1 Schedule regular phone calls.

1. You're more likely to keep up with communication if you plan it. Take a look at your schedule to figure out what’s best for you. Hit up your friends and ask them which days or times work for them, then write it on your calendar. If you can stick to a schedule, you’re more likely to talk to each other regularly.
   • For instance, you might set up a video call every Friday afternoon at 3:30. Or, you might call your friend on the first Tuesday of every month to catch up.
   • Make sure your phone has an international phone plan. Otherwise, you may get charged extra for calling someone abroad.

2 Send emails in between scheduled chats.

1. Write to your friends about what you’re up to. You could even treat your emails like a blog—jot down funny stories and little anecdotes that you would tell your friends if they were there in person. Send an email once a week or so to keep your friends updated on your life, and have them send you a reply in the same way!
   • Emails are also nice because they take the pressure off of replying. If your friend gets an email from you and they’re too busy to answer right now, they can take a day or so to wait until they’re free.

3 Keep up with their everyday lives on social media.

1. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. People usually use social media to post about their lives, so you can use it as a way to stay up to date on what they’re doing. You can also send direct messages if you want to get in touch with them.
   • Social media also uses WiFi, which is a great option if you or your friends don’t have international phone plans.

4 Surprise them with snail mail.

1. Grab their current address and mail them a letter. Everyone loves getting something in the mail, so it will be a fun surprise! Write about how your life is going and what you’re up to, then ask them to do the same.
   • Send along fun things like stickers or temporary tattoos to make your letter extra special.
   • Or, put together a care package with fun snacks and trinkets.
   • Keep in mind that international shipping can be expensive. The smaller your letter or package is, the better!

5 Send spontaneous texts.

1. An unexpected text can brighten up someone’s day. Even if you know your friend is asleep or at work, send them a text telling them how much you miss them. They’ll see it once they get back to their phone, and they might even send one back.
   • You could also text them pictures or videos of fun stuff that’s happening in your life.
   • If you don’t have an international phone plan, try using a messaging app like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger.

6 Try video calls for group chats.

1. Schedule a time to call them on Skype or Zoom. You could also use Instagram video, Facebook video, or FaceTime. Gather as many friends as you can to talk about what you’re up to. Set up a schedule to video chat with your friends and get an update on where they’re at and what they’re doing.
   • The nice thing about video calls is that you can talk to multiple people at the same time. If you can, try to schedule a time when you and all your friends can log on and chat with each other.

7 Host a virtual club.

1. Try a book club, fitness club, or a wine club. Pick something that appeals to all of your friends, then meet up once a month to discuss it or do an activity. It’s a fun way to have something to talk about so you always have a new topic of conversation.
   • You could also try a baking club, craft club, or a goals club.

8 Watch your favorite shows together.

1. Netflix and Hulu both offer watch party options. Log onto Netflix or Hulu and click on “Watch Party,” then add your friends to the party. When you all log on to your accounts, you can sign in to watch the same show at the same time.
   • This is also a fun way to host a virtual movie night.

9 Hold a virtual game night.

1. There are tons of games you can play online together. Pick a date that works for all of you and log onto a video call so you can all see each other. Head to a site like 20 questions, Cards Against Humanity, Scattergories, or Trivia to have a fun, friendly competition with your pals.
   • If you’re all into video games, try logging on at the same time and playing a multiplayer game together.

10 Try an online happy hour.

1. Have everyone pour their favorite drink and get onto a video call. Treat the hour like you would a normal happy hour—catch up on each other’s lives, talk about your families, and enjoy each other’s company. Plus, everyone gets to choose their own drink!
   • If drinking isn’t really your thing, try sending your favorite recipe to all your friends so you can all cook the same meal. Then, log onto a video call and talk about how good it is!

11 Make plans to visit each other.

1. There’s no better way to stay connected. If you can, make plans with your friend to go and visit them overseas, or have them come to you. If you can meet in the middle somewhere, pick a spot that’s best for the both of you.
   • Not everyone has the time or the money to travel, and that’s okay. If you can’t do it right now, just keep up with your friends online.