Phoning abroad

Two years ago I had this over-ambitious plan to do my internship in Europe. I needed details on applying to my selected companies. Usually institutions prefer answering to emails, but if you want precise answers right now, you need to call them. So I started ringing them up. I spoke to people from all over Europe.

It was exhilarating! I remember the first time I called the UK. I spoke to a man in a Scott Wilson office in London. He had this beautiful British accent that was just like the actors in the TV comedy "The Office". And he was talking to ME! I couldn't believe it. There I was standing in my university in the middle of a jungle in Malaysia and within seconds of dialling the number, I was talking live with somebody in London! I might sound a little over-excited here, but I think we sometimes take technology for granted.

Making those calls was a real eye-opener too. For instance, I learnt that the French don't know much English. Sometimes the secretary couldn't speak English, so she would ask around the office looking for anybody who could speak English, then a guy would pick up and talk to me and feel like a hero. It was so funny! Also, having to consider time zones gave me a better understanding of Europe's geography.

Most Malaysians don't know how cheap it is to call developed countries. It's often even cheaper than making domestic calls between states! This is probably because of the good infrastructure over there and the intense competition between telecommunications companies.

I love calling people in English-speaking countries. It has strengthened my conversation skills and given me a lot of confidence in my ability to communicate with people if I go there in the future. You get a bit nervous the first few times, but after a while it's like talking to anybody else.

If you'd like to give it a try but have no special reason for calling overseas, just visit any of the phone directory websites below, search for any random name (e.g. Tony Anderson) and call their number. When they pick up, tell them the truth: Introduce yourself, say where you're calling from and explain that you just wanted to see what it's like to speak to somebody from their country! They'll probably be thrilled and want to get to know you and make friends. Then post a comment here and tell me how it worked out!

US & Canada (+1): www.whitepages.com

UK (+44): www.bt.com/phonenetuk/

Australia (+61): http://www.whitepages.com.au/