Introduction
If you’re an Indian student wishing to take their studies abroad, one of the biggest concerns that may prevail in your mind is: “How do I keep in touch with my family when I’m so far away?” The answer is thoughtful timing, the right communication tools and a schedule that could help smooth the way for keeping in touch with relatives during your time away. Sleep consulting and therapist Crissi Woolard talks about these three ways to navigate the often tricky field when staying close to loved ones back home. For an Indian student, studying abroad is a dream come true––an opportunity to explore new prospects outside the home country, get the best-in-class education and take the first step toward one’s dream career. But those highs can also come with a emotional low: keeping in touch with your loved ones. In this blog, we’ll explore:- Why it matters to stay connected, worldwide and for Indian students.
- Practical tips and tools for keeping in touch with family while abroad.
- Pros and cons of long-distance messaging.
- This is how Gateway International helps you make this journey considerably easier.
Why This Topic Matters: The Global & Indian Perspective
Global Trends
- More than 6 million students worldwide are studying outside their home country as of 2023, with those numbers continuing to increase, according to UNESCO.
- Other ICEF Monitor articles have also identified communication as one of international students’ top three worries.
- “Missing family” is international students’ number 1 personal struggle, cited as their main challenge by 67% on a QS survey.
Indian Context
India is one of the leading sender of foreign students. Over 1.3 million Indian students are currently studying in institutions abroad (IDP 2024 data). This is an encouraging trend, but also a challenge: families feel anchored to Indian culture and therefore the tug of separation can feel even more heavy. For Indian students, keeping in touch with family while abroad isn’t just about sending a message- it’s about staying connected, feeling supported and getting the emotional help to do well in academics. Worried about keeping in touch with family while abroad? Gateway International not only navigates your academic journey, but keeps you emotionally connected.Personal Impact
Picture being dropped into Canada, the United States and Britain. Everything is new: the culture, the weather, the food. In the middle of all this, one video call with your mom or a text from your siblings can magically bring you home. That’s the real value of staying connected with family abroad — it offers you emotional support when you need them.Check out: Get Started →
How Do You Stay Connected with Family While Abroad?
Here are some tips, products and habits that can make keeping in touch with family while abroad and more enjoyable:1. What Are the Best Tools for Keeping Your Family Connected Overseas?
- Messaging Apps: Apps that send messages off the grid like WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal make messaging more private.
- Video Calls: Zoom, Skype and Google Meet allow you to see your loved ones rather than just hear them.
- Social Media: You can use Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat for small updates.
- Family group chats: To keep in touch, send festival wishes or share snaps.
2. How do Students Deal with Time Zones for Communicating?
One of the greatest challenges to maintaining family bonds overseas is the time difference.- Hop On Apps: Use Apps like World Clock or Time Buddy to make scheduling calls easy.
- Develop a Schedule: Choose two set times twice a week when you and your family are available.
- Send Voice Notes: When schedules don’t align, a sweet voice note can feel just as personal as a live call.
3. Why Is Maintaining Family Bonds Overseas Important?
- Emotional Support: Helps reduce homesickness.
- Academic Orientation: When you are supported, you do well in studies.
- Cultural Connection: Allows you to stay connected to your culture while living abroad.
4. What Communication Tips Work Best While Studying Abroad?
Here are some practical communication tips while abroad:- Be Faithful: Short daily reports are far more effective than long, irregular ones.
- Enjoy Together: Post photos or video-stream Indian festivals together.
- Virtual Meals: Eat dinner together over video call once a week.
- Share Accomplishments: Update your parents about your grades, projects or part-time job.
5. How Can Technology Help to Make Staying in Touch Easier?
- Cloud Albums: Create and share albums with family and friends via Google Photos or iCloud.
- Streaming Together: Using apps like Teleparty, you can watch shows with your siblings.
- Devices for the Smart Home: Amazon Echo or Google Nest can take your calls hands-free.
6. Maintaining Family Bonds Overseas: Emotional & Coping Strategies
It’s as much a part of mind-set as it is a matter of technology.- Journal: Keep a record of your experiences and then share the best of it with your family.
- Letters & Gifts: There’s nothing like a hand-written letter or little gift.
- Plan Visits: Even if infrequent, having a trip home planned or inviting family overseas during a specific season gives everyone something to look forward to.
Check out: View Universities →
Challenges & Benefits of Keeping in Touch with Family While Abroad
Challenges
- Differences in Time Zones: It is really hard to match times.
- Shuttling to College: All the time I live to be driving her around town.’ Busy Student Life: Homework and a part-time job will take over.
- Connection: Not all areas have reliable wifi.
- Emotional Dependency: There are times over-communication can make it harder to adjust.
Benefits
- Emotional Safety: Decreases anxiety and feelings of missing home.
- Cultural Continuity: Preserves traditions even when far from home.
- Family Motivation: During hard times parents can motivate you to do something special.
- Academic Boost: And a strong mind is another way to better concentrate while studying.
How Gateway International Helps You Achieve Your Dreams
Studying abroad is not just about getting admission—it’s about making the journey smooth, including emotional readiness like keeping in touch with family while abroad. Profile Evaluation & Personalization: We assess your profile and goals in order to match your journey to your goal from family perspective. Country & Course Selection: We direct you to universities where there is communication (internet, student support) infrastructure to keep you in touch with your family. Application & Visa Guidance: One-on-one help for a stress free, no hassle experience for you and your family. Scholarship & Funding Support: We put those who need work in touch with those who can provide it, helping to keep food on your table and your family’s stress levels low. Pre-Departure Assistance: Workshops get you ready for time zones, culture and language hacks. Post-Arrival Support: And even after you land, we keep in contact with you — helping you get settled and keeping your family reassured. Your study abroad journey is easier when keeping in touch with family while abroad feels natural. Let Gateway International support you every step of the way.Check out: Contact Us →
Success Story Spotlight
- Case: Ananya from Mumbai → UK Challenge :Ananya was anxious about leaving her parents for the first time.
- Gateway Solution: We supported her through communication exchanges, taught her how to use apps, and equipped her parents with all of the information.
- Result: Ananya thrived, was a top student in her course and still does weekly “chai time calls” with her family.
Accreditation & Recognition
Thousands of Indian Students Trust Gateway International. Accredited by the British Council & IDP and 1000+ Google reviews we are a name families trust. Looking for smart tips on keeping in touch with family while abroad? Connect with Gateway International for student-first advice and guidance.
Read More: PhD Scholarship in Canada for Indian Students: A Complete Guide
Student Queries & Direct Q&A Approach
- A) Anytime you’re free
- B) Early morning in the UK
- C) Late night in the UK
- D) Afternoon in the UK
- A) WhatsApp
- B) Snapchat
- C) Telegram
- D) Zoom
- A) Pretend you have no family until schedules coincide
- B) Send long emails
- C) Leave voice or video notes
- D) Post on social media only
- A) Better internet speed
- B) Emotional stability and support
- C) Saving money on calls
- D) Avoiding homesickness forever
- A) Once in six months
- B) Weekly or bi-weekly updates
- C) Daily long calls only
- D) Only when they ask
