One of the many benefits of a college education is the opportunity for off-campus study. While the academic suitability of your program is important, additional benefits like authentic regional cuisine, architectural or ecological splendor, and befriending people from across the globe are exciting perks as well. I admit that I spend probably an unhealthy amount of time daydreaming about the beautiful Italian men who will seduce me with their godly accents and expert dancing abilities. Despite all the good, collegiettes still experience anxiety before their awaited travels. Some of these nerves come from the fear that when we build new relationships abroad we sacrifice the ones that we’ve established at Kenyon.
Today’s technology, however, should assuage these fears. Read on for the 5 best (and free) apps to keep you connected no matter where you end up!
1. Viber
In addition to text messaging, Viber users can share images, video, and audio messages – perfect for updating friends on your latest happenings. This is especially useful if you choose not to go the blog route.
2. What’s App
Having over 600 million users, What’s App is tried and true. Along with its messaging capabilities, users can create “statuses” and friends receive a notification when a status changes.
3. Group Me
Similar to What’s App, Group Me is a messaging app that connects users world-wide. It’s also surprisingly more organized than group text messages. Invite users to join a group. They accept or decline and can voluntarily remove themselves from the group at any point.
4. BBM
The less practical option if you don’t have a Blackberry, but you can now download the app if you have an Android or iPhone.
5. Snapchat
Most people are already acquainted with the beloved Snapchat, which is, essentially, a conversation in pictures.
Whether you are abroad or on campus and missing friends who are abraod, these apps can help you maintin college friendships from miles away.