Top Ways To Provide Support For Expat Family Members

As the world gets more connected globally and people begin to travel more, many of us will experience family members moving abroad. The chance of settling down somewhere different for retirement or moving overseas to pursue work goals is a major reason why lots of people do this now. Of course, the other situation that many people face is their child choosing to study overseas for a set period. While you are naturally excited for the family members who are seeking out some new adventures, you may also wonder how to give them enough support when they finally leave.

Technology has played a big part in making it easier

Once, you would have had to rely on snail mail, postcards or pre-arranged phone calls that cost money, but it is now much easier. Being able to support your loved ones who have made the move is simple in the modern age thanks to advances in technology. Obviously, the internet is the main driver here as it has allowed the whole world to be connected together. This means that you can go online to offer encouragement and other types of support, wherever they are now living.

How can you give them the support they need?

If you have recently had family go abroad to study or live, then there are lots of great ways to help them make the most of it. They will also make you feel better! Whether they have gone to sunny Portugal or beautiful Canada, the below tips will work:

• Financial support – this is probably the top way that you can give them the help they need. It may be sending regular payments to your child studying abroad to live on or money to your brother who has recently moved to help start up his new life. Whatever the particular circumstances, sending money to them when overseas is a great way to show your support. Online money transfer companies are the best way to send money internationally as they offer the best exchange rates, total security and lower fees than banks. Just be sure to compare the best money transfer companies online to get the best deal around.
• Get them to open a local bank account – one great way to support them is with good advice. Opening a local bank account is just that as it will give you somewhere to send payments in their new country and allow them to access them without having to pay high ATM fees. This is also worthwhile if they are moving there to work as it is much easier to have their wages paid into a local account.
• Emotional support – next to financial support, giving them emotional support is key. This is especially true not only for children studying abroad but also for family members who might miss home. This is where technology comes to the fore again – from Skype to FaceTime and social media, there are many ways to stay in touch that are easy and won’t cost anything. Making the effort to stay in contact like this will allow you to not only offer words of wisdom when needed and check up on how they are doing but also give them news from home so that they still feel involved.
• Have essentials delivered – as well as sending actual cash, you could also consider buying goods online to have delivered straight to them. If you are worried about them having what they need to live comfortably, then this is a great way to make sure that they are okay as well as putting your mind at rest.
• Help them plan beforehand – of course, support for the family members who are leaving does not need to wait until they go. Be on hand when they are planning the move – you can offer advice, help solve any problems and help organize it. Paperwork and visas are particular areas that you should help make sure are sorted out!

Help them enjoy their time abroad

Moving abroad to study or live should be an exciting time for your family members. While it can also naturally make you a little nervous, if you take steps to support them, then this will actually help. By getting the peace of mind that they are okay and have what they need to be happy, you will in turn feel happier. Offering the kind of support that is needed often comes down to helping financially and giving them the emotional care to lean on when needed.