How Expat Australians Stay in Touch with Family Abroad

Living away from home can be a challenge, but technology and social norms have made it easier for expats to stay connected with their loved ones in other countries. Discover how Australian expats use various communication methods to keep in touch with their families.

Introduction to Expat Life in Australia

Australia, a vast and diverse country, attracts a significant number of expats every year, each facing unique challenges with maintaining a connection to their home countries. For many, the ties to their homeland are strong, and staying in touch becomes a daily priority.

Traditional Methods of Communication

For those who grew up in a more traditional era, like many of today's parents and grandparents, the method of communication was quite limited. Letters were the primary means of communication, often sent on a weekly basis. These handwritten missives conveyed more than just words; they shared personal stories, updates, and even home-cooked recipes.

Long-distance phone calls were reserved for special occasions, such as emergencies or significant events. Booking a call with an operator was a common practice, reflecting the immense cost involved. Telegrams served as a quick yet costly way to share news of births, deaths, or major events.

Modern Communication Methods

As technology advanced, the landscape for expat communication transformed dramatically. Today, many Australians in foreign lands rely on a variety of digital tools to maintain their relationships.

Phone Calls and Video Calls: Services such as Skype, Zoom, and WhatsApp have made it possible for conversations to happen in real-time, no matter the distance. Video calls allow for face-to-face interactions, making it feel as if family members are in the same room. Email: Email remains a reliable and efficient way to exchange information, documents, and even longer campaigns of stories and updates. While not as immediate as phone calls or video chats, email is still a preferred method for many expats who value the ability to organize their thoughts in writing. Social Media: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter provide a way to share instantaneous updates, photos, and intimate moments. Many expats use these platforms to keep their families updated on their daily lives, which can often feel like they are only a message or comment away. Text Messaging: Short, straightforward messages are perfect for quick updates, simple greetings, or sharing small snippets of the day. Texts are often used as a supplement to more formal communication methods.

Adapting to New Communication Norms

While older generations may prefer traditional methods or find digital communication daunting at first, younger expats often grow up with these tools at their fingertips. As a result, communication has become more fluid and less dependent on physical distance. Younger expats often take it for granted that they can send an email, make a video call, or post on social media to stay in touch with their family, even if they have not met in person.

Seamless International Connections

The combination of these modern and traditional methods allows Australian expats to create a seamless and interconnected web of communication. From handwritten letters to the latest in digital messaging, the goal remains the same: to stay close and maintain a sense of home and community, no matter the distance.

Conclusion

Communication technology has revolutionized the way Australian expats stay in touch with their families abroad. Whether through phone calls, emails, social media, or traditional letters, these tools help to bridge the gap and keep the bonds of family strong, regardless of the miles that separate them.