Homestays: A Popular Accommodation Choice for International Students

Homestays are a widely chosen accommodation option for international students, offering a warm and welcoming environment provided by host families abroad. This arrangement provides an excellent opportunity to practice the local language in a comfortable and supportive setting, while also allowing students to immerse themselves in the local culture, experience daily life, and build meaningful connections.

Key Features:

• Meal Options: Vary based on the arrangement, including:
  • Breakfast only
  • Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • Half board (breakfast and dinner)
• Room Types:
  • Single rooms for individual students.
  • Double rooms, typically reserved for students traveling together or couples.
• Location: Homestays are usually within 45 minutes of the school by public transportation.
• Availability: Suitable for students of all ages.

Matching Process:

The matching process begins with a detailed questionnaire, where students indicate their preferences, such as:

• Age, hobbies, and leisure activities.
• Dietary preferences or restrictions.
• Allergies or special care needs.
• Specific requests for their host family.

This ensures a compatible match with a host family whose profile aligns with the student’s needs and preferences.

Fees and Arrangements:

• Payment: Homestay fees are typically charged on a weekly or monthly basis.
• Service Fee: Schools usually charge an additional fee for organizing the placement.

Homestays offer a well-rounded experience, combining cultural immersion, language practice, and the comfort of a home-like environment.

Student Residences: A Dynamic and Independent Accommodation Option

Student residences are available both on university campuses and as independent accommodations. Their layout and amenities vary by institution, but most include:

• Single or shared rooms
• Common facilities such as kitchens, TV rooms, bathrooms, and laundry areas
• Some residences also offer rooms with private bathrooms

Residences can be mixed-gender or gender-separated, depending on the arrangement. While a few may offer meal plans, most do not, allowing students the flexibility to manage their own meals.

Why Choose a Student Residence?

• Ideal for those seeking a vibrant and youthful environment
• Offers greater independence and freedom
• Provides opportunities to:
  • Experience diverse cultures
  • Practice the local language in an informal setting
  • Build friendships with people from around the world

Student residences are a great choice for students who value community living and enjoy connecting with peers in a dynamic, multicultural environment.

Shared Apartments: Flexible and Independent Accommodation for Students

Depending on the country, shared apartments are available for students preparing to travel or already studying abroad. These accommodations resemble typical residential setups and often include:

• One to three or more bedrooms
• A living room, bathroom, and kitchen
• In some cases, houses may also be shared

Features and Arrangements:

• Location: Apartments are commonly located near beaches, city centers, or schools, depending on availability and preference.
• Furnishing: Many are fully furnished, making them ideal for short-term stays.
• Occupancy:
  • The number of residents depends on the leaseholder’s arrangement.
  • For example:
    • A two-bedroom apartment with two residents allows each to have a private room (single room), splitting rent between them.
    • If shared by four residents, each bedroom accommodates two people (double rooms), reducing costs as rent is divided among four.

Benefits of Shared Apartments:

• Freedom and Independence: Provides a residential living experience with more flexibility.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Sharing reduces overall expenses.
• Cultural Exchange: Living with other international students fosters friendships and daily language practice.

Shared apartments are a great choice for students seeking a balance of independence, affordability, and the opportunity to immerse themselves in a multicultural living environment.

Finding Shared Accommodation: A Responsibility for Students

Advertisements for shared accommodations are often found in cafés, on school bulletin boards, or in the Share Accommodation sections of newspapers. It is the student’s responsibility to establish their own criteria when choosing a place, taking into account factors such as:

• Location
• Facilities
• Compatibility with housemates

This decision-making process helps students develop maturity and responsibility, essential skills gained during an exchange program.

Important Considerations:

• Schools do not inspect or regulate shared accommodations.
• Schools are unable to intervene in any issues related to these housing arrangements.

Choosing shared accommodation is an opportunity for students to take initiative and manage their living arrangements independently.

Security Deposit (“Bond”) for Accommodation Abroad

When renting an apartment or shared accommodation abroad, residents are often required to pay a security deposit, commonly referred to as a “bond”, before moving in.

Key Details:

• The bond is typically equivalent to four weeks’ rent and serves as a guarantee that the property or room will be returned in its original condition.
• The bond is refundable when the resident vacates, provided:
  • At least four weeks’ notice is given.
  • The property is left in good condition.
• Departing residents are usually expected to help find a replacement tenant during the notice period.

Additional Information:

• The bond is the amount paid by the leaseholder to the real estate agency when renting the property.
• A full refund is only issued if all conditions are met, including proper notice and maintaining the property’s condition.

The bond ensures accountability for tenants and protects landlords from potential damages or breaches of contract.

Hotels: Options and Booking Tips

A wide variety of hotels is available to suit different categories, budgets, and locations.

Key Considerations:

• Advance Reservations: Highly recommended, especially during peak seasons, when hotels often operate at 90% occupancy or higher. Prices for remaining rooms typically increase significantly during these periods.
• Payment Options:
  • Almost all hotels accept credit cards.
  • Some use the card only as a reservation guarantee without charging cancellation fees.
  • Others may require full payment upfront.

Important Tip:

Always review and follow the hotel’s policies and rules before completing your reservation to avoid unexpected charges or complications.

Hostels: Affordable and Social Accommodation

Hostels offer a budget-friendly option, providing excellent value for money. They are ideal for both short-term and longer stays, especially for travelers looking to minimize expenses.

Key Features:

• Rates: Typically calculated daily, weekly, or monthly.
• Room Options:
  • Private or shared rooms
  • Bathrooms may be ensuite or shared
  • Pricing is often based on a per-bed rate, not per room.
• Facilities:
  • Shared kitchen, TV room, game room, and other common areas.

Social Benefits:

Hostels are perfect for those who enjoy meeting people from different cultures and forming new friendships in a vibrant, communal environment.

Bed & Breakfast (B&B): A Comfortable Temporary Accommodation Option

A B&B (Bed & Breakfast) is another excellent choice for temporary stays, offering a cozy and personal experience in private homes.

Key Features:

• Rooms:
  • Typically include a private room.
  • A private bathroom may or may not be included, depending on the property.
• Breakfast: Usually provided as part of the stay.

Variety and Style:

B&Bs vary widely in style, from modern urban homes to rural farmhouses or beachside properties, catering to different preferences and experiences.

Quality Assurance:

Most B&Bs are registered with a professional Bed & Breakfast association, ensuring consistent quality and standards.

B&Bs are a great option for travelers seeking a comfortable and welcoming environment with a touch of local charm.