There are many different types of accommodation available to international students who are studying abroad that vary from one destination to another. The accommodation is an essential component of an enjoyable language course abroad.
Apartments
This is a good option for students who want freedom and independence. Sharing the same apartment with usually 2 or 3 other international students or locals enables you to talk to people from various countries using the foreign language you're learning, and thus, improve your communication skills. The apartments - with fully equipped kitchens and bathrooms - are typically furnished according to the country’s characteristics. You have more independence and the opportunity to cook your own meals. Single or double rooms are usually available in all the apartments. Cooking and cleaning is done by the students themselves. The apartments are generally without supervision and are self-catering, but they are close to local amenities like cafes, bars, restaurants, shops and bus stops.
If you are looking for a more independent lifestyle during your stay and meet and interact with other foreign students, student residences / houses options are ideal. A student residence can vary in size depending on location and availability. These residences usually accommodate students of all ages and nationalities in a house-type environment. Usually Students' Residential accommodation is the most economic form of private student accommodation. The student residences usually offer shared kitchen facilities or cafeterias and give you the opportunity to practice your new language with fellow students even away from your classes. Normally there is a reception you can contact if you have any problem or questions.
Many schools offer the option to stay in a residence or in a campus accommodation. This type of accommodation is the be
st way to meet other students. The level of comfort in the campus accommodations depends on the general standard of living in the cou ntry you have selected. The students live and learn under one roof: they basically live together "like a big family", so to speak. Meals (breakfast, half or full board) are available at some locations on payment of a surcharge.
Would you prefer more privacy? At some locations you could choose to stay in a studio apartment with en-suite bathroom and cooking facilities. This would be like having your own apartment and you wouldn't have to share the kitchen area or bathroom with other people.
If you would like to have a little more personal space where to stay, accommodation in a hotel could be the right choice for you. But this option is only suitable for short-time stays between one and four weeks. You could choose from various options, however all rooms have their own bathroom. For hotel bookings, please note that double rooms may only be booked by two students travelling together.
Daily contact with the local people, learning about eating and living habits and using your language skills right away, are some of the essential benefits of choosing a homestay. If you are interested in both the language itself and also learning about the lifestyle, habits and customs of the host country during your stay, then you will find that living with a host family is the perfect choice. You’ll enrich your understanding of the local culture and customs, pick up expressions and slang with greater ease, and your accent will sound more authentic.
A variety of "homestays" are available, including families with or without children as well as single households. The provision of meals varies depending on the location. A lot of host families are not living in the city centre. This means that you will have to walk a bit and/or go by public transportation to the school. It is very important to let us know if you suffer from any allergies or medical conditions so that we can inform the host family. Students who live in a host family can improve their language skills dramatically through daily conversations with the family members. We also suggest that you take some pictures of your family, friends and home as these can act as useful props for discussion. The greatest reward for the students and families is the deep, lasting friendship between them.
With this accommodation option, you can live and study in the home of a language teacher, who will embrace you into his or her family and make you feel at home. Learning a language in the home of your teacher is one of the most effective ways to learn a language quickly. This alternative is similar to homestays accommodation but it will allow you to totally immerse yourself in the language and culture and achieve great results.
You may want to stay in a hotel for your whole stay or you just need a couple of days until you find some other place to live.
The LanguageBookings.com Team