Technology and How You Communicate

While you are in the U.S. you may find yourself feeling tired, frustrated, or homesick as you adapt to a new culture. You may miss your friends and family very much. This may be the first time that you have been away from home and your loved ones.

When a student is feeling this way, it is very tempting to call a family member or friend from home. You may think that calling home or speaking in your home language will make you feel better; and it may, but for only a short time! In the long run, spending a lot of time on the phone/Internet/texting may only create problems with your host family, and actually make your homesickness worse.

The more time you spend on the Internet/phone/texting with friends and family from home, the less time you are spending on homework or socializing with your host family and friends in the U.S. Remember, you are here to experience American culture!

To avoid these problems, CIEE recommends setting limits for yourself in regards to internet/phone/text usage. It is important to remember that the use of the Internet and phone at home or at school is a privilege and not a right. Abuse of this privilege can create many problems both for you and for your host family.

Download our Technology and How You Communicate brochure for tips.