Information on types of accommodation available when learning English abroad - Find English School.com

＜Accommodation＞

There are pros and cons on each type of accommodation so it is important for you to assess the style of accommodation which will suit you.

When choosing the accommodation, take notes on the available period, supplemental charges, arrangement fee, sex and age restrictions.

Homestays

The students stay with a local family referred to as the host family. Facilities of the house such as the living room, kitchen, bath and toilets are shared with the family and other students staying in the house. The bedroom is usually single but sometimes shared with other students. Private bath and toilet facilities in a single room is available in an executive homestay.

Food supplied can be self-catering (students cook their own meals), breakfast only, half hoard (breakfast and dinner) or full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner). Use of kitchen, bath and washing facilities vary between host families. Host families are not always native English speakers. Most students book homestays for the first few weeks.

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* Possible to experience the country/region's lifestyle
* Increased chance of using English

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* Must obey the rules set by the host family

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Residence

There are 2 main types of residence. The first is the ones which are owned by the institutions for their students. Most colleges and universities and a half of private schools' residences are of this type. The other type allow students from different schools to stay together. Some residence are non-smoking or single gender only. Food supplied varies between the residences.

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* Less restrictions than homestays
* Easier to mix with many students from different countries

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* Could be noisy
* Less privacy and increased risk of lost items
* Risk of staying with students of same nationality, which could hinder the use of English

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Hostel

Some schools use hostels such as YMCA. It is common to share a room with 6 to 20 other people. Kitchen, baths and toilets are all shared. It is suited for short term stay.

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* Cheap accommodation
* Chance to meet many people

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* No privacy
* Increased risk of lost items

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Flat

Usually a contract of 6 months is required but it may be possible to find short term let flats in large cities where it may be possible to stay from just one week. Most flats are furnished.

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* You can carry on with your normal lifestyle

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* Could be expensive。
* Good understanding of English, local knowledge and law needed in case of problems

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House/flat share

A flat or house is shared with a number of people. Usually all facilities are shared except the bedroom. Flat/house mates are readily advertised in local newspapers and school/college notice boards.

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* A good level of privacy

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* May experience problems with other occupants

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Hotel

Hotels can be booked through some of the schools or by privately.

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* A good level of privacy
* Flexible duration of stay
* A wide range of quality of accommodation

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* Can be most expensive

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