While you are abroad it is important to find ways to stay in touch with family and friends. They will all be anxious to hear about your experiences, and you will want to know what is happening at home. A quick phone call or e-mail can make them feel much better.

It’s important to consider that being in touch as soon as you land might not be possible. So, don’t promise that you will call as soon as you land, because then when you don’t, your family will panic. Instead, let them know you’ll get in touch with them as soon as you can after you get settled in. Send a quick text or email when you can to ease their nerves until you can make that call so they can hear your voice.

Some students have found it helpful to set up a communication plan with family and friends so everyone will know when you are available to make or receive calls. With time differences, inconsistent internet access, and the many excursions and activities you will be participating in, sometimes it can be difficult for you and your family to connect. Keep in mind that you are only abroad for a short time in the grand scheme of things, so you will want to make the most of it and be present for every experience that you have.

One way some students have stayed in touch and shared their experiences is by keeping a blog. This is an excellent way to keep folks at home updated, as it touches many people and can be read by friends and family at any time of day (like, when you’re fast asleep).

Communication Apps
Smart phone apps also work very well and allow students to text and call back home with ease. Viber, Whatsapp, Facetime, and WeChat (WeiXin in the Mandarin Chinese version of the app), are all recommended. The most common communication tool however, is Skype, which allows for free calling from one Skype device to another or very inexpensive calling from Skype to a landline or mobile phone.

#CISabroadtip: add $5 to your Skype account before going abroad to make calling phones back home easy.

Cell Phones
Experienced travelers all agree: it is best to buy a phone and SIM card in-country once you arrive. You can bring your American phone with you in case you need it in an emergency, but be sure to speak with your cell phone provider before you travel about their international data, calling fees and if you are even able to “unlock” your phone to use overseas. Keep in mind that if you’re only going to be abroad for a few weeks, it probably isn’t worth acquiring a local phone, especially if you’ll be traveling with a large group.

If you’ll be living in China for several months and want a local phone, you will be able to purchase a basic phone and SIM card once you’ve arrived. Generally these phones will be pay-as-you-go phone plans/SIM cards rather than a contract. Your phone minutes and texts will be prepaid by you.  You can “top-up” (prepay) your phone with $5-50 at a time at many locations. Your onsite staff can explain this in more detail in-country.

Keep in mind that you will not be able to make international calls or send international texts with your Chinese phone unless you buy an international calling card! (However, you can receive international calls without an international calling card.)

#CISabroadtip: do your homework, familiarize yourself with the country calling code before you go! The country code for China is +86. Tell your friends and family!

For a tutorial on Top 10 Essential Phrases in Mandarin, watch this video!