|
|
|
About Cimba |
Communication Options |
 |
 |
|
Students visit Austria on a travel break. |
E-mail
The easiest and cheapest way to stay in touch with friends and family is through e-mail. There is a computer lab on each campus with Internet access at every station. Also, it often is easy to find Internet cafés and even hostels with Internet access when traveling.
Talking via the Internet
Students can make calls from one computer to another at no cost using a program called Skype. To do this, both the caller and the receiver must have the Skype software, which can be downloaded for free from www.skype.com. As long as both sides of the connection are relatively fast, there will be little lag and distortion. Additionally, students may pay by the minute to call from a computer to a regular telephone line. The rate varies depending on where you are calling, but most of the industrialized world (including the US and Italy) is on the Global Rate, which is currently 1.7 eurocents a minute. In order to use Skype, a headset with microphone is required.
Telephones
Payphones are available on campus. There are three ways to make calls from a payphone in Italy:
- Inserting coins;
- Using an Italian phone card;
- Using a major credit card.
A telephone card is a convenient method of using the telephone in Italy. Cards can be purchased at most tobacco or newspaper stores, or in vending machines at the airport and in most train stations. Students also may charge a call to their telephone card, call collect or charge the call to a major credit card. If planning to call home, shop around before leaving for the best deal. More detailed information about telephones can be found in the Travel and Living Guide given to each student.
Mail
Students often will want to send postcards and letters home. This is a great way to share experiences and provide a souvenir. However, postcards can take weeks to arrive. Stamps can be purchased at stores called tabacchi as well as at the post office and some postcard stands. Be sure to purchase an airmail stamp or the postcard or letter will not arrive for a long period of time. It may be convenient for students to print up address labels prior to leaving for Italy. |
|
|
