Housing
Studying abroad isn’t just about where you go—it’s also about how you live while you’re there. SIT programs offer two types of housing designed to support your learning and well-being: immersive homestays and independent residential housing. In some programs, students can choose the option that best fits their needs; in others, one housing model is offered based on what best supports the program’s cultural and academic goals.
Homestays
At SIT, homestays are more than just housing—they’re at the heart of the study abroad experience. By living with a local host family, our students immerse themselves in daily life, build lasting relationships, and gain a deeper, more personal understanding of the host culture. Whether it’s sharing meals, celebrating traditions, or practicing the local language, homestays create unforgettable moments that shape the semester—and stay with our students long after they return home.
My homestay families wanted to help me learn – I gained a perception of Ecuadorian life I would never have learned from lectures or articles.
SIT Ecuador alumna Kerry Leigh-Anne Johnson
University of Vermont
SIT works diligently to match students with welcoming and caring host families who foster a positive and supportive home experience. Many of our families have been hosting SIT students for years, building lasting bonds and sharing rich cultural exchange. Each family is thoughtfully selected, screened, and trained by our local homestay coordinators, who also provide ongoing support and conduct regular visits throughout the semester. For most students, the homestay becomes one of the most memorable and transformative parts of their study abroad experience.
Living with a host family gave me the opportunity to authentically experience Moroccan culture while making it easier to acclimate to the new customs and language of my host country. And most importantly, I gained a new family.
SIT Morocco alumna Anna Bongardino
University of Pittsburgh
Want some more details about how it all works? Check out our homestay webinar recording for a closer look at the process. Password: Homestay1
Residential Housing
For students who prefer a more independent living experience, several SIT programs offer residential housing in apartments, dorms, or similar depending on the program. While residential housing offers a different kind of cultural experience than homestays, students are still deeply engaged through structured program activities, local connections, and ongoing staff support.
Semester programs that offer residential housing include:
- Australia: Rainforest, Reef, and Cultural Ecology*
- Australia: Sustainability and Environmental Action*
- Italy: Island Ecosystems in the Mediterranean
- Kenya: Global Health and Human Rights
- Netherlands: International Perspectives on Sexuality and Gender
- Portugal: Multimedia Storytelling and Intercultural Communication*
- Portugal: Sustainability and Environmental Justice*
- Spain: Social Movements, Democracy, and Cultural Identity
- Vienna, Budapest & Belgrade: Comparative European Perspectives on Conflict and Democracy
Summer programs that offer residential housing include:
* Denotes programs that offer residential housing only — homestay option is not available.