Phone use

It completely depends on how he intends to use his phone. If he intends to make frequent, lengthy calls home, or lots of local calls, buying a phone there makes the most sense. Does he really need a data plan? Whether or not he has a GSM phone, he could use wifi (assuming it's a smartphone) at no cost. That would include using Skype via wifi. There are also texting apps available for use over wifi, such as HeyWire. Ever since I went to China, where the time zone difference was insurmountable for us with work schedules and all at home, I have mostly used email to keep in touch iwth home. It really turns out to be great way to go, since you don't have to find a time for both parties to be awake and available. He could send when it's convenient, and you could reply when it's convenient.

He will probably want a local cell phone to use while he's there. The cheapest way to call home is probably Skype.

Wait till he gets there. The best plan will be something local rather than getting something in the US. The other students will know. This is a duplicate questions. I posted the above respond to the earlier questions. I will delete my earlier respond so we can keep all the responses together.

Frank is right, that the other students will know. And to "keep in touch with friends and family", he won't need a data plan - just a voice plan. Of course, he may want data for other reasons. However, if I wanted to research options and couldn't ask a local, I'd go to the Italy forum on this website: http://www.prepaidgsm.net/forum/italy/ Be aware that discussions here can get VERY technical - don't be afraid to ask for clarification if needed.