Logistics

Communicating home

Telephone

If you are studying abroad on a short-term program, look into obtaining a phone card from a U.S. telecommunications company that has access numbers abroad, and get the information you need.  In general, local and long distance telephone usage is much more expensive in foreign countries.  Calls made directly through U.S. long-distance companies are the least expensive way to call the U.S. - simply dial the access code for the country from which you are calling (CountryCodes) plus the U.S. country code (always “1”) followed by the appropriate U.S. area code and local number.  You may find that local phone cards work better, but it is still advised to bring a U.S. card.
 
Many phones abroad require phone cards instead of coins.  The cards are inserted into a phone slot and debited as you place calls.  You can purchase them at post offices, grocery stores and other locations for varying fixed prices. 
 
Avoid expensive calls from hotel phones; there is usually a surcharge. 

If you are living with a host family, check about phone use.  Most families will object to your use of the phone, even for local calls because they are not free.  Since your family may not discuss this situation in advance, it is important to ask what is expected in order to avoid conflicts.
 
Be aware of the time at the other end of the phone.  Even if you call at a reasonable hour where you are, it may be the middle of the night elsewhere!  And if you promised to call your family upon arrival, just do it!

INTERNATIONAL CELL PHONES

Cell phones are an increasingly attractive option for staying in touch with family and friends.  As most standard US cell phones won't work outside the United States, and while not required for most programs, many students have inquired about how to rent or buy a cell phone for use abroad.

Before investigating providers, we recommend learning a bit about how international cell phones work. The on-line magazine, Travel Insider has excellent information describing the types of phones and services available abroad.

Before signing up with a new cell phone provider, don't forget to check first with your current cell phone provider. You may find that they can temporarily upgrade you to a tri-band phone that is capable of receiving service abroad, allowing you to use your current phone number abroad. Be sure to discuss rates and fees, though, as they are likely to be higher than what you pay for domestic service, and have more restrictions. Remember, too, that you also have the option of buying an inexpensive, disposable phone upon arrival abroad. These typically operate on a pay-as-you-go system.

Note that some study abroad programs, particularly internships or longer term, direct-enrollment programs, include the cost of student cell phones in the program fee. If you are unsure about this, check with your faculty leader or program coordinator before ordering a phone on your own.

Should you choose to rent or buy a cell phone from an international cell phone provider, you should definitely comparison shop! When researching cell phone providers be sure to consider at least the following: countries included, roaming charges, incoming/outgoing call costs, peak times, text message fees, overuse charges, etc.

International Cell Phone Providers

Neither Michigan State University nor the Office of Study Abroad endorses any of these cell phone companies for student use. This listing is provided for information purposes only. Students are responsible for ordering, and paying for, their own cell phone service.

Platform 3000 is one of the companies that provides cell phones to MSU faculty abroad. Platform 3000 also offers discounted cellular package for MSU students, including free phone rental and free incoming calls to your country abroad.  You will also receive your phone and number before leaving the US.

Cellular Abroad offers discounted cellular package to MSU students, including unlimited FREE incoming calls from anywhere (for most countries).  You can receive your phone and number before leaving the US. Order any cell phone rental package and receive a $35 discount. Call (800) 287-5072 and mention MSU35.

Cellhire Mobile Solutions (www.cellhire.com) also offers students the same discount applied to program leaders.

Additional companies offering international cell phones you can investigate are:

• Telestial Wireless
• Planetfone
• Rentcell
• Travel Cell
• Smart Coms
• Cellular Express
• Trip Tel
• International Cellular
• World Cell

Warning: frequent cell phone use abroad is generally more expensive than in the United States. Use your phone abroad wisely, or be prepared to pay for the consequences.

Mail

Mail can easily be sent internationally, but will take longer than mail within the United States.  Letters should be marked "air mail" to ensure prompt delivery.  If it is not marked, mail may be sent by surface mail and can take up to three months to be delivered.  Mail sent internationally must include the destination country as a final line in the address to ensure delivery.  Prior to departure you will be e-mailed your contact address and telephone number abroad.  It is advisable to leave a copy with family members.

E-mail

Accessing your MSU e-mail account will vary according to the facilities available to you on site.  You can access your MSU account through the MSU home page. 

You may wish to obtain a commercial e-mail (Hotmail, Yahoo, etc.) since these accounts may be easier to access from abroad than MSU accounts.  Since you will be responsible for knowing the information MSU or OSA sends you through your MSU account, make sure to forward all MSU e-mail to any commercial e-mail account you may be using.

Most students use computers at cyber cafes or bookstores that have hourly rental rates.