Means of Communication
Regular Mail
Students should wait to receive their mail until they have settled into their housing. Only if an emergency address is needed or for the purpose of completing visa paperwork may you direct the letters to the international office of your university or use the address of the offices in Argentina or Uruguay, found on the Contact Information page of this handbook.
Due to stern (and fluctuating) regulations on imported goods, as well as delays and unpredictable delivery schedules, we advise not to mail packages abroad. Electronics, prescription or over-the-counter drugs, cosmetics, food, and other products are likely to be retained at Customs; although a fee has to be paid to retrieve the mailed product, this does not ensure its release. If a package must be sent during the semester, we advise using a private courier, like UPS or Federal Express, which tends to be safer and faster that regular mail.
Internet & Email
Students should plan to bring their laptops with them abroad. Computer facilities at the universities are limited; you should expect to do your work and your email on your laptop then take your work on a USB flash drive to campus or a photocopy shop for printing. Note that support for Apple products can be limited, especially outside capital cities.
Wi-Fi access is available on most university campuses, as well as in many local establishments, such as cafes. All homestays will also provide access to Wi-Fi.
Students have reported that, unsurprisingly, the less time they spend online while abroad, the more they learn Ripolatense Spanish and about Argentina and Uruguay in general. Accordingly, it would be wise to minimize your time on social media platforms.
WhatsApp is a very popular, free communication platform in Argentina and Uruguay and allows students to keep in touch with friends and family via text and phone using an internet connection. All students are required to download WhatsApp to keep in touch with other students and program staff.
