to stay connected and bridge the distance. Whether it’s through technology like video calls or messaging apps, or sending heartfelt letters and care packages, there are several options that can help you maintain strong bonds with your loved ones no matter where you are in the world. In this article, we will explore some practical and creative ways to stay connected with your family while you’re away, ensuring that distance doesn’t interfere with the warmth and closeness you share.

Use video calling apps

Choose a reliable video calling app

When you’re living abroad, using video calling apps can be a lifeline to stay connected with your family. The first step is to choose a reliable video calling app that suits your needs. Consider popular options like Skype, FaceTime, WhatsApp, or Zoom. These apps offer excellent video and audio quality, making your communication feel more personal and immersive.

Set up the app on your device

Once you’ve chosen the app, it’s time to set it up on your device. Whether you’re using a smartphone, tablet, or computer, most video calling apps have easy installation processes. Simply download the app from your device’s app store or visit the website and follow the instructions to set it up. Don’t forget to grant necessary permissions like access to your camera and microphone for a seamless video calling experience.

Schedule regular video calls

To maintain a strong connection with your family, it’s important to schedule regular video calls. Find a time that works for everyone considering the time zone differences. Establish a recurring schedule that suits your availability and allows you to catch up and spend quality time with your loved ones. Consistency is key in nurturing strong family bonds, so make it a habit to connect through video calls regularly.

Make use of video features to enhance communication

Video calling apps often offer various features that can enhance your communication experience. Explore options like screen sharing, which allows you to share photos, presentations, or even watch movies together. Some apps also have built-in filters and effects, making your video calls more fun and entertaining. Experiment with these features to make your virtual hangouts more enjoyable and memorable.

Utilize messaging apps

Install and configure a messaging app

Messaging apps play a crucial role in staying connected with your family while abroad. Choose a messaging app that suits your preferences and install it on your device. Popular options include WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram. Once you’ve installed the app, configure it by verifying your phone number and creating a username or profile. Take some time to explore the app’s features and settings, ensuring you’re familiar with how it works.

Create group chats for family communication

Group chats are a fantastic way to maintain ongoing conversations with your family. Create a dedicated group chat for your family members, allowing you to share updates, photos, and videos effortlessly. Group chats offer a space for everyone to engage in conversations, ask questions, and provide support. It’s a convenient way to ensure that no one feels left out and that everyone stays connected.

Share photos, videos, and updates

Messaging apps make it easy to share precious moments with your family, no matter where you are in the world. Share photos and videos of your adventures abroad, allowing your family to be a part of your experiences. Don’t forget to caption them with anecdotes and stories to provide context and enhance the sharing experience. Additionally, use the messaging app to share regular updates about your life, work, or studies, keeping your family in the loop.

Use voice and video messages

Aside from text messages, take advantage of voice and video message features offered by messaging apps. Sometimes, emotions and tone can get lost in text messages, but sending a quick voice or video message can bridge that gap. Whether it’s singing a happy birthday song or sharing a heartfelt message, these features provide a more personal and intimate connection, even from a distance.

Make phone calls

Get an international calling plan

If you prefer traditional phone calls, getting an international calling plan can save you plenty of money. Check with your service provider to see if they offer international calling packages. These plans typically allow you to make calls abroad at reduced rates, ensuring that staying in touch with your family won’t break the bank. Be sure to choose a plan that covers the countries you’re likely to call frequently.

Use local SIM cards for affordable rates

Another cost-effective option for making phone calls while abroad is to use local SIM cards. By purchasing a local SIM card, you can take advantage of local rates and avoid international calling charges. Simply swap out your existing SIM card with the local one, and you’ll be able to make calls at significantly lower costs. Do some research and find out which local telecom providers offer the best rates for your needs.

Consider using a calling card

If you’re in a country where local SIM cards aren’t easily accessible, consider using a calling card. Calling cards function similarly to prepaid cards, and they provide you with a certain amount of calling minutes. You can usually find these cards at convenience stores or online. Look for reputable companies that offer competitive rates and ensure that the calling card can be used in the countries you need to call.

Schedule regular phone calls

Just like with video calls, scheduling regular phone calls with your family is crucial to staying connected. Set aside specific times each week or month to have dedicated phone calls with your loved ones. Whether it’s a quick catch-up or a lengthy conversation, these scheduled calls provide an opportunity to have uninterrupted quality time with your family, bridging the physical distance between you.

Share photos and videos

Use social media platforms

One of the simplest ways to share photos and videos with your family while abroad is through social media platforms. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat allow you to upload and share multimedia content with your network of family and friends. You can post pictures from your travels or share short videos of your adventures. Your family can easily access these posts and leave comments, creating a sense of togetherness despite the physical distance.

Create online photo albums

If you prefer a more organized and personalized approach to sharing photos and videos, consider creating online photo albums. Websites and apps like Google Photos, iCloud, and Flickr offer platforms for creating albums and sharing them with specific individuals or groups. By creating online albums, you can curate and categorize your memories, making it easier for your family to browse through and relive the moments together.

Send regular updates through email

Email is a reliable and straightforward method to share photos, videos, and updates with your family. Compile a monthly or quarterly newsletter-style email where you provide a summary of your experiences, accompanied by pictures and videos. This approach gives you the freedom to go into more detail about your adventures and can serve as a keepsake that your family can refer back to in the future.

Share secure online storage links

If you’re concerned about privacy and prefer to have more control over who can access your shared content, consider using secure online storage links. Services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and Microsoft OneDrive allow you to upload your photos and videos and generate shareable links. You can then send these links to your family via email or messaging apps, ensuring that only the intended recipients have access to your precious memories.

Write and send letters

Prepare stationery and envelopes

In this digital age, receiving a handwritten letter can be a unique and heartwarming experience. To send letters to your family while abroad, start by collecting beautiful stationery and envelopes. Look for high-quality paper and envelopes that reflect your personality. Consider including some special touches like decorative stamps or personalized stickers to add a unique flair to your letters.

Write heartfelt letters

When writing letters to your family, take the time to express yourself genuinely and share your thoughts and feelings. Begin by addressing each family member individually and acknowledging their presence in your life. Share stories and anecdotes about your experiences abroad, focusing on the aspects that you know will resonate with each family member. Writing heartfelt letters is an opportunity to convey your love, gratitude, and appreciation for your family.

Include small gifts or souvenirs

To make your letters even more special, consider including small gifts or souvenirs from your host country. It could be a postcard, a keychain, or even a pressed flower. These thoughtful gestures demonstrate that you’ve been thinking of your family during your travels and can bring a piece of your experiences into their lives. Be mindful of customs regulations and ensure that the items you include can be safely sent through the mail.

Send packages occasionally

In addition to letters, sending occasional care packages adds an extra element of surprise and excitement for your family. Fill these packages with items that reflect the recipient’s interests, such as their favorite snacks, unique local products, or meaningful trinkets. The anticipation of receiving a package from you will make the arrival all the more enjoyable. Just remember to consider customs regulations and shipping costs when sending packages internationally.

Use social media

Stay active on social media platforms

Social media platforms are ideal for staying connected with your family while abroad. By staying active on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, you can share your daily updates, thoughts, and experiences with your family in real-time. Posting regularly keeps your family updated on your adventures and promotes ongoing conversation and engagement.

Share daily updates and experiences

Make an effort to share daily updates and experiences on social media platforms. These updates can be as simple as a photo of a delicious local dish you tried, a description of an interesting cultural event you attended, or even just sharing your thoughts and reflections on your day. By sharing these moments, you bring your family along on your journey and allow them to experience a glimpse of your life abroad.

Engage with family members’ posts

Staying connected goes beyond merely sharing your own experiences. Take the time to engage with your family members’ posts as well. Leave comments, like their photos, and ask questions to show your interest and support. By actively participating in their social media presence, you foster a sense of connection and let them know that you’re involved in their lives, despite the distance.

Utilize private messaging features

While public posts are a great way to share updates with everyone, utilizing private messaging features on social media platforms allows for more intimate and private conversations. Some platforms offer in-app messaging features, while others allow you to switch to private messages. Take advantage of these features to have one-on-one or small group conversations, ensuring that you have dedicated spaces for more personal interactions.

Plan visits and reunions

Coordinate travel plans in advance

Planning visits and reunions well in advance ensures that everyone can make the necessary arrangements to be together. Coordinate with your family members to find suitable dates and locations for these gatherings. Take into account factors like work schedules, school holidays, and travel costs. By planning ahead, you increase the chances of maximizing the time you spend together and creating lasting memories.

Set aside time for quality family visits

When you do have the opportunity to visit your family or have them visit you abroad, make sure to set aside quality time for family activities. Plan outings, meals, and other shared experiences that allow you to bond and create meaningful connections. Avoid distractions like work or excessive use of technology during these visits, and focus on being present and fully engaged in each other’s company.

Plan reunions at convenient locations

Consider planning family reunions at convenient locations that are easily accessible for everyone. This could be a central location that requires less travel for each family member or a destination that offers unique experiences. Take the preferences and interests of your family members into account to ensure that the chosen location caters to everyone’s needs and desires.

Consider group travel arrangements

To make reunions even more memorable and effortless, consider arranging group travel. Group travel allows your family to experience new destinations together and eliminates the stress of planning individual itineraries. You can choose to travel as a large group or divide into smaller groups based on shared interests or age groups. Group travel fosters stronger bonds and creates lasting memories for every family member involved.

Send care packages

Collect meaningful items from abroad

Sending care packages filled with meaningful items is a wonderful way to stay connected with your family while abroad. As you explore your host country, collect small items or souvenirs that hold significance. It could be local chocolates, handmade crafts, or unique spices. The thoughtfulness behind these items will make them cherished by your family and create a tangible connection to your experiences.

Include personal notes and letters

Alongside the items in your care packages, be sure to include personal notes and letters. Write heartfelt messages sharing your love, gratitude, and updates on your life abroad. Personalize each note for the intended recipient, highlighting memories, inside jokes, or things you miss about them. Including these personal touches adds an extra layer of thoughtfulness and warmth to the care packages.

Choose items that reflect the recipient’s interests

When selecting items to include in your care packages, consider the interests and preferences of each family member. Choose items that align with their hobbies, such as books, art supplies, or sports accessories. Tailoring the packages to each person’s interests shows that you’ve thought about their individual needs and fosters a sense of personal connection.

Consider customs regulations and shipping costs

Before sending care packages, familiarize yourself with customs regulations and restrictions in both your host country and your home country. Ensure that the items you’re including are allowed to be sent through the mail and won’t cause any issues with customs. Additionally, consider the shipping costs associated with sending care packages. Research different shipping options to find the most cost-effective and reliable method for delivering your packages.

Play online games together

Find multiplayer games suitable for all

Online gaming offers a fun and interactive way to connect with your family. Find multiplayer games that are suitable for all age groups and interests. Whether it’s cooperative games where you work together as a team or competitive games that spark friendly rivalry, there are plenty of options available. Research popular multiplayer games and choose ones that align with your family’s preferences.

Set up game accounts and profiles

To start playing online games with your family, you’ll need to set up game accounts and profiles. Each game may have its own registration process, so follow the instructions provided by the game developers. Create unique usernames or profiles for each family member to make it easier to identify each other during gameplay. Once the accounts are set up, connect with your family members and start gaming together.

Schedule gaming sessions

To ensure regular gaming sessions with your family, schedule specific times when everyone can come together to play. Consistency is key in maintaining the connection. Consider time zones and work schedules to find a time that accommodates everyone’s availability. Make gaming sessions a regular occurrence, creating a sense of anticipation and shared excitement.

Create friendly competitions and challenges

Add a fun twist to your gaming sessions by creating friendly competitions and challenges. Engage in head-to-head matches and see who comes out on top. You can also set goals or achievements within the game and challenge each other to accomplish them. These competitions and challenges promote healthy competition, bonding, and loads of laughter.

Engage in shared hobbies

Identify common hobbies or interests

Engaging in shared hobbies is an excellent way to strengthen your bond with your family while abroad. Identify common hobbies or interests that you can all enjoy together. It could be cooking, gardening, painting, or even hiking. Brainstorm with your family members to discover activities and hobbies that bring you together and foster meaningful connections.

Share experiences and knowledge

Once you’ve identified your shared hobbies, take the opportunity to share experiences and knowledge. Exchange tips, techniques, and stories related to the hobby. If you’ve discovered any local traditions or practices related to the hobby in your host country, share them with your family members. This sharing of experiences and knowledge deepens your connection and creates a sense of unity.

Discuss and plan future activities

Engaging in shared hobbies can spark excitement and inspire future activities. Discuss and plan future activities related to your hobbies, ensuring that you have something to look forward to as a family. It could be a weekend hiking trip, a group cooking session where everyone prepares a dish, or an art workshop where you explore various techniques together. Collaboratively planning these activities strengthens your bond and provides a common focus for your conversations.

Exchange resources and recommendations

While engaging in shared hobbies, exchange resources and recommendations with your family members. Share books, articles, or online resources that have been helpful to you in exploring the hobby. Recommend movies, documentaries, or podcasts that align with your shared interests. By exchanging resources and recommendations, you foster ongoing engagement and create avenues for shared learning.