Deciding to study abroad can be a
daunting decision, whether it’s for a semester or entire degree. This experience will likely change you in many respects, and have a significant impact on your career. One of the
biggest challenges can be staying in touch with family and friends back home.
Luckily, we live in an incredibly technologically connected world and there are
many tools to easily stay connected with your loved ones while you explore your
new home. One of the most obvious is Facebook, where you can easily private
message or write on people’s walls, as well as post updates and photos during
your time abroad for everyone to see. You could even create a Facebook group
and invite your closest friends and family to post updates and stay in contact.
Most international programs will form a group specifically for your peers, so you
will be able to stay in touch with them even after the program is over.
In some countries, depending on
the phone carrier, you can purchase a local SIM card to put into your own
phone. You could also buy a new phone, carrier, and service plan when you get
to your new home. These two options are best for students who will be studying
in their new country for an extended period of time.
Smartphones, including iPhones, Android
phones and Windows phones, offer tons of apps that make talking or messaging
easy, often avoiding expensive data or other charges. Here’s a rundown of some
app highlights:
WhatsApp:
A free messaging service, WhatsApp allows you to direct messages (like Facebook
messaging) with anyone who also has the app. You need an internet connection to
use WhatsApp, so either a data plan or Wi-Fi.
Viber:
Like WhatsApp, you can send messages and photos to users, but Viber also allows
you to make voice calls when you have an internet connection.
Skype: Skype has been around for
years and is one of the most popular ways to voice or video chat with other
users. If you have an internet connection, you can Skype with anyone around the
world who is also on Skype for free. If you buy Skype calling credits, you can
call a landline or mobile number at a rate usually cheaper than other phone
plans.
Facetime: Automatically loaded
onto all Apple devices, Facetime allows you to video chat with anyone who also
has the app for free. Facetime works best when using Wi-Fi.
MessageMe:
A relatively new application, MessageMe allows you to send free messages and
photos to other users.
Google Hangouts: A video, chat and screen sharing application that you can use with your google / gmail account for free.
Google Hangouts: A video, chat and screen sharing application that you can use with your google / gmail account for free.
GradTrain:
Through GradTrain’s online video and chat platform, you can stay in touch with
your coach as you make the transition abroad and throughout your studies.
This is just a short list of some
of the most popular apps you can use because there are constantly new apps
being created. Aside from all the technology, you can also stay in touch with
friends and family the old fashion way - through “snail mail”—sending an actual
letter or postcard at the post office. With so much of what we do based around
the internet and social media, it can be refreshing to send a handwritten
letter or postcard from where you’re studying, especially to someone dear such
as your grandparents or parents.
Another easy way to stay in touch
and also document your time abroad is through blogging. If you choose an online
blog versus keeping a personal journal, there are many websites to choose from,
such as Tumblr, Blogger and WordPress. It is free and easy to create
an account where you can then update your blog with stories, pictures, and
anything else you want to share!
Aside from all the social media
and messaging services, a simple phone call also goes a long way towards
staying connected with friends and family back home. As you are adjusting to
studying abroad, possibly dealing with an episode of homesickness, a phone call
home can be reassuring and comforting.
Stay in touch and connect with our
global community at www.gradtrain.com
Awesome compilation. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteBeing a foreign student I am using essaykings' help. They contact me through messages and e-mail and via Skype as well.
ReplyDeleteA very well-written post. I read and liked the post and have also bookmarked you.
ReplyDeleteThis is a tremendous article thanks for sharing this informative information. I will go to your blog regularly for some contemporary post.
ReplyDeleteVisit us for printing services.
With modern technology, people can simplify their lives. Even for issues that need to be resolved through the courts, people can find the right lawyer if they just read the information on the website about him. And also, they can find answers to the necessary questions on https://lawofficeofbriankelly.com/Personal-Injury/Personal-Injury-FAQs.aspx.
ReplyDelete