Housing & Meals

Housing while abroad is an integral part to your Arcos Learning Abroad experience.
Students are placed with one of our trusted homestays.
Should you have interest in other housing experiences please inquire with us to see what may be available.
We believe that living with a homestay is the best way to truly experience the host country. The cultural growth you will experience by living with a homestay is truly unmatched.
Prior to your program, we will gather important housing information from you needed for your placement.
During your program, your Arcos onsite director will address any questions you may have regarding your housing.

Why a Homestay Experience?

Living and sharing your experience abroad with a homestay is one of the important highlights of studying overseas. In fact, this can be the most enriching and lasting aspect of studying in a foreign country.
Many students often maintain relationships with their homestays well beyond the conclusion of the program.
Our homestays make up an important part of our team.
The hosts are carefully selected and interviewed, and have extensive prior experience.
Living with a homestay is the best choice for a true immersion experience.

Most of our homestays have been working with us for many years now and have extensive experience hosting international students. In order to become a homestay the family must be vetted by our onsite staff which includes visiting the home and conducting an interview. We request references and a police background check.
All participants complete our Housing and Medical Background forms after program acceptance. With this information, we begin identifying important decision-making information such as pet and food allergies. We also capture information such as dietary restrictions or preferences. These details help us narrow down the homestays that we can then consider for the participant. Next, we look at the students' likes and interests to determine which of our homestay who have met their criteria thus far will be the best match. We also consider factors such as location and how far the homestay is from our meeting points.
Homestay details are emailed to participants two weeks prior to the program start date. The email will contain a description of the homestay and their contact information. Participants are welcome to contact the homestay in advance to introduce themselves.

Below are the types of housing options available with Arcos:

Always our preferred housing option and what makes the program unique and effective. Many of our students maintain lasting friendships with their homestay long after the program ends.

For students looking for some form of independence we recommend staying at a Residence Hall. Availability depends on the time of year. For those students who choose the Residence Hall option and are placed there, please note that meals are not provided on Saturdays, Sundays and local holidays. You will be responsible for purchasing your own meals (or preparing your own meals) during these times.

For students looking for some form of independence we recommend placing you with one of our homestays that has apartment-style living options (some type of separate living area, such as an attached apartment). This is the best of both worlds, you have a more independent living situation, while also getting meals and laundry provided by the homestay.