This from a parent who with my wife were host parents to 7 exchange students from all over the world . We also had 3 teenagers during those 8 years we hosted . No matter the country, teenagers are much alike the world over. Of the 7 students 4 have made return visits years later and some have made several return visits, one with her parents first and then with her husband twice and we have visited her twice. Next year another one is making a 2 nd visit with his wife and 2 children. What I am trying to say is you can maintain relationships regardless of distance. Save some money and visit her in her country. It doesn't have to be a love relationship just be friends whether it amounts to more so be it. One of things the exchange students taught us is they get to know people the world over and they visit one another. The have found it is cheap way to travel- just a plane ticket and a free place to stay. So you can maintain relationships regardless of distance if your willing to put in the effort.