Mentor Advice
Question
Should I live with a family, alone, or with others?
2 Replies from Mentors
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Dawn AndersonHousemaster at MIT and a professional photographerMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyI am a huge advocate for staying with host families for several reasons. A) They help students become familiar with their surroundings faster than if students stayed with classmates from their home institution for example. B)You can be as involved with the family as you desire. They tend to be used to hosting foreign students with various preferences and follow your lead once you understand their expectations. Some students think their rules and expectations will limit their experience and freedom but it actually provides a deeper level of understanding of what is valued there and why. If things do not work out, you can always ask the university to help you relocate. This can be more challenging and costly if you stay alone outside of the university system.
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IreneJunior Year Film Production MajorLoyola Marymount UniversityDeciding where to live is something that will make a big impact on your experience. Living with a family can be a great way to help you become immersed into the new culture. A host family can also lessen the feelings of being homesick. There is usually also an option of living in student dorms. This can also be a good option if you are interested in developing relationships with other study abroad students. Be sure to weigh all the pros and cons of each option before making your final decision.