In today’s age of constant connection, it can be hard to stay in contact with our significant others while they’re away. Work, school, hobbies or friends can take up much of our time, but one thing that shouldn’t affect our time with partners is distance and lack of communication.
The good thing is that we have many options to keep up with our partners and enjoy their company even with distance being a factor.
Despite the felicity that comes along with living in the present, it is crucial to include friends and family in your adventure abroad. They want to know and understand what you are going through; the people you are meeting, the exotic foods you are eating, the monuments and natural beauty you are seeing and the (hopefully) delicious and strange treats you are smelling… everything! In order to do this.
Below you can find a variety of methods for keeping in touch, even if it is not your best skill!
Communication Methods
- Email – As a study abroad student, between attending classes, embracing cultural events, making new friends and traveling, you are undoubtedly living a busy life. If writing responses at your leisure appeals to you, then e-mail is probably the best option. If you have Gmail, you can also use Gchat simultaneously to send quick messages. Including photos, videos and messages is simple, and you can elect the time spent writing or responding to e-mails. While it may seem a little antiquated in comparison with Facebook, it is refreshing to focus on correspondence with a single person, instead of all your friends.
- Facebook – Of course, Facebook is full of endless possibilities and allows you to share your life with others, and theirs with you. If you are concerned about keeping in touch, it may be a smart idea to start a group and invite friends and family. You can post periodic updates about your life, photos, entertaining or educational videos, express your passions and even your address. Facebook is probably the best choice if you are looking to stay up to date with friends and family. It makes keeping in touch during your study abroad easy as pie; you will feel like you were at that party, and they will feel like they are traveling with you.
- Blogging – Do you enjoy writing? If so, blogging is a wonderful way to reflect on all that you are encountering during your experience. Not only does it provide friends and family with the opportunity to journey with you, but it also is an excellent account of daily life in your temporary home. Though you may think you will never forget your time as a study abroad student, as the days, months and years come and go, so do the memories. Therefore, by keeping a blog, you will be able to preserve the memories you are making, and recreate the feelings you felt simply by reading.
- Snail (postal) Mail – Never thought you’d be back to writing letters, did you? Indeed, letters seem to be a lost art these days. However, don’t you feel an inner happiness when you receive a letter, out of the blue? There is something magical about it; it is mysterious and rare. By sending snail mail, be it postcards, notes or regular old letters, you are reminding those you love that you are thinking of them at unexpected moments, and you are keeping in touch during your study abroad in an exciting way. Likewise, if you are writing letters, hopefully those you write will return the favor, and you, too, will have a random magical moment! Postcards are particularly delightful, as you can show what you have seen and where you have been. It might not be such a bad idea to snag one for yourself, too!
- Prepaid Phone Cards – As a study abroad student, you will come to learn that acquiring Wi-Fi is frequently easier said than done. Therefore, it is important to recognize that there are other ways you can speak with your friends and family, besides your iPhone. For example, you can purchase a prepaid phone card. While the price per minute varies depending on the country, it is straightforward to use and there are no additional charges, except what you originally pay for the card. You can even add money to your card and continue to use it if you choose!
- Telephone Services – These services are the most direct option, as you can make phone calls and text. WhatsApp is an excellent alternative to texting, as it is a messenger on your phone. You can send photos, videos and even sound bytes. Viber and Magic Jack both offer free phone calls to the United States, while Skype serves as a messenger, and allows both voice and video calls. Beware, though, these services all require Wi-Fi, unless you have an international phone plan.
- Stay Updated on Nigerian News and Events:
a. News Websites and Apps: Stay connected to Nigerian news and events through local news websites and mobile applications. This keeps you informed about current affairs, cultural happenings, and developments in Nigeria.
b. Nigerian Radio and TV: Explore online radio stations and TV streaming services that offer Nigerian channels. These platforms allow you to stay connected to Nigerian entertainment, music, and news, making you feel closer to home.
Conclusion:
Moving abroad doesn’t mean losing touch with your Nigerian roots. By utilizing affordable international calling, messaging apps, social media platforms, and online communication tools, you can stay connected with loved ones and Nigerian communities abroad.
Additionally, staying updated on Nigerian news and events helps you maintain a sense of connection and belonging. Embrace these strategies, explore new technologies, and bridge the distance to make your international experience fulfilling while staying connected to your Nigerian heritage.
