International Travel Handbook

COMMUNICATION

Communicating With Family and Friends
Before you go abroad, let your family and friends know how you will contact them, and how they can contact you. While instant communication via email, Skype and text messaging is common in the US, you may not have such technologies at your disposal in your host country. Phone access abroad varies widely in both availability and cost. In some countries it is a small matter to purchase your own cell phone upon arrival, but in other countries, you may find yourself waiting in line to use the public phone to call home. Ask returned students what to expect and how they called home, and then make a plan to contact your family when you arrive. It may be less expensive to have your family call you. In several countries, inexpensive pre-paid phone cards are available in local convenience stores or kiosks. While it can be tempting to spend lots of time on the phone or emailing with friends back home, be sure to take full advantage of your time abroad.

Verbal Communication Skills
Take cues from your hosts about what is considered appropriate. The same personal questions that are appropriate in one country may be offensive in another country. Be careful with your humor, as each country has its own brand of humor. Be formal and polite. If you are not currently studying the language in your destination country, brush up on your language skills. Join a conversation group on campus, take a short summer refresher course before you go, read foreign language newspapers and watch films about your destination in the language of the country. If you are a beginner, learn key words and phrases for conversation and emergencies. The Center for Global Education offers checklists of phrases and words.

Non-Verbal Communication Skills
Learn about non-verbal communication in your destination country by watching your hosts. Gestures mean different things in different countries, and it is best to learn the degree of familiarity that is appropriate with new acquaintances. Learn about how to give or receive items, and customs regarding greeting such as bowing, kissing, and shaking hands, and ways of showing respect. Personal space norms and the appropriateness of public displays of affection vary widely. In some countries, people may become quite upset if you take a photograph of them without their permission. Check your guidebook or talk to students on campus who are from that country or who have lived there for specific advice on cultural etiquette.

Next Section: Research Abroad

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