How to Find an Apartment Abroad
You can find an apartment abroad through a rental agency, newspaper classifieds, or through adviser referrals, but take necessary precautions.
Up next in All about Apartment Rentals (18 videos)
Whether you're a renter or a landlord, you'll find money-saving tips in this Howcast video series on apartments and rentals.
You Will Need
- Destination city newspaper
- College Study Abroad department
- Your destination country's tourism office
Steps
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Step 1
Select from rental options
Select your rental preference. Options include a flat with a short-term lease, a long-term rental, or a sublet from someone who will be gone for a period of time.
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Step 2
Do an internet search
Do an internet search for apartment rentals in your destination city. You'll get a long list of results, so weed out the best choices.
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Step 3
Browse rental classified ads
Browse ads for furnished apartments in your destination city's online newspaper. Place a "Rental Wanted" ad in an English-language newspaper.
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In a city where apartments go fast, read local newspaper ads only after you arrive and prepare to act fast.
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Step 4
Contact a college's Study Abroad program
Contact a college's Study Abroad program adviser even if you're not a student. They may know of rental agencies in your destination city.
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Step 5
Contact a college at your destination
Contact a university in your destination city for advice on locating rentals. Some colleges may offer their own long-term room rentals.
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Step 6
Go to the Tourism Offices Worldwide site
Go to the Tourism Offices Worldwide site to find contact info on tourism offices in your destination country. They may offer accommodations searches.
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Some countries have tourism offices in the U.S. Visit a local office if one is near you.
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Step 7
Go to the U.S. State Department site
Before you make a final decision, read "Security Guidelines for American Families Living Abroad" at the U.S. State Department site. Safety should be a priority when renting abroad.
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Instead of monthly rent, many Korean landlords have foreigners pay jeonse, a returnable deposit typically over 40 percent of an apartment's purchase value.
