skype

If you haven't already done it, I recommend that you download skype.

If you and your friends have it, you can talk for free for hours and hours using your computers.

My mac has a built-in microphone, and just using regular walkman-style headphones, I've had great trouble-free connections with friends abroad.

If you are a friend of mine abroad and you haven't done it yet, please download it pronto!

Although I had no problems with noise or feedbackthe first few times that I skyped, using both my built-in mike and speakers -- I did find that to be an issue later, so switched to using the headphones.