Housing
Accommodation
InterExchange requires that employers assist in arranging safe, affordable housing before students arrive. However, there are exceptions in which students will need to find their own housing. In these cases, students will have maximum assistance from their employer and temporary housing will be arranged until more permanent accommodations can be found.
If an employer has arranged housing, it is part of the Job Offer and is not optional. Students cannot leave housing unless their work assignment has ended or arrangements have been made with InterExchange.
Cost of Housing
Information on housing will provided before the student arrives to the U.S. Rent varies by location and employer. Some housing is free. The average cost for housing is about $80 per week (in certain resort areas, housing may cost as much as $125 per week).
A security deposit may be required upon arrival for some housing. Deposits range from one week’s rent to one month’s rent (up to $400 due upon arrival).
Students should be prepared to pay for the most expensive range of accommodations, although the individual job offer will generally give precise details about housing.
Students should be aware that vandalizing or damaging housing could result in extra fees and even eviction.
Housing Description
Housing is basic, with little privacy.
Students almost always share a room with other employees to save money.
Bathrooms are shared with other housemates.
Some accommodations include a shared kitchen. Sometimes meals are available through the employer, depending on the business.
Students may be expected to supply their linens, cooking utensils, etc., and should ask about this before arrival.
Students may need to bike to work. Any student who bikes to work or for recreation must wear a bicycle helmet and follow safety laws and guidelines.
Students should not expect to share a room with a specific person, especially with a boyfriend or girlfriend. Many employers arrange housing by gender.
Information on finding safe and affordable housing is available to participants.
