The advent of the digital age has shifted the paradigm of love, friendship, and all kinds of relationships. What seemed like a daunting challenge decades ago is now easier than ever. With the right tools and commitment, you no longer have to worry about how to make a present or surprise your nearest and dearest, even when they are oceans away from you.
There are so many important jobs that require working overseas; you wouldn’t believe it. One of them is a TEFL teacher. Who these people are and how they can stay in touch with their friends and family, how to maintain relationships despite the distance, and finding a balance without forgetting about their old life completely in the excitement of their new life, you’ll find in the paragraph below. Let’s dive deeper.
Easy Ways for TEFL Teachers to Stay Connected to Home
A TEFL teacher is someone who teaches English as a Foreign Language while traveling around the world. It is a noble and highly needed job, considering that the English language remains the number one language of global business and culture. When a TEFL teacher comes to a foreign culture, they face many challenges while settling down. They have to get used to local food and eating habits, city routes and rules, local currency, traditions, and weather.
Clearly, it’s easy to get homesick and then depressed. To avoid this, let’s find out the ways to stay connected to home
- Regular Video Calls with Loved Ones
One of the simplest and most effective ways for TEFL teachers to stay connected to home is by having regular video calls with their loved ones. Through platforms like Skype, Zoom, or FaceTime, teachers can see and talk to their family and friends in real-time, bridging the distance and making them feel closer despite being miles apart. These video calls allow for meaningful conversations, sharing updates about each other’s lives, and even participating in special occasions virtually.
- Sending Personalized Emails and Messages
Sending personalized emails and messages is another great strategy for TEFL teachers to maintain connections with their loved ones back home. Taking the time to craft thoughtful emails or messages shows that they care and are thinking about their family and friends. Whether it’s sharing stories from their adventures abroad, asking about what’s happening at home, or simply expressing their love and appreciation, these messages help keep the lines of communication open and strengthen relationships over time.
- Sharing Photos and Updates on Social Media
Using social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp to share photos and updates is an easy way for TEFL teachers to keep their loved ones informed about their experiences overseas. Posting pictures of their travels, teaching adventures, or cultural discoveries allows family and friends to feel like they’re a part of the journey, even from afar. Additionally, teachers can use social media to stay updated on what’s happening back home and engage with their loved ones by commenting on posts and sending messages.
- Planning Visits or Meetups When Possible
While working as a TEFL teacher abroad can sometimes feel isolating, planning visits or meetups with family and friends when possible can provide a much-needed dose of connection and familiarity. Whether it’s scheduling a trip back home during school breaks or arranging for loved ones to visit them abroad, these in-person meetings allow TEFL teachers to create lasting memories and strengthen their bonds with those they care about most.
- Setting Aside Dedicated Time for Communication
Finally, setting aside dedicated time for communication is essential for TEFL teachers to stay connected to home amidst their busy schedules. Whether it’s scheduling weekly phone calls, setting up regular video chat sessions, or planning virtual game nights or movie marathons, prioritizing communication ensures that relationships remain strong despite the distance. By making an effort to stay in touch regularly, TEFL teachers can show their loved ones that they are always present and available, no matter where they are in the world.
Sending Flowers: Making a Difference for Those Working Abroad
There are many ways to encourage those who are working abroad these days. Below are how flowers can help bridge the barrier of any long-distance relationship.
- Foster Communication
Communication can be strained and terse in long-distance relationships. Due to the distance, inability to see frequently, and sometimes busy schedules, lovers may not get to converse often.
Although many people strive to make scheduled conversations and stay in touch, it can become monotonous and boring over time. However, flowers may just be the break they need. It can serve as an icebreaker and conversation starter.
- Gesture of Love and Devotion
Convincing someone of your continued dedication can be difficult in a long-distance relationship. Even with constant communication and words of assurance, the distance and lack of contact can sometimes sow seeds of doubt. However, there are no better ways to uproot and eliminate these seeds than gestures.
Regular flower delivery assures your lover of your dedication to them, increasing their trust in you.
- Improves Emotional Well-Being
Flowers can also evoke emotions in people. For instance, lavender can help you calm down and sleep. A sender in an LDR can select flowers that will positively improve their partner’s mood and encourage emotional healing.
Ways to Keep LDR Blooming with Flowers
Gifting and showing affection in a LDR can be challenging. Physical separation is a major concern and constantly tests your relationship’s resilience. As such, the norms can no longer cut it. You need to think outside the box and be creative.
- Personalized Floral Deliveries
Practice the act of sending flowers to your loved ones by regularly arranging for flower deliveries. You can set up a flower subscription, ensuring they receive a bouquet on a regular basis. This will give them something to anticipate, keeping your connection strong.
You can also make it special with occasional surprises in flower deliveries. Choose their favorite blooms or ones with significant meanings to your relationship or friendship. For instance, 50 roses bouquet delivery will let your loved one know you care deeply about them. And you don’t need to wait for a special occasion to send it. Every day is an opportunity to show you care, right?
- Virtual Floral Experiences
Technology can be a great tool for nurturing your relationship or friendship, even from a distance. To strengthen your bond, participate in various virtual flower-related activities with your loved one. For example, you can take an online floral arrangement class together, learning how to create beautiful bouquets for your homes. You can also learn about the language of flowers or create a virtual scrapbook of your favorite floral memories.
- Sentimental Floral Gestures
Handwritten letters may seem old-fashioned, but they are heartfelt gifts that can evoke strong emotions in your nearest and dearest. Enhance the sentiment by adding pressed flowers to the letter, making it even more visually appealing.
But don’t stop there. Create a memory jar with the petals from the bouquets you’ve sent each other. Preserve each petal, labeling it with dates, and write a brief note about why it’s special to you.
This is a guest post submitted on April 11, 2024
The post The Art of Balancing Relationships Back Home as a TEFL Teacher Abroad appeared first on myTEFL.
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This post was originally published at The Art of Balancing Relationships Back Home as a TEFL Teacher Abroad on the MyTEFL Website.
