A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away… language schools did not have internet access, and they would tell their students that they should immerse themselves fully in an English speaking environment and not send e-mails home the whole time to better improve their English (they were right).
Nobody listened however. Today many students bring their portable computers when they travel and with it their e-mail, IM and all the tools necessary to edit their digital photographs.
So are you ready to sit in the shade outside your school with some fresh juice and your portable computer? Talk to your friends at home using Skype and brag about life overseas ? (… so its raining at home, that is just so sad to hear…)
Wireless Internet at your homestay is much harder — in many places dial-up is still the only way to reach the Internet. And in some places the Internet is metered (the more you download, the more you pay). So if you are unlucky, your homestay will not allow you to access the Internet. It is sometimes possible and in some advanced cities its actually quite common.
Questions to ask the school or your agent:
- Does the school offer wireless internet?
- Does my homestay offer wireless internet?