Technology & Communication

Cell Phones Abroad

It's important you have a working cell phone while you are abroad. Should an emergency occur, it is critical that you can be reached at all times during your program. There are a few cell phone options for you to consider: Ìý
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1.ÌýUse your U.S. phone with an international calling plan. These plans vary by country and provider. With this option, you would still have a U.S. phone number, meaning calls to locals in the host country will likely be charged as an international call. Ìý
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2.ÌýUse your U.S. phone with a local eSim card activation. This is the most common option for semester and longer summer programs. eSims are available on newer iPhone, Android, and Google model phones and are supported by many major U.S. phone carriers. Before your program departure, work with your U.S. phone provider to ensure your phone is unlocked, so that you may purchase and activate a local eSIM with the first 1-2 days of your program. The local eSIM will give you a new, local phone number.Ìý Ìý

There are many eSIM providers to choose from, and each will offer different inclusions in a monthly or pay-as-you-go format. A few recommendations include:

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3. Purchase a local phone upon arrival.

If you elect options 2 or 3, you may want to have your U.S. carrier put a hold on your U.S. phone number while you are abroad.Ìý Once you know the phone number you will using while abroad, share it with your on-site staff and Education Abroad (in yourÌý).

Useful Apps

Apps are often the cheapest way to communicate with friends abroad and at home. Many people abroad use apps more than traditional texting or iMessaging. Examples of common communication apps include:

  • WhatsApp
  • WeChat
  • KakoaTalk
  • TextMe
  • Viber
  • Text Now
  • Skype
  • Google Voice
  • Facebook Messenger

Apps also serve as useful resources to help you navigate and maximize your travel and time spent abroad. Examples include:

  • Google translate
  • Maps.me
  • Google maps
  • Yelp
  • Uber
  • Lyft
  • Hostel World
  • Airbnb
  • GlobalTips

Social Media & Communicating with Home

While social media can be an effective form of communication and facilitate a sense of connection, overuse can have negative consequences for physical and mental health. Frequent social media use can amplify feelings of homesickness or inadequacy as you compare your experience to others. Remember, managing social media use is all about keeping things in perspective, and the more time you spend communicating with people at home, the less time you spend immersing yourself in your host country. Make an effort to spend time in the present and enjoy your experience abroad for what it is. Review our Ethical Photography page for information on taking photos for social media.Ìý

Pro-Tip:ÌýUnplug from technology
It can also be beneficial and rewarding to unplug every once in a while. Here are some ways to go technology-free while abroad:

  • Try navigating with a real map and ask locals for directions if you need help. People appreciate when you make a genuine effort to speak in their language, even if you don’t speak it perfectly.
  • Practice saying hello or ordering food in the local language without referencing a translation app.
  • Write a letter or send a postcard.

Social & Dating Apps

Many social and dating apps that are popular in the U.S. are also commonly used abroad. For apps such as Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge, users may have a variety of intentions when using the app. Some users may be seeking a romantic relationship while others may use it as a way to connect with locals and get insider tips on things to do. Please be aware of common risks associated with online dating and be aware that expected behavior in dating culture may differ from norms in the U.S. Review theÌýSexual Health & SafetyÌýsection for more information.

If you decide to use dating apps, no matter your intentions,Ìýkeep the following in mind:

  • The same app could be used for different purposes within your host country.

  • The host country vocabulary used in online dating apps may not have the same meaning as it does in the U.S. This may apply even if English is being used. Ìý

  • Your on-site support can provide clarification regarding dating and relationships in your host country.Ìý

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Duo Multi-Factor Authentication

¶¶ÒõÂÃÐÐÉä uses when logging in to My¶¶ÒõÂÃÐÐÉäInfo or Buff Portal. You'll need to update Duo with your international phone number to login to your ¶¶ÒõÂÃÐÐÉä accounts while abroad. Follow to set up Duo while abroad.Ìý

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Safety & Security

Many countries prohibit taking pictures of locations such as airports, train stations, major roads, and dams. Avoid taking pictures of all police and military staff installations. More info at .Ìý Ìý

Drones & Selfie Sticks

Education Abroad recommends leaving drones at home, and some providers prohibit them. If your program allows drones and you choose to travel with one, research and follow the drone laws of each country you visit. Many countries require you to register your drone before flying it. Do not fly your drone near crowds of people to protect their privacy. Visit for more important considerations when traveling with a drone.ÌýÌý
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Selfie sticks are also banned in many popular tourist locations. Research whether they are allowed before bringing them. Many cultural sites (including the Colosseum), sporting venues, museums and other popular tourist areas ban selfie sticks.ÌýÌý
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Taking photos is a fun part of your adventure abroad-- but shouldn’t be the whole adventure! Be mindful of when to take pictures and when to put the camera away and live in the moment.

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Thanks to and for many of these tips!ÌýÌý

Disclaimer: This page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement by the University of Colorado Boulder or Education Abroad. ¶¶ÒõÂÃÐÐÉä Boulder Education Abroad is not an agent for these organizations.