When you have decided that moving abroad is what you want to do, often time half the battle is easing your family’s anxieties surrounding your decision.  Your parents may not be as excited about your new job teaching in Australia, for instance, as you are.

Here are 5 tips to help prepare your family when moving abroad.  Remember, just because you are out of the country doesn’t mean you are out of touch.

1.)    Let them know where you will be staying. Provide an address and if you can a phone number. Your family just wants to know that they can contact you.

2.)    Introduce them to World Clock. This will allow them to quickly check the local time  where you are and give them an idea what you might be up to –working, sleeping etc

3.)    Share your thought and decision-making process with them. Help them understand where you are coming from. Share links and contacts you used to help make your decision.

4.)    Treat them to an international phone card or do a little research on phone plans that will allow you to connect with each other.

5.)    If you parents are not already computer savvy, hook them up with skype. Show them how easy it is and just how much you can do with it!

Moving abroad is exciting for you and can be nerve racking for your family. Consider them in the process and keep everyone updated on all the great things you will do and see in Australia!