Most of the overseas programs offer e-mail access. At some sites, students will be able to open an account in conjunction with the overseas university or study center. However, do not expect the same degree of access, quality of service, or connection that you are accustomed to at USC. Do not expect 24/7 access either. Students in many countries do not depend on their school for all computing needs. In some programs, e-mail access may be quite limited or unavailable. Keep in mind that although you will stay in contact with family and friends, time you spend plugged into your home life is time you won’t have to build a new one abroad.
E-mail is our office’s main line of communication with students overseas.
The Office of Overseas Studies will send e-mail only to the USC e-mail address that you listed in your study abroad application. If you open a different e-mail account, please ensure that e-mail sent to your USC account gets forwarded to your new account; otherwise, you will miss important information. You can access your USC e-mail account on the Internet at http://email.usc.edu
Telephone
Telephone (land-line) service may be relatively expensive in your host country. Often, all local calls incur charges. Telephone access in dorms and homestays may be rather limited.
Cell Phones
Many students opt to purchase cell phones overseas and buy minutes on a prepaid basis as it is usually the cheapest and simplest option. If you bring your own cell phone, you can either get an international plan from your current provider, or purchase a new SIM card overseas. Be sure to contact your current mobile providing regarding international rates, or unlocking your SIM card so you can use a new one abroad! Using your phone’s internet service while roaming can be very costly. Check with your provider about international service fees.
In most countries outside the U.S., incoming calls on your overseas cell phone are free, and text messaging is often much cheaper than voice calls. Be sure to check with your overseas provider for details.
Consider bringing your U.S. cell phone along simply to use at the airport in the U.S. when you leave and reenter the country in case you want to inform people of flight delays.
Consider using Skype (www.skype.com) to make virtual phone calls. WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger are also widely used. You should set up these accounts before going abroad.