Lesson Learned-UGRAD Alumni 2022-2023

Introduction

This document is written as a guidance for the new batch of students who will participate in the
Undergraduate Exchange Program. The purposes of this guide are as follows:

1. Help UGRAD students to avoid facing redundant challenges or difficulties faced by their alumni.

2. Enhance experience both on the academic aspect, travel and cultural.

3. Guide you on what you will need to prepare

For Alumni:

The lesson learned will be categorized in to 4:

1. Travel – [Specify your topic here for example: Flight Booking, Low-cost Airlines/Cheap Flight]
2. Academic – [Specify your topic here for example: Course selection]
3. Good to know – [ Specify your topic here for example: US Sim Card]

When you add your lesson learned to this document, please specify the category of experience you
would like to share using the below format:

Name: Bounnong Alilack – Nong

Year Participated: Spring
Contact (Optional):
Timeline: Post Arrival
Category: Good to know – US Sim card

Note: This is an unofficial guide produced by UGRAD alumni 2022-2023, it is based on personal
experience. Each case will vary depending on where you will be studying and other related
circumstances.
 Lesson Learned-UGRAD Alumni 2022-2023

Name: Bounnong Alilack – Nong

Year Participated: Spring Semester 2023
Contact (Optional):
Timeline: Post Arrival
Category: Good to know – US Sim card

1. In the US there are 3 major phone service carriers:

- T-Mobile
- At&T
- Verizon

2. You normally do not need sim card: most US colleges/Universities have high speed WI-FI which
covers most part of the campus. In addition, all airports have free Wi-Fi available, therefore do
not worry about contacting your international student advisor about pick-up.

3.1 Why should I get a sim card?

3.1.1 To avoid getting lost on campus and being late to class on your first week: US colleges are
known for large campuses, it will be very challenging to find a building where your class is
taught, you may be able to ask students on campus, however they will normally suggest that you
use google map. This is when you will need an internet connection, as WI-FI may not cover the
whole campus area.

3.1.2 When you open a Bank Account: some US Banks for Example Chase Bank, Bank of
America. They have online banking applications similar to BCEL ONE. When you use their
application a US phone number is required for verification including in the case that you forget
your password, you can verify yourself by receiving code via message and reset password.

3.1.3 When you Travel out of state: Have an internet connection on your trip to different state
will be useful for:
- You will need it to call Taxi (e.g., UBER, Lyft)
- During travel in case of emergency being able to call the law enforcement/police or
your friends will be very helpful
- You can track public transport such as: Buses: When you travel out to a state such as
New York City, where public transportation is reliable. You can download and track
bus on apple and know which one you need to take and when it is coming. This will
be so much cheaper than taking a taxi!
 Lesson Learned-UGRAD Alumni 2022-2023

3.2 When Should I get one?

3.2.1 I recommend that you get the sim card on your first day. When you arrive at the campus
you may search on google map for the carrier service center closest to you, for example: T-
Mobile or Verizon.

Then you can buy a sim card and register a package there, the customer service staff will help
you set up your sim card.

Note: For those without a visa card – BCEL you may prepare some cash to pay for this, in case
your card is declined due to Bank not recognized, you can withdraw cash at an AMT near you,
the withdrawal fee will be around 5 USD.

3.3 What packages are available?

3.3.1 DO NOT FALL FOR AN EXPENSIVE MONTHLY SBUCRIPTION: Please ask the Phone
companies staff for all packages; T-Mobile for example has data and call plans starting at: 10
USD – you will get around 5 MB and certain number of calls, up to 60 USD unlimited for one
month. You will be there in the US for 4 months, spend most of your time on campus, which
provides high speed Wi-Fi, only refill the data to your sim when you needed it for example on
your first week or when you are on an out of state trip.

3.3 How to refill?

3.3.2 Unlike in Laos in the US, once you have used all your data for example you registered for a
10 USD plan after you used all, your phone number will be suspended, incoming or outgoing call
cannot be made until you re-registered for a plan.

Or if you registered for a 60 USD Unlimited data and call per month, after 30 days or end of the
month your phone number will be suspended, incoming or outgoing call cannot be made until
you re-registered for a plan.

Once you have used all of you internet data, you can register for a new plans, you can choose 10
USD, 15 USD and more, at the closest service center of your selected carrier ((e.g., T-MOBILE,
Verizon)

Note: This is package of T-MOBILE, data and calls plans will vary between the three major US carriers –
please see section 1.
Lesson Learned-UGRAD Alumni 2022-2023