Study Abroad Handbook

At the time of this printing, students at USAC program sites in Costa Rica, Chile, England, Spain, France, Germany, Denmark, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand had access to email. Other sites should have access to email soon.

Apart from the problems you may have comprehending the mechanics of using the telephones overseas, you will find telephoning quite expensive. Families and private establishments are sensitive about telephone use by outsiders, and you should never assume that you are welcome to use a private phone, either to place a call or to receive one. If you do have access to a phone, keep a careful record of your calls so that you can make accurate reimbursement. In some countries telephone bills are issued every three months, and long-distance calls may show up on bills received long after you have left. For the same reasons, avoid accepting collect calls.

U.S. telephone rates are generally less expensive, so you may wish to have your family or friends call you, perhaps at a pre-appointed time during the lower-rate period. Be sure to note the time difference between your study abroad site and the person you are calling.

Post offices in many countries have telephones that may be used for overseas or long-distance calls. Hotels, however, usually add high surcharges for phone calls.

By using international phone credit cards such as AT&T, Sprint, or MCI, you can contact a U.S. operator directly from abroad. Keep records of your phone card numbers and the customer service number for your phone card company. In the event that you loose your card, you will need to call the phone card company to cancel the card and to request a new one. You may wish to contact your phone card company for specific information on how to replace a card if necessary. Also, protect your phone card number. If possible, memorize the number and do not carry the card. Anyone can use your phone card number at your expense. If you will be traveling, it may be advisable to have phone cards from different companies. Not all phone cards will work from all locations.

You may purchase and use pre-paid phone cards in many countries. Consult with your program director or other students for information on how or where to purchase a card, and how to use it. Pre-paid phone cards can help you avoid the shock of high credit card or phone card bills. Pre-paid phone cards purchased in one country usually cannot be used in another country.