Communication

Communication is important during a stay abroad as you can provide emotional support if your student has a bad day.

Mail
Mail can be sent to the student’s accommodation address.

Mail from Hawaii takes time to arrive at your child's front door. To find out general transit times contact the US Post Office.

Phone

Using the phone to stay in touch is another option many people use. If you plan to use normal land lines the most cost effective method would be to purchase an International calling card. Cell phones are another option many employ. If your child plans to have a cell phone abroad be sure to confirm the costs so you don't end up with any surprise bills.

VoiP/IM/email

With the internet providing a new high speed form of communication you should not count it out as a possibility to stay in contact. Email is often a better alternative to sending letters, but you need to remember that often students will get into a zone and not check their email as regularly as they once did because they are busy with new experiences. So if your child does not respond to an email right away don't worry they're probably just having lots of fun.

Chat programs such as MSN Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger and Skype are very useful in having a live chat with your child. Not only can you chat live but such IM programs often will contain voice and video options.