Questions
- I am studying abroad and my laptop is broken — how can I get it repaired?
- I need help with a hardware problem on my laptop but I am not in the United States.
- My iPad screen is cracked and I need it repaired while I am studying abroad.
- Does AppleCare+ work outside the United States?
- How do I find an Apple Authorized Service Provider in another country?
- What should I do if there is no Apple Store or service center where I am studying?
- Will I be charged for repairs on my Bowdoin-issued device while abroad?
- Who do I contact at Bowdoin IT before seeking repair abroad?
Environment
This article applies to Bowdoin students studying abroad who need hardware repair for a Bowdoin-issued MacBook or iPad. All Bowdoin student laptops and iPads are covered by a four-year AppleCare+ plan, which includes up to two hardware repair calls per year per device.
Resolution
Getting hardware support inside the United States is straightforward — Apple Stores and phone support are widely available. When abroad, repair support is still possible but requires more planning. Follow the steps below in order.
Step 1 — Contact Bowdoin IT First
Before seeking any repair, contact the Bowdoin College Service Desk to let IT know you are pursuing a repair while abroad. This helps IT track the device, confirm AppleCare+ coverage, and advise on the best path for your location. You can reach the Service Desk by phone at (207) 725-3030 or through Bowdoin Bot on any KB page.
Step 2 — Call Apple Support for Your Country
Apple provides local support phone numbers for most countries where they operate. When you call, tell the representative that your device was purchased through Apple Education and is covered by AppleCare+. Apple support can often begin the repair process by phone or mail, shipping you a box to send the device in for service. See Apple: Contact Apple Support in the Additional Resources section for a list of international contact numbers.
Step 3 — Find an Authorized Service Provider Near You
Apple has Authorized Service Providers in many countries around the world. These providers are trained to perform Apple repairs and are generally the only repair centers that will honor AppleCare+ coverage at no charge to you. Use Apple's service provider locator to search for a provider in your current region. See Apple: Find an Apple Authorized Service Provider in the Additional Resources section to search by location.
Important: You should not be charged for covered repairs when using an Apple Authorized Service Provider. If a provider asks you to pay, confirm your AppleCare+ coverage with Apple Support before agreeing to any charges.
If No Apple Service Is Available in Your Location
If you are in a country where no Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider is available, try to find a repair shop that specifically advertises Apple-authorized service. Make sure they use genuine Apple parts. Using non-Apple parts will void AppleCare+ for the remainder of the device's life and may create additional risk to the device. Contact Bowdoin IT before proceeding with any non-authorized repair option.
Additional Help
If you need further assistance, you have several options:
- Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
- Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
- In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
- Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
Additional Resources