Staying in Touch

Communicating with your family and friends is an important part of a successful study abroad experience. You must evaluate what method is best for you.

Check with your mobile phone carrier to find out if they offer international calling and the costs associated with using your phone abroad. You can use phone cards or install a new SIM card in some phones, or purchasing a pre-paid phone in-country may be less expensive. Contact the affiliate or your faculty director for advice on the best method for phone or texting services in your host country and the location of the most convenient internet cafes. Know your country code, so loved ones can call you successfully. 

Many students find it most useful to use free texting services, such as iMessage, Facebook Messenger, or WhatsApp.

Phones

For Computer Use with WiFi

  • Google Hangouts - free online group video chats
  • Skype - free video chats or pay for calling to phone numbers

Smartphone Apps For Use with WiFi

  • Skype - free video chats, pay for calling to phone numbers, send texts through Skype
  • WhatsApp - simple, free online texting
  • Facebook Messenger - use your Facebook account
  • Viber - free calls, texts, and photo sharing

Digital Security