Calling Cards
It is possible to dial directly from the College, but such calls cost approximately $.60 per minute. A much cheaper way is to buy a pre-paid international calling card purchased from the Student Lounge. The cards cost €5.00, they are valid for 90 days after you begin use, giving more than 5 hours of talk time with the local access number. Phone cards will be available upon your arrival.
Phone Calls via the Internet
Many students now use Internet-based telephone programs such as Skype to dial landlines worldwide. The audio and video quality varies from poor to fair. The cost is around $0.02 per minute. Monthly and yearly subscription plans are also available with flat rates for per month for unlimited calls to U.S. landlines and cell phones. Skype can even forward a call (with the usual rates unless covered under a monthly subscription for Italy or Worldwide) to the phone in your room for when the internet connection is insufficient to maintain such a call. Many find it easier and less expensive to use Skype rather than calling cards, but this decision will depend on your particular situation and the type of calls that you make and recieve.
When using these computer calling services, make sure to bring an earphone/microphone headset.
Additionally many programs, including Skype, AOL Instant Messenger, and Apple iChat, allow users to engage in computer-to-computer voice and video conferencing. If you want to do this, you should consider a webcam.
Updated 30 March 2012
