Never run out of topics again – stay connected with your loved ones while studying abroad

Are you heading overseas for the next chapter of your studies?

In the midst of figuring out your packing list, places of interest to visit on weekends and other school-related matters,  it could be a good idea to also map out a plan to stay connected with your family while you’re overseas. 

Planning a schedule ahead of time for regular video calls can be particularly helpful when keeping in touch while studying abroad due to the different time zones.

However, once that is sorted, the next thing to think about is how to keep the conversation flowing after the first few. After all, it's common to feel disconnected and struggle to articulate your thoughts during a conversation.

We’re pretty sure both you and your family wouldn’t want to keep repeating the same things (like the classic “Have you eaten?”) and having the same conversation over and over.

The key here is to stay balanced with what you have been up to while being actively interested in what they are up to as well. Keep the ball rolling by creating topics that ensure you have a constant stream of conversations and activities to stay connected.

If you don’t know where to begin, fret not! We’ve got you covered with some conversation topic ideas so you can keep every video call fresh and engaging.

Use these 5 ideas and never run out of topics again!

1. Keep them updated on what’s happening

Throughout your study trip, you’re bound to have regular updates – be it in the form of important events, key milestones, new explorations or upcoming examinations.

Have a sports competition coming? Tell them how you’re training.

Exploring a new attraction in town? Share your experiences!

Had a blast at freshman orientation? Let them know what went down!

Keeping your family updated on these latest happenings and also upcoming events can be a great topic to start off with.

After all, they might be curious about what you’re up to and would probably like to hear all about your plans while you’re in a foreign country.

2. Conduct video tours

Once you have settled in, you can consider doing a video tour of your living spaces and taking the family on your own little virtual campus tour so that they have a better idea of where you’re studying and living.

For example, take them on a tour of your campus. Show them your favourite eating spots, that cool tree that you love to relax under or that library room where you can really concentrate before an exam.

In the event you’re working part-time, you can also consider showing them your workplace.

3. Introduce your friends

If you happen to have friends over while you’re scheduled for a video call with your family, why not take a moment to introduce them?

When they get acquainted with your friends, they might have peace of mind knowing who you’re spending time with on and off campus (though that depends on who your friends are!).

Apart from that, your friends could also potentially spark some new topics with your family that you can carry on discussing even on other future calls when you’re on your own.

For example, you can do a video call with both you and your friends at a party or a school event. This can be both interactive and fun at the same time!

4. Share your learning experiences

Another topic you can bring up is that of your learning experiences on the trip, not just in the classroom but also in general life lessons you may have learned along the way.

You can then pace it out and share one thing per call – be it a fun fact about a place of interest you visited that week or maybe something fascinating you learned in your course.

Taking the time to think about your learning experiences can also be a wonderful way for you to reflect and take stock of your days or weeks abroad. You’ll grow even more as an individual.

5. Show interest in what your loved ones have been up to

It might be a bit much if you only talk about yourself and what you’ve been up to. Take some time to also check in with your family members and find out what they’ve been up to lately.

You can ask them about what’s new at home, as well as virtually be there for special occasions such as birthdays or holidays.

Speaking of which, you can even make arrangements to send gifts on such occasions to surprise them. Show them that you’re thinking about them despite the distance.

Take the next step towards studying in your dream destination

Keeping the conversation going isn’t always easy. But it pays to take that extra effort to share your experiences and keep your loved ones up to speed with your new situation.

If you have your heart set on a specific study destination or university, we’re happy to ensure you successfully make it there!

At IDP, we have a team of experienced education counsellors who will be able to provide tailored guidance and also navigate the entire application process with you – from course selection to accommodation arrangements.

Get started with your free counselling session today!