Housing Arrangements Abroad

Most GEO programs include housing as part of the program fee and have pre-arranged housing, without a choice in the type of housing you may receive. The most common types of housing arrangements include: home-stays with a host family, apartments, residence halls, and/or hostels. Some programs include a certain number of meals per day if the student lives with a host family. In other programs, students may be responsible for some or all of their meals. A housing description can be found on each program's page.

Apartments
For apartments, the same standards of courtesy and responsibility apply in a foreign country as they do in the U.S. You are renting from a local landlord, and thus, you are expected to abide by the apartment complex rules. Apartments often have multiple rooms and up to 4-5 tenants. If your program has this housing arrangement, you will likely be responsible for the preparation of your own meals.

Residence Halls
Some study abroad programs and exchange programs offer this form of housing. Residence halls are typically within close proximity to a local university. Especially for exchange programs, it's possible to have roommates from the local host country. For other programs, residence halls may be single or double occupancy and reserved only for students on the GEO program. Some residence halls may have an optional meal plan and a cafeteria, whereas other programs with residence halls may not include any meals.

Homestays
Living with a host family is common for language and cultural immersion programs. Building a relationship with your host family can be a very important part of your study abroad experience. The composition of host families varies from family to family. Host families provide you with an opportunity to see daily life close up and to increase your language proficiency and cultural immersion through daily conversations and practice.

Your host family’s home may be different from what you are accustomed to in the U.S. Try not to form preconceived notions about what to expect, and be open to the situation in which you are placed.

Host families usually live within reasonable distance from your school or learning center. They will provide you with a private room with study facilities, bed linens, and meals where appropriate. It is important to respect your host family’s rules and to be courteous to their requests.

Try to reach an early understanding with your hosts regarding the rules and customs of their home, especially with regard to such things as the use of hot water, helping with meals, and inviting guests over. It is important to be conscious of cultural differences that exist. A gracious attitude toward your hosts will go a long way in overcoming cultural misunderstandings. A small gift at the beginning of your stay is a kind way to express gratitude to your host family for opening up their home to you. Pictures of your family and school life are also good icebreakers and help your hosts to know you better.

Housing in Eugene/Home Campus

Many programs run during the academic year meaning you may need to leave your on or off campus housing early, or arrive later in the year. For UO students, we encourage you to use the Off Campus Housing site to look for potential sublet options or roommate requests. In addition, UO students can secure term-by-term housing contracts with UO University Housing with no penalty for leaving early to go on a GEO program.