Streaming TV Abroad

Slingbox

Slingbox is a sweet technology that basically acts as a remote remote for your DVR back at home--you have to pick up some hardware though, about $300. When you get an actual Slingbox, you come home and hook it up, then download the software on your computer. What it lets you do is control your TV as if you were sitting there on the couch. This means you can manage and watch recordings as well as catch live TV. Definitely worth a look if you're someone who can't miss a football game.  NFL.com also has options to watch NFL games live.

AnchorFree Hotspot Shield

AnchorFree is a free software download that blocks your IP address, preventing sites like Hulu and NBC from knowing that you are outside the US. While free, it does come with annoying pop-up ads and a slower rate of download depending on your internet connection so there are some drawbacks. Turn it on to block your location, and minimize clicking around once it is on, as every flew clicks triggers another pop up ad.

Web Links

Our WSA travel jedi's have sworn by these following sites as great places to stream television and movies abroad:

VPN

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It's a feature that many home universities offer on their websites to students. It allows you to access the network of the school as if you are physically located within the network's reach. What this means is that your computer will think that you're in the United States, giving you access to Hulu, MTV and all the other TV streaming websites that only operate within the United States. All you need is your username and password. Check your university's IT website to see if it is offered.

VPN Links

Express VPN is the best service for accessing Netflix outside the US. It does, however, cost a small monthly fee.

One of our favorites. Gain access to Netflix, Hbo, and so on from anywhere in the world with Hola's free VPN proxy.



Remember not to spend all day catching up on TV! Get up off the couch and catch something cultural like an opera or explore a new neighborhood! Read more about WSA's travel philosophy.