Long Distance Friendships: Strategical Logistics and Technicalities
One of the most daunting things about going on exchange, no matter where you're from, is the idea of leaving all of your friends from home. These are the people who you spend most of your time with, confide in the most, and who you know you can count on. When I first moved to the UKI was really scared that while I was here I would grow apart from the friends that I loved so much back in Canada. Luckily, in the modern age that we live in, keeping in touch has never been easier. So here are some tips on how to make sure that those people who you hugged goodbye at the airport will there to welcome you home a year later.
1.) It's Going to Take Some Work!
You and your friends now live on opposite side of the world, this means that your schedules won't match up like they used to. You won't always be able to text them and get an answer within thirty seconds, because tbh, they will probably be asleep. You are going to figure out when works best for both of you and work around it. Make it a weekly Skype date where you can catch up and hear every detail of what they did that week.
2.) Be Creative!
While it may be easy to send a text or a snapchat to your best friend back home, make sure you try to mix it up a bit. Send real mail, it's so sweet to check your mail and see a letter from home. Sending letters also keeps you thinking about each other; waiting for their letter to arrive, or trying to find something to add to your next package.
3. Plan a Visit!
If it's at all possible, have your friends come visit you while you're on exchange. Obviously this is a little more involved than sending a letter, but if it works out, it's so much fun. It's a way to involve the people you love the most in one of the most exciting times of your life. It brings two worlds together, and it is so great to be able to show them around your home away from home. I just had three of my best friends from Canada come to visit in Norwich, and it was so amazing to be able to have them be a part of my life here as well.
1.) It's Going to Take Some Work!
You and your friends now live on opposite side of the world, this means that your schedules won't match up like they used to. You won't always be able to text them and get an answer within thirty seconds, because tbh, they will probably be asleep. You are going to figure out when works best for both of you and work around it. Make it a weekly Skype date where you can catch up and hear every detail of what they did that week.
2.) Be Creative!
While it may be easy to send a text or a snapchat to your best friend back home, make sure you try to mix it up a bit. Send real mail, it's so sweet to check your mail and see a letter from home. Sending letters also keeps you thinking about each other; waiting for their letter to arrive, or trying to find something to add to your next package.3. Plan a Visit!
If it's at all possible, have your friends come visit you while you're on exchange. Obviously this is a little more involved than sending a letter, but if it works out, it's so much fun. It's a way to involve the people you love the most in one of the most exciting times of your life. It brings two worlds together, and it is so great to be able to show them around your home away from home. I just had three of my best friends from Canada come to visit in Norwich, and it was so amazing to be able to have them be a part of my life here as well.
Not going to lie, sometimes it's hard to feel as close to your friends from home as you used to, and when you do go back, you will be different. But it's worth it. It's worth it to have people to go back to who you can't wait to see.
- Sarah (Canadian Ambassador)
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