Keeping in Touch with Friends and Family While abroad
Since communication options can vary dramatically from country to country, Summer
Abroad advises checking with the instructor or the Program Specific Guide for advice
about what might be the best option for your particular program.
Calling the U.S. from Abroad
Many U.S.-based long distance phone companies provide special services that make
it easy for you to phone home from abroad. Some provide toll-free access numbers
that connect with an operator in the U.S. Some provide the means to charge long
distance calls to a credit card or to a third party. Some provide better long distance
rates. Others provide access to emergency, medical, legal, translation, and entertainment
information. Students are encouraged to investigate these options before departure
and to shop for the best services and rates.
Global Cell Phones
Most cell phone companies can sell you a special global cell phone with the option
to add more minutes as needed. Also, most cell phone companies can unlock your cell
phone for global use, but this requires a trip to a provider at your destination
who will give you a SIM card and sell you minutes. Check with your cell phone provider
for more information. Global cell phones are also available through travel agencies
and online. Be sure to check the policies for both incoming and outgoing calls and
text messages.
Cell Phone Rental
Some students choose to rent a cell phone that works at their destination. Some
companies will ship the phone directly to the student in advance of the program
dates—and include a packet for sending the phone back when they return. Interested
students can locate service providers via the Internet.
Phone Cards
Many travel agencies and specific phone providers carry great options for phone
cards. Check the rates available from your long distance provider. You can often
buy phone cards on site.
Skype
Skype is a computer program that you can download for free that allows you to talk
(for free) on the phone over the Internet with anyone else who has Skype. Go to
www.skype.com to download the program. For an extra fee (as low as .02 cents/minute)
you can enable your Skype to call land lines instead of just other computers. You
will need a microphone and headset so that you can talk to the person on the other
line. Skype also includes a chat option for instant messaging.
Instant Messaging Systems
Instant messaging systems are also a great free way to communicate with people back
in the states. There are numerous options for messaging systems from AOL Instant
Messenger to Yahoo Messenger. Just about every messaging program can be downloaded
for free online.
Internet Access
Computer and internet access varies by program. Information for your site will be
listed in your Program Specific Guide.
Internet access is offered in all the countries we go to, but the reliability of
it differs from program to program. Internet can be accessed through internet cafes.
Some programs also offer access through the dorms or on-campus computer labs. Internet
cafes are very reasonably priced and often times have various instant messaging
programs installed and headphones available to chat with loved ones. Relying on
internet cafes may reduce worry of bringing your own laptop with you. You can upload
pictures at most internet cafes, but remember due to the speed of some connections,
it may be a better idea just to bring multiple memory cards to avoid spending your
whole day on the computer.