International Programs / Study Abroad

Housing

On-site housing is guaranteed for the participants of all DePaul University-sponsored study abroad programs.  It is our priority to provide an accommodation which supports your academic needs and enhances your experience abroad.  Housing selection is also based on factors such as safety, security, and cost.  For these reasons, DePaul University reserves the right to alter or change accommodation options at any time.

Types of Housing   

 

While we strive to find adequate living options for all programs, housing situations vary from country to country and program to program.  

Hotel: Hotels are used for programs which have no host institution involved, including many of our Short Term programs. Conditions of the hotels vary depending on the program destination.

Dormitory: For some programs, students will be housed in a dormitory at the host institution. In many cases, students will share a room with one or more students.

Homestay: When possible, DePaul provides an opportunity to experience the local culture by living with a local family. Family matching process is normally done by a coordinator on site. You will be able to indicate your preferences on a homestay application.

If you require accommodations for any special needs, including medical, physical, or dietary, you should notify SAP immediately after acceptance and indicate any needs on the Housing Form. Information provided will be treated as confidential and will only be shared with those individuals involved in your housing placement.

Cultural and Customary Differences   

 

With difference in geography, economy and customs, many cultures have distinct ideas about individual space, personal comfort, and social norms. You may find that your room or host family’s apartment is smaller than you expect or unlike what you had pictured. You may be in a country where people sit on the floor, hot water tanks work on timed emersion systems, or only a tiny space heater, if any, is available. Nevertheless, living in local accommodations adds a great deal to the study abroad experience and it is a unique opportunity to see, hands on, how people of another culture live every day. If your accommodations are different from what you are used to, use that as an opportunity to enhance your experience.

- Internet: Availability of internet varies from home to home and from country to country. If you require internet in your room or home, you should expect to find and purchase it yourself. Remember that internet may be available at your host institution, public libraries, and/or internet cafés.

- Non-smoking and Pets: Non-smoking or pet-free accommodations can not be guaranteed. Students with serious health concerns should notify SAP immediately after acceptance and indicate any needs on the Housing Form.

- Location: Local housing coordinator or SAP strives to arrange accommodations close to the host institution, city center and/or public transportation. Keep in mind that commuting is part of everyday life in most of the world’s major cities.

- Laundry: Laundry facilities may not be available on site in some situations and you may have to find a Laundromat. Be prepared to purchase your own soap etc. In some countries, it is customary to line dry clothes rather than use electric dryers.

Homestay Tips   

Many students hope to be placed with a great family that will have a nurturing mother, a distinguished but fun father, cool children, etc. Remember, just as in the U.S., families abroad come in all shapes and sizes. You experience will depend as much on your cooperation, flexibly, good will and courtesy, as it does on the family’s.

- Communication is the key to a successful homestay experience. Most of the homestay related problems originate in a small misunderstanding or miscommunication. TALK TO your family. Be reasonable and be extra polite especially when there is a language and/or cultural barrier.

- Just as families in your country, each family has their own rules. Respect and follow the rules of the family you live with.

- Some families may well make arrangements to show you around the city but this is not always possible especially during the work week. Try to be flexible and be receptive to activities planned by your host family.

- You are not a guest. Help out with daily household tasks and ask for permission to use the telephone and pay adequately for your calls (local calls cost money in some countries).

- Do not compare. Your family and your friend’s host family have different needs and conditions. Learn to appreciate what you have.

- Just as you want to learn about them and their culture, your host family may be interested in you and your culture. Take some pictures or post cards of your family and the city you are from. They will also be a great conversation starter.

- If there is a problem that you do not feel comfortable discussing directly with your family or you are not sure how to talk to your family about, consult the local coordinator. The local coordinators are there to help.

- While not required, gifts are a nice gesture especially in countries where gifts are a norm. You do not need to spend a lot of money, what counts is the thought. Some gift ideas include sweets/candy, something unique to your hometown, DePaul University items, and a picture book of Chicago/USA.