Education Abroad

Apps & Communicating with Home

Useful Apps

Apps can be a great resource and often the cheapest way to communicate with friends abroad and at home. Many people abroad use these apps more than traditional texting or iMessaging. Talk to program alumni and your program for the most common communication apps used in your host country, and try and download them before you leave. Communication apps include (but aren't limited to):

WhatsApp
WeChat
KakoaTalk

TextMe
Viber
Text Now

Skype
Google Voice
Facebook Messenger

There are tons of efficient and effective ways to use technology while you travel and spend time abroad. Plan for your trip by reading blogs, reviews, and recommendations to figure out what to do, what to eat, and where to go. Here are a few useful resources to help you navigate, communicate, and maximize your time abroad:

Google translate
Maps.me
Google maps

Yelp
Uber
Lyft

Hostel World
Airbnb
GlobalTips

Social Media & Communicating with Home

We encourage you to be mindful about your social media use and communication with home while you are abroad. While social media can be an effective form of communication and facilitate a sense of connection, overuse can have negative consequences for physical and mental health. Frequent social media use can amplify feelings of homesickness or inadequacy as you compare your experience to others. Remember managing social media use is all about keeping things in perspective, and the more time you spend communicating with people at home, the less time you spend immersing yourself in your host country. Make an effort to spend time in the present and enjoy your experience abroad for what it is.

Direct Communication: Instead of scrolling through social media feeds, reach out directly to friends and family in order to stay connected with people from home.
Start a Blog: Blogging is an easy way to communicate with friends and family, and it will give you a written record you will have later. Many free blog hosting sites are available, including Blogger and WordPress.

Pro-Tip: Unplug from technology

It can also be beneficial and rewarding to unplug every once in a while. Here are some ways to go retro while abroad:

Try navigating with a real map and ask locals for directions if you need help. People appreciate when you make a genuine effort to speak in their language, even if you don’t speak it perfectly.
Practice saying hello or ordering food in the local language without referencing a translation app.
Write a letter or send a postcard.
Give someone a phone call or video chat face-to-face to catch up.

Social & Dating Apps

Many social and dating apps that are popular in the U.S. are also commonly used abroad. For apps such as Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge, users may have a variety of intentions when using the app. Some users may be seeking a romantic relationship while others may use it as a way to connect with locals and get insider tips on things to do.

If you decide to use dating apps, no matter your intentions, please be aware of common risks associated with online dating and be aware that expected behavior in dating culture may differ from norms in the U.S. Keep in mind the following:

The same app could be used for different purposes in your host country.
The vocabulary used in online dating apps in your host country may not have the same meaning as it does in the U.S. This may apply even if English is being used. Check with your on-site support for clarification regarding dating and relationships in your host country.
Review the Sexual Health & Safety webpage for more information.

Disclaimer: Providing information about specific apps and companies within this section does not constitute an endorsement by the University of Colorado Boulder or the Education Abroad office. The Education Abroad office does not endorse their use or guarantee their quality. The listings are provided for your information only.

Last Updated November 2021