Whether your student comes from outside the United States or from nearby Waltham, chances are your student will be a lot farther from home when they're abroad. Something to keep in mind is that how you communicate with your son/daughter may change.
Setting some expectations of the type of communication you want to receive while your student studies in another country is an important step to take before your son/daughter leaves and once they arrive in their new country. In some cases students may not have a useable phone at first, decent internet reception, or even electricity.
When talking to your student abroad, don't be surprised if you hear waves of excitement and disappointment. It is common for anyone experiencing a new culture to ride these waves. It's an important time to listen and calm your student if needed.
Video Chat
To stay connected with their families, many students will use video chat options like Facetime or Skype.
Cell Phones & Land Lines
"Call me when you land!" That's a common request we all make but can be difficult when traveling internationally. Many times students have to obtain in-country cell phones or switch over services which might not happen the first day. The in-country program administration will communicate with your student the best way for your student to obtain a cell phone or gain access to a telephone.
Email
Often considered the best way to communicate while abroad. It allows for consideration of time differences and can be used to share documents and photos.
Letters/Snail Mail
Physical mail may sound like a thing of the past but can be a welcome treat to students who have a mailbox abroad and may find themselves missing home. Packages may need to be mailed to a different address so check with your students program administration before sending anything. There will also likely be custom regulations for packages that it will be helpful to research first.
Blogs
We encourage students to keep journals or blogs to keep track of their various experiences abroad and to share with others. Having your student share a blog with you can be a meaningful way to witness their experiences abroad.