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The Challenges Of Having Family Abroad

The Challenges Of Having Family Abroad

Distance is usually a challenge when it comes to maintaining close ties with either family or close friends. As a family it is essential to be together at all times; however, such a concept does not apply everywhere. Circumstances may force an individual of the same family to be apart, living in different parts of the world. The main reason may be because of work or education.

Having a family abroad can seem something interesting, but in a real sense, people experiencing the whole thing know the challenges they face. As they say, you do not see the tightness of the shoe till you wear it right? The challenges people with families abroad go through can sometimes be emotionally draining, That’s why some countries give the opportunity of reuniting with family. For example, if your spouse lives in Canada, you can apply for inland spousal sponsorship in Canada (parrainage d’un époux au Canada) and move there for the purpose of a family reunion.

Let’s explore some of the challenges people who have families abroad go through;

CHALLENGES FACED BY PEOPLE WITH FAMILIES ABROAD

1. Poor Communication

Communication is the key to maintaining a distant family relationship. However, connection problems may arise as a result of poor internet or time difference, what do i mean? For instance, you are living in Africa and your family is in the US, let us take an example of a country like Kenya. The time difference is usually super huge. Morning in Kenya can be night in the US. It is hard to know if someone will be available the moment you wake up or go bed,

Moreover, making phone calls to another country has become expensive these days, considering the economy of 21 century, keeping up the tradition of calling abroad may turn to be mission impossible.

2. Lack Of Enough Family Love

In life, there are moments that you would wish to be close to your family; these are the times which families make new memories. Also, when going through a tough time, physical family support can be a high shoulder to lean on. It is unfortunate when your family is miles away. Majority of times you are alone, in sad and happy times. It reaches a time you want that motherly love or spend some time with your siblings playing video games, running around the house, but the distance does not allow.

3. Financial Constraints

It is a challenge that faces individuals who financially rely on their families which are abroad. Money transfer from one state to another can be a process. Back in the days, one would be forced to make a queue in the bank, to receive a few dollars sent by a relative abroad. Thanks to online money transfer applications like World Remit, one can send money online in a much faster, easier and secure way.

What you ought to know is that, this mode of money transfer has its cons. Technical errors may arise resulting in delays, you might go for days with empty pockets, besides, sending cash from one country to another is somehow costly. It may financially strain your family if they lack a stable income.

4. Family Breakups

It is a case which is usually common in a married couple who have children. For instance, if a man is working in Europe and his family is living in Florida. In such a scenario, lots of married individuals end up cheating. Not everyone can withstand the distance and loneliness. At times the flesh overpowers the soul, and you slowly drag yourself into unfaithfulness. The gap is the main reason why a large percentage of long-distance marriages fail to work.                         

No one would like to go through such a type of experience, it is essential to keep that family bond stronger despite the distance,

Here are some of the tips on how to do so;

  1. a) Develop a habit of maintaining constant communication by making calls even during your free time.
  1. b) If you depend on your family for financial support yet they are abroad, try saving some cash to be on the safe side when online money transfer systems fail. You can even look for a part-time job to achieve some bit of independence.
  1. c) If you are married and separated by the distance from your family, try to keep in touch frequently, even in your busy working schedule, squeeze time to at least make that surprise video call.

Separation from your family by distance is a bitter pill to swallow. People go through a lot, especially emotional. It is good to try and learn how to cope with the situation to live in peace with yourself. As you try to fight that loneliness inside, make an effort of spending more time thinking about the good times you usually have when with family rather than feeling sorry for yourself.

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