The tiny computer that lives inside the pocket of any student is the most useful resource when studying abroad. It is a camera, GPS, communication device, and so much more. Whether you decide to purchase a local SIM card from your host city or brave it and live off of Wi-Fi, the phone in your pocket will help you survive your time abroad.
Here is a list of 13 apps you NEED to download before studying abroad.
GroupMe. This is a free messaging app created for easy communication for groups of people. Once a group is created, phone numbers must be entered for each group member. The group can be named for all to see, and a group icon can be displayed. After the group is created, one person can send a message that reaches everyone in the group. Another feature of the app is anyone can be added or kicked out of the group.
Many students are already familiar with the app and have it downloaded to their phone. The app is useful for studying abroad because it can organize the different groups you are a part of. For instance, maybe your program has a group with everyone in it. But one weekend, a group wants to go skiing, but not everyone is interested. A smaller group can be made within the app. It will make planning easier, and those not interested will not have to deal with messages unrelated to them.
I also found the app was useful in the weeks leading up to departure for my study abroad trip. My university has a campus in Seville, Spain, so everyone that went on my study abroad trip was at the home campus the semester before we left. GroupMe was used to create group chat for the entire study abroad group. We used it to share trips we were planning or share flight information or try to meet before leaving the states. It was useful because we got to know each other a little bit before arriving in Spain. Also, if someone shared flight information and your flight coincided with theirs, you could message them and ask to meet up at the airport. Once we were in Spain, we used the app to keep the group updated on activities. Or we created subgroups with our friends to make planning for trips or helping on homework easier.
WhatsApp. This is a super popular messaging app, and a large portion of the world already uses it. It works the same way as messaging apps that come predownloaded on iPhones or Androids.
I had never heard of the app before going to Spain. One of the first friends I made introduced me to the app. I had an iPhone so I could send messages over Wi-Fi for free, but she had an Android. She couldn’t use her regular texting app without getting charged by her phone company. WhatsApp makes it easier to text in a situation where not everyone has an iPhone. And it’s free! Students and parents should definitely download this app before departure, because it will make communicating much easier. (If you own iPhones, then you can communicate over Wi-Fi for free).
Another reason to download the app is to stay in contact with the people you meet during your study abroad. WhatsApp for many, is the primary messaging app used. For instance, my host mom used the app for texting. It was the only way for me to communicate with her outside the home. It’s a must download, especially if you travel to Europe.
Google Translate. The app is just as it sounds. You type a phrase and choose the language you need the phrase translated in. This app comes in handy if you are studying in a non-English speaking country or plan to visit a non-English speaking country. It does not provide a perfect translation and should not be used to do your Spanish homework. However, it will do in a bind. I used this to translate words I didn’t know when talking to my host family. It is useful for a variety of situations outside the home though.
Venmo. Again, many of you are probably familiar with this app. But for those that don’t know, it is an app that is tied to your bank account. You can type in an amount and send or request money from friends. The money can either be transferred immediately to your bank account, or kept in the app for future use.
This app comes in handy when you have a group of peers eating together or traveling together or riding in taxis together. Many European countries will not split the bill for you at a restaurant like we are used to in the United States. It is the custom that the waiter brings the check for the table and one person pay. One option is to carry exact change for meals and the group pulls together everyone’s money and pays for dinner. Let’s face it though, one person will always end up paying more and there will always be the person who doesn’t carry cash. It will result in an unhealthy group dynamic.
Venmo is a good option to avoid any unnecessary stress. One person can pay the bill. Everyone else can split the bill and use the app to pay the amount they owe directly from their bank account. Best part is, no fees for either party. And the person receiving payment can deposit the money into their bank account.
This app is a must download BEFORE leaving the United States. It can be used internationally, but must be set up within the US, and is only limited to US phone numbers and bank accounts. I downloaded the app before I moved to Spain, but I forgot to set it up. So, I had my mom create the account for me and give me the login information. Make it easier on yourself and set up an account before leaving.
Kiwi.com. It is an easy to use app that finds cheap bookings for flights, trains, hotels, etc. I used the app to purchase cheap flights for weekend trips with friends. It is super user friendly. Choose the day to leave and return, the location for departure and the destination. The app does the rest for you and finds the cheapest flight options available. You pay in the app. The app also stores your flight information and boarding pass. So, when you arrive at the airport, all you need is your passport and phone.
Airbnb. I doubt this app needs an explanation. But it will find local lodging options for cheap rates just about anywhere. If you plan to travel any at all during your stay abroad, this app is essential. You can use it to find a private room for yourself, or an entire house for a group of friends. And it is cheaper than staying in a hotel. The app is easy to use to find what you are looking for. You can book from your phone. And you can communicate with your host through the app on your phone (main reason to download on the phone). All you need is Wi-Fi or data.
Duolingo. This is an app that was created for individuals who want to learn new languages. The app provides vocabulary and exercises to help you learn. If you are trying to learn a new language and need more practice, this is a good app to keep on your phone. It will expand your vocabulary, teach you how to say common phrases, and keep you in the mindset of your host country. I used this app more in the time before I left. I hadn’t taken Spanish in several years and needed to brush up on my skills. I used it a little bit while abroad, but I got so busy I forgot about it. But definitely use before leaving.
Google Maps. Just as it sounds. It is a GPS app. So, I have an iPhone and never thought I would need to download this app, because after all, my phone comes with a Maps app. But, when we were in Madrid, I used Maps and it couldn’t keep up with our pace and stopped working halfway through. I didn’t realize it until we took a turn that looked like it was leading away from the city. My friend suggested using Google Maps since he had it downloaded on his phone. It worked much better. From then on, I used the Google Maps app wherever I traveled and never had issues with it.
Instagram. The most popular photo sharing app. Let’s be honest, you are excited to show off all the amazing activities you will be a part of while studying abroad. Your Instagram feed will be filled with the most amazing foods and scenery and people. This app can be used as your digital diary. Something you can look back on and say, oh yeah I went there, oh my gosh I can’t believe such and such. Your friends back home will be so jealous of you, but all the more reason to post! Instagram will also allow you to stay in touch with friends and see what they are up to while you are away. Plus, you are going to meet some of the most amazing people during your stay abroad, and you will want to remember their face, so share Instagram accounts!
Facebook. Another social media account to keep track of. I don’t know about you, but my parents do not have Instagram or Snapchat or any other social media app besides Facebook. So if I wanted them to see the pictures I was posting, I had to make sure they uploaded to Facebook too. It’s all about personal preference. If you don’t have a Facebook, don’t worry too much about it.
Snapchat. The app to slyly send photographs to friends and create stories of your day to day life. Studying abroad in a different country will automatically make your Snapchat stories enviable. But it is a way to update your friends on the sites you are seeing. And it will give you a chance to see what your friends are up to as well.
Spotify. The world’s most popular music app. Now I am almost 100% positive you have this downloaded on your phone. If you have the premium subscription service, you don’t have to change the country you are in. But for the free version to work, you must change the country in the settings. When I was abroad, my Spotify account suddenly stopped working within the first month I was there. I figured out the problem was the country. After I changed that in settings, it was smooth sailing. Spotify’s web page says that the free version will only work for 14 days in the new country. But I never encountered that. It worked the whole five months I was in Spain. And it’s fun because the ads are in a different language or accent depending on where you are in the world. Yes I’m cheap. I still have yet to commit to a premium subscription.
Weather. Many phones have a weather app built into it and that is perfect. You may not use it a lot, but checking the weather in places you plan to visit will help. You’d hate to forget that umbrella if it’s going to be overcast the weekend you leave.