Working in Australian agriculture is a brilliant way to experience the beautiful sights of the outback, while gaining real-world experience in a thriving sector of our economy. Despite the excitement of working in another country, it’s normal to experience homesickness when you’re a long way from your family and friends. Staying connected with your loved ones whenever possible is a great way to deal with these feelings, and these days it’s fortunately easier than ever to keep in touch with everyone back home while you’re in Australia.
How to stay connected with family and friends overseas
In our modern society, there are many ways to stay connected with your family and friends in your hometown while you’re working in Australia.
Video calls
A number of online platforms offer video calling options – Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp and FaceTime are all great ways to connect with your loved ones. Video calling can feel more personal than simply sending a text message, and you might even like to give your family or friends a virtual tour of your home, to give them insight into where you’re staying.
Social media
With most of us now active on social media to some extent, apps such as Facebook or Instagram can be a great way to keep everyone at home updated on what you’ve been up to in Australia. Seeing your friends and family post on social media can also be a great way to feel connected and up-to-date on what’s happening in your hometown.
Send postcards or letters
Although “snail mail” might seem like an old-fashioned way to communicate, there’s something special about receiving mail – and it’s a great opportunity to make use of those postcards you might’ve collected while sightseeing. This option may be particularly attractive if you have older family members who aren’t tech-savvy.
Start a countdown to the next time you see them
If you’re missing your family and friends, having a shared countdown that marks the number of days until you’re reunited can be a fun way to get excited about being together again.
Tips for keeping in touch while you’re in Australia
Staying connected is simple these days, but there are some essentials to consider to ensure that you don’t have any issues when trying to communicate with your family and friends back home.
Internet connection
Although the internet is everywhere these days, the connection can get a bit patchy in remote areas of Australia. You might like to check if the place you’re staying has a reliable WiFi connection – and if not, your best bet is to purchase a local SIM card with international calling capabilities. Local cafes, libraries and shops often also have WiFi available if you get stuck.
Schedule regular down-time
There’s so much to do and see while you’re in Australia, it can be easy to forget to set aside time to rest and reconnect with family. Being well rested can also help ease feelings of homesickness, as the change to routine can feel particularly dramatic if you’re busy with work and travel each day. Having some quiet time to wind down in the evenings also offers the perfect opportunity to call or message everyone back home.
Working for Agri Labour Australia is an exciting opportunity – but even with all the amazing experiences on offer in Australia, it’s natural to miss your family and friends. Staying connected can help to ward off feelings of isolation or homesickness, and it’s easier now than ever before.
