If you have read my K.I.T. post, you already know I love sending cards and care packages.
I even started a care package business because I believe small reminders from home can mean a lot.
So when my son studied abroad for an entire semester, I had to rethink what “keeping in touch” would look like.
At first, I assumed I would mail cards, maybe send a few packages, and keep doing some version of what I had done while he was on campus.
That is not what happened.
I ended up mailing only two cards while he was abroad. One was for his 21st birthday.
And surprisingly, I did not send or order a single care package.
Not because I did not want to.
It just did not make much sense.
Why Packages May Not Be Worth It
Shipping boxes from the United States to another country can be expensive. They can also take a long time to arrive.
Depending on where your student is studying, packages may involve customs forms, import fees, delivery delays, or a trip to a local post office or pickup location.
That does not mean you can never send a package.
It just means it is worth thinking through before you spend the money.
Ask yourself:
- How long will it take to arrive?
- Will your student still be in the same city when it gets there?
- Will they have to pay a fee to receive it?
- Will they need to pick it up somewhere?
- Is it something they actually need?
- Could they buy the same thing locally?
For us, the answer was simple.
It was not worth sending “stuff.”
He was packing light, living in a smaller space, traveling on weekends, and moving through a different kind of semester. A box from home sounded nice in theory, but it did not make much practical sense.
Know Which Amazon Site Works Where They Are
Before your student leaves, it may help to figure out which Amazon site works best in the country where they will be living.
My son was based in Luxembourg, and Amazon Germany became the version that made the most sense for him. He used amazon.de when he needed to order a few things while abroad.
I did not send him anything through Amazon while he was there, but he did place a few orders himself.
This is one of those small details that is easy to overlook before they leave.
It may be worth checking:
- Which Amazon site delivers to their study abroad location
- Whether their regular Amazon login works
- Whether the language or currency settings need to be adjusted
- Whether delivery goes to their residence, a locker, or a pickup point
- Whether local stores may be easier than ordering online
Your student may not need it often, but it is helpful to know before something comes up.
Send Cards Before They Leave
What worked best for us was much simpler.
Before my son left, I tucked a few “open when” envelopes into his luggage.
I did not include gifts or trinkets. Space was limited, and I did not want to add extra things he had to pack, store, or bring home.
I just sent cards.
Some were for certain moments. Some were for specific dates.
A few of the envelopes said:
- Open when you get settled in your new place
- Open when you need a hug
- Open when you have something to celebrate
- Open when you have a presentation or big test
- Open when you are having a rough day
- Open when you get sick
He was also abroad for Valentine’s Day, Easter, and his 21st birthday, so I included cards marked with specific “open on” dates.
It was easy, inexpensive, and personal.
And he loved them.
Plan Ahead for Special Occasions
Since my son would be celebrating his 21st birthday abroad, I reached out to grandparents and family members ahead of time.
I gave them his mailing address, explained that international mail could take a while, and asked them to send cards early.
I also told them not to send money or gift cards in the mail.
If they wanted to send a small gift, Venmo or another digital option made more sense.
He ended up receiving extra mail for his birthday, and it meant a lot to him.
That was one of the few times mailing something felt worth the effort.
Know the Mailing Details Before You Need Them
Before your student leaves, ask for the exact mailing address and how it should be formatted.
International addresses can look different from U.S. addresses, and a missing line or wrong postal code can cause delays.
It is also helpful to know:
- The best mailing address for letters
- Whether packages are accepted
- Where mail is picked up
- How long letters usually take
- How much international postage costs
- Whether the school or program has mailing instructions
- Whether students are traveling often and may miss deliveries
You do not need to become an international shipping expert.
You just want enough information to avoid guessing later.
Cards Do Not Have to Be Expensive
Cards can get expensive quickly, especially if you are sending several before they leave.
But they do not have to be fancy.
Dollar Tree and Trader Joe’s often have simple, affordable cards. You can also make your own, use blank notecards, or write a note on stationery you already have.
The message matters more than the card.
You can also tuck in:
- A family photo
- A picture of the dog or cat
- A funny memory
- A small printed note from a sibling
- A quote or inside joke
- A “you’ve got this” message for a harder day
You know your student.
Send the thing that will make them smile.
Keep It Simple
Studying abroad is different from being on campus a few hours away.
Packages may be harder. Mail may take longer. Space may be limited. Students may be traveling more often.
That does not mean you cannot stay connected.
It just means the best way to do it may be smaller, lighter, and more thoughtful.
For us, a few cards packed before he left did more than a box of snacks ever could have.
They were easy to carry, easy to open when he needed them, and one small way to remind him that home was still cheering him on.