During the pandemic, it has been difficult to meet new, fascinating people and introduce them to your family as you open up your child to the rest of the world. But if you can’t visit the rest of the world, why not bring it home by signing up for a pen pal program?

Most people think about their younger family members when it comes to using pen pal programs. However, there’s no reason you couldn’t join this awesome exercise. You could practice a foreign language you haven’t explored in depth, or meet someone from a foreign country and culture that fascinates you. 

There are huge benefits to having a pen pal. For one, you’ll be speaking with someone who’s genuinely interested in you and what you have to say. There’s a reason why people in other countries (or even domestically) participate in pen pal programs — they want to meet and talk to someone new. More often than not, you have more to offer a pen pal friendship than you think. 

Another reason your family should start writing to a pen pal is because it’ll keep you and your family writing, which engages your mind and eases stress. Plenty of websites today support both virtual and physical letter writing, especially post-COVID-19. 

You can give your child more tools to make friends by encouraging their ability to communicate in the written form — and not necessarily in text message form, either. It’s also amazing to have someone to talk to who isn’t directly involved in your life, or who knows the people in your life — it gives you plenty of room for an honest conversation.

Lastly, some pen pal programs will encourage you to send small packages, too! Who knows? You might even get something back from another country. 

If you need more affordable mailing options, don’t hesitate to join the AFEUSA family and utilize one of our best benefits and partnerships with UPS Express Delivery. Today, you can get: 

• 14%–28% off Next Day Air®/Next Day Air® Saver Letter/Package and Worldwide
• Express Export/Worldwide Savers Export Letter/Document/Package
• 10%–21% off UPS 2nd Day Air® A.M. and 2nd Day Air® Letter/Package, 3 Day 
• Selects (package) and UPS Worldwide Expedited (document/package)
• 1%–5% off UPS Standard to Canada
• 10% off UPS international import including UPS Worldwide Express/Savers/Expedited/ Standard to Canada

That’s a huge list of discounts! And it’s all available to AFEUSA members right now. If you haven’t already, we hope you consider joining our family soon!