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 (Country Codes) 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.

Cell phones are an increasingly attractive option for staying in touch with family and friends. Some long-term/semester programs may even include a local cell phone in the program fee. Check with your OSA coordinator as to what previous students have done and visit the OSA International Cell Phone Website.

If you are studying 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 hard feelings.

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!

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 ship 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.