Accommodation

Host family

A host family is a volunteered family that welcomes student from different place or countries to stay with them during the exchange program period. This is particularly arranged for secondary school student and cultural exchange programs. The family often doesn’t receive any payment for hosting but the students are responsible for their own financial spending this include school fees, uniform, text books, internet and phone calls. A host family could come in many different forms including retired couples, single parents with or without children, couples with primary school children, couples with teenagers and a family pet and others. Host families have the responsibility to at least provide a room, meals, and a stable family environment for the student. Of course there is the natural possibility that problems may arise while living with any host family. In this case, most exchange programs allow for a switch of families.

In each family, it is required to have one parent who is at least 25 years of age. The families that have been selected are well prepared to experience new culture and give a new cultural experience to the student. A student could live with more than one family in an exchange program to expand their knowledge and experience new culture.

Housing

University student going on exchange program could choose either to live on campus or off campus. Living on campus will require them to compete with other local students for a place. Living off campus is a popular choice among student going for exchange because they would like to be independent and learn new culture on their own. Universities that host student exchange program do have special assistance for the student to seek accommodation (see the university websites and search for international student accommodation, different universities have different arrangement for accommodation). Universities in Asia particularly, have on-campus housing for the international student that is on exchange or studying full time. So, they don’t have to seek other accommodation outside the universities. Living in shared house, student lodge or apartment/hostels often come with 6 or more month contract depending on the length of stay in a particular institution or countries. Personal budget and lifestyle preference should also be taken into consideration before making an arrangement for accommodation. Students are advice to search for accommodation as soon as they receive their acceptance letter and student visa. Student should also have a backup plan if the house they are interested in is unavailable. Temporary accommodation such as backpacker motels or hotel is available for renting until student are able to find a permanent place to stay. Student could also arrange for a homestay if it is available in that particular country. Homestay is similar to Host Family but student have to pay them for the daily necessity that the family will provide for them this include room, food and others.Homestay Finder