Study Abroad Housing

What to Expect From Your Housing Abroad

It is normal to wonder what your living situation will be like when you study abroad. But when you study or intern with us you won't have to figure it out on your own. Our on-site staff arrange your housing before you arrive in your host city, taking into consideration the information you’ll share in your housing form. Regardless of your program or destination, our staff reviews all housing options, taking into account student wellbeing, the local living context, and Health and Safety guidelines.

Students live in a variety of housing types around the world, with our three most common placements being shared apartments, residence halls, and homestays. There are many more options that fit with specific cities' local culture, location and our program duration, but these three are a good start to get an idea of what to expect from IES Abroad housing.

Your living space abroad may look different from what you’re used to on your home campus—and that’s part of the experience! You might use a clothesline instead of a dryer, place your belongings in an armoire instead of a closet, or rely on open windows rather than central air. It might take an adjustment period at first, but these differences reflect everyday life in your new surroundings.

After you're accepted, you will receive detailed housing information in your MyIESabroad account—including what to expect in your host city's housing option and what to pack. Once you arrive, our on-site staff provide local guidance during orientation and remain available to support you throughout the term.

“The housing offered to IES Abroad students was great! We were able to stay with local students from the University of Freiburg and make friends outside of the program.”
Natalia J.• Drew University • IES Abroad Freiburg

Our Most Common Housing Options Abroad

Homestay Residence Hall Shared Apartment

Homestay

About This Option
Hear From Our Students

Your Host Family Awaits

One of the most memorable ways to experience local life is through a homestay. It offers a close look at daily life in your host community and a chance to learn more about local customs, food, language, and traditions.

Every homestay is unique. Some families host one student, while others host more than one IES Abroad student. Meals, room setup, and access to shared spaces differ from home to home, but no matter where you stay, you’ll be welcomed into a local home and community.

Our on-site staff coordinate with host families and are available to help with questions or concerns if they come up. Living with a host family can feel like an adjustment at first, but it is often mentioned as one of the most meaningful parts of students study abroad experience.

“If you have the option, stay with a host family! In my experience, it eased my adjustment to a new culture and helped me feel at home. IES Abroad does a great job at family placement, and the hosts are incredible!”
Aidan D. • Skidmore College • IES Abroad Ecuador, "4 Reasons You Should Stay with a Host Family"

“My host family is the best family I could ever ask for. My host mother, Mako-san, is one of the most talented, intelligent, funny, and sweet person in the world, and I often hang out with her one-on-one because I genuinely consider her one of my closest friends in Japan.”
Isabella M. • Johns Hopkins University • IES Abroad Nagoya, Japan, "Singing Homestay's Praises"

A Glimpse Into Homestay

Residence Hall

About This Option
Hear From Our Students

Your Residence Hall Stay

You will live in what we call residence halls, though they might be known by other names in different countries. Some of these placements are connected to local universities, while others are independent residences primarily for students.

Most buildings include shared spaces for cooking, studying, or spending time with other students. Since these residences are designed for students, some options may have more amenities than general apartments, such as a gym or study lounge, depending on the location. Many residence halls include university or local university students from the wider city, and this can be a great opportunity for students who want to meet others who are also studying nearby.

Living in this type of housing offers both community and independence as you settle into daily life abroad. Wherever you stay, your residence hall will have what you need for daily living and space to spend time with other students.

“Another thing I liked is that everything you might need is already in the building. There’s a gym, study rooms, a laundry room, lounges, a rooftop terrace, and even spaces for events. Having all those resources on-site made balancing study and social life much easier. If I wanted a quiet place to work without commuting to a café, I could just go downstairs. If I felt restless, the gym was a few steps away.”
Chi T. • Miami University • IES Abroad Barcelona, "Brutally Honest Residence Hall Housing Review"

“The housing offered to the IES students was great! We were able to stay with the local student of the University of Freiburg and be able to make friends outside of the program. ”
Natalia J. • Drew University • IES Abroad Freiburg

A Glimpse Into Residence Hall Life

Shared Apartments

About This Option
Hear From Our Students

Shared Spaces, Shared Memories

You’ll live in a shared apartment with other IES Abroad students, giving you some independence while sharing parts of everyday life with other students.

Apartments look different from city to city. Some are in newer buildings, while others are in historic homes that show the character of the neighborhood. Most include common spaces like a kitchen and living area, and you will prepare your own meals and manage your daily routine.

One key feature of shared apartments is that they are often in residential buildings with local residents. Because of this, students should be considerate neighbors, respecting local quiet hours.

Our Center staff is available to provide support, and living here will also give you the chance to handle things on your own and build confidence in a new environment.

“There is something to be said about the communal aspect of a shared kitchen—you can make meals with others and easily befriend your housemates in the process.”
Kees L.• Skidmore College • IES Abroad Amsterdam, "Student Experience Minervahaven – An Honest Review"

“I had a great housing experience with IES Abroad. I chose the apartment option and had 6 roommates. Our apartment was spacious and in a great location, about a 15-20 min walk from Duomo! I lived in Brera and that neighborhood is known for having amazing restaurants! I never had a bad meal while I was over there!”
Alexandria C.• Penn State • IES Abroad Milan

A Glimpse Into Shared Apartment Life

Housing FAQs

How can I learn more about my housing before I arrive?

We understand that moving abroad can be a big adjustment! That’s why we provide plenty of information in your pre-departure guide, available through your Student Portal. This includes amenities, dining options, laundry access, and more. After you complete your housing preference form, you’ll receive your specific housing placement prior to arriving on-site. Housing abroad may be different from what you're used to, but that's part of the adventure. Keep an open mind, you might just love it.

How do I know if I'll have roommates? Can I choose them?

Some IES Abroad housing includes single rooms, while others include shared rooms, and you will be able to indicate your preference in your housing form. Roommates are assigned based on the information you provide, which includes a short lifestyle survey to help match you with people who have similar habits and interests. You are welcome to request a roommate, and while matches are not always possible, we do our best to create living arrangements that work well for everyone. If you don't know anyone on your program yet or are not rooming with people you already know, that is completely normal. Many students meet new people for the first time when they arrive.

Is WiFi included in all housing?

Will I live on campus?

While IES Abroad Centers are centrally located in world-class cities, most programs don’t follow a traditional U.S.-style campus model. Instead, students typically commute like local students, by foot or public transit, to classes, internships, and activities, offering a more authentic city-living experience. It’s all part of adjusting to life abroad—when in Rome, do as the Romans do!

Housing options vary by program and may include shared apartments, homestays, or residence halls. Wherever you live, our on-site staff will help you settle in, learn your neighborhood, and feel at home abroad.

Will I live in IES Abroad housing?

Yes, all students are placed in IES Abroad Housing, with few exceptions. While we do not own traditional residence halls, we work closely with trusted housing providers to offer safe, comfortable spaces that meet our standards. You’ll live with other IES Abroad students, and in some locations, local or international student companions. If any issues come up, our local staff is available to help.

Will my housing placement look like my housing on campus in the United States?

Not necessarily. Housing abroad can look different from what you may expect on your home campus, which is a part of the reason you're going abroad-to experience something new and different! Room types, amenities, and meal options vary by city. After you’re accepted to the program, you’ll receive details from your program advisor about the housing options and selection process so you know what to expect before choosing.

Can I use my university meal plan abroad?

Meal plans from your U.S. university won't transfer overseas. What’s included and what you’ll need to cook or purchase yourself varies by your housing placement type and program. You might have access to a shared kitchen, nearby dining spots, or home-cooked meals if you’re living in a homestay. Each location provides guidance to help you plan and budget for your meals abroad.

When do I choose my housing?

How can I request disability accommodations in my housing?

We want you to feel comfortable and supported during your time abroad. Be sure to list any allergies or medical conditions on your Medical History and Physician’s Exam form, which you can find in your MyIESAbroad account and on your housing forms.

If you receive housing accommodations for a disability at your home university, please upload documentation from your school’s disability services office to the Disability Accommodation Request form in your IES Abroad Student Account at least two months before you arrive.

In many programs, housing placements are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Please review the Student Housing Policy for more information.

Can I see pictures of my housing placement?

Photos may not be available for every individual housing assignment, but you can explore examples and student experiences on our social media channels, in blog posts, or by connecting with a former IES Abroad Ambassador who had a similar housing type on your program. They’ll give you a great sense of what living abroad with us is like. If you have any more questions, you can always reach out to your advisor to know more details.

How can I learn more about my housing placement before I arrive?

Before departure, you’ll receive detailed information about your housing, including commute times, amenities, dining options, and more. Housing abroad can look different from what you’re used to, but that’s part of the adventure. If you have any questions, you can always reach out to your IES Abroad advisor. Keep an open mind, and you might just find your new favorite home.

Does all housing cost the same?

Is it possible for students to arrange their own housing while studying abroad?

We've been doing study abroad housing for 75 years and have seen it all—and because of this, we strongly encourage all students to live in IES Abroad housing first and foremost for health and safety reasons. In rare cases, a student may have a specific situation that allows for independent housing, but this is not common. If you are considering living independently from IES Abroad during your term, the most important first step is to confirm your home school’s policy. Many schools that send students on IES Abroad programs require their students to live in IES housing.

After speaking with your school, if you learn that independent housing may be possible, take time to consider the logistics and availability of housing in your destination, your comfort with the local language and housing laws, and how living on your own may affect your access to IES Abroad health and safety support.

If you have talked with your IES Abroad advisor and confirmed that independent housing is an option for your program, you will need to complete the required paperwork by the housing deadline. For full details, visit the IES Abroad Housing Policy page.

🔔Please Note: Housing options, amenities, and roommate configurations vary by program and term. The information above is provided for general reference only, to give an overview of the basics . Final housing assignments will be shared prior to arrival, and program-specific housing information can be found on your program’s page and in the Predeparture Information once you have been admitted. For official guidelines, please visit our Housing Policy Page

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