Studying abroad is a great way to meet new people, but that doesn’t keep you from missing your SO any less. It may be a challenge to maintain normal contact every day from across the globe, but studying abroad doesn’t have to take a toll on your relationship. You don’t have to spend your trip feeling bummed out that your significant other isn’t with you; There are a ton of fun, free apps that can help you stay connected! Download these apps to stay in touch while traveling abroad.
1. Whatt
Available for: Apple devices
How it works:
This app offers a new way to update the people in your life on your daily adventures abroad. Whatt is specifically designed for creating status updates to let others know where you are and what you’re up to. This way, you can leave an update so people can see what you’re doing and whether or not you’re available to talk.
If you’re headed out to a no-Wi-Fi zone, you can update your status so that your boyfriend or girlfriend will know whether or not he or she can reach you. There’s nothing worse than getting annoyed waiting for a response and then finding out there wasn’t any service or Wi-Fi for your SO reply! All you have to do is update your Whatt status, and you won’t have to worry about your partner trying to message you when you can’t connect.
2. Viber
Available for: Apple and Android devices, Windows Phone, Blackberry, Nokia phones
How it works:
Texting may be one of the easiest ways to chat, but you’ll still miss out on talking to your loved one on the phone. Viber is a great way to keep your relationship intact without the hassle of adding international minutes to your phone. With Viber, you can make unlimited calls to anyone with a Viber ID free of charge.
“It’s awesome because we could make calls to one another over Wi-Fi for free,” says Maddie Schmitz, a senior at Boston College who used Viber to talk to her boyfriend while studying abroad. “Texting is nice, but hearing his voice made me feel much closer to him.”
3. Tango
Available for: Apple and Android devices, Blackberry, PCs
How it works:
Tango is a great app to download for video chatting using your smartphone or PC. All you have to do is connect to Wi-Fi or cellular data, and you can catch up with your partner face to face (or screen to screen). You can even use the app to play games and share songs via Spotify. Instead of getting charged internationally for using FaceTime, you can use this app to video chat for free!
It can be difficult to keep up with your relationship while traveling abroad, but any of these smartphone apps will improve your communication. Download any of these apps for free, and you won’t feel so far away after all. Safe travels!