3 Ways to Stay in Touch With Family, Friends While Studying in the U.S.

Prospective international students may worry about being lonely far from home, but it's possible to stay connected.

Being alone can feel scary, but connecting regularly with family can help you work through obstacles and become more independent.

I remember the fear I had when I was applying to colleges in the U.S. I was afraid that I wouldn't have friends. I feared the loneliness in the unseen future. I would be alone in the States without families and friends around and I though would not be able to survive.

On the other hand, I worried that I wouldn't be able to keep my connections back home. I thought I would lose my friends and would be so out of touch with the world I knew. In fact, some friends at home had complained that I spent too little time with them. My parents are showed their disappointment on the limited phone calls I made.

After three years of study in the U.S., I have come up with some thoughts on maintaining healthy relationships with the loved ones back home, and getting support from them when you are lonely. ​

 1. College is the best time to grow and become independent. At first, loneliness is scary. But it also makes you a stronger person who is able to listen to your heart and become more independent.

Time differences make it difficult to call your family anytime you want. I always felt lonely. But don't let this scare you – you will become a stronger person. You will grow into an adult who is able to balance school life and family life. I have been there, and I have become a person who can solve problems by myself.

2. Connect with your friends and family at least once a week. Things can get so busy that you may not even have time for dinner when school starts. But try to keep in contact with your loved ones back home at least once a week.

You will realize how quickly things change in our lives and the next time you talk to them, they might not be working the same job or living a healthy life​. You may think they are always there for you, but that was not true in most of the cases I have seen​. It's very easy to forget about friends who are far away from you, and they can forget about you too.

3. Your loved ones back home can give you the most support. Although my parents and friends might not have exactly understood what I was going through in my college life, they were always very supportive when I told them my concerns on school and life. Don't think that because they are not here, they won't care about what you are going through.

They want to learn about your life if you are willing to tell them. I liked to tell them about my worries because sometimes they could give you surprising advice, as they were outside of the situation​. But as I have mentioned before, connect with them at least once a week so that they can follow your life.

Source:/usnews.com/education/