Communications

Staying Connected During Your Elective

To participate fully in your Elective, you’ll need to have a working data plan while abroad. This is essential for staying in touch with the Elective team, communicating with your cohort, accessing Google Maps links to seminar locations and recommended spots, and—in some destinations—using mobile-based public transportation passes. We strongly recommend that you check with your mobile provider before departure to confirm that your plan includes international data and roaming. A modest data plan is usually sufficient, but you’ll want enough coverage for daily messaging and light navigation.

We do not recommend purchasing a local SIM card, as setup can be complicated and often not worth the trouble for short-term travel.

Using WhatsApp

Because Facilitators and Instructors use local phone numbers and most participants do not, WhatsApp is the most practical and reliable way to stay connected during your Elective. You’ll be added to a dedicated group chat about one week before your course begins. You’ll use it for:

Logistics & Scheduling: Your Facilitator will share updates, reminders, and real-time location details to keep the day running smoothly.

Course Updates: Your Instructor will post daily Self-Guided Study prompts along with any relevant links or resources.

Group Exchange: Use the chat to share discoveries, post photos, or coordinate informal meetups with fellow participants.

Pinned Resources: Key information—like your hotel details and saved Google Maps locations—will be pinned at the top of the chat for easy access.

We encourage thoughtful, relevant sharing, but ask that participants avoid filling the chat with off-topic or excessive messages.

Private Questions or Needs?

For personal matters—like travel delays, health concerns, or one-on-one questions—feel free to message your Facilitator directly via WhatsApp.

Need Help with WhatsApp?

If you’re unfamiliar with the app or have any issues setting it up, let us know before your departure and we’ll be happy to assist.