* Using their existing cell phone plan: Many cell phone plans offer international calling or reduced rates for calls to specific countries. Carefully check the plan details; some might have very low rates or even free calling to specific numbers or within a certain amount of minutes. This is often the easiest, albeit not always the cheapest option.
* Apps with Wi-Fi calling: Apps like WhatsApp, Skype, Facebook Messenger, Google Voice (with a US number), and others offer free or very low-cost calls over Wi-Fi. This is usually the cheapest option *if* the student has reliable Wi-Fi access at school and at home. The quality can sometimes be lower than a traditional phone call, and data usage needs to be considered if using mobile data instead of Wi-Fi.
* International calling cards: Prepaid calling cards can offer cheaper rates than cell phone plans, especially for longer calls. However, it's essential to compare rates from different providers to ensure you get the best deal. They can be a hassle to use and require purchasing and managing the card itself.
* Texting: Texting is generally significantly cheaper than calling, and many plans include unlimited texting domestically. If the parents also have a plan that supports it, this is an excellent, low-cost method to stay in touch.
Things to consider:
* Call duration: Shorter calls are usually more cost-effective.
* Time of day: Some calling plans offer cheaper rates during off-peak hours.
* Data usage: Wi-Fi calling avoids data charges, but using mobile data for apps can quickly add up.
* Reliability: Wi-Fi calling can be unreliable if the Wi-Fi connection is poor.
In short: Apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, etc., using Wi-Fi are generally the cheapest *if* reliable Wi-Fi is available at both ends. Check existing cell phone plans first for potential savings. International calling cards might be a worthwhile exploration if you make longer calls regularly.