Housing Abroad Simplified: A Guide for Interns

Those who go abroad often have the most concerns around what their housing will be like. It can be pretty nerve wracking living in another country already, and where you stay should ideally be a safe place to find comfort throughout it all. Every country has their own unique way of doing things, and part of the beauty in living abroad is learning firsthand what life is like there. However, it is still reasonable to want to know certain things about where you’ll be living before stepping onto the plane. Hopefully we’re able to address most if not all of your possible questions here:

Q: “Is housing included in my program?”

A: Yes, all housing costs (rent and utilities) are included in the overall cost of your program, which is part of the reason why our programs are considered some of the most affordable and economical in the market. 

Q: “Where will I be staying?”

A: Depending on your preference, you will either stay in a shared apartment/ living with a local (with your own private bedroom) or a homestay (living with a local family in your own private room but with laundry and meals included). Some of our programs, like the Equine Study Abroad Program or our Golf Study Abroad program, have housing in dorms. 

Q: “Will I have roommates?”

A: Yes, You will have your own private bedroom, regardless of if you choose to live in shared housing or homestay. The apartment is shared, and you can choose to live either with other Adelante candidates or with screened, local residents who are affiliated with our company (this is the best way to perfect your Spanish). Either way, the people you live with are in our system. If you and a friend are doing a program together, we can usually house you together, but we recommend completing your applications as soon as possible to increase your chances of being house mates. 

Q: “What are the amenities like?”

A: Apartments are fully furnished with equipped kitchens, linens, Wi-Fi, etc. Our homestay options have the same amenities. However, you will be provided with two meals a day plus laundry once a week, and an authentic cultural experience.

Q: “Where will my apartment/homestay be located? Is it safe there?”

A: We make sure that our candidates’ housing is conveniently in centralized areas within a 1-5 minute walk to public transportation, stores, cafes, and within a reasonable distance from your internship/language school. Housing is determined once you are placed with your internship company so you are not traveling hours to get there and back. These neighborhoods are safe and we have program directors abroad that are there to help you in case of any problems or emergencies that come up. 

As you read earlier, we have different housing options depending on your preferences and what you’d like your experience to be: a homestay with a local family, a shared apartment, or a dorm on campus with a meal plan if you’re an Equine student. You’ll most likely end up in either a shared apartment or homestay, but it’s also worth knowing that our Equine accommodations are similar to typical college setup, consisting of a meal plan and internet. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages to shared housing and homestays:

• You get your own private room in a fully furnished apartment, giving your overall experience abroad a more independent feel while also retaining some privacy.
• The apartment is shared, so you’ll have the opportunity to connect with your roommates. Whether they’re fellow Adelante students, international students or locals affiliated with Adelante, you’ll be able to meet and bond with people from all over, who could even end up becoming lifetime friends.
• Apartments are located in lively, centralized areas, giving you easy access to the world beyond your housing.
• Shared apartments are cheaper than homestays.
• Through this option, you’re getting the whole intern abroad experience!

Cons:

• This option may not be ideal for those who haven’t traveled abroad before or enjoy living an independent lifestyle. 
• You need to be conscious in respecting the space since it is shared. Additionally, you may not know if you will mesh well with your housemates. It is beneficial to your growth to learn how to live with others who are not your family, but that means it can be difficult sometimes.
• Due to safety measures we have in place, we don’t allow guests who are not affiliated with Adelante or with an Adelante program to stay overnight. However, our program advisors are happy to recommend local hostels or hotels!

Pros:

• You get a culturally authentic experience by living with a local host family. You will be exposed to more Spanish, making it easier to immerse in the language and improve your skills. 
• Local families will have great recommendations based on their experience living there, giving you a deeper insight into the best opportunities in your city/country.
• You get your own private room while still knowing that a family lives there, which might give you a more warm, comfortable and homey feel to your experience. 
• You will be provided with two meals a day plus laundry once a week. Who doesn’t want to try local cuisine straight from the kitchen of a local? Plus, that means you won’t have to spend as much on buying your own food and groceries.

Cons:

• This option costs a little more than the shared apartment, which may be a concern if you are worried about the overall price of your program.
• While we recommend making the most out of your time abroad and immersing yourself in the culture, homestays might not be ideal for those who desire an easier ability to connect with the people they live with.
• You’re living with a family, so you may have to take their considerations into account during your time abroad. For example, if you come back from a night out at 3 in the morning and accidentally wake them up, they might not be very happy.
• •  

After reading about our accommodations and what the lifestyle of each is like, you may have already made up your mind on which option would best suit you and your interests. However, both options can be enticing for different reasons. If you’re feeling stuck, it could be important to consider a few things.

What are you hoping to take away from your time abroad? Are you looking to gain as much of an authentic cultural experience as possible? Or do you prioritize the independence that comes with living and interning abroad? Homestays are the best way to immerse yourself in the local culture, and culturally exchange both of your life experiences, perspectives, and ideas. It can be assumed that if you’re going abroad, that you’re hoping to interact and learn more about new cultures. If you’d like your housing to be an escape from the unfamiliarity to your new country, then a shared apartment could be ideal for you.

Do you find more comfortability in independence or community? In other words, do you prefer being on your own or being around others? Even though you will most certainly connect with your roommates and make deep bonds, the shared apartment option requires you to take care of yourself more thoroughly, including doing laundry, cooking and cleaning for yourself. If you prefer to focus more of your time on experiencing the new country that you’re living in, the homestay option takes care of more of those essential life-duties.

We hope that you feel inspired and informed after reading about what your housing will be like during your Adelante Abroad program. No matter which option you choose, we can assure that our previous candidates who have had the most success in their programs felt comfortable while living in another country. If you have any questions that we didn’t address or need advice on what options are best for you, feel free to contact us. We believe going abroad is a one-of-a-kind, life-changing opportunity, and we want to make sure your time there is well spent.