International Students Dorms and Study Abroad Dorms

International student dorms are a good option when you study abroad. Living in foreign dorms lets you interact with students from all over the world, not just those from your host country. The mutual exchange of ideas and cultural experiences can make dorm life an invaluable experience.

Some aspects of dorm life abroad may be similar to what you’ve already experienced at college. For instance, you are probably used to living with other students. Also, you will likely have access to things like laundry and dining facilities.

Benefits

Living in dorms abroad has many benefits. You will:

• Interact with students from all over the world
• Gain more independence and responsibility than with a home stay.
• Be free to come and go as you please (within any rules and regulations) without having to consider a host family.
• Have access to meals from a campus cafeteria or be able to get meals on your own (check to see what is included in your program).

Challenges

The people living in your residence hall may be international students from a variety of backgrounds. Oftentimes, English will be the common language between international students. Because of this, you will more likely speak English and find fewer opportunities to practice speaking the host country’s language. Nevertheless, many students say that one of the main highlights of their study abroad experience was meeting new students from all over the globe in the student dorms.

Dietary Concerns

In many areas of the world certain special diets, such as vegetarian, are not common. If, for cultural, religious or personal reasons you do not eat certain types of food contact your study abroad program administrator before you leave to see what kinds of meal options will be available to you.