Blogging while abroad

When I went abroad in high school, I kept a journal, written in pen on paper. Twenty-six years later, most high school students will opt for the digital version of recording their experiences. While posting on Facebook is a less popular option for high schoolers these days, keeping a blog is actively encouraged by the different high school study abroad programs. Most programs have a webpage with links to students who are currently blogging about their experiences. Check out the YFU, AFS, and CIEE webpages with blog links.

Why blog while abroad?

The benefits of blogging while abroad are numerous. Besides posting pictures and efficiently sharing their experiences with family and friends, students have an online account of what they are doing. All of the posts are more condensed and organized than on Facebook, which is often clogged with advertisements and only accessible to “friends.” A blog is accessible to anyone who can find it.

A word of caution

Keep in mind a blog is also accessible to the program staff and your child’s host family. A blog is not the place to air grievances or blow off steam. A staff person does monitor those blogs, and your child will be asked to take down any posts that may be seen as offensive or critical. My daughter’s friend changed host families after just two weeks; her post merely stated that she was glad that, –if they were going to ask her to leave - they had asked “sooner rather than later.” The host family saw the post, reported it, and she was asked to take it down.

We did send a paper journal with my daughter, but the intention was more for her to have a place to put her paper “souvenirs” (like movie theater tickets and concert programs) than for her to write down her experiences. She shared the other day that she regrets not blogging during this year, but she also questioned if she would have had the time anyway. You will notice many of the students start their blogs (with good intentions, I’m sure) during those first exciting weeks, and after a few posts, there is nothing.

At the very least, take some time to read a few of the more complete blogs from previous years with your child before he/she leaves and discuss the possibility of recording his/her experience on a blog.