Stay Connected
EmailIt is important to keep in touch with IIT while overseas. All correspondence from the Study Abroad Office and the various IIT departments and offices will come to you via your IIT email account, so it is vital that you check this account regularly while abroad.
To find email addresses of other students or members of staff at IIT, use: http://phonebook.iit.edu/
Just a hint - keep your favorite professors, academic advisors, and (ahem) study abroad advisors updated on your status. Send them pictures, thank-you notes, postcards or a quick email letting them know how they helped you and what you are learning. They can be great references in the future, so keep that relationship strong!
Phones
The cell phone standard, Global Services for Mobiles (GSM) has been adopted in most countries and therefore using a GSM phone will substantially decrease your expenses. You may purchase a phone and pre-paid SIM card once you have arrived in your host country. You may add to your airtime by purchasing an airtime voucher.
If you plan on using your current cell phone, smart phone or iPhone, check with the carrier to inquire after any applicable fees. Know the country codes and make a plan with family and friends for how you will contact each other.
The most affordable means of calling home will be Skype or GoogleTalk, both of which are Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). For both programs, you will need to download the software, but once you do you will be able to call (or video chat to) friends and family at home for free.