I believe but have no experience; it is almost impossible to scramble from overseas unless you are in Canada. Every vacant spot will have many applicants already in US. We may found somebody with successful story out there.
Not true. Be very aware of the time zone you are in, and the time zone of the programs you are calling.
I did it and scrambled into a program from Kosovo when I was there doing missionary work during the scramble. I found a fabulous program. I did have a fax machine, but more importantly, a good telephone line and an excellent internet connection. Plus the people I worked with were very helpful.
It can be done. The world is much smaller today due to the electronic web of telephone and internet. Take your laptop.