Prearranged Accommodation GlobaLinks Learning Abroad guarantees prearranged accommodation for all semester abroad and academic year abroad programs. Prearranged accommodation may be located on campus in a residence hall (“residential college”) or in an apartment near campus. Housing is available with and/or without meals depending upon the university.
With Meals Meal plans cater towards various tastes, although the selection and variety may be more limited than you are used to in the United States or Canada. If you are a strict vegetarian, we encourage you to consider choosing prearranged accommodation that offers self-catering facilities where you will shop for your own groceries and prepare your meals in a shared kitchen. Accommodation with meals is not available in all countries. Without Meals Prearranged accommodation without meals options are typically apartments or houses located on or near campus. You will share living space and kitchen facilities with other students but will have your own bedroom. Grocery stores can be found within walking or bus distance and will offer most of the foods that you are accustomed to purchasing at home. In some cases, there may be additional costs such as utilities, TV rental, phone line, and Internet installation. Homestay A homestay is a unique way to integrate yourself into the local culture. You may be living with a family, a couple, or a single older woman in a house or apartment. All homestay accommodations have been vetted and determined to be safe and clean. Homestays include some meals; however, specific inclusions vary by country and program. Homestays are limited in availability and are not available in all countries. *Please note that housing is not typically included in the program fees as it is specific to the accommodation in which you are placed. Our fee information provides a range of additional costs for accommodation, and housing is usually charged as a separate fee once we have confirmation of your housing placement. Accommodation Arranged Upon Arrival (by student) While we offer guaranteed prearranged housing options, you can choose to become a part of the local community by locating and leasing an apartment near the university on your own. Many GlobaLinks Learning Abroad students choose this option and have either found apartments together or moved in with other local students.
In most cases, choosing to arrange your own accommodation requires that you arrive a full week prior to the start of the term to allow yourself sufficient time to find a home. Temporary accommodation will be arranged for you, payable upon arrival, while you find a suitable location.
You should consider expenses for food, gas, electricity, phone, Internet, and/or TV rental as well as other costs associated with apartment living. Each community will offer different apartment options ranging from standard condominium style apartments to shared houses. Accommodation arranged upon arrival is not recommended in some locations, including our destinations in Asia, unless you are familiar with the area. 
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