Keeping relationships strong across time zones, cheap calls, sending gifts, family visits, and handling news from home.
Distance changes family life, but it does not have to weaken it. A little planning keeps you close.
Plan calls across time zones
Add a second clock to your phone for your home city.
Choose a regular time each week that fits both sides, for example Sunday morning in the US.
Short daily messages and voice notes often matter more than long calls.
Cheap ways to talk
Video and voice apps on Wi-Fi are free: WhatsApp, Viber, FaceTime, Google Meet and others.
For calling landlines at home, compare international calling plans or apps. See the guide on calling home.
Share daily life
Shared photo albums and family group chats.
Watch the same movie or match together while on a call.
Cook the same dish together on video.
Let children send drawings or short videos to grandparents.
Sending things home
Online stores in your home country often deliver locally, which is cheaper than shipping from the US.
For money, see the guide on sending money home.
Customs rules apply in your home country; check what you can send.
Family visits
Family from many countries need a visitor visa (B-2); people from Visa Waiver countries use ESTA. Visa wait times can be long, so start early.
See the guides for visiting parents about invitation letters and visitor health insurance.
Your own travel abroad depends on your status. Check re-entry documents before you book (see the travel guide).
Hard news from home
Illness, a death or a crisis at home when you cannot travel is one of the hardest parts of living abroad.
Talk with friends here, your community or a counselor (see the counseling guide).
If you must travel urgently, check your documents first. Many embassies offer emergency appointments for visa renewals; ask your school, employer or lawyer.
Common mistakes
Promising to call every day, then feeling guilty when you cannot. Choose a rhythm you can keep.
Hiding all difficulties from family. Sharing some of your new life helps them understand you.
Booking a trip home before checking your visa and re-entry documents.