Be sure to communicate with your family soon after you arrive to let them know you are safe and sound! A quick phone call or e-mail can make them feel much better.

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. Some students have said that it is helpful to set up a communication plan with family and friends so everyone will know when you are available to make or receive a call. 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 one term, so you will want to make the most of it and be present for every experience that you have available to you. No one comes back from Costa Rica wishing they had spent more time on Skype!

One way some students have stayed in touch and shared their experiences with friends and family is through keeping a blog. This is an excellent way to communicate as it touches many people and can be flexible with time. Should you choose to record your adventures, connect with CISabroad. We may repost your entry!

http://www.orientation.cisabroad.com/blog/

Communication Apps

Smart phone apps also work very well and allow students to text and call back home with ease. Whatsapp, Viber, and Facetime are all recommended. The most common communication tool is either What’s App or Facetime on an Apple device.

#CISabroadtip: Have an app tutorial with your parents and other family prior to your departure. This will help them feel more at ease with how to communicate with you while you are abroad.

Cell Phones

Experienced travelers all agree: it is best to buy a phone and SIM card in-country once you arrive. Do not bring your American phone and pay huge international fees.

You will be able to purchase a basic phone and SIM card in-country. You can then send an international text message to your family so they know your new local number. Your phone minutes and texts will be prepaid by you.  You “top-up” (prepay) your phone with $5-20 at a time at many locations. Your on-site staff can explain this in more detail in-country.

If you have an American phone with a SIM card, it may be possible to only buy the SIM card in-country and not need to buy a basic phone. Please contact your cell phone provider for specific instructions.

Plan on not knowing your local cell phone number until you are in-country and check out http://countrycode.org/ for information on dialing internationally and how to call home when abroad.