This semester I have had a few of my best friends study abroad. As in, not come back to school. As in leaving me! Well, I mean of course it isn’t personal but I still don’t like that I can’t see them everyday!  But hey, they’re on a great adventure so I’m happy for them. But, I miss them! So, I’ve come up with some tips for maintaining friendships when you’re left behind at school. Â
1. Skype!
We’re so lucky that we have this technology that allows us to see our besties face to face!
Skype is a free service and super-user friendly. If you and your friend have iPhones, Face time does the same thing. But Face time may not work if your friend is not in wireless and a Face time call could end up being really expensive. And in my experience, Skype is better quality anyway. So with video chat you can discuss all your friend’s new adventures and your life back at school and it’s like you’re having in person conversation. Okay! So it’s not quite the same but it’s better than talking on the phone because you can at least have a visual of their face. Also, be sure you keep track of how long you’ve been talking because maybe your friend needs to go if you’ve been talking for an hour. Read their body language. If they’re getting all fidgety, then it’s probably best to end the call. Remember to ask questions about their experience. When you appear interested in their life, your friend will be able to tell that you really care about them. Which of course you do!
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2. Facebook
Not everyone has Facebook so if you don’t, you might want to consider getting an account. At least just to see what your friend’s been up to. You can like their photos and be up to date on their lives. Facebook Messenger is an awesome substitute for texting. (Since I doubt you or your friend will want to pay ridiculous international prices for using your phones to text.)
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3. Letters/Packages
This is nicer for your friend than it is for you because University of Portland doesn’t mail internationally. I know it sucks! But you can still receive items from your friend…you will just have to go somewhere off campus to mail to them. But it’s a nice way to let your friend know that you’re thinking of them by adding a personal touch.
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4. Give Them Space
This can definitely be the hardest one to do because of course you really miss them and you still want to feel like you’re a part of their lives. However, this is their time to have an independent adventure. It’s their time for personal growth. You don’t want to stand in the way of that or annoy them with your constant requests for Skype or by messaging them constantly. That gives them the bad impression that you’re really needy. And you have other friends who are still here at school with you! Use this time to cultivate those friendships or make some new ones. This can be a time for personal growth for you too. Your friend will be back sooner than you think.