Laptops
Each fellow will be provided a laptop computer. Each laptop will be fully configured to access the University’s systems including the on-campus wireless network.
This laptop will go well beyond fitting your program needs and will be yours to keep at the end of the program.
The laptops will be configured with Microsoft Windows. Each fellow will sit with a member of Maxwell’s technology team for final configuration of the laptop. Arabic language will be installed. If you would like the Windows Spanish or French language packs installed, they will be happy to do so. Additionally you will be given Arabic keyboard stickers to apply if you wish.
Cell Phones
Each participant will receive a Verizon Wireless mobile phone pre-loaded with $100 on the first day of orientation. There is an activation fee of $2 charged for every day the phone is used and there is an additional charge of 5 cents per minute of use, both for outgoing and incoming calls. The plan includes free nights (after 9pm) and weekends for calls in and out. Calls between all participants on their Verizon phones are free. Text messaging (SMS texting) is always 5 cents per message, for either those sent or received. It can take over an hour for an international message to be received. An additional $100 will be loaded on the mobile phones at the end of April. Students will be able to add to their own money to the phone at any time using their debit card (received after establishing a bank account).
For your convenience we will also provide a $20 worth of international calling cards. These are accessed through dialing an 800 number and utilizing the pin numbers provided on the card.
Through feedback provided by LDF 2007 and 2008 fellows, the cell phone service plans in the middle east are much more affordable and flexible then they are in the US. The purpose of this cellphone is to keep you in touch with those closely assoicated with the LDF program: mainly so that we may reach you and you may reach each other. Explaination of the calling plan, the phone's features, managing your cell phone account and how how to obtain additional calling cards will be covered at the program orienatation.
Phone numbers will be issued and sent to fellows via the ListServ. The numbers will be linked from here a few days before the program begins.
