The Importance of Staying in Touch

Communicating regularly with family and friends back home

If you are an international student studying in Australia or for that matter a domestic student living away from home the importance of staying in touch with family and loved ones cannot be over-emphasised – it is critical. It provides a level of stress relief at both ends – providing a calmness and sense of ease.

Needs to be regular

The best kind of communication – whether it be by phone, email, text, or social media link – is when it is regular. Weekly contact is ideal – and no doubt enormously appreciated.

Studying overseas

Studying overseas has its own set of challenges – and the need for regular communication with those back at home becomes even more essential and pronounced. My own experiences were stressful at times – and letters and postcards were the go in my day – but it really was important for my own sanity and those at home. The opportunity for more frequent communication is now easier than ever – so make the most of it.

Advice given

I remember the best advice I ever heard was in two parts – work hard (always a good suggestion and an excellent mantra to follow) and the second was take care of your mother (which could be developed a little further to include the rest of the family as well). Sound, well thought through and essentially - great advice.

Make contact now

If you are reading this blog – the minute you finish – get on the phone/email and say hello to the ones you love. Don’t think about it – just do it!

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Emeritus Professor Greg Whateley is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President (Academic) at Group Colleges Australia