Contacting the EWH Office

By Phone:

  • EWHSI Memphis OFFICE
    901-634-2036
     
  • Staff Specialist
    919-660-5181
     
  • Robert Malkin, Director
    919-660-8266

By email:

Information for Parents

Calling during the summer

Participants can call the United States by using a calling card from any major US phone company. Not all pre-paid calling cards will work, so be sure to check with your phone card provider before the trip. Students will have access to public phones throughout the program to contact their families and friends.

Participants can also call the United States by getting advantage of the new voice over IP service at any Internet Café in Tanzania, CR, Nicaragua or Honduras. There are several providers available on the Internet. One of the most popular and reliable is Skype. This software provides free pc-to-pc calls or pc to traditional landlines or mobile phone calls at a very low price. For more information, visit www.skype.com.

Most VoIP systems require special hardware and software. For the hardware, you need a computer headset with a microphone (some newer headsets connect via USB, these are typically a bit more expensive but in general quite good). Not all Internet cafes will allow you to plug in your headset or download the software, however many Internet Cafés are equipped with headsets and skype. Another option is to load the software on your own laptop (which you bring with you) and test the hardware and software before leaving the US. However, not every Internet café will allow you to connect your laptop.

Calling from the U.S. to summer participants

New cell phones and phone numbers are not expensive in most developing world countries, so while your US or European cell phone is unlikely to work in your child's host country, $50-$100 will allow them to purchase a handset and telephone number when they arrive. Receiving calls is not charged for most plans, so you will be able to reach them at any time. Unfortunately, cell phone plans and equipment vary tremendously between countries and from year-to-year. EWH will not be able to provide specific guidance on mobile technology.

Another option is calling cards. Participants’ families and friends can call Tanzania, Costa Rica, Nicaragua or Honduras using a calling card from any major US phone company. There are also a wide variety of calling cards available on the Internet. For your convenience we have included below two websites where you can buy phone cards online at a very low price. However, before buying the phone card make sure that the 1-800 number works in your state.

Safety Information

Our students’ safety is the highest priority for EWH’s summer institute. We take extra care to select sites that as safe as possible, and encourage parents and their children to consult the US Department of State for the latest news and advice on traveling abroad.

Visiting During Your Student's Stay

Engineering World Health typically does not support parental visits to on-site locations. If there is a special need or circumstance, please contact us at info@ewh.org so we can explore the situation.